Hey Lovelies!

We will be out on the playa this year for the first time as a troupe!

One night only! Come and find us Thursday night at Sunset at Shift Camp (4:15 & Esplanade) for the eCsTaTic EroTiC TeA PaRtY!!!!

We will met in the chill space at 6pm, give a cheers with our libations, and journey off into a magickal/mystical evening of revelry and circusy fun!!!

Shift camp shenanigans last til midnight, followed by a journey off into the desert, until our arrival at the HeArT aMpLiFiEr ReD PaRtY with Abraxas the Golden Dragon!

Then find us back at Shift Camp at Sunrise for a special set by Tipper!!! And don't miss the unveiling of Antenna'es new tracks to follow... a special super sweet surprise!

And for the ladies, find us Wednesday night for an all girls ride in white to the Temple Sunrise processions! Featuring an all female lineup: Lotus Drops, The Librarian, Jocelyn, Laura, Shawna ++++!!!

Come find us with the Pyronauts!!!

Join us for an evening of fun as we play with themes for our spring routines.

Shows are Sexy, Seductive and Spiritual, yes all at once!

We also find humour and fun to be important aspects of our performances, we'd like to break old paradigm constructs of beauty and encourage a new ideal of the modern empowered woman.

We are seeking experienced burlesque performers to join us this Saturday evening, February 21st, from 5 pm - 8pm at our home in Sausalito. We will also consider applications from professional dancers who would like to explore burlesque

We will be playing dress up, so please plan to bring costumes.

If you are interested in playing with us, please email venusinvelvet@live.com, and we will get back to you with directions and a phone #. Please include a photo, a brief bio, links to any websites or youtube clips, and the reason you are interested in joining Venus in Velvet.


Love and Kisses,

The Vivacious Vixens of Viva!
http://www.myspace.com/venusinvelvet

Venus in Velvet

Who are We

Venus in Velvet features a select ensemble of the left coast’s finest female performance artists.

What we Offer

Multimedia Performance Arts. Specializing in Sacred Dance, Ritual & Roaming Theatre, Stilting, Fire Performance, Aerials, Cabaret & Cirque.
Workshops, Parades, Living Statues, and more…

How will we make your event Amazing?

Imagine your festival enhanced by the addition of live professional dancers, circus freaks, otherworldly mythical creatures, and graceful priestesses.

Not your average theatre company, Venus in Velvet takes event entertainment to the next level. Original performances, unique stories, and memorable characters make for an unforgettable experience that will keep audiences coming back show after show, year after year.

Keeping alive the timeless traditions of circus and sideshow, nostalgic of moonlit desert nights, deep jungle temples, and forgotten lands, we create an atmosphere of magick and mystery, infusing your event with exotic flavors and spectacular sights. Our shows reflect our dedication to art as life, extending off the stage and into our daily routine.

Our presence at your event enhances the experience of audience and performers alike. Backstage, onstage, or in the crowd, we create a vibrant atmosphere which inspires laughter and play, as well as introspection and spiritual expansion.

Shows may be catered to your taste. Our performances run the gamut from daring to discreet. Family friendly in the daytime, sultry at night, we have something to delight every taste. Please read on to explore our offerings…


Sacred Dance

Drawing upon centuries of culture and tradition, these dances inspire deep reflection into the primal elements of human nature, and encourage audiences to explore archetypal forms of spiritual awakening. Connecting body and soul in a poetry of motion and sound, sacred dance provides an essential reminder of our connection to Spirit and the web of life.

These performances are appropriate for staged shows, open dance floors, and site specific installations. Featuring a variety of costuming and props, themed for any occasion, Sacred Dance is at the heart of every Venus in Velvet performance.

Call in the elements, honor the spirits, and bring dancefloors to life in celebration of the Divine.

Ritual Theatre

For thousands of year, cultures have utilized ritual theatre as a means of enacting and reflecting the deepest truths of human nature. Humorous, exciting, tragic and breathtakingly beautiful, we present timeless story, myth and legend in a modern framework of art and evolution.

Our Ritual Theatre performances may be formally presented on a stage, with set, sound, and lighting; or may be performed offstage on dancefloors, domes, etc. Let us know what you imagine.

If desired, our ritual theatre shows may also include the use of fire.

Roaming Theatre

Roaming theatre dissolves the line between audience and performer. Bringing mythical characters and ancient archetypes to life, on stilts or ground, day or night, we interact directly with crowds, engaging the imagination and exciting the senses.

