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Thursday's Connector: Dita Von Teese
Dita von Teese is one of the most versatile entertainers on the planet - she is first and foremost a burlesque artist but also an actress, designer and model.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/07/21/dita.art.gettyimages.jpg
caption="Dita Von Teese is your Connector of the Day."]
Inspired by Betty Grable, Von Teese is well-known for her glamorous appearance and performances which involve the entertainer in a giant martini glass.
Von Teese got her start by performing at strip clubs and posing for photos as a fetish model. Her unique look set her apart from other women.
She appeared in a number magazines and was featured in "Playboy" in 1999, 2001 and 2002.
However, Von Teese is best known for her burlesque routines and the 37-year-old is known as the "queen of burlesque."
Recently, Von Teese lent her support to the MAC Aids Fund to help raise money and awareness of the disease.
Von Teese has also just been in Vienna to perform at an annual aids charity concert during the World Aids Conference.
Here's your chance to speak to superstar entertainer, Dita Von Teese.
Do you want to know about her involvement in the fight against aids? Do you want to know if she is up to any interesting projects?
Please leave your questions below and be sure to tell us where you're writing from.
On Twitter
Hello Dita Von Teese (Heather Renée Sweet) and CNN friends,
I would like an answer from Dita Von Teese on the following questions:
– What is your opinion on Sexual or Pornography Addiction under Teenage Entertainers, Teenage Dads and Teenage Moms?
– What is your opinion on the way Barack Hussein Obama, the President of the United States of America, is handling HIV/AIDS Awareness in the Dark side of the Sexual or Pornography Entertainment Business Industries?
– What is your opinion on the way Barack Hussein Obama, the President of the United States of America, is handling the Heroin, Cocaine and Marihuana use in the Dark side of the Sexual or Pornography Entertainment Business Industries?
I am awaiting Dita Von Teese’s replies.
Greetings,
Jurgen R. Brul
Hometown: Paramaribo
Country: Suriname
Hello,
I'd like to know - What do you say to people who can't/won't take you seriously because of your profession? Do you try to convince them that what you do for a living doesn't matter as much or do you chalk it up to 'ignorance' and leave it at that??
Thanks,
Keira
NY
With the development of pornography industry at the moment, such as porn in 3D, do you think it will go down one day???
Le Quy
London
How do you handle dark circles under the eyes? I suffer from these due to being anemic and fair skinned. I know the obvious is sleep and water but is there a concealer that you find works best?
Thanks,
Jules
Why is HIV/AIDS a cause you have chosen to support? What has your involvement been in spreading awareness around the world about prevention?
What's your best memory working with the MAC Aids fund?
Thank you very much Dita for bringing true class back to the art of striptease! Will you continue for many years with your burlesque performances and thereby show the world that it's not just a young woman's game? Or do you have another plan for your future, and if so what?
Peter
Stockholm, Sweden
Wow Its about time, you never hear anything about Dita in the news lately. I think your a class act.
John
U.S.A.
I really am sorry I missed your visit to the Pacific northwest a few years back because I would love to see your show live. Anything that makes us happy should be an Art and the celebration of female beauty and wiles makes ME very happy.
My question is this "Have you ever filmed a class in the psychology and moves of the stripe tease?"
Leo of Cottage Grove OR
My question for Ms. Von Teese is your were married to Manson. What was he like as real person, rather then act he show on stage ? Is there real diffrent between Manson and Warner ?
I'd like to ask. which is your strongest inner inspiration?
Mexico City
Hi Dita, will you ever be making another Los Angeles performance that is open to the public besides special promotional appearances and exclusive/private events? I still remember seeing you at Kit Kat Follies and Tease O' rama. It would be great to put another event together in tribute to all the original burlesque and newcomers in the art form.
Thanks so much!
Gabbie
Los Angeles
Hey, Me Jurgen R. Brul
If you would understand anything about the burlesque culture then you would know that your questions are inappropriate.
I can tell the way you write “Barack Hussein Obama” and not “President Obama” Exactly where you are coming from.
Your double standards suck !
Keep up the beautiful entertainment Dita _ Johnie.
Dita, while I believe you are true art, I have heard you be criticized for objectifying the female body (and so on). What is your view on the importance, role and relevance of femininity and masculinity in the contemporary world? Should they matter, where, and in what manner?
Dita, while I believe you are true art, I have heard you be criticized for objectifying the female body (and so on). What is your view on the importance, role and relevance of femininity and masculinity in the contemporary world? Should they matter, where, and in what manner?
from Helsinki, Finland
Sorry, but she doesn't look even remotely "unique".
I saw you perform once in San Francisco. In the UK if you don't drink quick the drink evaporates due to the small drinks they pour, which is why the British have a bad reputation for drinking fast and a lot. I'm curious, do you know any bars that serve drinks in that glass of yours.
