So you think it takes strippers to be a "Big League City". WOW


If that were truly the case, the city was big league long long ago.

Haven't been yet, but several friends did. They liked the idea and the vibe, but said it was not polished or very entertaining for the price, beyond the notoriety of it all.

I personally like the idea of something like this as an option in Bricktown, but I'd prefer something with a more Vegas budget and choreography.

Maybe in time it will get there. The professional dance scene in Oklahoma is pretty small and it seems everyone knows each other. A few people I know, know people in the show and they are real, serious(ish) dance professionals. I personally think the owners will be its doom though.

Is it safe to say that OKCs red light district is just a single flashing red light at this point?

So you think it takes strippers to be a "Big League City". WOW

So you think these are strippers?? WOW

As a burlesque performer, I was very dismayed to find out that this venue is not doing anything remotely related to burlesque. Not only that, all of the information they have given about "burlesque" to the local media is absolutely incorrect. Burlesque started in the 1800s as a form of satirical theatre that had nothing to do with stripping. It wasn't until the early 20th century that the strip tease became an integral part of American burlesque. That being said, real burlesque is a lot more than "stripping." Performers such as myself spend hundreds of dollars on a single costume and months rehearsing a new number. I am also pursuing a career in film acting, so I only get down to lingerie. Those girls are wearing off the rack bras and panties and what looks to be pinup Halloween costumes...For the $20 cover they are charging you can see much better REAL burlesque shows in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and especially Dallas. I just performed in the Dallas Burlesque Festival, tickets for the FESTIVAL with dozens of world class performers where hardly more than what they charge for a night. There are several troupes and solo performers in Oklahoma City that will show you a much more elaborate and theatrical show. If you are interested in seeing real burlesque, I have a fan page where I post my own shows around town, and I am currently planning events with several out of town burlesque performers that headline all over the United States. I'm very excited to be bringing such talent to Oklahoma City!

http://www.facebook.com/official.adele.wolf

I've heard the decor is beautiful but the price point for admission is way too high for what they are offering. Like Adele, I also have a problem with them calling themselves a Burlesque Lounge. They don't do anything that is burlesque. They are classic trained dancers, for the most part, and do that type of dancing. That's fabulous for BT but not for the true burlesque community, which I am a part of. We work very hard to develop a fan base and if people don't understand what true burlesque is, because a new club opens up doing something different but claiming it's burlesque, then that is a bad thing.

I wish them a long run but want them to call what they do the proper name. It isn't burlesque.

There's burlesque as hosted by the late Prohibition Room and Saint's, and then there's "burlesque" as presented by RokBar....

Hey, Steve! Are strip clubs really banned in Bricktown? Is there an actual city ordinance or zoning restriction of some type? Or is it just "understood".

Curious...

(Hi, Doug!!!)

I've been told by city staff that adult entertainment venues are prohibited by zoning in Bricktown. That said, I've noticed a lot of odd decisions coming out of City Hall these days....

There's burlesque as hosted by the late Prohibition Room and Saint's, and then there's "burlesque" as presented by RokBar....

& there's burlesque as hosted by TnT Burlesque at The Boom. :-D

Not meaning to present myself as an expert; I'm not. I've never been to a burlesque show. But I do know that the reputations enjoyed by Saints and the now closed Prohibition Room, and the shows presented at those places, are far different than RokBar. Not familiar with The Boom.

...Not familiar with The Boom.

I hear tell it's a bit of a drag.

Gotcha. I've got a Ron Swanson approach to all that. If the entertainment and/or food is good, I'm cool with it.

My friends and I were super excited about experiencing a burlesque show here in OKC! Unfortunately, it turned out to be a very disappointing evening. I have never seen a place that was so disorganized; not-to-mention the staff apparently does not communicate at all.

We made reservations over the phone and were told that we'd have to pay for the reserved table, and no one in our party would have to pay a cover charge, and a bottle of champagne would be provided. We showed up at The Dollhouse and everyone was asked to pay the $20 cover, we spoke with three different employees and not one of them had any clue as to what was going on or where the guest list was. We had also called ahead to ask about the dress code (because their webpage gives you no information what-so-ever) and were told that it was "business casual," but if you wore jeans they could not have holes, and no tennis shoes, t-shirts, or ball caps. When we arrived, we had guests turned away because they weren't wearing a "button down" shirt (they ended up having a fantastic time at Tapwerks Ale House though). The manager said something along the lines of if any place in Bricktown has a dress code, they would have people "dressed to the nines." About two-thirds of our party actually made it past the door. When we got back to the bar, there were a group of Roller Derby girls in t-shirts, booty shorts, and fish-net stockings. So much for "dressed to the nines!"

