Fear's Confections - Confection Chaos Friday has been a fun new way to expose costumers to new and delicious creations like ‪The Buzz Puffs‬- they are cream puffs filled with an espresso mousse and topped with a Bourbon cardamom drizzle the best part is they are made with local Troubadour Coffee.
A butter crust tart filled with lemon-lavender custard (featuring Pope's Kitchen lemon Lavender syrup), topped with meringue and lemon-glazed blackberries. 
Cassandra has been open for over a year and has been putting out amazing products along with their well known nerdy chocolates that are a staple for Fear's. 
From Star Wars to Star Trek and Harry Potter with Gaming too! 
Fear's carries multiple signature truffels made with Pope's Kitchen syrups *YUM*

Every Friday Fear's Confection has their Confection Chaos available for sale at their store on 
15208 Madison Ave in Lakewood - Their hours are 11:00AM to 9:00PM Fri/Sat

Sugar Bomb Confections is well known for their macarons and cupcakes, Sugar Bomb is a Cleveland, Ohio based craft candy company making high quality candies and confections. They use the quality ingredients, and expert techniques to make our products the best that we can. From classics, like glass candy and lollipops, to modern creations, like our local bacon toffee, we strive to create the best tasting confections you can find.  
They are a cottage business that currently can be found at area farmer’s markets and various special events. We will also take orders via email or phone.  
Or via http://sugarbomb216.com/​

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We sat down with the upcoming headliner The Golden Boy of Burlesque -
The current King of Boylesque Matt Finish from Tucson, Arizona. 
We spoke about his story, the boylesque world, his troupe and The Amazing Arizona Burlesque Festival! 
​

What where you doing before you discovered burlesque?

I had just graduated from the MFA Dance program at The University of Arizona. I was teaching conditioning, tap, and ballet at Pima Community College in Tucson; basically settling in to post-student life. I really had no idea what I was doing since I'd spent my whole life until then either dancing in a company or being a student. It was really the first time I didn't have anyone telling me what to do.

How did you get started in Burlesque? 

I love telling this story! I had ZERO interest in burlesque. I knew what it was and I didn't think it was my cup of tea (Boobies! right.) My friend Philippa Rouge had been interested in seeing the one local show in Tucson at the time, and kept asking me to come with her. I always said no. Finally in November of 2011 she told me that she had purchased 2 VIP tickets to the show and if I didn't come with her she would be wasting money. I believe she literally dragged me into the venue (it was a scary looking bar! Much prettier on the inside). We sat down and the show started. 5 minutes in and I was hooked! I leaned over to her and whispered, 'We're going to do that!'. We both signed up to classes right after that.

Matt Finish will be at The Beachland Ballroom on April 15th 2016 with fellow boylesque stars
James and The Giant Pastie (CAN) ,Hank E. Panky (KS) and Jessie Ringoffire (CA)

with special Guests:
Bella Sin ,Noella DeVille, Shari Turner, Dahlia D'Luxe and Fever Blister 
Your Host - 
Sir Ryan Zymler

Follow this link for details to our facebook invitation. 

Shows like Jeezy's Juke Joint: A Black Burly-Q Revue and Brown Girls Burlesque have been showcasing the talent of many women of color.  Here are a few of the amazing and brave woman whom produce and promote the brand of black burlesque in america and the world. 

Determination is only starts to describe these woman, International and National starlets that follow the footsteps of legends Toni Elling, Lottie The Body, Jean Idelle and Josephine Baker. 
Their artistic determination to move forth and build a better tomorrow for all other women to come after them. Celebrating strong women of color is not just once a year but it should be every day of the rest of the years to come. Performers of Color are changing the game to be more diverse and inclusive. 

Po'Chop created The Black Burlesque Performer Directory where you can sign up and find other dancers world wide. Chicava Honeychild is searching for your story, (Form for Chicava's Database) 

Shows like Jeezy's Juke Joint continues to offer burlesque events thru the year,
​Check out http://jeezysjukejoint.com/

Check out The Legends of Dance that opened the doors for all these women.

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In Coventry - The handmade local retailer In The 216 has around 70 handmade local artist that make anything from T-Shirts to Soap. 




