Kimberlee Carlson
Arnold, Kimberlee, Phillip, Jennifer, Becky
January 18, 2014
Kimberlee Carlson writes from Montana, where she has been living since 2007, that she is still dancing; she teaches social partner dances like country 2-step and country swing (Montana cowboy dancing), and does dance demos with a local salsa group. She sings jazz vocals with “Western Union Swing Band,” a new country western band, and she performs vintage country, jazz and blues with “Louie Bond and the Texas Playgirl”. Yes, Kimberlee was born in Odessa, Texas. She’s talked about in the media as an upcoming jazz artist in the Missoula area, and she opened the Jazzoula Festival in 2012 and 2013.
Party for Jennifer
January 27, 2014
If you always wanted to drive across the border to visit Jennifer in Mexico, this is when you should do it. There will be a publication party for her memoir The Philosopher’s Daughter at a local restaurant.
Wednesday February 19, 2014 at 12 noon
The Mongolian Grill (661) 100 6244
Carrettera Libre Tijuana-Ensenada Km. 30
Playa Encantada, Rosarito, Baja California
themongoliangrill@yahoo.com
We received an invitation saying:
You may know her as the Latin Dance Instructor here in Rosarito, but she’s also a gifted storyteller. Her captivating story tells of her personal journey from Princeton, New Jersey to Baja California. There is humor and tragedy and failure and accomplishment and LOVE.
Come and celebrate with her at 12 noon!
She will be doing a 15 minute reading and autographing her books which can be purchased at a discount, and we will be providing a special $10 lunch.
Jennifer today
March 1, 2014
We received a few messages from Jennifer today, after we had inquired about her publication party of February 19. It was a blast and turned out really well, with about 30 people in attendance, and she sold all of the 20 copies of her book that she had brought. She wrote:
I read various selections from The Philosopher’s Daughter, a memoir from early days until recent times. I love the limelight and put energy and dynamism into my reading. There were misty-eyed tables as well as laughter and jokes. The food was wonderful. Lee Romero, our hostess served Thai salad, Thai pasta then pieces of Thai pizza were passed topped with chicken or tofu.
The biggest surprise of all was having a letter sent from my roommate in boarding school, Bette Levine Pelletz. She sent wine for all, remembering when she thought I’d never be able to write a sentence. We were both fooled and everyone toasted my success, while I bowed my head in gratitude and good memories.
Sadly no Knockers made it, but they all sent best wishes and toasted me from somewhere out there in Cyber Space.
See how wonderful Jennifer looks these days with her curly white hair.
Photo by Leslie Anne Smith.
Marilyn Corwin
Jennifer, Marilyn, Becky 1978
May 16, 2014
MARILYN CORWIN sent us an update about herself and other Knockers:
“The L A Knockers have always been known for their futuristic visions. We’ve managed to incorporate creative ideas into our current activities.
KIM BLANK – her amazing diverse world beat workouts, salsa jam classes include many of her dance and funk styles. KIMBERLEE CARLSON – still singing, recording, southern swing dancing in Montana. YANA NIRVANA – has remained a faithful classical lyrical dancer in Stephans classes for 30 years, and it shows on her fabulous fat-free fit long-legged body.
Three years ago I choreographed the benefit scene for the movie The Help. As it was an early 1960’s period piece, teaching the cast the twist, mashed potatoes, locomotion, watusi, etc. was fun fun fun.
See Marilyn singing and dancing up a storm, with Jennifer Stace and Becky Jordan, During a live performance of the LA Knockers at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles on March 26, 1978.
Jennifer, Marilyn 1978
B&W portraits
July 27, 2014
For the past few months I have been scanning my old B&W negatives from the 1970s. These portraits of Jennifer Stace, Marilyn Corwin and Yana Nirvana were taken on March 18, 1977.
You had already seen some on this post, LA Knockers headshots.
Yana
Here’s a few more. Please enjoy. Elisa.
