Dee is JM Kennedy Entertainment’s Performer of the Week

Ever since Damaris Rivera (Dee) was a little girl, she has dreamt of becoming a professional dancer; Inspired by music such as Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, Micheal Jackson and Madonna, Pop, Hip Hop, Dance and Freestyle became her favorite type of music to dance to. Shortly after Dee turned 17 she auditioned for the Roxy Night Club as one of their dancers and got the job! Dee has performed at over 50 different venues since her first job and continues to keep her dream alive with JMKennedy Entertainment doing what she loves the most… DANCE!

Post Pregnancy Workout for the Modern Women!

Being a Pole Fitness Mom, Before and After!

Kerri's before and After Picture

I am the first at the JM Kennedy Dance & Pole Fitness Studio to have what we like to joke about as a “Pole Baby”.  Yes, taking Pole Fitness classes made me feel sexier and then before I knew it… “Oops!”…here’s my pole baby.  I had my son in July and in September I was back in the studio taking classes.  By October I was ready to perform in front of an audience for our annual Halloween Show and by January I was teaching Pole Fitness classes for the first time.

For the ladies out there that may currently be pregnant, I do not recommend pole fitness as a source of exercise.  With the pregnancy, it limits the number of safe moves you can perform and it’s just not worth the risk.  There are many types of safe exercises you can perform while pregnant like walking, swimming and yoga. I also recommend using coco butter daily to avoid stretch marks.

I also recommend that you wait at least 12 weeks after having the baby before taking pole fitness classes.  It does take time to gain the strength back and get your muscles back into shape after giving birth.  Even the students out there that haven’t had a baby know,  if you miss a few months or even weeks of pole you’re not going to be as strong as before. Don’t get discouraged, your muscle memory will come back. I am living proof of that.

If you’re looking for a way to get back into shape and be the sexy mama you know you are, pole fitness is the way to go!

Kerri, Jennifer, and Matt at his 1st Birthday

This article was inspired by Jennifer Kennedy owner of JM Kennedy Dance and Pole Fitness studio and Mother of two.

Vote for Providence’s Best HEALTH CLUB

Help us win!!! Vote for Providence’s Best HEALTH CLUB. Vote: JM Kennedy Dance & Pole Fitness Studio

Guess What? No Dance Background Required!

No Dance Background Required!!!

Guess What?! No Dance Background Required!

Hello to all the Sexy Ladies out there!  Yeah, I’m talking to you!  My name is Kerri.  I’ve been a Pole Fitness Instructor with the JM Kennedy Dance Studio since January of 2010.  I am certified through NETA.

So you’d like to know how I became part of this amazing studio?  Well, here it is!

It all started in February of 2007.  I’d always wanted to take some sort of dance class, maybe hip hop or jazz but I was 27 at the time….where would I begin?  I was driving home from work one day and heard an advertisement on the radio about Pole Fitness classes.  That would be perfect!  I made a mental note to call as soon as I got home.   I got the class schedule and came to the next walk-in class available.  Now, mind you, I had no sort of dance training or taken a dance class before in my life!   I walked into the 3^rd week of the session surrounded by other students that seemed like professionals to me (Airplane…what’s an airplane?).  I couldn’t find my right from my left.  I’m not going to lie…it intimidated me.  But I hung in there and after a few classes I started feeling comfortable and couldn’t get enough of it.  After 6 classes there was a noticeable difference in my appearance.  I started getting comments such as “where’d you get those muscles?”  And we can’t forget the infamous bruising…”how’d you get those bruises”.  (I’ve learned that everyone has their own way of answering those questions).

After taking a few sessions at the studio, I got to know Jen and I started helping her out in the office.   Jen is a motivator and the saying, Never Say Never, definitely applies to her classes.  Elevator, I could never do an elevator…by the 6^th week I’d guess about 90% of the students are doing elevators.  She also motivated me to start teaching my own Pole Fitness classes.  Did I ever think in my wildest dreams I would be a Pole Fitness Instructor one day? No way!  But here I am, teaching not only Basic Pole for Beginners but Jen also allowed me to create a Pole Level I class for the women out there not ready for Pole II. 

