Posts Tagged ‘L.A. Knockers’
L. A. Knockers
LA Knockers: Marilyn, Jennifer, Yana
June 22, 2010
Miracles of the Internet age!
Yesterday, I searched Google for LA Knockers and found 4 wonderful videos on You Tube, of this amazing dance group, lovingly edited by Marilyn Corwin, the curly hair blond bombshell I fondly remember.
I logged on to Facebook and found her email, I wrote her a message and she CALLED ME!
Not only that, but she put me in touch with LA Knockers creator and choreographer, my old friend Jennifer Stace. She is now living in Baja California, close to the other stunning dancer, Yana Nirvana!
I used to photograph these wonderful girls in all kinds of fantastic attires and dance poses, when I was a photo-journalist living in Hollywood, starting from 1976 until 1984.
I will now edit all these images, select my favorites and post them on this blog.
I hope lots of old and new fans will find this and leave their comments.
Thanks!
Elisa Leonelli, photographer (see About LA Knockers page for more info)
And now enjoy the first LA Knockers video (more to come as you scroll down)
L. A. Knockers first photo session
Yana, Jennifer, Marilyn
June 24, 2010
I first saw the LA Knockers perform live at the Starwood in 1976, and I was – literally – knocked out by their exciting dance energy.
So I immediately asked Jennifer if we could do a photo sessions, because I had just started working as a photo-journalist and I was contributing to the theater section of the Italian magazines TEMPO and ESPRESSO. They wanted me to send photographs and text about visually interesting and risqué performers.
I didn’t even have a studio yet at the time, so a borrowed the space from my photographer friend Ave Pildas, and we did various set-ups for the layout: red tutus against a huge dark grey backdrop, white leotards against white, black costumes on red, also, in an outdoor location by the fire-escape, a cheerleaders theme, with football helmet and pom-pons.
Jennifer, Marilyn, Yana
Jennifer, Marilyn, Yana
Yana, Jennifer, Marilyn
Jennifer, Marilyn and Yana even posed for me in the costumes for their movie CINDERELLA, as the stepmother and stepsisters Marbella and Drucella.
We want to know if you’re checking us out, log on to our blog, so leave a comment with your email and we’ll send you the Cinderella photo!
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 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 new dancers
Debbie, Jolli, Leticia
July 7, 2010
Here’s 3 new dancers added to the line-up in late 1979.
Debbie Petersen, Jolli Neal, Leticia Ibarra.
We have lost track of them, if anyone knows how to contact them, please send us their email. Thanks!
Kim
Leticia, Kim, Debbie
The fourth dancer, Kim Blank, hidden by a mask in the photo below, in the middle between Leticia Ibarra and Debbie Petersen, dancing the number “Have a Cigar”, is very much around, an accomplished choreographer. You may want to take a dance class from her! Take a look at her website.
And here is Kim (Kimberly) Blank again in her boxer outfit.
Pop Quiz! But you had seen her face before, although upside down, as the lady in white threatened by Dracula, in a previous post. Go back and take a look!
L. A. Knockers Village People
Debbie, Leticia, Jennifer, Kim, Jolli, Patti, Becky, Kimberlee
July 7, 2010
The opening number of that legendary show at the Playboy club was a chorus kick line to the tune of the song ‘The Women” by the Village People.
Here’s the line-up: 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.
And here’s the L. A. Knockers clad in white leotard and vinyl leggings for the dance number “Visions Aurora,” song by Michael Cavanaugh (Jennifer’s son).
Leticia, Kim, Jolli, Kimberlee, Jennifer, Patti, Becky, Debbie
L. A. Knockers Playboy Club
Kimberlee, Jennifer, Jolli, Becky, Patti, Boyd
July 7, 2010
The show at the Playboy Club generated rave reviews, see one below from The Hollywood Reporter, November 16, 1979, by Frank Barron.
“L.A. Knockers. Playboy Club, through Dec. 8
The action is hot in the Playboy Club’s living room these nights, courtesy of a dynamite dance group called the L. A. Knockers. These eight energetic women combine every sort of dancing style, have marvelous sensuality, plus a knack for comedy that has the audience yelling for more.
