Posts Tagged ‘Becky Jordan’
L. A. Knockers add guitars
Jennifer, Becky, Kimberlee
July 4, 2010
After that first photo session, I became the LA Knockers “official” photographer. That is, when they needed photographs, I would take them in my studio. By then I had rented a storefront space at 6340 Yucca, close to my apartment on Beachwood Drive.
In March 1977, I took black and white head-shots of the 3 dancers: Jennifer, Marilyn and Yana. In November 1977, Jennifer needed a group shot with their guitar players, Arnold Schoonover and Phillip Truescroff, and the new dancers: Becky Jordan and Kimberlee Carlson. Here’s a color slide from that session, which was mostly in B&W.
L.A. Knockers 1979
Marilyn, Patti, Jennifer, Kimberlee, Becky
July 4, 2010
Another photo session, for the purpose of advertising the LA Knockers new line-up, took place in my studio in 1979, I shot mostly B& W and some 4×5 slides as well. I was learning to use different techniques and the big view camera was my next challenge; I used blue gels for the background light on white seamless, and red gels for the rim light. Here’s a 35 conversion of one of those 4x5s and a B&W print.
Kimberlee, Marilyn, Jennifer, Patti, Becky
L. A. Knockers outdoors
Becky, Kimberlee, Jennifer, Marilyn, Patti
July 4, 2010
For this session from June 1979 we decided to use outdoor locations, one was the shiny blue wall of the Pacific Design Center, another the red wall around a doorway, fit backdrops for the colorful leotards of the LA Knockers. The line-up: Becky Jordan, Kimberlee Carlson, Jennifer Stace, Marilyn Corwin, Patti Nelson.
We sent out to various magazines a selection of images from these early photo sessions, with a text where I wrote about the L.A. KNOCKERS
“They are hot, wild, glittery and moving in fast motion.
They dance at the beat of punk disco tunes and strike provocative poses. They are pretty but not girlish. They are strong, assertive, sexually aggressive women.
With their bodies they express the fire of unrestricted female sexuality, a world apart from the coy and slow seductiveness of traditional gogo dancers.
There is something compelling about their performance. It must come from the fierce determination of director choreographer Jennifer, the veteran that taught them how to dance and keeps them under her wing with the love of a big sister.
They perform at the Starwood, Troubador, Comedy Store, Matrix Theater, Playboy Club, in TV and movies.”
Marilyn, Patti, Jennifer. Kimberlee, Becky
L.A. Knockers dance
Kimberlee, Becky, jennifer
July 7, 2010
It’s frustrating to look at photos of dancers, without being able to see them move and sing.
For this experience we recommend watching the L. A. Knockers videos edited by Marilyn Corwin on You Tube.
As the next best thing, we show here a sequence, of this dance number called “Choice”, created for the show at the Playboy Club in late 1979.
First Jennifer, as the fiery Spanish man with a moustache, dances with hot Kimberlee, as a flamenco dancer in a red dress with a rose between her teeth.
Then Jennifer dances with another sexy girl in a read dress.
Finally, the first girl is upset that the man’s attention has shifted to the second girl. Jealousy!
Please leave your comments, we’ll post them here.
Kimberlee, Jennifer, Becky
Kimberlee, Jennifer
Becky, Jennifer
L. A. Knockers spoof movies
Jennifer and Becky
Kimberlee and Kim (Kimberley)
July 7, 2010
As a recurring theme of the Playboy Club show in late 1979, the L. A. Knockers spoof Hollywood movies.
Jennifer Stace as John Travolta from “Saturday Night Fever” dances with Becky Jordan, as a sexy Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz”.
Kimberlee Carlson as Dracula is about to dig her fangs into the neck of Kim Blank, as the lady in distress in a white nightgown.