Living Statues, coin operated marionettes, & so much more…

Opening and Closing Ceremony

Drawing upon years of experience performing sacred rites in our communities and beyond, we offer custom tailored ceremony and ritual.
These ceremonies include the entire festival community in guided journies through intention and integration; utilizing elaborate costuming, props, smudging and fans, narration, poetry and guided meditations.

Opening rituals call in the four directions, the elements, the ancestors and honor the spirits of the land. We write, direct and arrange these performances, incorporating many guest artists and performers.

Closing ceremonies serve a similar purpose, to bring the group together in unity and to give thanks for all we have learned and shared, integrate our festival experiences back into our daily lives.

Midnight Ritual

Oftentimes the highlight of the weekend, midnight rituals stand out in the minds of spectators as deeply moving and life changing experiences. These rituals may be performed onstage or offstage as space permits.

Incorporating anywhere between 2 and 40 people, our midnight rituals emphasize the journey of the human spirit. Whether performed to a pre-recorded soundtrack, a live band, or a favorite DJ, the visual and emotional impact is profound. If the space allows, fire props can be used to enhance the power and beauty of nocturnal theatre.

Fire Performance

Fire is a dangerous, exciting, mysterious, and powerful force of nature. Learning to wield this element is an art that requires time and dedication. Tools include hoop, swords, staves, poi, finger flames, palm torches, meteor, and fans. Fire shows often include group choreography and live music.

Whether a full length theatre show, an improvised jam, or something in between, fire performances are always spectacular and enchanting.

Our fire dancers are experienced and professional. We provide safety personnel at all events. Fire insurance available upon request.

Workshops

Children’s Theatre
In this workshop, children come together to create skits, songs and dances. Topics include storytelling, animal impersonations, and laughter, in theatre improv and drama. These exercises build skills such as cooperation, listening, and foster increased confidence and communication. At the end of the class, kids have an opportunity to take to the stage and show Mom and Dad what they’ve learned. We create safe space to explore the realms of imagination and fun!

Ritual Theatre for Adults
An in depth exploration of theatre basics. We delve into character development, storytelling, and the magick of the stage in a silly, accessible and spontaneous form of play. This is a playshop geared to empower and enliven both the shy novice and the experienced actor. Delve deeper into the elements of your inner psche - give them a voice and a character. Learn to interact with others using a new voice, a new persona, a new embodiment of another side of you!

Hooping
Ideal for hoopers of all levels, from novice to advanced, anyone can learn to dance with a Hula Hoop! We will cover a full body warm up and hoop basics before delving into more intricate skills. A limited number of hoops will be provided.

Serpentine Dance
This is a unique fusion style dance that draws from flamenco, middle eastern folk, and traditional Egyptian belly dance, amongst other influences. In this workshop we learn full body isolation integration techniques, complete with a core strengthening warm up and cool down. Strong emphasis is placed on developing comfort and confidence in body movement, as well as exploring stage presence and choreography.

Fire Dance
In this workshop we begin with a discussion of safety and proper precaution when dancing with fire, such as equipment basics, fuel and clothing. Participants will have an opportunity to try out a variety of unlit fire tools, learning basic moves and technical skills.

Parades

From somber rituals to envlivened celebrations, parades offer an additional method of audience participation which raises energy and creates a memorable spectacle. Fun for adults and kids alike, parades may be themed by colors, flags, puppets or characters. On stilts or on the ground in wild costumes, we can focalize many performers and festival atendees together to march through the event in style!

Stilting

Stilting provides a fun interactive element with the audience, bringing new heights to their awareness. Add dimension to your event with imaginative characers and brilliant costumes. Our ladies are larger than life!

Roving Characters

Mythical creatures, outrageous characters, and beautiful birdies, roving performers infiltrate your audience and instigate all kinds of trouble.
(The good kind, of course…)

Live Set Décor - Picture your DJ or live band accompanied by…

Ambient Aerial Dancers
Suspended from the stage or trees, aerial dance adds an element of suspense and excitement to any show. Visually stunning, dramatic and sensual, our trained professionals will enchant your audience as they enjoy the music.

Gogo Dancers
Shadow shows and platform dancing in sexy, intriguing and edgy attire. We work with a variety of props such as fans, hoops, swords & LED light toys. Fire is optional.

Stage Shows

Embellish your event with one of our ten to twenty minute choreographed stage shows. Perfect for interludes between larger acts. Offering Aerial, Bellydance, Burlesque, Cabaret & Ritual Theatre. Please contact us directly for more details.



Festival Packages

Please contact us detailing your interest, and we can negotiate from there. Prices depend upon budget, size of event, number of hours, types of perdormance desired, and event hospitality.

Thank you for reading, and we look forward to hearing from you!

For references and additional media, please contact us at venusinvelvet@live.com

Cheers!