Dear Dita,
You will always have a place in our hearts.
Your beauty and talent will last forever.
Yossef
Brazil
Hi, Dita! I'm a huge fan and have two questions: 1) What can we expect from your next book and when will it be in stores? 2) What brand, or if not that, what level and type of sunscreen do you use and or recommend?
I just want to first say that your absolutely beautiful and I admire you so much as a truly sexy and beautiful woman.
Would you consider doing shows in New Zealand and other far countries?
Hi Dita! Do u know some russian words? And when u visit Russia?
Russia love u, Dita;)
Did you liked to visit brazil ? You want to come back just to vacation in Rio de Janeiro?
How did you combine forces with M.A.C. Cosmetics in the first place?
Did your pr team send a proposal of some sort, or did they approach you to be a spokesperson?
Hi Dita, I've been a long time admirer of yours! You have an amazing sense of style and your make up is always so flawless. I know how devoted you are to MAC cosmetics but would you ever consider launching your own make-up line?
Joanne
Toronto, Canada
What could the world have less and more of?
Hi Dita, I've been a fan of yours for years and I'm glad to see your success has expanded beyond the original niche you began in. You bring class and realism to a culture dominated by fame and facade. My question is, what future projects are you considering?
Good mornig Miss Dita Von Teese me... I had seen the crazy horse show in vegas, and was wondering, would it be conflicting to do cameo in other burlesque shows? Say, like, peepshow. I missed your performance when you were in town. But saw crazyhorse a week before your appearance. -merlin.
Auckland, New Zealand
What power does beauty have over such fatal diseases?
Theres a growing group of very vocal Anti-porn feminists that are making themselves heard more and more online. I know Violet Blue has become a very outspoken voice in favor of Our Porn, Ourselves. Have you had any interaction with these anti-porn women, and how do you deal with it?
I was wondering about the rumours that Dita is planning to release a 'how to' book about her make up and hair. Is there any truth to the rumour and if so when will the book be released?
I was also wondering Dita's opinion of the fashion industry's 'perfect image' for young women today. How would she like to see it change from the stick thin models we have who are dying from being so dangerously underweight? Also how does she feel about designers like Alexander Perry who claim they have no control over the 'look' of models when they are the ones designing the clothing?
Dita
You're an example of sexuality
His performances and photos are perfect
I love your work
Big kisses
(Brazilian fan)
Do you like when your fans (girls. women) dress up like you? Not trying to "be" you, but just appreciate your style and try to look like you or take a lot from youre image.
Hi Dita! Dyou have any contemporary figures that inspire you and look up to?
WHO numbers show aids drug user figures shot from1.2 mil to 5.6 mil. What does this mean-are we getting worse?
Hello Dita!
How are you? i just wanted to ask what was going to be your job if you weren't famous?
What is the more embarrassing thing that's happened to you on stage?
Hello Dita –
What inspires your fashion choices and performances? Anyone or anything in particular?
What does it feel like to be an icon? Does it put more pressure on you to live up to your image and was it easier to be "you" in the early days when you were less famous?
Hungary
Hello Dita! I think Marlene Dietrich said that women need to be logical, if they want to succeed. What do you think about it? Because obviously, you should be extremely logical?
Hey Dita,
As you love France? Whats your thoughts on the Tour De France? Should the riders, winners, do a riding burlesque for charity? lol.
Last year you made a presentation restricted here in Brazil, when you will come back so I can watch your live performance?
sao paulo, brazil
Hello Dita,
If associated press were to do a photo collection or visuals-book of all the aids charities you've participated or engaged in, in what way do you see yourself contributing to it (Penning your own experiences or Taking Photographs)?
What was your most memorable/vivid experience in attending and participating in these charities?
Thank You,
Colin
Singapore
Your style is unique in your own way ; inspired by the icons of the 1950-ies. How do you manage to dress and stay the part to perfection each and every day ?
(I can only imagine you also must have an 'off day' once and a while and stay in with your feet up and watch old movies)
ツ
Dominica – Antwerpen, Belgium but currently on holiday in Borgo San Felice in Tuscany ...
Dita-
You deserve to have the whole world know who you are. You chose such an amazing way to spend your life. You are the most inspiring woman I have ever known. <3 Nikita
Hi Dita!
Knowing MAC's VIVA glam campaign and how it has showed their social conscience, how do you feel about MAC's upcoming Rodarte collection, which has been criticized for degrading the Women of Juarez ? Shouldn't all the proceeds from this collection go to help the women of Juarez as they do with VIVA glam?
I really want to know what you think since I have been thinking about boycotting their products. Thank you, love you Dita!
Dear Ms. Von Teese,
I am a great admirer of your style as well as your work ethic and business sense.
I know you like to cook, would you consider writing a cookbook?
