January Performer Spotlight: Mary Strawberry

Photo by Costello Knight

I have had the pleasure of seeing Mary Strawberry grow as a performer from her kittening, to very first performances to where she is now.  She has come a very long way and has grown a lot as a performer in a very short period of time.

1. How did you come up with your stage name and tag line?  Does it have a special meaning to you?

My name comes from my Great Aunt Mary, who I was named after, and who meant a lot to me. She was very active during WWII and even in her later days was full of life and kindness. I found out shortly after I started using my stage name that my Dad, whom I am very close to, had wanted my first name to be Mary. Strawberry is a combination of my love of the fruit, the color of my hair, and the fact that rhyming names are easier to remember. 

My current tagline - onstage or off stage, she's sure to dazzle you with her...wits! - just came to me in a moment while preparing for a show. I like it because it reminds people that I'm also a technician, and I enjoy intelligent conversations and learning, while still being sexy. 

2. How did you get started in burlesque?

I've always been fascinated by the human body; the shapes it has and the way it moves, and I've always been passionate about dancing. It seemed like a logical progression from there. I love that I can combine so many things that I'm passionate about while empowering myself and other people to feel good about themselves and their bodies. Technically my first strip was my senior project for my BA in performance studies... My project was on the difference between sexuality and sensuality and the use of the body in performance and art. My mom was in the front row. It was very nerve-wracking.

3. What has been your best moment as a performer so far?

Being able to travel more and being so warmly welcomed everywhere I go has been great. I've been invited to potlucks, shows, and other great events across North America and it really warms my heart and makes me love this community so much more. 

On a more serious note, I had a devastating moment earlier this year where I got my first festival rejection letter. However, I took it in stride and instead of getting defensive, I decided use it to recognize that I have a lot more work to do in order to improve myself as a performer. It's really motivated me to take more classes, talk with more performers, and spend more time and energy practicing and perfecting all the elements of my acts.

4. What is your favorite act to perform?

I love all my acts for different reasons. They're all so distinct from each other. Sasquatch has probably been on the top of my choreographed numbers though, since I always get such interesting reactions to it. I've gotten everything from nonstop laughter to people feeling strange about how hot they thought it was to appalled looks. I've even had people say they see it as my signature act. It adds something to the experience when the audience can both enjoy the show and feel changed by it. 

5. What is your burlesque dream show?

I'd love to eventually showcase something at BHoF (Burlesque Hall of Fame) in Vegas. It's a great place to see incredible acts from around the world, and I've met some wonderful performers and true friends while attending and working backstage there. I'm not to that level yet, but I will be someday! For now, I'm hoping to be able to workshop a new number at BurlyCon next fall. I have so much respect for the opinions of my peers, especially when they have been dancing longer than me.

Photo by Marc Turnley

6. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I'd love to continue to travel as a dancer. It's one of my favorite parts of this job because not only do I get to do what I love, I also get to meet wonderful people and see new places along the way. Five years from now it would be great, although very ambitious, to be able to say that I've performed in at least half the states and a handful of other countries.

7. Tell us something outside of burlesque that you are involved or interested in.

My "day job" is actually still very artistic. I design and build sets, props, and costumes for theaters all over Atlanta and currently teach theater carpentry at a grade school and a university. It's been an interesting challenge trying to keep my two lives separate at certain times!

8. What do you think is your greatest skill, not including burlesque?

I'm a doer, not a talker. If I have a dream, even if it's intimidating or lofty, I will find a way to make it happen. It drives me crazy when people talk about their dreams and desires but never do anything to achieve them. Working hard to be happy and do what I love is so gratifying and fulfilling, and has taken me a long way in life already.

9. What are you most looking forward to this year as a burlesque performer? As a civilian?

As a performer I'm most looking forward to getting my first festival acceptance as a solo performer. I got to compete, and win, with the Greater Atlanta Goddess Society this fall and it was a great experience. Now I'm hoping that all my hard work and positive energy will get me accepted on my own.

