Bombshell Betty

Betty is on a one woman mission to save the women of the world from body panic and judgement, and to teach us that we’re beautiful and sexy just the way we are today.
No, I tell a lie. She has recruited dozens, hundreds, MILLIONS of women for her cause.
Her class is amazing. I went in with huge body panic, but I was amazed at how comfortable I was lounging in only fishnets and lingerie in only two classes.
Whenever negative, or even just insecure, body talk crops up, she quickly steps in to stop the stinkin’ thinkin’.
At first blush, the cost may seem a bit prohibitive to the broke and otherwise budget conscious crowd, but self esteem has no pricetag.

I booked Betty for a bachelorette party, and it was a fantastic experience!
All of the booking was done via e-​mail, and all my e-​mails were answered really quickly and thoroughly.
We had a group of seven with many different comfort levels when it came to something like burlesque. Betty was a perfect teacher, making absolutely everyone feel super comfortable and relaxed. The class was BYOB, so having the champagne flowing may have helped as well! Betty had lots of fun props, and with her aid, everyone was doing their best strip tease dance for the group by the end.
Thanks for making throwing a bachelorette party so easy!

I think this is a really fun class to take. I took the Intro class with my cousin about a year ago and we both had a blast.
Recently my cousin and I returned to check out the Pastie making workshop with her husband Randy. Again we had a really good time and if you’re into arts and crafts, why not check the class out. Betty is there as well to show you some cool ways to use rhinestones.
It’s always a fun and laid back atmosphere.

burlesquercize class: I think the way the class is put together is fun, and great to banding together with other women. However, the class revolves a lot around discussion and less on movement than I thought it would have. I had fun, for the little time I had, but I enjoyed what I got out of it.
As for my review of the business, I was greatly annoyed that there was no phone number for this business (at the time, i’m not sure if they have one now) from the get go, but, I didn’t think too much of it. Secondly, I have been a dancer and an actor for most of my life, so, dancers modifying techniques and ideas they learn and adopt them for themselves is exactly how the business works. No hard feelings, thats just reality. However, due to a stupid misunderstanding with no courtesy on their part to speak to me directly, I was dropped from the class, with no money back, and dubbed as a ‘trespasser’ should I approach the studio. They refused to speak to me directly after I pressed them. Granted, they have a lot listed in their policies, so ready very carefully and save a copy for yourself before you give them a payment.
If you want a workout, take a zumba class. If you want to get your feet wet with burlesque/​pinup work, it is a nice atmosphere.

I simply *love* Bombshell Betty. I am on my third set of classes with her. She is very approachable and just a lot of fun to be around. She doesn’t really «push» you but learning some of the moves can be a challenge. The good news is that she will stop the routine and help you get it. And the whole thing is geared to empowerment and body acceptance, no matter what your size.
Also, a friend of mine gave me a $ 100 dollar gift certificate to put towards classes. There was some sort of shipping snafu and Betty really went out of her way to make it right. Not many people do business like that today.
If you ever get a chance to take a class with her, do it!

Bombshell Betty changed my life! No, really… she did. For the past ten years I had dreamed of being a burlesque performer. I never attempted it because i didn’t have the confidence or the place to do it. Then one day I googled «vintage hair styling» and I found Betty. I signed up immediately.
The Intensive 1 class was incredible. Betty was warm, encouraging and a very professional teacher. The girls I met were fantastic and we all learned and laughed together. It can be a little intimidating and daunting at first, but give it a chance. Even if you never perform, what you will gain in body awareness makes it worth it alone.
After my first performance, I was hooked. I am now going on my fifth month in a row of performing, I have met some of the most amazing women, I am an ace at making pasties, and even my fiancé has made friends with the men who are lucky enough to be with a burlesque performer.
I could write all day about how much I love Betty, Randy and the gang. It really was truly life changing for me. If you have a chance to do it, do it. You won’t regret all you will gain by taking it off!

Not being much of a dancer myself (and being head and shoulders taller than most of her students) my evaluation of the Bombshell is based on her shows, and her mission. And both are rad.
As odd a combination as female empowerment and burlesque may sound, they lead to fantastic performances, and a lot of face splitting grins. It’s also probably a large part of why there are often as many women at her shows as men, if not more. Her shows are inspired, creative, and sexy, without a trace of sleaze, which is a big deal to me. And fun in a way that probably ought to be classed as a controlled substance. Also, did I mention sexy? ‘Cause damn.
Whether you catch them at the Elbo Room, or teamed with the Hubba Hubba Revue, do not miss out on Bombshell Betty and her Burlesqueteers.