The Knockers spoof the Village People’s “Women” in various amusing costumes, as well as Dorothy (“The Wizard of Oz”) meeting Dracula, Superman, King Kong and John Travolta (“Saturday Night Fever”) as she dances her way in ruby slippers through the craziness. There are right-out-front sizzling dance numbers such as “Taxes”, “Love Vibrations” and “Have a Cigar”.
The show is well choreographed by Jennifer Stace, and the costumes by Boyd Clopton, who also directed, are a standout. This is just the kind of unique and exciting act that the dying nightclub business needs nowadays to liven things.”
Jennifer, Boyd
One reason why this happened is that the dance routines were very ambitious and elaborate, and to help out Jennifer Stace and her wonderful choreography, director Boyd Clopton stepped in and created these imaginative costumes.
See Boyd Clopton above at the feet of Kimberlee Carlson as Dracula, Jennifer Stace as John Travolta, Jolli Neal as King Kong, Patti Nelson as Superman, Becky Jordan as Dorothy.
And here with Jennifer Stace, both looking hot in black leather. Boyd sadly passed away ten years later, in 1989, but Jennifer is still alive and kicking, teaching dance to new generations of students.
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 layout
LA Knockers-L’Espresso
July 9, 2010
And here is a published layout in the Italian Weekly L’Espresso from 1981.
The short text says:
SINGING IN THE FEMININE
They are 6 girls, all of them from California, they sing at dance at the rhythm of disco music. They are called the L.A. Knockers and they represent the female response to the macho style of the Village People. A cross between vaudeville and sophisticated avant-garde, with an an eye on the box-office, the Knockers deliver comic gags, shiny glutes and sinful moves in the clubs of Las Vegas and Reno. Recently even Frank Zappa wanted them to tour with him across the United States.
L.A. Knockers fashion
In those years, 1979-1980, I had been shooting some fashion in my studio and on location, so I decided to print a promotional card to advertise this kind of photographic work.
A photo of the L.A. Knockers was included.
L.A. Knockers in Rapture
Kim, Dee Dee, Kimberlee, Lisa, Becky, Marilyn, Suzi
July 9, 2010
For this photo session from August 1982, in fashionable black outfits for the opening number “Rapture”, we find that 3 favorite dancers have come back into the L. A. Knockers line-up: Kim Blank, Kimberlee Carlson and Marilyn Corwin. Then we have 3 new dancers: Lisa Lecover (Kessler), Suzi Lonergan, Dee Dee Rescher. See a photo of the three of them below. And the blonde bombshell Marilyn Corwin happily back and dancing with Becky Jordan.
Lisa, Suzi, Dee Dee
Marilyn, Becky
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 Downtown
Dee Dee, Liz, Kimberlee, Jennifer
Jennifer, Kimberly, Liz, Dee Dee
July 9, 2010
On March 30, 1984, 100 photographers documented the city for the book “24 Hours in the Life of Los Angeles”. I was one of them and asked the L.A. Knockers if they would pose for me downtown. Jennifer graciously consented, so here they are, dancing at the Downtown L.A. Cafe (Dee Dee Rescher, Liz Brody, Kimberlee Carlson, Jennifer Stace) and in front of City Hall.
By the way, we’d like to find Liz Brody. She’s from New York, does anyone know how to contact her?
I wrote an article about this event for the ASMP newsletter (American Society of Magazine Photographers) and a personal account of my experience, this is what I said about the L.A. Knockers.
“This all girls dance group invented and choreographed by Jennifer Stace has been performing in Los Angeles for the last 10 years, always funky and outrageous and constantly avant-garde.
“First we photographed Jennifer, Dee Dee, Liz and Kimberly in their blue outfits in front of the blue and grey sign for the Downtown L.A. Cafe, the artists’ hangout created by Debbie Stone. Then we walked to the Los Angeles Mall where the L.A. Knockers performed for a bunch of passing-by school children in front of the L.A. Courthouse. Then they pose for us in front of one of the oldest downtown L.A. landmarks: City Hall.”