​In The 216
1854 Coventry Rd, Cleveland HIghts, Ohio (Coventry) 
Mon-Wed:11:00 am-8:00 pm
Thu:11:00 am-9:00 pm
Fri-Sat:11:00 am-10:00 pm
Sun:10:00 am-6:00 pm

The Cleveland Flea happens once a month in various neighborhoods in Cleveland. It's part urban treasure hunt, part culinary adventure, part maker center.
An organized maze of experiences,The Cleveland Flea celebrates the thrill of the hunt and discovery of new to you treasures.
This market is very multifaceted from food to vintage finds, upcycle,
local designers  and handmade crafts. 
The market does offers some interactive activities, The markets are held inside and some of the markets have an admission fee but are mostly free. 
​
Their website has all the dates available for the flea.
http://www.theclevelandflea.com/_

Have a sweet tooth? Head over to Fear's Confections and get your nerdy chocolate, handmade truffles, brownies, spicy chocolate, sponge candy and so much more goodness! 
She does ship USA and Canada

Fears Confections
15208 Madison Lakewood Ohio 44107
You can check them out online 
www.fearsconfections.com
www.Facebook.com/fearsconfections
Twitter/Instagram: fearsconfection
Images by Bob Perkoski ​

Looking for corsets, shoes or pin up clothing this is the place to go, Check them out online they do ship USA/Canada not to mention they have lay away available on their 14625 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107.  (216) 227-0404

In a new location in Lakewood this store has fashion forward quality clothing for sizes XL and up! They ship USA and Canada! 

​17140 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
(440) 941-2482

The hip place to shop for vintage clothing, accessories, albums and other wonderful one-of-a-kind things. Located in the basement of the Beachland Ballroom. 
​
15711 Waterloo Rd Cleveland Ohio 44111

Check out their facebook - This Way Out 

A giant record/vintage store where you can find thousands of amazing pieces of musical history. They literally have thousands of records ready for purchase. 

Shopping local is always important specially for the holidays , But as a burlesquer we have amazing independent handmade artist that can really add something unique for the holidays to any showgirls collection. We have a few suggestions for some of the best burlesque handmade this community can offer. Just in time for the holidays! 

Gothfox has anything from pasties to merkins for the last 10 years Gothfox has been making beautiful, quality, affordable designs for show girls in all budgets. She has been seen in events like Burlesque Hall of Fame and Burlycon, She has an Etsy and a Website for you to check out! Gothfox will be running sales from Cyber Monday till December 25th. 

http://www.gothfox.com/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/gothfoxdesigns

Pictured
COUTURE AMETHYST STARLIGHT PASTIES 

Booty and the Geek carries a large amount of hand made booty shorts and play suit's from nerdy to princess, Based out of Brooklyn they have been building  beautiful designs for customers from XS to 3X.  Affordable, Playful and comfortable Booty and The Geek seeks to create clothes that are fun to wear and encourage a positive body image and all Booty and the Geek Apparel is designed and made in the USA.

http://www.buttday.com/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BootyAndTheGeek​

Pictured 
Trekkie Boody Play Suit

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Lushes and Decadent are the creations of Catherine D'Lish a two time Miss Exotic World Winner and master costume designer has not only a fantastic line of clothing coming out but has beautiful gowns that come custom order for all sizes. 

A word from Catherine- 
Boudoir by D'Lish all started back in the Fall of 2012... I had been doing theatrical costuming since the dawn of time, but wanted to develop a retail line. The recycled mink bunny slippers I had been making as gifts for my friend Dita Von Teese seemed like the perfect place to start. When I mentioned this to her, she said, "Why don't you make robes too?" It seemed like a great suggestion, and so here we are.
At first, my loungewear line gravitated towards the extravagance of my stage costumes and the elaborate dressing gowns I had been selling. One day, while sewing a sample, I had an epiphany: While impressively glamorous, these weren't uber-comfortable! Within a few minutes, I had sketched out an entirely new line that was equal parts glamour and coziness. I am pleased to introduce "Boudoir by D'Lish," luxury loungewear that feels as good as it looks.

http://boudoirbydlish.com/

Pictured 
Kaylin Caftan

The one and only Foxy Tann along side with Professor Honey Bunny have develop what we believe is a the most durable pastie in the land. HardCore pasties are affordable, strong, available in 4 sizes and 30+ colors.


Developed for the performer on the go these pasties are able to be customized with rhinestones not to mention the fastest spinning with a smooth operation system that allows for a detachable tassel! 