Jennifer
Marilyn
2 guys and 3 girls
Arnold, Kimberlee, Phillip, Jennifer, Becky
August 2, 2014
When in the fall of 1977 two musicians on guitars were added to the group, Phillip Truescoff and Arnold Schoonover, see this post, Jennifer asked me to take publicity stills in B&W and color to advertise their shows. So we had a photos session in my new studio in December 1977. A photo with the guitars was chosen for printing, see this post, but I also like this alternate set-up: Arnold and Phillip standing with Jennifer Stace, Kimberlee Carlson, Becky Jordan.
LA Knockers B&W
Jennifer, Kimberlee, Marilyn, Patti, Becky
August 25, 2014
Here’s another pose from the B&W negatives I shot at that photo session in my studio, February 1979. See L.A. Knockers 1979
Jennifer Stace, Marilyn Corwin, Kimberlee Carlson are in touch by email with everyone. We’d like to hear from Becky Jordan Stephens more often. And how is dear Patti/Trish Nelson doing?
LA Knockers on Melrose 1979
Marilyn, Patti, Jennifer, Kimberly, Becky
September 18, 2014
In June 1979 we decided to have a location photo session outdoors, after many in the studio. I picked Melrose Ave, the place where I had first met the LA Knockers in 1976, because I liked the blue background with glass reflections of the Pacific Design Center (nicknamed the Blue Whale) and the bright red color of a wall nearby. These photos are in B&W, for color versions click on L.A.Knockers outdoors. Jennifer Stace, Marilyn Corwin, Kimberlee Carlson, Becky Jordan, Patti Nelson.
Happy birthday to Jennifer!
Jennifer, Marilyn, Kimberlee, Becky, Patti
LA Knockers, 3 more 1979
Jolli, Debbie, Leticia, Kimberly, Becky, Jennifer, Kim, Patti
October 5, 2014
In 1979, in addition to regulars: Kimberlee Carlson, Becky Jordan, Jennifer Stace, Kim Blank, Patti Nelson, 3 new dancers were added: Jolli Neal, Debbie Petersen, Leticia Ibarra.
See their photo: L.A. Knockers new dancers
So on October 1, 1979 we did a photo session in my studio of the larger group, in B&W for publicity purposes, see on this post top right the frame we used. Above and below 2 more set-ups from that session.
Jolli, Kimberly, Patti, Debbie, Becky, Jennifer, Kim, Leticia
LA Knockers 1979-Playboy Club
October 15, 2014
On November 13, 1979 we did a photo session in my studio in preparation for the LA Knockers show at the Playboy Club, that included all new numbers and costumes.
Kimberlee Carlson, Jennifer Stace and Becky Jordan in “Choices”. Click here for color photos
Becky
Becky as Dorothy with her dog Toto in a dance spoofing the classic 1939 movie “The Wizard of Oz”
Kimberlee, Jennifer, Becky
LA Knockers 1979-Dracula
October 16, 2014
One of the routines that spoofed Hollywood movies has Kimberlee Carlson as Dracula bite the neck of Kimberley Blank as the victim. Click here for color photo
Kimberlee
Kimberlee, Kim
LA Knockers spoof movies
Kimberlee, Jennifer, ?, Patti, Becky, Boyd
Jolli
October 30, 2014
Director Boyd Clopton with dancers: Kimberlee Carlson as Dracula, Jennifer Stace as John Travolta, Jolli Neal as King Kong, Patti Nelson as Superman, Becky Jordan as Superman.
And here’s what the lovely Jolli Neal looked like under the gorilla suit.
Where are you Jolli? Please get in touch
Click here for color photos and more info
LA Knockers-Wizard of Oz
Kimberlee, Becky, Jennifer, Patti
October 31, 2014
Kimberlee Carlson as Tin Man, Becky Jordan as Dorothy, Jennifer Stace as Scarecrow, Patti Nelson as Cowardly Lion, in movie spoof of “The Wizard of Oz”
Click here for color photo
LA Knockers all in white leotards: Jolli Neal, Patti Nelson, Becky Jordan, Kim Blank, Kimberlee Carlson, Leticia Ibarra, Jennifer Stace, Debbie Petersen.