A little bit more about me….I am a proud mom to a 19-month old boy.  During the day I work as a secretary in Downtown Providence.  I am also part of JM Kennedy’s Fringe Dancers who have performed at various venues.  The Fringe Dancers specialize in Cabaret and Burlesque performances.  We most recently performed at the Hi-Hat in Davol Square for a Valentine’s Burlesque Show which included singing, pole dancing, chair dancing and belly dancing. 

So, take it from someone with no dance background.  This is the place to start!  It’s never too late.  I’ve seen all sizes and ages take class at the JM Kennedy Dance Studio.  I’ve seen mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters, friends, co-workers and even the occasional being of the male species.  We do not discriminate at the JM Kennedy Dance Studio!

http://www.jmkennedyentertainment.com/Site/Home.html

Monday, February 14th – Valentines Burlesque Show @ The Hi-Hat

Join Us February 14th, 2011 at The Hi-Hat for our Valentine's Burlesque Show

Valentine’s Burlesque Show

Pawtucket, RI – January 28, 2011- JM Kennedy Entertainment is hosting their annual Valentine’s Burlesque Show Monday, February 14, 2011 at The Hi-Hat located in Davol Square.  It will Feature a variety of different performances that include Singing, Chair Dancing, Belly Dancing, and Pole Dancing. It’s a one of a kind show that everyone will enjoy.

The Hi- Hat will be serving a beautiful 4 course Valentines dinner. You have the option to buy Dinner show tickets for $55 for one person or $100 per couple. Show tickets are also on sale for $20. Tickets are being sold online at www.jmkennedyentertainment.com or at the door the day of the show for $25. Priority Seating will be given to those with dinner reservations. For Dinner Reservations please call 401 453 6500 or visit the website. Doors Open at 6:00 pm and the Show Starts at 8:00 pm.

Valentines Burlesque Show Monday, February 14th, 2011

Jennifer Kennedy, owner of JM Kennedy Entertainment, has been performing for over 30 years at different venues around the world. She started her Rhode Island based Burlesque Troop 3 years ago. What makes her show stand apart from other local Burlesque Shows is the use of the Pole. This unique art form, often associated with Cirque Du Soleil, combines the grace and beauty of dance with gravity defying technique.

Performers Include:

Ms. Maple Divine – She’ll slap her thighs and ladder her stockings – you never know what to expect.

Corinne Southern  – Our Sassy Singing Mistress of Ceremonies.

Stella Stellar  – Our Stunning Cabaret Chair Dancer & Femme Fatale.

Rhaya – Our Sexy Sword Dancing Circus Starlet.

Ms. Kandy Kane – Is a sweet as they come. This blonde hair, blue-eyed bombshell will make you want to come back for more!

Natasha Masters – Our True, Beautiful, Blue Collar Pole & Cabaret Performer.

Camellia Phoenix  – Our Luau Loving, Neo Burlesque Barbie.

Najwa – Hello Miss Kitty, Our Glamorous Girly Geisha.

Alicia  – Our Pin-Up Prima Polerina.

-END-

Register Now For Basic Chair with Alaina

“I want women to be liberated and still be able to have a nice ass and shake it.” ~Shirley MacLaine

 

Alluring, Magnetic, Seductive, Confident

Register Now for Basic Chair Starting Thursday’s @ 6:30  https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/home.asp?studioid=10118

Chair Dancing with Alaina @ JMKennedy Entertainment is a sure way to take your self confidence to another level!  Alaina uses Flirty Chair Dance moves and Basic Jazz Dance Choreography to get your mind & body feeling sexy & empowered.  You’ll burn calories, learn Alaina’s 10 Basic Chair Dance moves and gain control of your inner “Diva”.  Whether you are looking for some ideas to take home or just someplace to have fun with your girlfriends, this class will satisfy your wants & needs.

“Sex appeal is fifty percent what you’ve got and fifty percent what people think you’ve got.”~Sophia Loren

Burlesque vs. Cabaret – What is the difference?

“What I love about Cabaret and Burlesque is both shows allow the performers to be on same level as the audience. When I’m dancing for you its like 3d, right in your face.”

