Burlesque is beauty and brains- it’s about the body, but it’s also about the bawdy. It’s exaggeration, sex appeal, striptease, cleverness, timing, comedy, dance and charisma. It’s about the entire package, including gift wrap and bow.

I have always been a performer, starting with dance lessons at just two years old. I was attracted to burlesque because it does encompass so many different qualities- you don’t have to be the absolute best dancer or the most beautiful girl, but you have to be an extraordinary entertainer. Plus who doesn’t want to be sexy? But I wanted more than just sexy- I didn’t want to be Daphne or Velma- I wanted to be Daphne AND Velma. I don’t know about the courage thing- I’ve just always been a person who doesn’t like to be limited by anyone, including myself. I didn’t like being intimidated by the idea of it, so I jumped in just to prove that I could. Turns out, I like it!

I’ve been performing burlesque for 3 years.

I’ve become much better at interacting with the crowd. At first you’re concentrating so hard- you pay attention to what you’re doing more- but as you become more experienced a lot of it is second nature and you can play and ad lib and vamp more. I’ve also become more adept at handling malfunctions, because there are always malfunctions. I think I’m just more confident and capable in general.

I’ve performed in Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, San Diego and Orange County. I’m hoping to hit New York and Texas this year, at the very least. The biggest venue would be The Orleans Casino for Viva Las Vegas 12- as far as quality goes, a stage that size with lighting that good will always rank high on my list! There was one venue in LA (now closed) that was awful- the dressing room was so tiny and the stage was filthy. I had to have my costume cleaned after wearing it there, and I got flea bites from the carpeted stage.

Because my look is a little more "alternative" and my performance style isn’t as classic as some performers, I sometimes am passed over for certain shows that are looking to appeal to a specific crowd, but I think that a good performer wins over any audience. I suppose the obstacle is the same as for anyone- getting people to really see ME. Thinking about how you present yourself to the world really forces you to figure out who and what you really are.

I’ve been described as many things: The bastard child of Bettie Page and Liberace, a "kamikaze" stripper, part Gypsy Rose Lee/part David Lee Roth. I love traditional burlesque, but I do it with a cheeky, rock n’ roll twist. My intention is for you to laugh, cheer, and feel a little warm when I’m done.

Like anything, it’s always both. There’s always new blood, and there’s always a loss. Burlesque is sort of a buzz word being thrown around these days so it’s bringing new eyes to the scene, but we’ll be here either way.

I love making things! I’m a baker, and I knit… I’m also very much into science and anatomy. I think as odd as it sounds, those things go together. Understanding how to make something well means you know how it works. There’s an order to everything and I enjoy the organized chaos of it all.

The show I produce in Orange County will be expanding in the late spring, and I’m hoping to have an Ed McMahon-style "REALLY BIG SHOW" for the LA crowd sometime in the next year or so. I’m also planning on applying to several festivals this year. I’m taking 2010 hostage, and there’s no ransom big enough for me to give it back.

Extra Questions

Vivid.

I’d have to say respect. If you go about getting that in the right way, the other three follow.

I don’t know. Once my entire costume just fell apart on stage. Once my confetti-based prop didn’t explode and I was left with no big finale- it was the whole point of the act really. Once I tripped and fell off the stage entirely. I’m a highly embarrassing person.

I did a 90th birthday party. The man’s great-grandchildren were there. He danced with me, balancing a beer on his head.

I just bought some spendy new kneepads – things are about to get REAL.