Click here for color photos
Jolli, Patty, Becky, Kim, Kimberlee, Leticia, Jennifer, Debbie
One more photo
Kimberlee, Kim
November 3, 2014
I had finished editing my old 35mm negatives, shot with my Nikon camera, then I discovered one more roll of 120 film that I had taken with my vintage Hasselblad camera, at that same LA Knockers photos session in my studio in November 1979.
Kimberlee Carlson as Dracula and Kim Blank as the lady victim.
see here more B&W photos of this dance number
Jennifer’s website
Jennifer
December 1, 2014
Jennifer Stace has launched her own website http://www.jenniferstace.com
Go take a look!
“She created, choreographed and directed the ground breaking L. A. Knockers, an avant-guard musical comedy dance troop. They had a twelve-year run, performing throughout Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Canada and Japan appearing in film and television.”
Way to go, Jen!
LA Knockers studio 1976
LA Knockers 1976. Jennifer Stace, Marilyn Corwin, Yana Nirvana
June 12, 2015
Welcome back, we have some new photos for YOU!
I am scanning a best selection of my color slides for archival purposes, at higher resolution. So I am revisiting my extensive photographic coverage of the LA Knockers, and choosing those images that I feel are worth preserving for posterity in digital format. The original transparencies will also be saved.
Here’s 2 additional poses from that first studio session of 1976.
Watch Jennifer Stace, Marilyn Corwin, and Yana Nirvana kick up their heels and shoot from the hip!
LA Knockers 1976. Jennifer Stace, Marilyn Corwin, Yana Nirvana
LA Knockers on brick wall
LA Knockers 1976. Yana Nirvana, Jennifer Stace, Marilyn Corwin
June 13, 2015
For that first photo session, each costume change was accompanied by a different backdrop, the mottled dark gray cloth with the black and read ballerinas, the red cloth for the close-ups, the white floor with the white leotards. By then we had exhausted the possibilities inside the studio, so we looked outside and found this great brick wall nearby. The athletic Knockers had no trouble climbing on the windowsills and hanging from the stairs. Go Yana!
LA Knockers on red 1979
Becky, Kimberlee, Jennifer, Marilyn, Patti
June 14, 2015
Here’s 2 more frames from that June 1979 photo session outdoors. I always looked for interesting backgrounds while driving around town. This red wall with a black doorway on Melrose seemed perfect. And look at those cute poses the Knockers could strike!
Hello Becky Jordan (Stephens), Kimberlee Carlson, Jennifer Stace, Marilyn Corwin, Patti (Trish) Nelson.
LA Knocker, June 1979. Becky Jordan, Kimberlee Carlson, Jennifer Stace, Marilyn Corwin, Patti Nelson
Blue Pacific 1979
Marilyn, Patti, Jennifer, Kimberlee, Becky
June 15, 2015
At that same outdoor photo session of June 28, 1979, we chose as backdrop the glass wall of the Pacific Design Center, nicknamed the Blue Whale.
Marilyn Corwin, Patti Nelson, Jennifer Stace, Kimberlee Carlson, Becky Jordan.
See Marilyn yanking that chain, Jennifer kicking that heel…
For B&W photos see this post.
LA Knockers. Pacific Design Center. June 28, 1979. Marilyn, Jennifer, Kimberlee, Becky, Patti
Jennifer as a man 1979
Jennifer as john Travolta
Becky and Jennifer
June 18, 2015
In November 1979, we did a major LA Knockers photo session in my studio with the costumes for the Playboy Club show. Jennifer Stace dressed up as a man to play the male role for Kimberlee Carlson and Becky Jordan. She was a Spanish dancer choosing one girl and jilting the other in a dance routine called “Choice.” See it here. She was still wearing that outfit, when Becky had already changed from her flower dress to the red and white polka dot apron of Dorothy in the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz.” See her holding her (stuffed) dog Toto! Jennifer then changed to the signature white suit that John Travolta wore in the 1977 musical “Saturday Night Fever.” See Jennifer and Becky together in those outfits here.
for B&W images of these dance routines click here.