-Jennifer Kennedy

What is the difference between a Burlesque show and a Cabaret Show???

According to Wikipedia Cabaret is:

Cabaret is a form of entertainment featuring comedy, song, dance, and theatre, distinguished mainly by the performance venue—a restaurant or nightclub with a stage for performances and the audience sitting at tables (often dining or drinking) watching the performance being introduced by a master of ceremonies or emcee (MC).

Cabaret also refers to a Mediterranean-style brothel—a bar with tables and women who mingle with and entertain the clientele. Traditionally these establishments can also feature some form of stage entertainment, often singers and dancers.

In the United States, cabaret diverged into several different styles of performance mostly due to the influence of Jazz Music. Chicago cabaret focused intensely on the larger band ensembles and reached its peak in the speakeasies, and steakhouses (like The Palm) of the Prohibition Era.

New York cabaret never developed to feature a great deal of social commentary. When New York cabarets featured jazz, they tended to focus on famous vocalists likeNina Simone, Bette Midler, Eartha Kitt, Peggy Lee, and Hildegarde rather than instrumental musicians. Cabaret in the United States began to decline in the 1960s, due to the rising popularity of rock concert shows and television variety shows.^{[citation needed]} The art form still survives in various musical formats as well as in the Stand-up comedy format and in popular drag show performances.

Cabaret is currently undergoing a renaissance of sorts in the United States, particularly in New Orleans, Seattle, Philadelphia and Portland, Oregon, as new generations of performers reinterpret the old forms in both music and theatre. Many contemporary cabaret groups in the United States and elsewhere feature a combination of original music, burlesque and political satire, as can be found in such groups as Cabaret Red Light and Leviathan: Political Cabaret. In New York City, since 1985, successful, enduring or innovative cabaret acts have been honored by the annual Bistro Awards.^[1]

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabaret

New Burlesque According to Wikipedia:

Burlesque is a humorous theatrical entertainment involving parody and sometimes extreme exaggeration.

New Burlesque

A new generation nostalgic for the spectacle and perceived glamour of the old times determined to bring burlesque back. This revival was pioneered independently in the early 1990s by Billie Madley’s “Cinema” and later with Ami Goodheart in “Dutch Weismann’s Follies” revues in New York, Michelle Carr’s “The Velvet Hammer” troupe in Los Angeles, and The Shim-Shamettes in New Orleans. In addition, and throughout the country, many individual performers were incorporating aspects of burlesque in their acts. These productions, inspired by the likes of Sally Rand, Tempest Storm, Gypsy Rose Lee and Lili St. Cyr, have themselves gone on to inspire a new generation of performers such as Dita Von Teese. In the case of such performers as Julie Atlas Muz and Agitprop groups like Cabaret Red Light, the revival of burlesque has also provided a new vehicle for political satire and performance art. The revival of roller derby also features elements of burlesque.^[11]

Today New Burlesque has taken many forms, but all have the common trait of honoring one or more of burlesque’s previous incarnations, with acts including striptease, expensive costumes, bawdy humor, cabaret and more. There are modern burlesque performers and shows all over the world, and annual conventions such as the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival and the Miss Exotic World Pageant are held. In 2008, The New York Times noted that burlesque had made a comeback in the city’s art performance scene.

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burlesque

What is Burlesque?

AMERICAN BURLESQUE

ACCORDING TO WIKIPEDIA

Development of American burlesque

According to Wikipedia This is the definition of American Burlesque. What do you think?

While the American form of burlesque has its origins in 19th century music hall entertainments and vaudeville, in the early 20th century American burlesque re-emerged as a populist blend of satire, performance art, and adult entertainment featuring striptease and broad comedy acts that derived their name from the low comedy aspects of the literary genre known asburlesque. Here the term “burlesque” was used loosely to describe these adult revue shows in which striptease acts would perform—often with themes, characters or gimmicks—but classic striptease and “hootchy kootchy” dance were already forms in themselves and not automatically “burlesque” by default.

In burlesque, performers, usually female, often create elaborate sets with lush, colorful costumes, mood-appropriate music, and dramatic lighting, and may even include novelty acts, such as fire breathing or contortionists, to enhance the impact of their performance.