As a civilian, I just finished my application for grad school. I've fallen in love with a program out in Austin, Texas, a city I visited for the first time this summer, and I'd love to use it to deepen my understanding of the history of performance arts and become a better performer. If I'm accepted, I'll be the first woman in my family to get a masters degree.

10. Who is your favorite performer to watch?

There are so many! I'm infatuated with a lot of the Seattle performers... I'll admit I had to contain a fangirl freakout last summer when Waxie Moon asked me to help him with his costume backstage at BHoF. Getting to go to BurlyCon this year and take classes with Iva Handfull, Paris Original, and so many other incredible performers was mind-blowing. I'm always amazed by the very athletic performers who clearly spend a lot of time perfecting their craft. I also love edgy artists who break expectations, like Bunny Mew-Guns, Tigger!, and World Famous Bob.

Photo by Marc Turnley

Upcoming shows:

8- Burlesque Atlanta Society January Meeting, Elliot St. Pub, Atlanta, GA

13- Syrens of the South Tease Tuesday, Red Light Cafe, Atlanta, GA

16- Last Pasties Standing, Red Light Cafe, Atlanta, GA

October Performer Spotlight: Mickie Sinn

Photo by James Cano

We're all very excited to have a brand new amazing addition to the Atlanta Burlesque Community.  Mickie Sinn has recently relocated from Austin, Tx, so please give her a warm welcome!  I'm very excited to get to work with her in the future!

1. How did you come up with your stage name and tag line? Does it have a special meaning to you?

I had a heck of a time coming up with my name. I thought it about for years before I ever worked up the nerve to perform. I knew I wanted something playful and just sort of cutesy. I love the early 20th century and I love when girls have names that are versions of traditionally male names so maybe a week before my first performance I settled on Mickie Sinn. I was honestly just tired of thinking about it but it's stuck. It's a play on Mickey Finn, both the person and the slang term for a knockout drug. Everyone assumes it's Mickey Mouse but it really wasn't even though I do wear a lot of Mickey stuff now. My tagline is still a work in progress. I usually go with "She'll slip you a little temptation." The MC for the Jigglewatts, Jade Esteban Estrada aka Pretty Boy Rock, thinks I sound like a liquor brand and then my name turns into a cheesy booze commercial. "Had a bad day? Why not pour yourself a little Mickie Sinn"

2. How did you get started in burlesque?

Photo by Hill Country Pinup

I attended my first show in 2006 at SXSW in Austin purely by accident and I loved it. It happened to be Cardinal Cyn performing between sets for an Austin rockabilly group. But it was several years before I really started going to more shows, probably around the time I met my husband actually. I really wanted to do it from that first moment but I had no idea how, thought I was too broke, too clumsy and was definitely too shy. I didn't realize until later we're pretty much all broke showgirls. While I was planning my wedding in 2012 I attended a class Coco Lectric was teaching but timing was bad and I didn't start classes again until 2013. It's been a whirlwind ever since. I have been training with Coco and Ruby Joule under the Austin Academy of Burlesque umbrella most of that time as well as other Austin and guest performers teaching 6 week and drop in workshops. Now that I am in Atlanta I can't wait to gain more knowledge from a new group of performers.

3. What has been your best moment as a performer so far?

Photo by Viva

Oh my! That is hard to pinpont. This past year I have done so, so much despite being a new performer. It'd be a tie between doing the Viva Dallas Valentine's show where I had an audience member follow me back up on stage when I went down to the VIP as part of my number. But I went with it and made him part of the act and we had everyone laughing. And then probably getting to compete in Edmonton, Canada and winning most comedic in the Bunny Competition. But honestly the best part of that was having Waxie Moon and Canadian Wolfman tell me I did a great job and that they enjoyed it. Having someone you look up to you say that and even go up to your husband to say that is just amazing and still gives me the warm fuzzies.

4. What is your favorite act to perform?

Right now my Daddy number. It's a 20s piece to a White Ghost Shivers (a local Austin band that actually played at my wedding) cover of "Daddy, Won't You Please Come Home?" I love doing it on a small stage where I can go out and play with the audience.