I agree with Natalie Z on here regarding the value for the classes as well as the lack of professionalism exhibited by Betty and her employees. Long story short, I signed up for a 13 week (I think) summer class advertised as a «summer camp» to learn two fully choreographed performances – on a whim – it sounded fun and like something different. Payment was required in full via paypal before even setting foot in the class, and little description was given in regards to the studio, details of instruction, etc. My fault for being so spontaneous, I guess. I was hugely disappointed with the first class (small studio on a SLANTED, yes slanted dance floor, and yes, lame exercises – not much dancing – more just looking cute, music from a boom box, and freezing temperatures) – and decided it wasn’t for me.
I wanted out –and was told I had to eat the $ 160 or so I spent on the class even though I expressed how the class was not what I thought it would be based on the online description. Betty’s «assistant» actually accused me of having some sort of underlying issues –quote: «I sense a lot of anger coming from you, and I don’t understand where that came from. Is this something you have had issues with in the past? It doesn’t seem like it could come from just one night in Betty’s class.» Um, no dude – I was just upset that no effort was being made to make amends for a customer who was obviously unhappy with the service provided!
The «anger» he sensed was simply my distaste with the whole process for what it was – BAD BUSINESS! Now, I realized the fine print online says no refunds are given for missed classes – but deciding you just don’t want to take the class after discovering it to be something totally different than what you signed up for is something quite different and I at least would have appreciate some minimal effort made… but the attitude was more like, «sorry – your loss. everybody else likes it, so too bad for you.» Blech. Bad, bad attitude from someone who claims to be so sexy…

I just thought I would write an update, since I’ve been contacted by Betty and since reviewer ‘LauraPearl T’ had something to say to me.
Betty contacted me via Unilocal to apologize for not getting back in touch with me, which I appreciated. Apparently my messages just got lost in the shuffle. Not a big deal. It happens.
My opinion stands, however (and I explained in my initial review exactly why I hold this opinion): the class didn’t deliver enough instruction to justify $ 75 for 3 classes.
In response to LauraPearl T’s comment about a «bee in my bonnet» — this is a review website. It’s only useful if people are honest. I’m glad you had a great experience. I didn’t. End of story.

Who gives up after just two classes? If you’re serious, you stick with it.
If you’re looking to burn mega calories, take a spinning class. Intensive 1 started the same way as Burlesquercise, for just 2 classes, then all the heels were on fire! Glad I stuck with it!!!
I’m finishing up the Intensive 1 series from this summer session (June-​Sept.) The experience was awesome. I hate to see it end because I have made so many great friends! The graduation show is next week– we get to perform and it’s exciting!
Of the many things I have learned, I now have a better perspective of being sexy, even though I am heavier and older than my classmates. Betty is a GREAT teacher. And with this experience, I will continue with Betty’s classes as they are available.
I would of gave more stars if they were offered!!!
Natalie– Hope you kill that bee buzzing around in your bonnet.

Its a fun time, rather hectec but the makeup artist was wonderful, and the experience was great. It is difficult to get in the mood when u have a migrane I’m sad to say. I had one that day boo hoo, nothing I could do about that. I did my best.

The Pin up Workshop:
+ + + + +:
+ It’s $ 250 and you get all the hi-​res shots (avg over 200) from your 2 outfits! If you’re camera shy like me then you’re bound to get some good shots as a novice. The numbers of shots you get work in your favor. And compared to other places offering same price – you get a much better deal at BB.
+ it’s wonderful to meet different girls in different sizes and ages (20s to 50s). Makes me appreciate what they all can do to accentuate their strengths.
+ Location is beautiful and varies. You can do private parties at their studio which may not be as luxurious but the focus is mainly you anyways
+ Fake lashes are provided but do your homework and bring your own pair if you know what you want.
+ 10 girls + luggage can be crowded but BB takes care of providing extra space if need be
+ Betty & Randy are professional and enthusiastic. This is their job and they make you feel at ease.
+ The turnaround to see pictures is standard 3 weeks but we got them in less than a week! i don’t consider myself a pinup but surprised myself.
— - — - -:
— modelling is freaking hard but Betty is there to provide direction if she’s not too busy attending make-​up and hair. for inexperienced models I’d practice or study pin-​up poses and expressions all beforehand b/​c although the workshop may provide pointers – nothing beats practice.
— there are 10 girls and although my group went timely it can stretch out the 3−9pm workshop to 11pm if you go near the end; bring snacks although some is provided
— the make-​up lesson could have been more robust. we looked at pictures and saw one model get her eyes done but it doesn’t help if your eyes are completely different. BB should consider bringing a make-​up artist assistant to consult or have everyone come in with their make-​up and be ready for touch-​ups. it’d cut the time needed for the workshop.
main question: would i do it again? definitely now that I can focus on what I can do as a model! and i’d bring more friends!