​http://hardcorepasties.com/

Amber Ray Accouterments are a large beautiful collection of blossoms to adorn any one whom wears them for stage and daily life. The silk blossoms are rhinestone by hand. A true staple in all showgirls collection. 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/amberray

Pictured 
Velocity Chadd - Amber Ray Lily 

We have all been there with our make up bags, but now we can upgrade to Beauty Butler the brain child of Danielle Smith. This is not just a make up organization system but it's a money and time saver for the people on the go! To be completely blunt beauty butler is addicting and revolutionary. This is a durable, stable, clean way to keep your cosmetics intact and clean. The price is a beauty too available in 2 colors, multiple sizes and combinations along with travel gear.

http://getbeautybutler.com/

Pictured 
Beauty Butler Pink Diva- before and after.   

A huge tulle boa- A HUGE TULLE BOA! a fantastic way to make a statement and help a legend of burlesque. Big Fannie Annie has been constructing beautiful boas and dusters for years. The price is more then a steal and not to mention available in multiple colors, lengths and sizes. 

​http://www.starboa.com/

Pictured
Star Boa with Roxi D'Lite 

Hand-rhinestoned vintage and modern ties with a twist! Haute Under the Collar ties are the perfect way to add a little dazzle to your wardrobe. They offer neckties and bowties in a variety of styles and widths, from classic to downright funky. The shine of a Haute Under the Collar tie or bowtie is unique as is flat back swarovski crystals. Simply the best for the gent on the go! 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/HauteUnderTheCollar
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​Pictured 
The Pink & Gold Tie: Blush Pink Pre-tied Bow Tie with Gold Swarovski Rhinestones

Let have a moment of support by gifting a membership to a loved one this holiday season, The Burlesque Hall of Fame not only is a museum but is our yearly burlyunion where we choose the best of the best to compete for tittle of Miss and Mr Exotic World. This membership commitment does not only aid our art form to continue it's mission. 

​http://www.burlesquehall.com/

Legends Like Marinka The Amazon,  Di Alba and Ezi Rider 

Represent some of the stars of the Hispanic world from the yesterday, Inspiring a whole new generation of Hispanic women to take upon the art form with pride in the neo burlesque era. 

Name: Ophelia Cox
Location: Eureka,CA
Heritage: Mexican/American  aka Chicana

As a Chicana, I have always had a place in my heart for my heritage and cultural roots.  I began learning the traditional dances of Mexico at the age of 7 and soon it became a big part  of life.  Once I started exploring the beauty and artistic freedom that is burlesque, ideas of enveloping both dance forms came to mind.  One of my signature acts called Aztec Reyna, is a neo-traditional burlesque act that consists of a fusion of Danza Azteca, Cumbia, and rock n roll. I decided to use traditional Azteca regalia to share the authenticity and beauty of that time in history. There are so many different and beautifully rich subcultures for each state in Mexico. My goal is to share all of it with the audience one act at a time.
​

Name- Lola Coquette
Location- Phoenix, Arizona
Your Heritage- Mexicana, Sonoran Yaqui, and Sur Americana Mix
I have an extensive background in various forms of Latin American dance, from Latin Ballroom to Mexican Folklore, Brazilian Samba, Cumbia, Merengue, Salsa, and Tex Mex. Thanks to my diverse ethnic background I grew up being fluent and educated in five languages- English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and French and being very educated on Latino History I have not only been a burlesque performer for five years but also an instructor, and when I teach a class, I bring in Latin culture not only through physical dance movement but the langue and history associated which each type unique dance. 

I feel when I first started burlesque, there were few references to Latino(a) performers unless you look at old grind house movies. Even burlesque history and pin-up culture were very whitewashed. As I started to delve into burlesque I fell in love with discovering our Latina Legends & pioneers and have even fortunate enough to have them share their stories with me and guide me. Growing up in Nogales, Arizona, I never quite felt like I fit in to either Mexican or "American" culture. I played in a Mariachi but also in punk band. I danced ballet Folklorico but also classic ballet, contemporary and jazz on the high school pomline. I was too "white-washed" for the traditional Mexican community but too "Mexican" for American culture. I spent so much time trying to assimilate to white culture and deny my roots. Burlesque has brought my back to having orgullo for my cultures and my ethnic backgrounds. I love that I can blend it in with classic bump and grind, neo or comedy to offer it to my audiences. I feel as every performance I am blessed with, I am given a chance not only to know another layer of my as a burlesque performer but as representative of my culture. All this has given me a spotlight and a stage to educate and promote our culture and bring up questions of ethnic/culture/social issues. And nothing more could solidity this growth than by winning the Best Representation of Latin Culture at the 2014 Latin Burlesque Festival and being published in Latin Magazine September 2014 Issue.  