I will say that the decor was marvelous and the cocktail waitresses were adorable! Despite the disheartening start to the evening, we were still hoping to enjoy ourselves. The bartenders were splendid, the band was great, and again I loved the decor! That's about they only positive things I have to say about the place though. The actual "burlesque" show was unimpressive, and it was no fault of the lovely ladies performing. It was just poorly planned and the stage setup was horrible (you can't see the stage from just anywhere because of quite a few floor to ceiling poles). They performed two songs, then had a twenty minute break before the next two songs. There was never a show, it was more like a cuckoo clock of live dancers. Most of us ended up leaving The Dollhouse and going over to Tapwerks with the rest of the party. Tapwerks is always enjoyable!

My advice for anyone looking to catch a magnificent burlesque show is to do so the next time you are in Las Vegas. The Dollhouse is a laughable attempt to bring back a beautiful art.

Give Saint's in the Plaza District a try. I hear it's the genuine thing, and not just a new club gimmick designed by the owners of RokBar to rake in quick cash and then close.

Well tgwo things we have learned on htis thread:

1. Other dancers don't like the show

2. Steve doesn't like the ROK Bar or its owners

AudiA4-

Does Tapwerks still charge a cover just for the pleasure of walking into their place and ordering a beer? I love the Tapwerks setup, but have never understood why they charge a cover

Drake, I don't like or dislike RokBar. I've just observed their operations over the years (Pure, RokBar on Memorial, RokBar in Bricktown, etc) and let's just leave it at that.

Having not observed their operations at all, your comments in this thread have no effect on me other than confusion. It doesn't really matter since I don't intend to ever patronize RokBar or Dollhouse, but I am a little curious as to what it is you keep hinting at.

I don't have a dog in this fight, but I always get irritated when people make unwarranted assumptions and cast aspersions. Maybe that poster should reserve judgment until after he or she sees the entertainment. It might actually be that 7 Deadly Sins Revue is the more authentic and inclusive show, but that post just comes across as petty. I would guess that the RokBar owners were more concerned about crossing a line regarding the state of undress, rather than the appearances of the performers. I think new ideas in Bricktown are a great thing, as most of the bars in Bricktown are terrible. I hope you don't interpret this as negativity towards you Steve; I appreciate that you are giving voice to the varying viewpoints regarding this new business. I saw their (7 Deadly Sins) show when they were performing at the Prohibition Room and thought it was fantastic by the way.

I wonder if there are any surviving in-house videos from Sid King's Crazy Horse Bar, on East Colfax, not too far from the State Capitol (in Denver) to correct folks' perception of what this burlesque thing is all about.

Hey, Steve! Are strip clubs really banned in Bricktown? Is there an actual city ordinance or zoning restriction of some type? Or is it just "understood".

Curious...

(Hi, Doug!!!)
Hi, to you too, Julie!

Talked to Bob Tenner over at code enforcement - zoning in Bricktown does not allow for adult entertainment. We'll see what happens. Never know - this club might just shut down before it gets to where anything is done.

Saints isn't currently hosting burlesque shows. Current events involving real burlesque are as follows:

February 14th- Adéle Wolf Performs at Paseo Underground
March 2nd- Adéle Wolf Performs for the Pre Monster Carnival Party at DigIt
March 2-4th- TnT's Amore show at the Boom
March 31st- Nude 8 in Tulsa will be having several local performers as well as acts from LA and Dallas

I will also be bringing in troupes and performers from both NYC and Dallas in April and May, dates and venues TBA soon.