Bombshell Betty runs a troop called the Burlesqueteers, their shows are always fun and light-​hearted. They have some wonderful dancers of all shapes and sizes which is quite refreshing! My understanding is that all of the performers are former students of hers, so she must be doing something right.
Also, they do shows with Fromagique (litterally French for «like cheesy,» but in context they mean it to be «cheesey»), which is appropriate because the performances are light-​hearted and silly. Betty also sings some numbers with the band, and she’s got an amazing voice! She’s so playful and fun on stage. Comedy is sexy. Women are beautiful. Music is divine.
So, if you like fun, sexy, beautiful, divine things, this might be something to check out.

On the recommendation of a friend, I finally stopped by one of Bombshell Betty’s weekly shows in Oakland, expecting to stay just for the first act so I could get home early and sleep off a weekend of excess. The burlesque scene is very new to me, and I wasn’t sure whether it would be my cup of tea, but I had so much fun at the show that I couldn’t leave until it was over! The acts were very diverse and well performed — the newest burlesquers on stage did a couple of particularly cool group numbers — plus the crowd was really into it.
All in all it was a surprisingly good way to spend a Monday night.
— — — — — — — — — — — — —
Update on December 22, 2010
Made it to another Monday show at the Uptown in Oakland this week and had a fabulous time! The house band Fromagique has some great musicians, the MC banter was hilarious, and the girls had great acts — very creative, sexy stuff — and were have a great time. I wouldn’t expect a Monday night show to be so much fun, but it was packed and I know I wasn’t the only person having a blast.

I never in a million years would have thought the Bombshell Betty pin up workshop was something I would have done, but I’m really glad I bit the bullet and dived in. I’ve never liked having my picture taken, and always feel kind of self-​conscious in front of the camera, so the idea of the pin up workshop was really out of the norm for me, but I’m determined to bust out of my comfort zone this year and try things that I would ordinarily never do. So — pin up workshop, it is.
I had a surprisingly fantastic time doing this workshop. There were twelve girls in the workshop, all completely different looks and levels of experience, and all there for very different reasons. Most, I think, to have a little fun and get in touch with their playful sides. All were very nice and welcoming — very supportive of each other, and very encouraging when I was nervous about posing.
We met at a small, but nice, hotel downtown and did a posing lesson first (very helpful for me, since I have no experience whatsoever), then hair and makeup. It was a little crowded since the group was somewhat large, but no one really minded. It kind of added to the girly energy. Betty was great — very welcoming and nice, and really helped put me at ease.
The biggest surprise for me was the photos. I loved them! And they’ve gotten the thumbs up from everyone I’ve shown them to. I created a page detailing the whole experience in greater detail with photos, if you want to get the full scoop:
But I had a great experience and a few of my friends want to do the workshop now as well after hearing about it and seeing the photos. I recommend this experience for every woman who wants to have a good time and maybe see herself in a whole new way!