Dee Dee, Liz, Kimberlee, Elisa, Jennifer
And here’s a self-portrait of your truly, Elisa Leonelli, the photographer, striking a pose with the dancing girls.
It’s been really fun and exciting to create this blog, with the help of Jennifer and the “girls”, all of us still around and involved in various creative endeavours: dancing, teaching, choreographing, acting, writing books, making sauce…
Thanks everyone!!!
Next stay tuned for individual pages. Please send us your memories and comments, tell us what you’re up to now!
Yana Nirvana
Yana as Valkyrie
July 12, 2010
Look at this photo session we did with Yana Nirvana in October 1983, read what I wrote to accompany the layout!
“Who is this Valkyrie let out of a German mythology comic book? It’s Yana Nirvana doing her takeoff of a female bodybuilder.
Aerobic dancer, stand-up comic, health and fitness writer, bodybuilder … Ms. Nirvana is performing at GIO’S Cabaret in Los Angeles with the L.A. KNOCKERS, the outrageous all girls dance group.
Yana
Yana
L. A. Knockers Japan
Japan postcard
July 15, 2010
The LA Knockers performed in Japan for 3 years in a row (1980, 1981, 1982), at the Latin Quarter club in Tokyo, and became very popular. Here are 2 postcards we found, thanks to DeeDee, about their last engagement in October 1982.
Jennifer remembers: “We were booked in Japan for six weeks over a three year period. What a treat. We had a magnificent stage at the Latin Quarter in Akasaka, fabulous lighting and great audiences. The Japanese men were crazy about us, big goofey girls, and they understood our comedy. We stayed in darling tiny rooms at the Akasaka Hotel and were showered with huge bouquets of exotic flowers. Those photos from the postcards hung on the wall of the Latin Quarter advertising our show. It was trippy! It was a sensational booking! We fell in love with the country and the people.” read more under comments…
Some of the regular dancers were not able to travel. DeeDee wrote to us about her very good reason to stay home: she had been cast as Sally Bowles in CABARET! Jennifer was very understanding and sent her these postcards, that she framed. Read her amusing story under comments.
Japan postcard
L.A. Knockers Lhasa Club
Lhasa club
July 15, 2010
In January 1983, I was having an exhibit of my photographs at the Lhasa Club (see here the invitation, designed by my friend Ave Pildas). We were planning a big party for opening night, so I asked Jennifer if the LA Knockers could perform. She graciously agreed and organized a special show for the occasion, in the cast, along with Kim Blank and Suzi Lonergan, as regulars, were some of the replacement dancers who had just returned from their 8 weeks engagement in Japan.
It was a big success, more that 200 people attended, watched the printed images on the walls and a slide show in the theater, then were exhilarated by the amazing performance of the L.A Knockers.
I took some snapshots, so here they are.
Lhasa Club
Lhasa Club
LA Knockers headshots
Jennifer
Yana
July 27, 2010
After becoming friends with Jennifer Stace, Marilyn Corwin and Yana Nirvana, during our first photos session in 1976, they asked me if I could take B&W headshots of them, because they were needed to print 8x10s for their work as dancers and actresses.
I readily complied and we shot 2 rolls of negative film.
Here are some of the results, my favorite frames.
Marilyn
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
Kimberlee Carlson
Kimberlee
August 3, 2010
Kimberlee Carlson wrote these comments.
In 1976 I was 18 years old when I met Jennifer and the LA Knockers. I had barely managed to graduate from Palmdale High and that summer found myself at a dance class in Hollywood with no plans for the future other than that I love to dance and dance hard. I had had ballet training as a child and in high school was that embarrassing white girl who was always the only one rocking out whenever there was some sort of a rock band or music assembly. Then I find this class and there was Jennifer Stace and the Knockers. All attitude in torn Betsy Johnson tee shirts, giant yellow leg warmers, hot pants, Biba maroon lipstick, saucy smirks and Parliament Funkadelic. I had found a home.