And here’s another video, to see the exciting LA Knockers dance: Part 3
L. A. Knockers 8 dancers
Kimberlee, Becky, Jennifer, Patti
July 7, 2010
Another Hollywood movie spoof, the 1939 classic “Wizard of Oz”
Kimberlee Carlson as Tin Man, Becky Jordan as Dorothy, Jennifer Stace as Scarecrow, Patti Nelson as the cowardly Lion.
The L.A. Knockers have gone from 3 to 5 to 8 dancers. Here’s the new line-up in a publicity photo. Debbie Petersen, Leticia Ibarra, Jennifer Stace, Kimberlee Carlson, Jolli Neal, Kim Blank, (front) Becky Jordan, Patti Nelson.
Debbie, Leticia, Jennifer, Kimberlee, Jolli, Kim, Becky, Patti
L. A. Knockers in motion
Jennifer, Patti, Becky, Lisa, Eileen, Yana
July 9, 2010
In November 1980 we did another photo session in my Hollywood studio to create updated publicity shots for the new line-up. Some of the costumes are familiar, a few of the dancers have changed.
Kim Blank and Kimberlee Carlson are gone (don’t worry, they will be back, as will Marilyn Corwin), but Yana Nirvana is once again in the L.A. Knockers.
Two new dancers have been added. Spot them in the revised costumes for the “Women” song by the Village People:
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.
This is the description with the You Tube videos, and Part 2.
The L.A. Knockers – a dynamite female cabaret dance ensemble of the 70’s – 80’s toured the U.S., Japan, and Canada appearing on stage, in films, commercials and videos. Street dances- locking-waacking-disco-funk-ballroom-jazz choreographed and stylized by creator and director, Jennifer Stace and featured Yana Nirvana, Marilyn Corwin, Kimberlee Carlson, Kim Blank, Lissa Kastin, Denice Polk, Joan Wulfsohn, Becky Jordan, Susan Lonergan, Eileen Molloy, Lisa Lecover, Lisa Durazo. Editing by MARILYN CORWIN
L.A. Knockers and Joan
Patti, Eileen, Yana, Lisa. Becky, Jennifer, Joan
July 9, 2010
Here are the L. A. Knockers in their trademark black tights and fishnet tops for the notorious dance number “It ain’t the Meat, it’s the Motion”: Patti Nelson, Eileen Molloy, Yana Nirvana, Lisa Durazo, Becky Jordan.
Sitting in front choreographer Jennifer Stace and artistic advisor Joan Wolfsohn.
In her upcoming autobiography, “The Philosopher’s Daughter”, Jennifer talks about meeting Joan, then a ballet teacher at Dupree’s Dance Academy, in the early 70s; Joan introduced Jennifer to one of her students, the striking Yana Nirvana, and the L.A. Knockers were born. We can’t wait to read the whole exciting story when this book is published.
And here’s the line-up, look at those legs!
Patti, Eileen, Yana, Lisa, Becky
L.A. Knockers act out
Eileen, Yana, Jennifer, Lisa, Patti, Becky
July 9, 2010
In this set-up “Acting Out” in the back row: Eileen Molloy, Yana Nirvana, Jennifer Stace in white leotards and feathered boas for the dance number “Vision Aurora”, in the front row: Lisa Durazo, Patti Nelson, Becky Jordan in pink leotards for “Love Vibrations”.
One last set-up. Standing in the back: Eileen Molloy, Yana Nirvana, Becky Jordan, in black costumes for the dance number “Have a Cigar”. Kneeling in front with wigs: Lisa Durazo, Patti Nelson for the punk number “Rock Lobster”.
Eileen, Yana, Becky, Lisa, Patti
Patti, Lisa
L.A. Knockers love Jennifer
Lisa, Kimberlee, Dee Dee, Marilyn, Kim, Suzi, Becky
July 9, 2010
The 6 girls line up, like dancers do, in their multi-colored leotards and fishnet stockings: Lisa Lecover (Kessler), Kimberlee Carlson, Dee Dee Rescher, Marilyn Corwin, Kim Blank, Suzi Lonergan, Becky Jordan.