Name: Chola Magnolia
Location: Austin, Texas by way of San Antonio, Texas
Your heritage: Mexican American
The majority of my performances are derived from some part of my culture. The music I use is primarily Latino, whether it be Tejano/ Polka, Conjunto, Banda, Cumbias, corridas, or norteno. If the music is not Latino, then my dancing and my costuming reflect my culture. For example, my latest performance is to American music, but has been heavily influence by my childhood, dancing as a matachine to Our Lady of Guadalupe. I am extremely proud of my heritage and wish to share how beautiful it is with my audience as much as possible. 

Name: Lily LeCroix
​Location: Allen, Texas
Heritage: Puerto Rican

I bring Burlesque and my culture together by producing Latin burlesque festival and shows and I am also the director of a Latin fusion dance company in DFW metroplex, Texas. I enjoy sharing different Latin style dances with our audience.

Name:Bella Sin
Location: Cleveland
Heritage: Mexican 

The adelita is my favorite memory of Mexico i have, I admired those women along with the elegance of  El Baile Folklorico dancers with the energy they give on stage. I feel my goal is to represent the idols of my youth in with great energy and costumes. I often have to tell people am from Mexico born and raise at times is hard to not be considered Latin but i have found more and more as i grow older my color does not define my heritage. I love being Mexicana and i like to tell people how amazing our food and traditions are thru burlesque. Every year i know that i have really inspired other Hispanic performers to tell their stories. 

We all know the struggle when you are looking for costumes and as Halloween comes closer 
the stress get's higher. Not to worry your friends at Ohio Burlesque have you covered. 

Costuming Store Galore 
Let's talk LOCAL costuming stores.

Do you want to be a Pin Up Doll? Sexy Ghoul? or A Darker Mysterious Vixen? The Mission Boutique- 14625 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 
Pre-Packed Costumes buy to own no lay-aways
$10.00 - $230.00  in Size XS- 4X 
This store have been open over a decade and has everything from shoes, wigs, jewelry, hosiery and corsets!
***This store is locally owned
Year Around Monday Thru Saturday
12:00PM - 9:00PM and Sunday 12:00PM-5:00PM

Looking for something unique with a bit of history? Something for not just the spooky holiday but a every day lovely vintage find?

 The Cleveland Shop 
6511 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102
Half and Half  ranging from $20 to $200
3-day rental - XS to L 
Small but mighty Plus Sizes upto 4X
This year they will sell 80% of their rentals
***This store is open year around and is locally own for 36 years
Year Around hours 
Tuesday thru Saturday 12pm-7pm

If you are looking for something more traditional that will be a show stopper this store is huge and it has a wide selection of costumes for all ages.  
Mr. Fun Costumes and Magic Emporium- 4130 State Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
Large Rental range from $35.00 to $75.00
Pre-Packed range from $30.00 to $60.00
Sizes go from XS- 2X
***This store is locally own and has been open since 1968 but in this location for 10 years. 
Monday thru Saturday 10:00AM-9:00PM
Sunday from 12:00PM-5:00PM

Rentals with out regret, Don't want to fuzz ..? No Muss the friendly staff at Cleveland Costume
on 1271 Pearl Road Brunswick, Ohio 44212, Will help you find the costume that will work best for you this Halloween season. Mostly Rental ranging from $19 to $89 for 3 days - Sizes go up to 3X
Newly moved an open on the 1st of the month in Brunswick, 
was located in Strongville for 18 years. 
***This store is open year around and is locally own
Year Around Hours 12pm-7pm Tuesday- Friday
Halloween Hours
Tuesday - Saturday
12pm-9pm

Starship Earth is located on 16880 Lorain Ave. Cleveland, Ohio and it has a very large wig selection really literally any wig you can think of is there. They have a large selection of gloves, accessories, masks and make up ranging from Ben Nye to Melkon. Head there with time to look around they do have a heck of a lot to look at and try out. 

Chelsea's Costumes is located on 1412 W 116th Cleveland, Ohio and it is a giant store with mostly rental costumes. They do have weird hours so please call prior to making your trip they can really offer anything but you have to go with time to dig around to make sure you find what you need. 