What moisturizers do you use?
I know you have many female fans, approximately how many in your audience are women?
From what I read, it seems you are happy in your personal life. I hope that's true.
Dear dita,
im a 18 yrs old girl from China and i wanna take burlesque as my profession, i wanna know your opinion itowards neo burlesque right now and, i also like your answer for how to explain this to my family,(it is such a taboo here...) thanks a lot. Malena Nin
Hello Dita,
I just saw your wonderful performance in New Orleans on Monday night ... I was at the Stage Door and you signed my stationary. Thank you for being so kind ... I noticed your skin looks like alabaster, completely pore-less. What products do you use? and When is your beauty book coming out?
Thank you for all that you do, your grace has helped me get through my painful divorce. Genuinely, your tweets remind me to always be true to myself and live with graceful dignity.
Forever Grateful,
Jessica
Greetings from not- so- sunny Miami,
I would like to know if you ever considered another profession and if so, what was it?
Also,
Did you take on the MAC-AIDS project because you knew someone in your life that was affected by it?
Thank you! Please come back to Miami so I can get another autograph & photo! 🙂 xoxo
d ear dita, i wanna know when will your beauty book come out and, what's your opinion of girls learning burlesque right now?
I saw your performance in beijing for GQ party, it was amazing! Will you consider coming back to beijing again? we love you!
beijing,china
Hi Dita,
It's undeniable that you live and breathe old Hollywood. By any chance, will you one day step foot into the movie industry? Will you tackle roles that will force you to not be Ms. Dita Von Teese? Thanks!
Kathleen
Ontario, Canada
Do you think that todays fashion designer and hollywood have created a vision that is bad for todays young women? In that I mean, created in the minds of teens and women that they aren't skinny enough or pretty enough and caused alot to have eating disorders? Do you think that if more famous women like yourself stood up and started telling society that it's okay to be who you really are that their would be less mental problems in young women and teens today?
Hello from Florida!
I saw your show in New Orleans and was amazed by the theatricality of your performance, which as an actor I appreciate. That being said, do you frequent the theatre in your down time? Burlesque is inherently connected to the theatre, and it seems that your shows really bring out that connection. I thoroughly appreciate your art.
XO
Dita-
I am very fair skinned as you, what kind of concealer do you use and rest of makeup? I have such a hard time finging stuff that matches and when I do its usually the really expensive makeup. Please reply for all the fair girls out there,
Loren Stacy,
Chester, NJ
I admire. Yes, I admire.
What do you feel you have yet to accomplish in your professional and/or personal life?
Thank you for inspiring me add glamor to my day!!!
Hello Dita!
What do you feel is manly och un-manly?
bye
Johan
Hello Dita!
What do you feel is manly with guys and un-manly about them?
bye
from sweden
Hi Dita,
I'd like to know how you do to remain so gorgeously pale, even when it's sunny, how do you handle the sun in your everyday life?
Thank you for answering, a fan from France.
Dita, I love your shoes, but can you share the secret to stand and walk in those high heels without hurting your feet?
XOXO
Sylvia from Barcelona, Spain.
Hi Dita,
I flew from Atlanta to New Orleans to see you perform. I have to say I felt honored to be part of the audience! It felt like a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see you perform live. I have a few questions for you:
-I notice that you do not have very many live performances scheduled worldwide. Why is that?
-Do you have any desire to do a regular Las Vegas show (such as Cirque du Soleil or Celine Dion)?
-When do you expect to retire from doing live shows? I need to know because if it is soon I want to make my reservations now to see your next one!
Thank you so much... you are Fabulous, Dita!!
Christina from Atlanta
Hi Dita and CNN!
I'm from Chicago and I was wondering what your future plans are for your life, after (or if!) you do move on from Burlesque?
How do you keep your skin "fair" without looking sick or washed out?
Dita, I want to know if you wear fake fur or not. You are amazing.
Brazil
The lovely Miss Dita Von Teese, one of my biggest inspirations, I love you! ..So because I am a high school student, I want to know if AIDS was something you had an opinion about or care for when YOU were a teenager. Did it affect you in any way?
Hello Dita, as your biggest fan I was wondering what's something that people would be surprised to know about you? Thanks doll!
Shannon
PA, USA
Hi! it'll be great see your show in Mexico, you can inspire many womans with your work and i like know that you're helping in many causes.
Your look its amazing!
Hello Dita,
You take a lot of inspiration from old Hollywood. Where else do you look to for ideas?
Do you have other profession other than acting and would CNN consider you as an ambassador for News reporting helping the under privilege people or communities
You can reach me on http://www.gafatenterprises.myqnsite.com
Dear Dita,
What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of "creating fantasy"? Would you care to add them to the Objectification Wiki? (http://objectification.wikispaces.com/)
Bless you,
Richard