Hurray!!!
The other day I received my much anticipated envelope from the incredible Bombshell Betty, containing my photos from her most recent SF Pin-​Up Workshop. It was my third one! I went to my first workshop over a year ago and keep coming back for more.
At my first workshop there were about 6 of us; the second it was just me and one other girl! It totally varies each time, and this most recent time there were 12! We were surprised when we realized that when the hotel said «Penthouse Suite»…they really only meant «room for a king-​sized bed and a massive jacuzzi tub».
So, it was a little tight at times but all the girls were great and were making the best of it. Especially running up and down one flight of stairs in robes because the front desk separated our 2 rooms! Whatever… You would have to do a lot more to get these girls down! A fun-​loving attitude and some enthusiasm is all you really need to bring… along with your saucy knickers, of course ;)
It was awesome to see 12 women, most of whom were strangers, TOTALLY reach out with support, compliments and false eye-​lash application. (Which, let’s face it, unless your a veteran like Betty you need a little help with.) I had a blast and even made a few new friends!
And when I said,“Betty, will you give me Marilyn hair?” …well, ask and you shall receive! I looked like I stepped off the set of «The Seven Year Itch.»
As always, upon looking at my pictures for the first time on my computer, (and you receive ALL pictures, EACH and EVERY one!) I was giggling with uncharacteristic girlie delight! I’ve actually had 2 of my pictures from Bombshell Betty’s Pin-​Up Workshops FEATURED on The Pin-​Up Lifestyle Network. (Which is like Myspace for all of us of the Rockabilly/​Retro persuasion). I never thought my legs were that long or my stomach was… well, not flat but totally hot anyway!
I used to be a shy wall-​flower that yearned to bust out of that shell and embrace something I love dearly: Pin-​Up! I cannot thank Betty enough for bringing this out in me and countless other women who never thought they could pull something like this off. She does so with such gentle, yet fun-​loving coaching that any anxiety I ever felt went right out the window. After each workshop, I’ve felt that I left with a new bounce in my step and my chin held a little bit higher. Wallflower! Ha!
I think my friend Marten put it best when he commented on my newly uploaded Facebook pictures, «Giiiiirrrrlll, you made this gay man blush! Hot!»
Thank you Betty!!! You know I’ll be back for more!

–this review is for the pin-​up photoshoot workshop and pictorial
–for my upcoming birthday i decided to take pin-​up looking pics
–i met a fellow Unilocaler and thought her pics were cool so she forwarded me bombshell betty’s site
–they had a good deal going on! so i pay for it and waited… till day 1 of 2 approached
–day 1 is a sit in class where we meet eachother and learn about pin-​up, the poses the props, the looks
–pretty intimidating at first cuz we were all strangers but betty was awesome
–betty made everyone feel comfortable and i was learning with a bunch of awesome ladies! of course i was the token pacific islander/​asian
–day 2 (a week later), bring 2 outfits, layers the better so you can get more pictures out of less and less clothing lol and the photoshoot
–i had 3 dresses (2back-​up) and 1 other outfit
–we got our make-​up done, betty brought in 2 artists to do our make-​up while she did our hair
–paul was our photographer, he was great
–she had snacks for us and some bubbly!
–i was happy my white louboutin wedges came in use when it complimented the other lady’s outfit more, i ssoo wanna see my shoes in her pics!
–i brought props… and we all shared what we had
–aside from the fact i was pmsing, bloated, shoving everything in my mouth gaining 6 pounds and breaking out… we had so much fun, everyone was so supportive
–my pics as always… were funny, can’t wait to post them for you guys
but…they will only be up for a week as promised hahaha
–http://​www​.yelp​.com/​b​i​z​_​p​h​o​t​o​s​/​m​T​F​j​A​F​r​B​q​3​i​y​O​k​w​C​D​-​w​b​c​Q​?​s​e​l​e​c​t​=​h​M​v​c​o​3​H​b​9​T​R​p​K​r​d​5​o​rvhNA
=HAPPY 34’th BIRTHDAY TO ME! BUT YOU WILL NOT SEE ME IN MY PANTY! (just my bra… lol)

Bombshell Betty is my girlcrush.
She basically told me to get over myself and shake a tail feather, no matter how I felt about myself, or what jiggled where.
She taught me the ways of the boa, chair and hip grind. All of which, I“m sure one day, my man will enjoy. Much to his dismay, I won’t let him see anything til I’ve perfected the routine. That’s not to say that I don’t heartily enjoy the bump-​N-​grind warm ups Betty taught us and use them for the powers of good rather than evil…
I’m still working on the choreography part, but that’s one reason I decided to take her class.
Ya see, I got class, I just got no rhythm. And I mean, I’m really terrible.
But you don’t feel discriminated against in Betty’s class. You get to laugh, learn, talk about why you are taking this class, feel encouraged by other woman and not feel intimidated by them.
I usually left class feeling like «hey, I just got a workout!» or «Gee, where can I get a good black corset on sale??» I’ve also gone through about ten pairs of fishnets since I started, heh.
I think my next venture is to take the Pin Up workshop. There’s nothin finer than drinking champagne and tryin’ on pasties with your fellow girlies.