If you want to see real burlesque in OKC, stay updated:

http://www.facebook.com/official.adele.wolf

http://www.facebook.com/TnTBurlesqueAndVarietyTroupe

http://www.facebook.com/TulsaBurlesqueSociety

So we went to the dollhouse this weekend with another couple. I called the number left my name and they called back the next morning. Got my reservations! So the lady said the doors open at 730 and the show starts at 8 and it's 20buucks a person. Ok, cool. So we show up at 740ish Friday night, the ahole that came to the door that stopped us from coming in said we aren't open yet. I said really? Well it's 15mins can we wait her cause it's FREEEZING and the lady said you opened at 730? He said oh no we don't open till after 8 and probably later than that- CRAP! So we went to tapworks waited went back after 830 still not open! Finally they started letting people in the doorman was just rude! The dude that wouldn't let us in was rude. We had to wait till after 945ish for the first girl act! They danced to two songs. Waited another 45mins. Another two songs. Another 45mins two songs. It was very boring inbetween the acts. Just think they need more entertainment it was a long wait for anything to happen!! So when we first sat down at our reserved table my friend looked down at the floor and said what's that...I looked down and it was a pink pill I picked it up typed in the #'s and letters and it came up amphetamine.... they need to get their crap together and I don't think we got our moneys worth!!

So we went to the dollhouse this weekend with another couple. I called the number left my name and they called back the next morning. Got my reservations! So the lady said the doors open at 730 and the show starts at 8 and it's 20buucks a person. Ok, cool. So we show up at 740ish Friday night, the ahole that came to the door that stopped us from coming in said we aren't open yet. I said really? Well it's 15mins can we wait her cause it's FREEEZING and the lady said you opened at 730? He said oh no we don't open till after 8 and probably later than that- CRAP! So we went to tapworks waited went back after 830 still not open! Finally they started letting people in the doorman was just rude! The dude that wouldn't let us in was rude. We had to wait till after 945ish for the first girl act! They danced to two songs. Waited another 45mins. Another two songs. Another 45mins two songs. It was very boring inbetween the acts. Just think they need more entertainment it was a long wait for anything to happen!! So when we first sat down at our reserved table my friend looked down at the floor and said what's that...I looked down and it was a pink pill I picked it up typed in the #'s and letters and it came up amphetamine.... they need to get their crap together and I don't think we got our moneys worth!!

That is ridiculous. Well it doesn't sound they will be in business much longer for us to worry about. Steve will be probably be spot on about the ownership group.

i was there the same night, they made my boyfriend check his leather jacket and then let in someone with a hoodie on and chuck taylors.......ticked me smooth off. it was freezing that night and i was told the doors open at 730 and show started at 8. we had to walk in the cold we should have stayed at tapworks, makes me mad that i paid these people(doorman and the mic guy) to be rude to us.

Yeah, Tapwerks does charge a $5 cover charge after 9 PM, I think. I can only assume it's because they have a band upstairs? I'm a non-smoker so I've never ventured upstairs. I'll stick with Tapwerks, Belle Isle Restaurant/Brewery, and Fox & Hound.

While I do not have a "dog in the hunt", I do know some very intersting tidbits:
1) I have been to Dollhouse. It is DEFINITELY not a burlesque club. It would be really neat if it was an actual burlesque show. The place has the worst vibe for a club/bar type experience. Singing, Jazz band, trapeze swinging and LOUD techno music is a horrible mix and made my ears bleed.

2) I am amazed that anyone would rent space to one of the owners: Joel Buffington. He is also one of the RokBar owners. He has been sued every year since 2006 for not paying bills to landlords in Norman for Eve nightclub, landlords in Bricktown, landlords in Tulsa...you name it. This guy is a scam artist. You can find all of it on www.oscn.net

3) Once of the other owner at the Dollhouse, who is also a RokBar owner, is not even supposed to be working at a bar or club anymore because of drug convictions. This is the same guy who used to own the Bricktown Pub back in its heyday.

4) I think it's very disappointing that there isn't some sort of background checks done or some sort of checks and balances.

While I appreciate the "need" for bars and nightclubs in the downtown area, allowing these type of people to continue to do business is a step in the wrong direction. It will end up closing down due to unpaid bills...if law enforcement doesn't close it down first.

Deleted a bunch of posts that were way too personal.

Back to topic, please.

sorry. i just don't like burlesque.... just as lots of people don't like dance music.

sorry. i just don't like burlesque.... just as lots of people don't like dance music.