Put simply, burlesque means “in an upside down style”. Like its cousin, commedia dell’arte, burlesque turns social norms head over heels. Burlesque is a style of live entertainment that encompasses pastiche, parody, and wit. The genre traditionally encompasses a variety of acts such as dancing girls, chanson singers, comedians, mime artists, and striptease artistes, all satirical and with a saucy edge. The striptease element of burlesque became subject to extensive local legislation, leading to a theatrical form that titillated without falling foul of censors.

The American form also was highly influenced by 19th century English variety and music hall shows as developed in the 1840s, early in the Victorian era, a time of culture clashes between the social rules of established aristocracy and a working class society. Originally, burlesque featured shows that included comic sketches, oftenlampooning the social attitudes of the upper classes and their music (particularly parodies of opera songs), alternating with dance routines. It developed alongside vaudeville and ran on competing circuits. In Britain, burlesque continued its established position in theatreland and enjoyed its own theatres (such as the Olympic Theatre in London) and was largely a middle class pursuit, where the jokes relied on the audiences’ familiarity with known operas and artistic works.

In its heyday, American burlesque bore little resemblance to the earlier literary and musical burlesques of the UK (now known as “classical” or “traditional British” burlesque) which parodied widely known works of literature, theater, or music and did not feature striptease. Possibly due to historical social tensions between the upper classes and lower classes of society, much of the humor and entertainment of later American burlesque focused on lowbrow and ribald subjects.

The popular burlesque show of the 1870s through the 1920s referred to a raucous, somewhat bawdy style of variety theater inspired by Lydia Thompson and her troupe, the British Blondes, who first appeared in the United States in the 1860s, and also by early “leg” shows such as The Black Crook (1866). Its form, humor, and aesthetic traditions were largely derived from the minstrel show. One of the first burlesque troupes was the Rentz-Santley Novelty and Burlesque Company, created in 1870 byMichael B. Leavitt, who had earlier feminized the minstrel show with his group Madame Rentz’s Female Minstrels.

Burlesque rapidly adapted the minstrel show’s tripartite structure: part one was composed of songs and dances rendered by a female company, interspersed with low comedy from male comedians. Part two was an “olio” of short specialties in which the women did not appear. The show’s finish was a grand finale.

The genre often mocked established entertainment forms such as opera, Shakespearean drama, musicals, and ballet. The costuming (or lack thereof) increasingly focused on forms of dress considered inappropriate for polite society. The British form, however, carried on much in the same musical-satirical style of the 19th century and is still so today.

Gypsy Rose Lee became famous for her shows in America

By the 1880s, the genre had created some rules for defining itself:

• Minimal costuming, often focusing on the female form.
• Sexually suggestive dialogue, dance, plotlines and staging.
• Quick-witted humor laced with puns, but lacking complexity.
• Short routines or sketches with minimal plot cohesion across a show.

Charlie Chaplin in his autobiography gives this account of burlesque in Chicago in 1910:

Chicago … had a fierce pioneer gaiety that enlivened the senses, yet underlying it throbbed masculine loneliness. Counteracting this somatic ailment was a national distraction known as the burlesque show, consisting of a coterie of rough-and-tumble comedians supported by twenty or more chorus girls. Some were pretty, others shopworn. Some of the comedians were funny, most of the shows were smutty harem comedies—coarse and cynical affairs.

—Charles Chaplin, My Autobiography: 125–6

The popular burlesque show of this period eventually evolved into the striptease which became the dominant ingredient of burlesque by the 1930s. In the 1930s, a social crackdown on burlesque shows led to their gradual downfall. The shows had slowly changed from ensemble ribald variety performances, to simple performances focusing mostly on the striptease. The end of burlesque and the birth of striptease was later dramatized in the film The Night They Raided Minsky’s.

ARTICLE SOURCE:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burlesque

 

If you are interested in learning more about this unique art form register for our Burlesque work shop and pin up shoot December 11th & 12th.