Kimberlee
Diligently I worked my way into the group by first becoming a Knockerette. This required attending and assisting Jennifer’s classes and keeping her Lucky Strikes lit. Her class was where she created an environment for the wacky and rhythmic. She was audacious and confident. She created a hybrid style combining street dancing (Locking, Pop Locking, Waacking, etc) with her ballroom training, which may seem contrary but really worked. The ballroom gave the moves a certain amount of discipline and composure and the street dancing gave it the sex appeal and the attitude. The late 70’s was the beginning of the era of the comedy clubs. At the Improvisation and the Comedy Store we became the house showgirls with our live band. It was a family affair for Jennifer. Her son Michael Cavanaugh, a successful funk keyboard player played with us and wrote several originals songs for us. I would say we were the original Pussycat Dolls but with a sense of humor. We didn’t dance like ladies. The style was seriously funky and seriously fun to do and perform. This was the beginning of the era of when street dancing crossed over and became legit and professional (now it’s ubiquitous and is called Hip Hop).
I never had so much fun and I am forever grateful for that experience. Jennifer’s standards and her exacting rhythmic style helped train me to become the dancer and mover that I am today (after several incarnations I am now in Western Montana teaching movement, Feldenkrais, Salsa). She was my dance mother.
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!
Kim Blank
Kim
August 3, 2010
Kim wrote (August 17)
My first performance with Jennifer Stace and The L.A. Knockers was in 1975. I was introduced by Joan Wulfsohn, it was during the period when Jennifer and Joan were both teaching at Dupree Dance Academy on 3rd St. in L.A. Between then and sometime in the mid-80’s I had the chance to perform with the group in various clubs and venues in L.A., and to travel to Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, El Toro Marine Base, and Tokyo, Japan. Beginning with a New Year’s Eve performance for the dawning of the 1980’s, we had a regular gig working at the venerable El Cid of Silver Lake (we alternated with the Flamenco show, performing for the locals, as well as Japanese tourists.) Along the way I had the opportunity to test my skills as a dancer/performer and choreographer, and assume some wild and outrageous costumes and identities while I was still searching for my own. It was fun, tough, crazy, eye-opening, and amazing!!! I made friends lifelong friends in the process.
A few months ago I attended a concert that featured three acts, dominated by women; I was transported back to my days with the L.A. Knockers, by the music, the apparel, the wigs, the attitudes, the raw energy, and style. I didn’t want to say, to my young friends, “been there, done, that…” but yeah…kinda had been!
So thanks for this fabulous layout Elisa!!! Thank you for documenting us so aptly and beautifully, back then, and and thank you for bringing it all up to date for us now. All my love to my fellow Knockers. Thank you Jennifer, for giving us an opportunity to work, develop and be creative!!!
I currently teach a full schedule of dance and fitness classes in L.A., and work doing choreography for film, television, and commercials. kimblank.com
Patti Nelson
Patti/Trish
August 3, 2010
Patti Nelson now goes by the name of Trish. She lives in Colorado Springs Lisa Durazo (now Rebik) is in touch with her, she writes:
(July 29) Hi Elisa,
I just spoke to Patti (Trish), she doesn’t “do” e-mail so I’m forwarding all the LA Knocker stuff to her sister. She’ll visit her sister and read everything. I’ll stay in touch with her, so that she can send a little memory blurb to you.
Jennifer Stace remembers:
Patti, Eileen, Lisa
(July 31) Patti created a spot for herself because she was a gymnist and could do acrobatics, which was a plus for my choreography; acrobatics were becoming fashionable at that time.
Those two girls, Lisa and Patti/Trish were two peas in a pod, adorable! Both were fine dancers and improvisers. Patti brought in Lisa (Durazo) and Lisa brought in Eileen (Molloy) after Patti left. Patti and Lisa were roommates and Eileen was their best friend; they were both beautiful dancers. Eileen was a classic beauty and dancer. She displayed a first class standard of excellence and was one of my favorite dancers. Lisa tapped like a fiend and could spin like a top. She had a magnetic personality on stage.
They joined the company late, and traveled with us to Japan. All three were excellent performers and were a major and bright addition to the LA Knockers!