Still no reason to be rude.

sorry. i just don't like burlesque.... just as lots of people don't like dance music.

Ed, you know I've got no beef with you. We're good. In this case... you were personally insulting people. Just let it go now. Got it - you don't like burlesque. Haven't been to a show myself, so I've got no dog in this fight either way. Now, as for dance music...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hllTWhZPIzg

What a cool video, Steve. I've saved it and am re-embedding it here so that it is immediately available for viewing here ...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVzS_4IEwEI

I can certainly empathize with the guys, especially while in the car. My kids and I did human automobile bobbleheads and associated hand jive and body motion to car music almost all of the time in our fine trip to Port Aransas last July, almost without ceasing. What a hoot that was ... we had 8 people bobble heading and body moving at the same time ... it was less of a hoot for the times that I became concerned that the driver of the vehicle was not paying close enough attention to driving ... I'm an old guy, so that's my excuse for that.

But ... as to burlesque, per se, and if this post is within the realm of being family oriented oriented or not (per forum guidelines), if I were to attend a burlesque presentation, locally or elsewhere, I think I'd like it to be along the lines of the 2010 movie, Burlesque. I've selected a fairly tame clip to embed below.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4nWAZU9mu8

Still no reason to be rude.
Agreed, thank you.

Burlesque the movie is not real burlesque at all it should have been called Cabaret. Here's a PG video of one of the most famous Burlesque performers of all time, Tempest Storm. Burlesque started as a form of satirical theatre and developed into the art of the strip tease in the early 20th century in America. Burlesque back then was considered a low form of entertainment. Despite still having high production values even back then, it was considered no different than going to a gentleman's club today. However, burlesque performers play to a whole audience, not individuals. We do not touch the audience or allow the audience to touch us or break the fourth wall.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EroeHk9kJ7k

Does Tapwerks still charge a cover just for the pleasure of walking into their place and ordering a beer? I love the Tapwerks setup, but have never understood why they charge a cover

Tapwerks only charges a cover when they have live music upstairs. They use the proceeds to pay the band. It is usually a very reasonable $5 or so. A modest cover charge keeps out people who have no intention of spending any money and tend to be undesirable. Sorry if that sounds harsh! ;)

Speaking of cover charge:
Why is Dollhouse charging $20? That seems excessive. instead of giving the impression of exclusivity, it makes me think the ownership doesn't think it will be open long, and are in it for the fast money.

Secondly, why doesn't the Dollhouse host some of the professional burlesque groups in town? Sounds like they have plenty of available stage time.

Haven't been. What does the 20 cover actually well, cover? Entry only, entry and a drink ticket, or something else. Gee, can ya tell i don't get out as often as I once did?

Tapwerks only charges a cover when they have live music upstairs. They use the proceeds to pay the band. It is usually a very reasonable $5 or so. A modest cover charge keeps out people who have no intention of spending any money and tend to be undesirable. Sorry if that sounds harsh! ;)

Speaking of cover charge:
Why is Dollhouse charging $20? That seems excessive. instead of giving the impression of exclusivity, it makes me think the ownership doesn't think it will be open long, and are in it for the fast money.

Secondly, why doesn't the Dollhouse host some of the professional burlesque groups in town? Sounds like they have plenty of available stage time.

Firstly, they don't know what real burlesque is. Secondly, I'm sure they wouldn't be willing to pay professional strip tease artists their usual fees. I doubt they pay their dancers much. And as I said before a $20 door fee is ludicrous for the type of show it seems that they are providing. REAL burlesque shows that last 2-3 hours with less than 5 minutes in between performances usually charge less than that. You can get tickets to a burlesque festival around that price point and see some of the best acts from all over the U.S. with around 20 performers per night! You'll get a lot more for your money with shows like that.