Buying local and supporting local ! 

The Haunted School House in Laboratory located in 1300 Triplett Boulevard in Akron, Ohio has been a 42 years long family tradition. The haunt host around 100 actors in two buildings.The haunt is set with in two buildings that combine provide 7 floors of terror filled entertainment.  
​We were lucky to have a behind the scenes look October 4th a busy night for 15 year veteran ​Ryan Haidet our guide thru the haunt and it's behind the scenes, The lines have been steady thru out the night and we are swept away to the make up room downstairs where a mural of the last 42 year of scenes stands in it's colorful beauty in the back wall along with a detailed reaper on the side wall that was quite beautiful. and so we went up into the void with our trusted guide.  

The ambiance is there from point of entry and as the hearts race the first scare is delivered. The set design is highly detailed from make up to set design the artists at the haunt have absolutely designed with their all their customers in mind. It's creator Don John's started to built his nightmare house in 1974 and The Thomastown Elementary School served as 3 floors of the attractions and in 1981 he purchased The Guggenheim Airship Institute and created the laboratory.
For 40 years Don created a small family with in the two buildings he was the brain behind the art, scenes and a trendsetter with in the scare house business.  He would have very particular props like in the Laboratory morgue scene there is a retired embalming table that served for 25 years in a local funeral home and the family kept the unique prop addition after his passing in 2013 with his funeral flowers being added to the decor of the 7 floors and a loving memory to it's creator Don.   

Besides the haunted history of this location the last 42 years of this haunted house have been more then just scares, The family of 100 members works year around to make sure the first day of the scare season is not only full of fun and excitement but family. 

​

The Akron Haunted School House and Laboratory resent Cleveland Scene Magazine Visit Images.

For Tickets, Hours and Schesual - http://www.hauntedlab.net/

Thank you to Cindy, Ryan and Fred for their hospitality! 

​

On September 5, 2015, Le Femme Mystique Burlesque will get the season of spookiness kicked off with their Oddi-Tease show, which will feature Vita DeVoid, Gigi DeLuxe, Discord Addams, Bella Sin and Noella DeVille. The evening will be hosted by Abby Downton.

Vita DeVoid has been a fireball on stage in the Southern U.S. Burlesque Revival since early 2003, performing solo and with a variety of productions based in Florida, while also touring the United States. Bringing back the iconic glamour of the 20s Vaudeville age through the 40s burlesque striptease arts, Vita keeps her unique style true to form with her playful, animated stage persona, glamorous cabaret costuming, musical selections and sense of humor. In early 2005, she founded the VaudeVillains Burlesque Company, Florida’s first full-scale variety show based on early 20th Century vaudeville, striptease and comedic one-act plays. The group remains a staple in Florida’s burlesque scene today, performing at various conventions, nightclubs, dinner theaters, charity events and concerts. Vita’s strongest performances vary from traditional bump ‘n grind striptease acts, tribal-esque belly dance, club go-go dance, fire performance, comedic event emceeing, human blockhead, one-act comedy sketches and character/actress impersonations, including one of Lucille Ball that has become one of her most demanded characters. 

Gigi DeLuxe’s art is as eclectic as the heritage that flows through her veins and the home in which she produces. Living and breathing through all forms of creation, Gigi is not content to limiting her expression to one medium. Whether it is art, sideshow or even her own body, Gigi’s range is one that is vast and not easily defined. Her inspiration comes for the predominantly working class neighborhood of her youth where she spent her time among the decrepit abattoirs and train tracks of Chicago’s South Side, her relationship with her uncle who served as an incredible influence during her teenage years and later on, as a noted member of the infamous Club Kid party scene in New York’s nightlife. With an aesthetic that blends a respect to the traditions and techniques of the old masters, the Secessionist spirit to explore and express without the restraints of conventional academic regiment, the abandon of the low-brow movement and just a hint of young British artists’ cheekiness, Gigi’s vision is one of ever-expanding desire to grow through conception. She fell in love with costuming at a young age and dedicates herself to preserving circus and sideshow tradition while adding the glamorous touch of burlesque in her performances. 

Discord Addams wants to look like she just stumbled out of a trailer after having a gang bang with Motley Crue. At her heart, Discord is a rock star, with a touch of every style of drag coming together to make up this queen’s performances. Discord got her name from the Goddess of Chaos, with her surname coming from the Addams Family. As she puts it, “I like to think I would fit right in at a family dinner.” Discord Addams will captivate you as she takes the stage. Come see her before she’s whisked off by RuPaul for Drag Race. We all know it’s an inevitability with this one.

