The Virginia State Capitol Building – the Most Visible Richmond Landmark

The Virginia State Capitol was not always centered on Richmond, VA but has been moved from several locations within the Commonwealth as times and needs dictated.  Today, the most visible landmark in Richmond if the majestic grandeur of the State Capitol Building, sitting atop Shockoe Hill, a dominating position which once overlooked the falls on the James River.

There have been seven other capitol locations in Virginia’s history, initially centered on Jamestown as the first successful colony, however as settlers and explorers moved inland to exploit the coastal plain and establish new townships and frontier posts, the center of government inevitably moved also.  It was not until 1780 that the Virginia legislature convened in Richmond, initially in a makeshift building at the bottom of Shockoe Hill.  Here plans were made, during the Revolutionary War, for a State Capitol to serve the new state, or in this case, the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Thomas Jefferson designed the building in partnership with Charles-Louis Clerriseau, a French architect.  The inspiration for the building was taken from Maison Carree in Nimes, France, a Roman temple which was much admired by Jefferson during his time as US Ambassador to France.  The building is built in a neoclassical style and was constructed without a dome, one of only a handful of State Capitol buildings not to have one, despite Jefferson’s predilection for them (Monticello, his home near Charlottesville and the University of Virginia are both known for their neoclassical style using domes).  The building was completed in 1788, and is now over 215 years old and is America’s oldest legislature of the colonists who eventually transformed the country into the United States. It also houses the only statue of George Washington made from him as a live model during his life – all others are replicated from images or memory.

The State Capitol Building was also the home of the Confederate Congress during the American Civil War, until it’s disbandment in 1865 with the victory of the Union armies.  The building once more reverted to its primary intended role as the State Capitol building of the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Orders were given to burn Richmond by the fleeing Confederates, however the State Capitol Building along with the Governor’s Residence were  only a few of the buildings that were spared.  President Lincoln himself, toured the Capitol Building a week before he was assassinated.

In 1870, tragedy struck when a crowded court hearing was taking place in a court room on the upper floor.  The weight of a packed courtroom caused the floor to give way and resulting in many deaths and injuries.   Despite calls for the demolition of the building, it was decided to save it and renovate the State Capitol Building, including the addition of two wings. Initially, the east and west wings were not included in the original Jeffersonian design, and it was not until 1904 that these were added with construction completed in 1906.  The east wing is known as the House Wing, and the west wing is known as the Senate Wing.

Today, the State Capitol Building has been renovated once more at a cost in excess of $100 million.  Free tours are provided daily though visitors may also enjoy the building on their own.  The building is open all work days and on numerous holidays and children are welcome.

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The Richmond Institute of Burlesque

A recent addition to Richmond’s dance community has me (and a bunch of other people) all atwitter.  The Richmond Institute of Burlesque opened its doors and now we all have the opportunity (if not the talent) to dance all sexy with the best of them.

Dolli Holliday

Deepa De Jour

Skye Sinclaire

Richmond Burlesque Goddesses Dolli Holiday, Deepa De Jour, and Skye Sinclaire are the three main instructors, but you can expect other Richmond-based burlesque beauties to make appearances, as well as nationally-known dancers who are traveling through Richmond.

Some of the class offerings and descriptions are as follows:

Burlesque Basics:

All three founding members teach this class, where you’ll learn some basic moves like glove peels, shimmies, and the like, and they’ll give you a crash course in the history of burlesque, how to develop your own burlesque character, and more.  This class is open to women only, since you’ll be trying out your newly-learned moves with boas, gloves, and pasties.  Yeow!

The Art of Chair Dance and Stocking Peels:

Skye Sinclaire takes you through the steps of different chair dances and stocking peels.  Even if you don’t plan on using these techniques in your own public debut, these skills are sure to spice up your life at home.

Songs to Strip By:

Dolli Holiday teaches this wallet-friendly class, where you’ll learn all about picking the perfect song for your burlesque routine.  More than just an overview of good music, she’ll teach you how to use the building blocks of the songs (beats, breaks, etc.) to make your number special.

These classes are just the tip of the iceberg, Folks.  Check out the full course list to find the class for you, and check the calendar for class times and dates.  I was supposed to go to Sunday’s Make-Up and Wig Tricks class.  I’m really bummed I didn’t get to go because Liv actually teaches you (among many other things) how to select, trim, and apply false eyelashes, which is something I have always wanted to know how to do.

The Richmond Institute of Burlesque is located at 6517 Dickens Place.  You don’t have to be a skinny Minnie or a fabulous dancer to take classes there.  Dolli and the girls want you to know that burlesque is designed to make YOU feel good about YOU, and what’s better than that?

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Elephants and Giraffes Children’s Boutique

Julee Evans started out her career in children’s clothing as a sales rep for Kelly’s Kids.  Now she has opened her own boutique called Elephants and Giraffes Children’s Boutique.  Located in the Westbury Shopping Center, Elephants and Giraffes specializes in monogrammed and appliqued clothing and is so full of cute – they sell Kelly’s Kids, Castles and Crowns, and Hartstrings brands of kids clothes as well as others.

The store is located on the side of the Westbury shopping center, facing East Ridge Road.  You can’t miss it, it’s bright blue!  In addition to selling quality brand kids clothing, the boutique also sells consignment clothing – just call to make an appointment, or you can email them.

Julee is active in the community, and is networking her awesome little shop as much as possible.  Head on over to check it out, or to consign some of your little one’s gently used clothes.

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