I learned a lot in this thread..

have not been .. but a bunch of friends went last weekend and had a great time .... they thought it had a great "vibe" good music and a fun crowd ... real burlesque or not

Hey, I have been involved with burlesque for 5 years now in Oklahoma City and San Francisco mainly. Thank you Steve for the nice things about Saints and Prohibition Room! That was the troupe I helped to start, 7 Deadly Sins. I want to apologize for the comment made by one of the members of the troupe as it does not necessarily express the opinion of everyone in the troupe. I have no problem with the Dollhouse, though I have not yet been, and as far as what popular culture identifies as burlesque, it probably is, just as many call Blink-182 punk. Everyone has their different views about a genre of dance or music. I find most modern "clubwear" more crass than a burlesque performance, but that is my personal opinion. I thought instead of trying to decide what is or is not real burlesque, I would try to offer a break down of what I have seen offered in OKC:

March 8th - 7 Deadly Sins will be performing at 51st St. Speakeasy and our monthly shows will from now on be at the Speakeasy. 9 pm.
March 18h - Boobzilla and The Oh No Variety Show (with some 7 Deadly Sins guest performers) at the Drunken Fry. 10 pm.
April 13th - Biting the Apple, an erotic art show, will feature different burlesque dancers and all kinds of erotic art.

Every 3rd Sunday at the Drunken Fry, Boobzilla and Oh No Variety Show perform. This is a mix of sideshow and burlesque. She also does shows at the Hidden Castle in Norman.

Also, TnT Burlesque performs at the Boom. Dr. Sketchy's happens monthly and gives you a chance to meet and draw a burlesque or erotic performer. Pole Teaze has its Oklahoma Showgirls. Just google, facebook, etc to find shows. From what I have seen, all of these troupes draw on different elements and inspirations and have their own flair, as I am sure the Dollhouse does, and are worth seeing on their own merit, not for being more talented than one or the other, but some may be more sexy, some more funny, some more pin-up, and some more Vegas bombshell. I do not think burlesque needs to snub the mainstream. I believe it often comes off that way, because what "real" burlesque is for me is an authentic portrayal of sensuality or sexuality, which just so happens to not always or often does not coincide exactly with stereotypical sexiness.

-Merry

Hey, I have been involved with burlesque for 5 years now in Oklahoma City and San Francisco mainly. Thank you Steve for the nice things about Saints and Prohibition Room! That was the troupe I helped to start, 7 Deadly Sins. I want to apologize for the comment made by one of the members of the troupe as it does not necessarily express the opinion of everyone in the troupe. I have no problem with the Dollhouse, though I have not yet been, and as far as what popular culture identifies as burlesque, it probably is, just as many call Blink-182 punk. Everyone has their different views about a genre of dance or music. I find most modern "clubwear" more crass than a burlesque performance, but that is my personal opinion. I thought instead of trying to decide what is or is not real burlesque, I would try to offer a break down of what I have seen offered in OKC:

March 8th - 7 Deadly Sins will be performing at 51st St. Speakeasy and our monthly shows will from now on be at the Speakeasy. 9 pm.
March 18h - Boobzilla and The Oh No Variety Show (with some 7 Deadly Sins guest performers) at the Drunken Fry. 10 pm.
April 13th - Biting the Apple, an erotic art show, will feature different burlesque dancers and all kinds of erotic art.

Every 3rd Sunday at the Drunken Fry, Boobzilla and Oh No Variety Show perform. This is a mix of sideshow and burlesque. She also does shows at the Hidden Castle in Norman.

Also, TnT Burlesque performs at the Boom. Dr. Sketchy's happens monthly and gives you a chance to meet and draw a burlesque or erotic performer. Pole Teaze has its Oklahoma Showgirls. Just google, facebook, etc to find shows. From what I have seen, all of these troupes draw on different elements and inspirations and have their own flair, as I am sure the Dollhouse does, and are worth seeing on their own merit, not for being more talented than one or the other, but some may be more sexy, some more funny, some more pin-up, and some more Vegas bombshell. I do not think burlesque needs to snub the mainstream. I believe it often comes off that way, because what "real" burlesque is for me is an authentic portrayal of sensuality or sexuality, which just so happens to not always or often does not coincide exactly with stereotypical sexiness.

