Coming up March 20th at the Next Whistle Bait in Bordello, a night of great music and amazing entertainment. Featuring the Lovely and Beautiful burlesque performer Iza La Vamp, we wanted to get to know a little bit more about her, so we sent over a couple of questions to her, and here’s what she had to say.

IzaLaVamp

1. Describe what Burlesque is, for someone who’s never seen a Burlesque show?

Burlesque is creative, beautiful, funny, dance, exaggeration, satire and above all tease. It is live art and a good time.

2. What inspired you to become a Burlesque Dancer? What’s the thing that gave you the courage?

I started taking Striptease Symposium classes with Penny Starr Jr. and Jewel of Denial for fun and to meet new people. After the first set of classes I was hooked and inspired by my teachers, classmates, and the performers at the shows I frequented. Burlesque involves many of my favorite things; feathers, latex, shiny things, corsets, high heals, hats, make-up, stockings….how could I resist.

3. How long have you been doing it for?

I debuted as a solo performer in March of 2009 and performed in group acts for about a year before that. So it has been about a year and boy what a year it has been!

4. How has your performance improved or changed since you first started?

I am more confident and better able to anticipate and respond to those pesky glitches.

5. Where have you performed? (venues, city or states) Any Favorite or least favorite Venues?

I’ve performed in LA and San Diego. I’ve performed in theaters, bars, lounges, and even a retail store. I wouldn’t say I’ve had any least favorite venues since I just love performing, but I do love a venue with a real stage, curtain and seats for the audience.

6. Have you overcome any obstacles, any interesting stories about expressing yourself with this art form?

After a beginner’s burlesque show where I did my gender bending act, I was approached by a young man. In a very unsure and hesitant voice told me he loved my act, but wasn’t sure that he should. <pat on my back>

7. Describe what one of your performances is like, to someone who hasn’t seen you perform yet.

My performances are beautiful, with classic style, an underlying story or message, and I use songs by my favorite musicians and love it when people ask me about the music I use. I enjoy drag acts and have two under my belt <wink, wink>

8. How do you feel about this new Burlesque Revival, is it growing or is it dying?

All of the above. There are new performers, like myself, seasoned performers, new shows, old shows, small venues and large ones. No one knows what the future will hold, but I know that I will still be performing and enjoying myself and hopefully enticing audiences.

9. Besides Burlesque, what are some of your other interests.

I enjoy spending time with my dogs, reading, watching reruns of my favorite television shows, dancing, and learning about the why of human behavior.

10. What’s coming up for you? Any big events or plans for you?

I and four of my favorite gals, Iona Vibrator, Holly Go Darkly, Lucille Highball, and Honey Ima Home, recently started a burlesque show production team called Sealed with a Kiss Burlesque. We are having our first show at the end of February and will continue to produce shows every few months. I’m going to be in Dizzy Von Damn!’s Uncommon Burlesque show in April. And I’m looking forward to the return of Victory Variety Hour.

Extra Credit:

11. Describe yourself with one word:

Eccentric

12. Pick one, Are you seeking fame, fortune, respect or a fun party?

Respect

13. What’s your most embarrassing experience?

There have been a few embarrassing moments, but I take them all as learning experiences. Maybe the most embarrassing would be the time my bra hooked onto my fishnets and I had to finish the act with my bra dangling from my leg. Or the time half of my wig/fans fell off of my head about one minute too soon. Or the time my bra popped open. These are just a few examples of those pesky glitches.

14. Tell us why we should be at your next show?

I’m working on a new set of fans. They are going to be fabulous!