This evening would not be possible without Cleveland’s Burlesque Queen Bella Sin, who will capture the crowd’s attention from the moment she takes the stage with her vibrant red hair and bright personality. Winner of 3 gold medals at Ohio Burlypicks !
Newcomer Noella DeVille will delight the crowd as she takes the stage with a vibrant shock of teal hair and mesmerizing moves.

Tickets to this primarily seated event are available for $15-25, including VIP and Reserved seating options. Doors will open at7:30pm and the show will begin at 8:30pm.

A modern form of discrimination to our community is gaining light through national media. Dancer Lottie Ellington was slut-shamed, humiliated, and left without her career over her love of burlesque performance.  How normal is this?  Very normal actually. 
She is not the first one, she will not be the last one,
 but what can we do to protect ourselves and help others?
 Let's learn the story of Lottie Ellington from Virginia. 

Lottie performed to a sold-out room of peers and fans, receiving a standing ovation for the number she was persecuted for earlier in the month.  We sat down with Lottie, who opened up about the ordeal and her future life as a performer. 

Where are you from?
 Originally from Detroit, Michigan, but currently I live in Richmond Virginia.

How is the mentality of the community as far as education in Richmond? 
Where I taught there wasn't a whole lot of community support.  At a school of over 1,500 I was lucky if I got 20 parents to parent-teacher conference night. There are no theaters or artistic venues in the city; the biggest theatrical event they have is the yearly high school play.

Was this job your main source of income? 
Teaching was my only source of income.

What were your feelings when you were outed?
 I felt betrayed and hurt.

Do you still live in the community? 
No, I moved after shortly after a drive by shooting.

Do you think this will limit your job opportunities? 
I can't get a job right now because of all of the media attention.  My face is everywhere, so it looks like I'm going to have to make Lottie Ellington a full time interest. 

As a teacher, what came to your mind about your students seeing the video?
 At first, I didn't care because I had already resigned so I considered it to be a non issue. However after it went viral and the parents called the local TV station, I was hurt and violated because it all amounted to cyber bullying on a large scale.  People (students & parents) were going to my Lottie Ellington Facebook page, downloading my pictures and passing them around.  Then adding insult to injury they started sending friend requests to my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  I had to change all of the privacy setting on my accounts to slow the spread and distribution of my image. 

What got you started in burlesque? 
I got started the best way possible... I went to a show!   

How did you find burlesque was right for you?
 I have danced my entire life, so as I watched my first burlesque show I said to myself... I can do that!

When did you and why did you start traveling? 
I did my first out of town show in Detroit, Michigan.  Richmond has a budding burlesque community, but because of the strict liquor laws, we are only allowed to perform in theaters.  So I started looking for work out of state to broaden my performance base and to lower the risk of being accidentally outed by an audience member. 

Did you ask for the video of you to be taken down? 
Yes, when the Michigan Burlesque Festival realized that my video had gone viral, they asked if I wanted them to take it down or just remove the negative comments and I requested that they take it down. 

Do you think this was discrimination against a misunderstood art form? 
This was "slut shaming" at its highest form.  Burlesque is female dominated and female empowering, and it strikes fear in the hearts of some people in Hopewell to think a woman could be smart, educated, and sexy in the absence of a man.  Again, this is a city with no cultural center.  A city that just this year considered eliminating the Fine Arts programs in the school district to save money. Many of the residents have no concept in a "metropolitan sense" of art or theater and even fewer residents know what burlesque is.  Without that context and prior knowledge it is difficult to fully process what you are seeing or reading.  There have been several parents, fellow teachers, and former students of mine that have reached out to show their support.  I just regret that the school administration felt it was necessary or appropriate to promote such a public scandal.  Hopewell is a small city (11 square miles) and after 8 years of teaching and living there, I know how things work.  I know why some stories hit the news and other stories never see the light of day.  It all depends on who you are, who you know, and who will benefit.  When all of the dust settles I will continue to hold my head up high, pursue my art, and fight for artistic freedom for all creatives. 

Where to now? 
Now I am focusing on building my brand, opening my etsy store, booking shows, preparing to produce shows, and being and advocate for my fellow performers.