-Merry

Excellent, level headed post

They are only doing Dr.Sketchy's every other month this year. If you haven't been, it's really A LOT of fun! Besides seeing performers, they do prize drawings and The Boom has delicious food! I don't know all of the performers yet, but the dates for 2012 are:

March 11th-Teaze Dance pole dancing troupe
May 13th
July 8th- Adéle Wolf
September 9th
December 9th

You can learn who the performers are as they announce them on: http://www.facebook.com/groups/110785968296/

TnT Burlesque opened a new show tonight, it runs again tomorrow night and Sunday. They are almost sold out, so buy your tickets online ASAP!
http://www.facebook.com/events/334364956586549/?ref=ts

And I certainly don't think any of the performers here are "snubbing the mainstream." Just as any burlesque performer knows that there are many types of burlesque performances, and sometimes they aren't meant to be sexual at all, but purely comical or entertaining. Most of the performers that commented on the Dollhouse have seen the acts in person to make these judgements. I couldn't care less what they were doing if it could in someway be even remotely related to the creative and liberating art that is burlesque; or if they called it something else that was more representative. Their acts are choreographed by one woman, the individual dancers have no creative input. There are plenty of acts like that, that are AMAZING, like Vegas showgirls and Broadway performers. But, to me one of the biggest and most important elements of a burlesque performance is the self expression and creativity put into it by the performer.

Was thinking of going to the Dollhouse this Saturday, has anyone been lately to see if this place has improved and if its worth it? Also, do you guys know of any other burlesque places to go to on a Saturday?

http://www.tmz.com/2012/03/25/drake-marijuana-dollhouse-nightclub/

Our clubs are making it on tmz. I guess we are big time now. LOL.

Was thinking of going to the Dollhouse this Saturday, has anyone been lately to see if this place has improved and if its worth it? Also, do you guys know of any other burlesque places to go to on a Saturday?

We ended going in after dinner on St Patricks Day. The cover was only $10 per sperson this time. Now we did only see one dance. After about 11:30 its almost just strictly a nightclub atmosphere with the DJ. They had a pretty good crowd.

I recently heard that the performers as well as the women that go there are hot... I must go.

I went last night. DJ was really good and good atmosphere. However, I am not a fan of the $15 cover. This is OKC. C'mon now.

That's a pretty steep cover for any city with less than 4 million people. I hope that means they're doing discounted drinks or some special. Not that it matters, I'll probably never go there, or if I do, it will be a night that includes ROK Bar, Coyote Ugly, and absolutely losing my mind.

That's a pretty steep cover for any city with less than 4 million people. I hope that means they're doing discounted drinks or some special. Not that it matters, I'll probably never go there, or if I do, it will be a night that includes ROK Bar, Coyote Ugly, and absolutely losing my mind.

I like the way you think. +1 for losing mind.

If you want to see some striptease burlesque, check out this show! This event is a big budget production being held in Carpenter Square Theatre downtown. This show is unlike anything Oklahoma gets to see regularly! We will have Ginger Valentine, the reigning New Orleans Queen of Burlesque, Missy Lisa, the producer of Ruby Revue and Black Mariah, the winner of the BIGGEST TEASE award at this year's Texas Burlesque Festival coming to us from Dallas! These ladies have performed all over and are absolutely amazing performers that are well known nationally in the world of burlesque! So take this rare opportunity to get your mind blown by some hot ladies with killer routines!

http://www.facebook.com/events/291404127610450/


Tickets are available at: http://http://www.facebook.com/events/291404127610450/
or you can pick some up in person at Dig It in the Plaza district!

If you want to see some striptease burlesque, check out this show! This event is a big budget production being held in Carpenter Square Theatre downtown. This show is unlike anything Oklahoma gets to see regularly! We will have Ginger Valentine, the reigning New Orleans Queen of Burlesque, Missy Lisa, the producer of Ruby Revue and Black Mariah, the winner of the BIGGEST TEASE award at this year's Texas Burlesque Festival coming to us from Dallas! These ladies have performed all over and are absolutely amazing performers that are well known nationally in the world of burlesque! So take this rare opportunity to get your mind blown by some hot ladies with killer routines!

http://www.facebook.com/events/291404127610450/


Tickets are available at: http://http://www.facebook.com/events/291404127610450/
or you can pick some up in person at Dig It in the Plaza district!

does this have something to do with the dollhouse??

I actually really enjoy the Dollhouse and thank goodness they have a very strict dress code so no rif-raff gets in.

I actually really enjoy the Dollhouse and thank goodness they have a very strict dress code so no rif-raff gets in.

Very true about the dress code! The one time I went I noticed the crowd there was generally an attractive one... Sounds kinda douchey to say but, well, ya know.