The Pin up workshop is a ton of fun!
The first day consists of practicing poses at Betty’s studio, including breaking into small groups to pose and getting feedback from the other ladies. The last terrifying… err…fantastic part is posing by yourself in front of the group. (not easy… but great practice)
The second day is a whirlwind photo shoot with a professional photographer. Betty helps with retro hair and makeup, and both Betty and the photographer give helpful tips as you try to contort into some of those backbreaking, I mean terrifically sexy pin up poses.
I think all the women in the class had a great time. We were a bit tipsy on champagne, and we were giggling and giving each other encouragement during the photo sessions.
I start the Intro to Burlesque class on Monday and I’m pretty excited about that as well. I’ll report back on how I do with pastie application and tassel twirling!
— — — — — — –
¹⁰⁄₂₃ update on Intro to Burlesque:
Ok so i was just kidding about the tassel twirling, last night we learned the classic ‘bump & grind’ burlesque moves and shoulder shimmy shimmy. No tassels on these tatas just yet.
This course is going to be focused on chair work, so we learned some of those moves as well. Toe pointing, tips on holding the chair, flipping the chair around, leg kicking while laying on your back on the chair, etc.
Sound intimidating? It’s totally not.
There are women of all sizes and shapes in the class, many of them taking it for fun, exercise, or just to get over stage fright.
I’m taking it to build more confidence. I figure if I can learn to dance around in my underwear, then lots of other things in life won’t seem so scary.
Who knows, maybe one day I’ll actually perform burlesque. We’ll see.
— — — — — — –
Edit ¹²⁄₃
Holy shit. I just danced and exposed my boobies (in heart shaped pasties) to 6 women. It was exhilarating and terrifying.
You should totally do it.

I recently participated in a two part Pinup Model Workshop and Photoshoot, hosted by Bombshell Betty.
We had a group of 7 women, which may have been a little too much as far as staging and space management goes, but it was a laugh riot and I think everyone had a good time. Read on…
The first day was a workshop with Betty that covered general pinup poses, expression and aesthetics. After a short warm up and stretching we spent a few hours going over various poses and facial expressions in one big group, then we split off into seperate groups to practice. Standing poses, sitting poses, reclining… etc. It was easy to see what works and what didn’t for each person.
Afterward, Betty had made appointments for us at a few vintage shops in the Haight, and other recommendations for shops where we could find anything else we might need for the actual shoot. So we grabbed some lunch and ran off shopping. VERY fun.
Normally she plans the actual photoshoot for the next weekend so that you have time to go home, plan and practice… but we did ours back to back due to an out of towner we had with us.
The next day we showed up for 2 hours devoted to makeup and hair, then a a 4 hour photoshoot with a professional photographer, backdrop and lighting. Betty was present to coach/​style the shoot, help with period hairstyles like pincurls and rolls… and also provided fresh fruit, dips and other snacks.
The good: We had a fabulous time and laughed our asses off. We were all glamorous and fabulous and supportive of each other. A great time was had by all. Betty herself is VERY nice, easygoing and has a great sense of humor. She also has some props you can borrow, like fans, parasols, chiffon robes and what not.
The «bad»: I don’t wanna say there was bad, per se, but there is room for improvement. I felt like Betty was a little in over her head in that she was trying to wear a few too many hats at once. She would do well with an assistant in order to, for example, help with hair and makeup while she herself was styling whoever was on deck getting their photo taken. I also felt that the studio space was a little small for seven women trying to all do makeup at once and sort through their respective costuming. I would cap out at 5 max.
Aside from that it was great.
Notes: You must know how to do your own makeup for the most part. You must bring most of your own costuming… You also need to do some research on pinup models and the aestetic of the era. See what works for you and doesn’t.
All things being considered… everyone should do something like this at least once. It is extremely empowering and fun fun fun. I would highly recommend it for a bachelorette party.
I have yet to get the photos back (it takes a couple weeks) so we’ll see how they turned out and I“ll report back. Maybe I’ll even post one. WOO! ;)