Memorial Day Burlesque: Hotter than your BBQ!

April 9, 2011 - PRLog -- The host for the evening is Diva Taunia Dolls cast member and Iraqi Freedom Veteran, “Major Iva Bottom. “ An Army Corporal/E-4, Major Bottom served and was deployed to Ft Sam Houston, TX, Ft Polk, LA, Ft Drum, NY & with the 94th Military Police in Operations Enduring Freedom & Iraqi Freedom from February 1996 through March, 2005.

Says Major Bottom, "I never thought that I would have the honor of not only serving my country in peace but in wartime as well.  Serving in the military and becoming a veteran has been one of my greatest achievements in life.  I feel nothing but deep pride for all those that served, or that are serving. That is why when I was asked to be the MC/Host our Memorial Day Show I was overcome with emotion. It is truly a deep honor and I hope to represent my brothers & sisters proudly! I hope veterans, young & old, come out and enjoy a night dedicated to them!"

The Memorial Day Pinup Dolls Salute show features a little something for everyone.  Pinup-style makeup and costuming, with swing-era music, cultural music from around the world, and specialty guest acts.  The cast has both men and women, from varying performance backgrounds.  Some are professional performers while others have just stepped onstage for the very first time!

Diva Taunia, founder of the group comes from a long line of military men:  her grandfather and father were Navy men, and her brother was in the Army.   Alumnae of U Mass Lowell, she’s an award-winning vocalist and though you may not know it from first glance, also used to weight 311 lbs.  She was morbidly obese for most of her adult life until making the decision to have gastric bypass surgery on 3/25/08.  “That turned out to be the best decision I have ever made.  I can now dance, and I choreograph most of the large-scale production numbers.  I’m finally able to do what I always wanted to do onstage:  sing AND dance!”  

"Many people assume that Burlesque is all about stripping, but it’s really about confidence, self-empowerment, fun, and celebration of talent.  Sure, our show has some burlesque-style stripping, but our show really focuses on the strength and beauty of women (and men) of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, and ages.  There are big song and dance production numbers, and this cast is super-talented and on top of their game.  Plus, they're just a heck of a nice bunch of people,” says Diva Taunia.

The Diva Taunia Dolls Burlesque SOLD OUT their premiere performance on February 11, 2011.  They've recently moved to an even bigger and impressive venue at Savanna Palace, working with General Manager Curtis Challenger.  "Curtis is probably the most remarkable GM I've ever worked with.  Not only is he funny and personable, but he takes great pride in respecting the talent and going the extra mile to help us out.  We couldn't be luckier having our show at this up-and-coming venue."

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The mission of The Diva Taunia Dolls Burlesque is to create sexy, artful, and entertaining shows that showcase strong song and dance production numbers that celebrate the strength and beauty of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, and ages.