Kimberlee as Dracula 1979
Kimberly and Kimberlee
Kimberlee as Dracula.
June 19, 2015
Here’s another pose of Kimberlee Carlson as Dracula, biting the neck of Kim Blank.
See the color post about the movie spoofs at the Playboy Club show.
See the page dedicated to Kimberlee with her story.
See more photos of this dance routine in Black & White in this post and one more here.
Bite away!
Playboy Club 1979
Jennifer, Boyd
Kimberlee, Jennifer, Patti, Becky, Boyd
June 20, 2015
I selected 2 different frames portraying Boyd Clopton, who directed the Playboy Club show in 1979, and created the costumes, with Jennifer Stace in black leather, and as John Travolta in “Saturday Night Fever,” Kimberlee Carlson as Dracula, Jolli Neal in the gorilla suit, Patti Nelson as Superman, Becky Jordan as Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz”.
See the earlier photos and more info here.
See B&W photos here, and what Jolli Neal looked like under the gorilla suit.
Wizard of Oz 1979
Kimberlee, Becky, Jennifer, Patti
June 21, 2015
Another pose of the dance routine inspired by “The Wizard of Oz” for the Playboy Club show.
Kimberlee Carlson as the Tin Man, Becky Jordan as Dorothy, Jennifer Stace as Scarecrow, Patti Nelson as the Cowardly Lion.
See another color photo here, B&W here
3 new dancers 1979
Debbie, Jolli, Leticia
June 22, 2015
How lovely are these dancers dressed in pink for the routine
“Love Vibrations” at the Playboy Club show.
Their names are Debbie Petersen, Jolli Neal, Leticia Ibarra.
Where are they now?
See another photo on this post, on this promo card,
on a published article
Village People 1979
Debbie, Leticia, Jennifer, Kim, Jolli, Patti, Becky, Kimberlee
June 23, 2015
Here’s the line-up of LA Knockers dressed up like the disco group Village People:
Debbie Petersen/Hard Hat, Leticia Ibarra/Electrician, Jennifer Stace/Military Police, Kim Blank/Boxer, Jolli Neal/Football Player, Patti Nelson/Military Cadet, Becky Jordan/Sailor, Kimberlee Carlson/Cowboy.
Kick those legs!
See another photo here
Kim Blank as Boxer
Patti Nelson as Military Cadet
White leotards 1979
Jolli, Patti, Becky, Kim, Kimberlee, Leticia, Jennifer, Debbie
June 24, 2015
This dance routine in white leotards, chains and leggings, created for the 1979 Playboy Club show, is called “Vision Aurora,” a song composed by Michael Cavenaugh, the son of Jennifer Stace.
(standing) Jolli Neal, Patti Nelson, Becky Jordan, Kim Blank, (kneeling) Kimberlee Carlson, Leticia Ibarra, Jennifer Stace, Debbie Petersen.
See another color photo on this post, and a B&W here.
Kimberlee, Jennifer, Becky, Patti
Becky, Kimberlee, Jennifer, Patti
Italian blog
Jennifer, Patti, Becky, Lisa, Eileen, Yana
July 20, 2015
An Italian blog just published the story of my career, with advice for young people on how to make it in another country. I made sure that the LA Knockers were mentioned, with a photo of those wonderful girls, and their names too! I picked the lineup of a November 1980 photo session in my studio. Jennifer Stace as Boxer, Patti Nelson as Military Cadet, Becky Jordan as Cowboy, Lisa Durazo as Sailor, Eileen Molloy as Military Police, Yana Nirvana as Baseball player.
See the earlier post on this blog, and the 2013 post.
See the third chapter of my career, if you read Italian.
For those who don’t, I created a website, Elisa Leonelli-My Career, with English translation.
Black on Red 1980
Patti, Eileen, Yana, Lisa, Becky, Jennifer, Joan
July 21, 2015
As I continue to scan more photos of the LA Knockers for my archives, I chose another pose of this line-up for the song “It ain’t the Meat, it’s the Motion” with Jennifer Stace kneeling next to Joan Wolfsohn, standing Patti Nelson, Eileen Molloy, Yana Nirvana, Lisa Durazo, Becky Jordan. Also from November 1980.
