Stripping History Nashville 2018
Added 2021-03-14 13:30:02 +0000 UTCI was so excited to be putting this costume set on stage in Nashville Tennessee. I really had not learned much about this costume set at the time. I understood that this costume set may gave possibly belong to a performer named Lorraine Smith from the Massachusetts area, I heard that she died at a young age tragically and that she was very fond of Jean Harlow and that all of her performances were inspired by Jean Harlow.
That was all the information I had on this performer and I searched for years to find her history, I am so happy to say that after all of these years I finally am understanding more about who she is. I’m currently writing a book about her incredible life and tragic death. I’m feeling more and more comfortable dishing out small details of who she was so keep your eyes peeled for more information on the story of Loraine Smith and this incredible trunk of her vintage costumes.
For this production of stripping history I wanted to give Lorraine A vibrant feel so I chose Bliss as my model. They convey such a strong sense of self, confidence, compassion and understanding with such a vibrant youthful spirit and somehow at the same time an old soul.
Lorraine was also A vibrant young woman with an old soul and I wanted to convey a strong sense of empowerment. I definitely chose the perfect model for her costumes. I came to find out later that Loraine Smith was very empowered and strong-willed. In fact she empowered and educated other people about the art of burlesque as an instructor. In addition, I found out just recently that she probably made all of her own costumes as well. She was known for sitting in the green room hand sewing G strings for the performers while the shows were going on.
Comments
I have absolutely the biggest crush on you Danielle! You're awesome!
Clayton Houston
2021-03-23 04:18:01 +0000 UTCI just can’t wait to come back to LA and dance and be able to hug you freely someday💗
Danielle Colby Striptease Historian
2021-03-15 19:11:22 +0000 UTCDanielle, the costumes you and Bliss are wearing on your beautiful selves in this photo are absolutely magnificent and your other five photos are also magnificent! Regretfully, I can only enjoy your beautifully-magnificent burlesque shows on the Internet. I am sincerely hoping for the day I can enjoy them in person say, in The Body Shop strip club in Hollywood on the Sunset Strip as well as in the other burlesque venues around town. You would play to packed houses just like I personally saw Sally Rand, Tempest Storm, Lili St. Cyr, and the beautiful Asian stripper Tura Satana and others do so many years ago. If and when you ever come to California to perform, you will be welcomed with wide-open arms including mine! In the meantime, you and yours stay well, stay safe, and get your COVID-19 vaccinations ASAP if you haven't already done so.
Stephen Potter
2021-03-15 13:49:27 +0000 UTCI’m so happy you enjoyed the show!💗 thank you for making the drive🥰
Danielle Colby Striptease Historian
2021-03-14 23:21:25 +0000 UTCI'm kicking myself for not braving the Detroit winter to go to the Dirty Show last year.
Kim Rice
2021-03-14 22:34:42 +0000 UTCWe had great time when we went and saw it in 2019! Listen y’all if you haven’t seen her history of burlesque it is worth the trip. I drove out from NC and skipped competing in Air Guitar, totally made the right decision
Cleanwolf
2021-03-14 22:17:48 +0000 UTCGood times and memories are the best
LaVon Eliason
2021-03-14 15:19:51 +0000 UTCAlso, that last shot is Lorraine in 1975 at the 2oclock in Boston
Danielle Colby Striptease Historian
2021-03-14 14:26:07 +0000 UTCThank you 🙏 I’m wearing costume once work by Lillie Langtry 1890 and Bliss is wearing a costume made by Lorraine Gail Smith 1975. The red and grey dressing gowns were made by Catherine D’lish.
Danielle Colby Striptease Historian
2021-03-14 14:24:59 +0000 UTCThank you💗 I’m strolling down amnesia lane lately.
Danielle Colby Striptease Historian
2021-03-14 14:22:55 +0000 UTCThese pictures are so gorgeous!
Jo Weldon
2021-03-14 13:55:40 +0000 UTCVery interesting, Danielle! I'm looking forward to learning more about Lorraine Smith. In the first picture, are both of you wearing her costumes? You and Bliss really bring those costumes to life! And is that old publicity shot a picture of Lorraine Smith?
Steven Malc
2021-03-14 13:49:53 +0000 UTC
