New Burlesque troupe, what to look for?

[La La Le Rouge]

I am beginning a burlesque troupe in my town, Mid August. While I have experience in performing, costuming etc. Not everyone who is trying out does. What are some things I should look for right away, and what are some things I can be more open to them learning as they go? I want our group to be taken seriously and I have given them MANY resources to research, but I also dont want to be to hard on them, only a few have EVER performed.

[Leco]

a sense of commitment and a sense of how serious they are about joining the troupe and putting their all into it

I know those aren't the most tangible things to recognize but they are important for those who may not have the experience and know-how but have the drive and willingness to commit (as opposed to someone who says, "omg this would be sooo much fun", and then disappears after two rehearsals). I know this because i was in the very position of the people you are talking about last september when i joined a burlesque troupe- no performance experience, just a strong personal love of burlesque and all things related. It was lucky circumstances that got me in the door but my giving 200% commitment to the troupe that I proved myself with to them. My troupe-mates have told me as much.

  things that can be taught to varying degrees in burlesque (or well, thing's i knew little to nothing about but have been learning more and more about):

-ways to flirt with the audience through facial expressions and body language

-a little bit of choreography

-hair, make-up, and costuming tips

-how to concoct a good burlesque act...picking a song, connecting with the audience, putting the "tease" back in striptease.

Hope that helps a little.

[Trashique D'Lamour]

It's really hard starting from scratch with a brand new troupe. We've been working with a similar group as of late as well. Confidence and commitment are big things, like Leco pointed out, but giving them more than resources is going to be key. Stage presence and dance "tweaking" sessions are going to be really important in your early stages...which means LOTS OF PRACTICES!! Yay!! And finding girls who fit in with your general personality traits really helps as well...because let's face it, it's impossible to keep it together without that.

I have more, but I'm sitting at work...I'll post more later! Hope this helps!