See the earlier post.
At that November 1980 photo session, I also took one roll of 120mm film with my Hasselblad. See below.
Patti, Eileen, Yana, Lisa, Becky, Jennifer, Joan
White and Pink 1980
Becky, Patti, Jennifer, Yana, Eileen, Lisa
July 22, 2015
See those girls “Acting Out” in my studio dressed in white and pink, with gloves and feather boas. Becky Jordan, Patti Nelson, Jennifer Stace, Yana Nirvana, Eileen Molloy, Lisa Durazo.
See earlier post.
And the B&W version, a different pose: Eileen Molloy, Becky Jordan, Yana Nirvana, Jennifer Stace, (kneeling) Lisa Durazo, Becky Jordan.
Eileen, Patti, Yana, Jennifer, Lisa, Becky
Black on Pink
Marilyn, Kimberlee, Becky
July 23, 2015
For this photo session in my studio, August 1982, I put a red gel on the background strobe light to make the white backdrop go slightly pink, contrast the black of the romantic retro costumes, for the dance number “Rapture.” See earlier post
Photo above: Marilyn Corwin, Kimberlee Carlson, Becky Jordan.
Look at the lovely Suzi Lonergan and DeeDee Rescher! See post on DeeDee.
Suzi, Dee Dee
DeeDee
Square format
Lisa, Kimberlee, Dee Dee, Marilyn, Kim, Suzi, Becky.
July 24, 2015
At that same photo session of August 1982, besides using my Nikon 35mm cameras, I also shot a roll of Ektachrome 120mm film, larger square format, with my Hasselblad. So you can see the dancers’ full figures above: Lisa Le Cover (Kessler), Kimberlee Carlson, Dee Dee Rescher, Marilyn Corwin, Kim Blank, Suzi Lonergan, Becky Jordan. And below another pose with the same dancers and costumes, on 35mm, smaller size film, rectangular format. See earlier post. And how these photos were printed on postcards to advertise the LA Knockers performances in Tokyo, Japan.
Kimberlee, Dee Dee, Kim, Lisa, Marilyn, Suzi, Becky.
Let’s Twist Again
Lisa, Suzi, Becky, Kim.
July 25, 2015
Photo session in my studio, August 1982. 1960s mini-skirts for the Twist dance routine: Lisa Le Cover (Kessler), Suzi Lonergan, Becky Jordan, Kim Blank.
Above a 35mm photo, smaller rectangular format, with my Nikon FE2 camera.
Below a 120mm square format photo, shot with my Hasselblad camera. See earlier post
Lisa, Suzi, Becky, Kim
Hello Yana!
Yana
We could not resist posting one more photo of amazing Yana Nirvana.
Tall, gorgeous, fearless, aerobic dancer and bodybuilder, a LA Knockers cornerstone.
See earlier post.
What are you up to these days, Yana?
Best wishes, Elisa
24 Hours
Kimberlee, Jennifer, Liz, Deedee
Deedee, Jennifer, Liz, Kimberlee
More frames from the photo session outdoors, on March 30, 1984, for the book “24 Hours in the Life of Los Angeles,” in front of City Hall and at the Downtown LA Cafe. Jennifer Stace, Kimberlee Carlson, Liz Brody, Deedee Rescher. Read original post for details.
After 1984 I don’t have any more photos of the LA Knockers, not sure if the group disbanded or we lost track of each other, but we are connected again now, 30 years later, on the Internet and via email, on the phone and in person.
My love to all of you!
Elisa Leonelli, photographer
Jennifer’s birthday
Jennifer in 1977
Sunday September 20, 2015
Jennifer celebrated her 81st birthday with a brunch at La Fonda, a restaurant near her home in La Misión, Baja California.
She writes on her Facebook page: Thank you all for your wonderful warm birthday wishes… I love to let it hang on as long as possible…
love, jennifer.
Follow Jennifer Stace on Facebook, check out her website