Let your inner diva come out to play…

Burlesque Workshop – Saturday December 11TH

http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=10118&stype=-8&sTG=24&sVT=27&sView=week

Burlesque Photo Shoot – Sunday December 12th

http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=10118&stype=-8&sTG=24&sVT=28&sView=week

 

 

Walking On The Ceiling – Level II Pole

Wednesday December 1st. Jennifer Kennedy decided to walk on the Ceiling 20 ft. in the air. Check out the video. Don’t forget to Register for Pole Level II starting Wednesday January 12th @ 7:30!!!

Click Here to Register:

http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=10118&stype=-101&sView=week

Specials (Can’t pay for Specials online. Must pay the Day of Class to receive Discounts):

Option 1:

Register for 2 JMK Classes and get 50% off the 3rd!!!

Option 2:

Register for Pole and Zumba Classes for only $180.00!!!

Burlesque Weekend w/ JMK

Are you still trying to figure out what to give that special someone for Christmas??

JOIN JMK DECEMBER 11TH & 12TH FOR OUR BURLESQUE WEEKEND!!!!

Have you seen the Movie Burlesque yet?? If you have, this weekend is for you…

On Saturday, December 11th we are hosting a Burlesque workshop. Learn all of the sexy Burlesque tricks you saw in the movie.

And then on Sunday, December 12th we are having a Burlesque Pin Up Shoot!!!

Register for both events and receive a $10 discount on each event price. That’s a total savings of $20.

Must Register Online for both Events:

http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=10118&stype=-8&sView=week

Burlesque Workshop – Saturday December 11th – $150

12/12/2010

With Vintage Diva Miss Corinne Southern

Ladies! Are you looking for a little bit of naughty glamour this holiday season?

Has the new movie Burlesque sparked your desire for sequins and feathers?

Tired of just going to the same old holiday parties?

If you need a little bit of excitement this December then this workshop if for you!

Learn the empowering art of Burlesque! We will be going over all of the essential moves including:

The Bump and Grind

The Tempting glove peel

The Shimmy

The Look at my legs

I’m A Star

And to complete your transition into a Vintage Vixen we will be creating a stage name! Going over make-up tips and tricks! Learning how to work a feather boa like a pro! And the coup de grace…the Famous Fan Dance!

Come dressed to entice. Heels, stockings, fishnets, gloves, glitter!

Get ready to shake your stuff, laugh, and live life out loud!

Remember…it takes the legendary JMKennedy Entertainment to make you a STAR!

Burlesque Pin Up Photo Shoot – Sunday, December 12th

This is a pin up photo Shoot Inspired by the movie Burlesque…

JMK is now offering a unique twist to the ordinary “Pin Up” Shoot. Instead of emulating

the same old pin up pictures, poses and costumes we decided to create a pin up shoot

that emulates characters in a movie not pictures in a magazine. Its up to you who you

want to be…

What character in the Movie Burlesque are you?? Cher or Christina…

You can be Christina Aguilera, A small-town girl who becomes a star or Cher a big time

Las Angeles Burlesque Club owner and Former Dancing Legend.

Remember “It takes a LEGEND… to make a STAR!” both roles are equally as fierce…

You bring your costume. When picking your costume think about an outfit you saw your

Character wearing in the movie and then think about what  you look and feel sexiest in.

Your costume should clearly resemble something your character wore in the movie with

your own personal vintage vixen twist. We suggest taking the time to really think about your costume,

accessories, make-up, and hair (wig and/or hair style).

After the movie comes out we will be posting different pictures of the characters online

to help you pick your costume.

Photo Shoot Pricing:

$150/ per 30 minute shoot

*** Limit 2 people per Shoot***

Includes:

30 minute shoot

Professional Stylist Help

Professional Costume Help

Professional Modeling/posing Help

Fruit & Champaign

1 printed & Mounted 8×10

1 digital copy of the same picture on a disc.

Additional Options:

$12 /Each Additional 8×10 Print

Please Email info@jmkennedyentertainment.com with any questions or requests.

Burlesque Workshop  (All Day Workshop) – $150

Burlesque Photo Shoot – $150

**Register for both events and receive a $10 discount on each**

Must Register Online for both Events:

http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=10118&stype=-8&sView=week