FEM APPEAL

I borrowed "Life's a journey, not a destination.." (it appears at the bottom of my email signature) from an Aerosmith song, but it is so apropos.

In the last five months I've done a whole lot more living and much less settling/accepting/complying as I make my way through this world and I feel FUCKING FANTASTIC.

The FCW Society was definitely a catalyst and I thank each and every one of you for your energy, creativity and positivity,
but I must also give a SPECIAL thanks to Joanne, Beth and Rachel -- my partners in burlesque.

I had my first run-in with burlesque in 2003 at Pyramid. My friends and I were all set for some 80s dancing on the cheap, but fate had other plans. We were treated instead to an hour of brains, beauty, grace and art hosted by the hardest working man in showbiz -- none other than Mr. Murray Hill. It was an incredible experience and I have the Polaroid to prove it.

Five months ago a singer/songwriter and good friend performed at Freddy's Back Room in Brooklyn and the act that followed stirred my creative juices. The Bitter Poet was really good and quite entertaining, but his partner, Howlin' Vic, stole the show. In between his songs/rantings/musings, Howlin' Vic would do a little burlesque number. One in particular, blew me away. She began her routine wearing only a bra, panties and a mustache and got fully dressed (three-piece suit complete with tie and suspenders) to the tune of "Just a Gigolo". She was BRILLIANT.

While on vacation in the Bahamas this summer, I came across a documentary on burlesque and knew I wanted to try it.

FCW Joanne, Beth, Rachel and myself enlisted the help of Jo "Boobs" Weldon and took a few classes in burlesque dancing and after a workshop on burlesque, I found myself signed up to compete in the Miss Galapagozonga Amateur Burlesque Competition at Galapagos Art Space in Williamsburg.

On Monday, September 5, performing under the stage name Fem Appeal, yours truly dared and did it.

It was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had. I can't really provide many details, because so much of it was truly out-of-body, but talk about being ALIVE.

I'm no expert on burlesque, but what makes it so intriguing to me is that it embodies female empowerment.
It combines elements of dance, theatre and comedy and it's all inclusive. Women of all ages, ethnicities, body types and backgrounds are represented and they're SEXY, because women really are, so fucking cool.

Lovin' my journey
- Taryn

A Spanish Adventure...

A few days ago, I got back from a holiday in Spain. It was my first trip to Europe... quite a good feeling to step upon another continent on Earth. Quite a good feeling to meet so many fucking cool women every where I go -

first - Nuria, she and her boyfriend did an apartment swap and helped out each other. As most fucking cool women know, fucking cool women only get involved with fucking cool men. It was a lovely to meet her and David and to have them experience NYC in the fall while in love - magic.

then - Andrea, on her way back to Mexico from Montreal. We chatted about life - following hearts desires and the importance of listening to the artists, scientists, philosphers, academics and the feminists - all of this happened in about 30 minutes - short time - fucking cool woman.

On the plane, I sat next to Ale - a woman on her way to a conference. Originally from Honduras, she and I spoke of marriage, love, relationships, careers and feminism. The next day, while I was wondering the streets of Barcelona, we ran into one another. We were able to take our conversation to the next level. Women can create an intimate bond with other women, that's our specialty. This skill could be used in creating world peace if given the opportunity. Its in our nature to communicate - why has it stopped?

The weekend came and I flew to Ibiza, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. A gorgeous place known for its parties however, I was able to experience Fucking Cool Women! I spent time at La Casista Verde and met many women who were organic farmers. Marta, a sexy, smart, funny, and cute woman from Madrid shared her home with me and three fucking cool women.
Eli - a singer with a voice of an angel and a passion to create good in life
Suzi - an artist who lives her life as her art project and inspires many to believe in the Power of PINK ...including me.
And JUHI - a friend who I am so happy to have flown across the Atlantic Ocean share time with. She is a FUCKING COOL WOMAN who is going to change the world with her talent, vision and love.

Just when I thought I had met all of the Fucking Cool Women on my Spanish Adventure, Along came Polly. A 88 year old woman who was once a town historian, married twice, children all over the world and loves NYC like me. Needless to say, it was so much more enjoyable speaking with her than watching the in-flight Will Farrell movie.

Fucking Cool Women are everywhere and I feel very fortunate to be one so that I always meet them.

-Joanne

Guerilla Girls Theatre Network

Hey Ladies! If you're interested in joining a cool group of women in an online theatre networking group... click here!

The Guerrilla Girls On Tour Network for Women In Theatre is an email listserve for women theatre artists in the following categories: directors, producers, writers, stage managers, designers and women in all aspects of production.

Our purpose is to create a forum where we can network, post job opportunities and share resources and ideas. In a male dominated profession, we feel it is important to consciously network with one another. Then, for example, when we are in a position to hire, we will have a pool of female professionals to call upon.

This group is not for 'out-of-context' self-promotion. If you have a question, opportunity, or idea that you would like to post to the group, you may include your website at the end of the email, as part of your signature. You may not announce shows, or promote yourself without good reason. The purpose of this is to keep it useful and resourceful, and not overwhelmed with advertisements.

Network away, theater grrrrls!

FCW October Brunch

Calling all Fucking Cool Women in the NYC area! We're having another brunch on Sunday, October 2nd... email me if you're interested in coming out!

The Ultimate FCW!

Last week, Joanne and Kelly and I attended the 10th Anniversary Gala of the Center For The Advancement of Women, courtesy of my good friend and FC Man, Paul Fraley. There were TONS of FCWs there, including the honorees, Sherry Lansing, Madeliene Albright, and the FCest woman ever - Ms. Gloria Steinem. Joanne, having larger ovaries than myself, took me by the hand to meet her at her dinner table and gave her an FCW Society Lifetime Membership card! Ms. Steinem was so gracious and totally tickled by the name and concept of our society. And, at 71, the woman is a total knockout. Rock on, Gloria!! Hosting the event was the ever-hilarious and witty Joy Behar. Joanne even approached Kathleen Turner and had a girl-power handshake after complimenting her on her performance in "Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf." Dr. Ruth was there too and I think she came up to my waist in height! Too awesome. It was also a fantastic opportunity for us to get dressed up in our black tie duds and go out on the town! Great food, great drinks, great women!

- Court.