Then they huddle around Jennifer Stace, beaming in her short hairdo, who loves all of her girls like a big sister and they love her back.
Marilyn, Kimberlee, Dee Dee, Lisa, Becky, Suzi, Jennifer, Kim
L.A. Knockers do the Twist
Lisa, Suzi, Becky, Kim
July 9, 2010
Here’s a hot dance number inspired by the Twist, choreographed by Vincent Paterson, especially for the L.A. Knockers’ upcoming tour to Tokyo, Japan. In wigs and short dresses: Lisa Lecover (Kessler), Suzi Lonergan, Becky Jordan, Kim Blank.
Watch the other video edited by Marilyn Corwin for You Tube: Part 1.
L.A. Knockers Black & White
Jennifer, Becky, Kimberlee, Arnold, Phillip
Becky, Patti, Kim, Kimberlee, Jennifer, Leticia, Jolli, Debbie
July 28, 2010
Throughout the years, every time we did those studio sessions that you see illustrated above, Jennifer also asked me to shoot B&W negatives, so that prints could be made to advertise the LA Knockers upcoming engagements.
I was happy to help out that way, so we did that as well and many photos were printed for this purpose.
And they worked too!
See how the Los Angeles Magazine used one of them in their January 1980 issue, and other examples.
Leticia, Jolli, Kimberlee, Jennifer, Becky, Debbie, Kim, Patti
Jennifer, Becky, Marilyn, Kimberlee, Patti
Becky Jordan
Becky
August 3, 2010
Becky wrote (July 21)
Hi Elisa,
I have been working extra hours last few weeks. I got together with Marilyn Saturday, it was great. She showed me the blog (I am a little computer challanged!) it’s FABULOUS. I will get something to you this weekend.
Bless you for doing all this, I have wonderful memories of our shoots with you! Becky
Becky called me (Aug 16) and said:
I was taking dance classes at Dupree, decided to take a rock class, met Jennifer and fell in love with her style. From then on, every moment that I could get away, I came to take her class and learn that style!
Cinderella
Yana, Jennifer, Marilyn
August 7, 2010
Well, nobody sent us a request to see this old photo, so here it is, a blast from the past (1976). Jennifer Doyle as Stepmother, Marilyn Corwin as Marbella, Yana Nirvana as Drucella, the wicked stepsisters in this X rated movie version of the classic fairytale, where Cinderella gets help from her “fairy” godmother to become sexier and win over Prince Charming.
You can actually purchase the DVD from Flixster if you’re curious.
The L.A. Knockers appeared in several film and television projects, separately and together. Marilyn Corwin sent us a funny video, Dancers on John Paragon of Comedy Show, where Marilyn, Yana Nirvana, Becky Jordan, Kimberlee Carlson, Lisa LeCover (Kessler), Liz Brody are dancing in a number about “boobs”, “jugs” “knockers”.
Many former Knockers still work as professional actresses, dancers and choreographers. Others wrote books and started businesses.
Yana Nirvana is creating art sculptures, see slideshow at yananirvana.com
Joan Wulfshon runs a Cellular Recall Healing Center in the Pacific Palisades. Take a look at the website cellularrecalltherapy.com
She has written a book “The Child is not Dead”, read about it on this website: thechildisnotdead.com
Dee Dee Rescher still works as an actress, she has recently started a Chili Pepper sauce business with her husband George. Enjoy their fun website: organicoriginals.org
Suzi Lonergan teaches Pilates. She has made a video, that you can order on her website suzilonergan.com
Kim Blank teaches dance and fitness classes in Los Angeles. Find a description of classes and schedule on her website kimblank.com
Please, all of you Knockers out there, send us your news, tells us what you’re up to now!
Love and thanks
Elisa Leonelli
P.S. I have written a book about Robert Redford. robertredfordamericanwest.com
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.
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
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
