A Slice of Ruby

To begin with an overview of American Burlesque history, we must look at the word definitions and what it brought to the society it began in.  The word “burlesque” means: bur·lesque /ˌbərˈlesk/ noun noun: burlesque ; plural noun: burlesques an absurd or comically exaggerated imitation of something, especially in a literary or dramatic work; a parody. "the funniest burlesque of opera” The word derives from the Italian burlesco , which, in turn, is derived from the Italian burla – a joke, ridicule or mockery. Let’s take a short trip to North America in the beginning or burlesque… American burlesque is composed of three essential influences in the beginning years; Music Hall, Minstrel shows, and Victorian burlesque. These distinct performance artforms traveled to North America around the mid-1800s, gaining steady popularity in the 1860s. Evolving into the renowned performance art that we all know and love today.  Victorian burlesque (or also known as travesty or extravaganza) ...

To the Senior classes of 2020, From someone who voluntarily missed out on their senior year, my heart aches for you all. I want you all to know that this isn't the end. Yes, you will miss out on a lot but you can gain more also. As someone who voluntarily missed out on their senior year, you'll be sad. It'll sting and please mourn this loss in your life. This is your first chance to process grief and take notes for future reference.  Even though the circumstances of you missing your senior year and mine are completely different. I'm here to tell you that you can recreate all the fun parts with your friends as adults. There is no limit on having proms, sleepovers, dinners with friends, community service, and much more. You do not have to ever stop learning about life and how to enjoy it. Take this time to give yourself breathing room and room to grow now. You have been forced into a step of adulthood, by the hand of fate. Do not feel rushed because of the world. This is ...

I told myself that after so long in burlesque, I'd find a way to share the knowledge I've acquired over the years as an active community member. That doesn't count the five to eight years I've spent studying American burlesque, classic and neo. In addition to learning all aspects of classical burlesque and the stage life of neo-burlesque. From the follies to the days of Gypsy Rose Lee; to the fall of classic American burlesque to the evolution and rise to the neo-burlesque of the late 20th century; to what burlesque is today. The little bits of history that is rarely spoken about. Burlesque is one of the last few arts that is passed down verbally in the age of technology. Burlesque is something you must experience, not just observe and learn. I thought teaching was always a good outlet, but I want more than just classes to come and go. I don't think I'll get the results from myself in a class setting. I wanna do individual coaching. Individual coaching allows yo...

Greetings fellow humans!  I am Ruby T. Gray, Neil, or Neilly; just don’t call me late for dinner. Welcome to Cooperative Culture Learning! This is my first video on topics that I find interesting and just wanted to share. My hopes are that my friends, and other parents who are homeschooling, can use this video and future ones for educational purposes. Otherwise, I’m just talking about things I find neat! Please note that I cite my sources in all show notes. I will do my best to paraphrase all research I find to give the most genuine experience.  Our first video from “Cooperative Culture Learning” is going to be about the Missoula Ice Floods that occurred during the last Ice Age. This series mega-flood is what shaped the landscapes of Western Montana, Northern Idaho, Eastern Washington, the Columbia River Canyon, and the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Let’s begin our journey.  “Picture it, Western Montana, during the last Ice Age, that ended approximately 10,000 years ago.” ...