5. What is your burlesque dream show?

Photo by Lone Star Pin-up Helen Kane

A show where the whole audience is paying attention? haha Hmmm...I have been giving this some thought the last few days. It's silly but a show on a gorgeous, historic stage where I can perform with my friends and idols, have an amazing audience, amazing lighting for a change and just have a ball!

6. Where do you see your self in the next five years?

I have had to think a lot about that lately with my husband and I relocating for his work to Atlanta very unexpectedly and quickly. I have a strong and close knit Austin burlesque family and it's been scary as hell to realize you are about to pick up and have to start all over without that support system nearby. Thank goodness for internet & text messaging! And that Atlanta folks have been very welcoming. I really hope that over the next five years I am able to continue to combine my love of travel with my burlesque career and be able to say I performed in fun new cities and countries. I hope to be a role model for even just one new performer by then because I have been so, so lucky to have been able to learn from the most amazing performers both on and off stage and I want to be able to share that knowledge and joy with others. And having produced my own show by then even if just one. I have helped put together a fundraiser show this summer so I know I am not nearly ready to produce a full show. Chasing performers gives me a headache. Wait! I mean I love you all. :P

7. Tell us something outside of burlesque that you are involved or interested in.

Photo by Ed Ballot

I loveee food and wine. It came down to burlesque workshops or starting training to become a sommelier. I may still do that someday as I would love to own a wine, chocolate and cigars shop or an olive oil shop. Don't get me started on the amazingness of fresh olive oils. I love to try new restaurants and go to local vineyards. My husband and I make an annual pilgrimage to New Orleans just to stuff ourselves silly.

8. What do you think is your greatest skill, not including burlesque? 

Driving my husband crazy and making messes. Haha And being able to decorate my house on a beer budget despite my champagne taste. My muggle degree is Interior Design so that probably explains my champagne taste.

9. What are you most looking forward to this year as a burlesque performer? As a civilian? 

Hopefully getting to travel a bit more both as a performer and with my husband. We were hoping to make it to Cuba this year but not sure it is going to happen with the cross country move. His mother was born there. I am also looking forward to getting settled into Atlanta, meeting new people and becoming an active member of the Atlanta glitter community.

Photo by Lone Star Pin-up

10. Who is your favorite performer to watch? 

Soooo, soooo many people I admire and love to see on stage, Waxie Moon, Imogen Kelly, Paco Fish, Pearle Noire, Ruby Joule, the list goes on. And I mean who doesn't love all of the Stage Door Johnnies. Swoonnnnn. It's a toss up right now between two members of my own burlesque family though. Does that fall under nepotism? haha I have seen Coco Lectric performer for hundreds of people, taking home Queen of New Orleans Burlesque and I have seen her perform on the awkward Gibson stage in Austin to 20 people and no matter how many times I have seen a number I know it'll be different and she is going to be amazing. Doesn't matter what is going on off stage that woman puts on that 1000 watt smile and kills it. My other favorite is my burlesque sister, Lola LeStrange. She is a little bit of Coco, a little bit of Pearle Noire and a whole lot nerdy Comicon goodness wrapped up into this busty, fiery package with the biggest grin in the world. We pretty much started at the same time and I remember thinking in class that this girl is a nut so this should be interesting but from the minute she took the stage for her debut last fall she has been on fire. I am like a proud big sister every time she performs and I can't wait to see her take the rest of the burlesque world by storm.

Photo by Lone Star Pin-up

September Performer Spotlight: The Chameleon Queen

Photo By Marc Turnley

I apologize for the delay, September was kind of crazy but better late than never!  I've know The Chameleon Queen since before either of us were in burlesque so it's interesting that we both wandered up this path.  She's an amazing performer to watch and and amazing person in all of her charitable causes as well.  Please enjoy and we'll see if we can get two interviews in this month!

1. How did you come up with your stage name and tag line? Does it have a special meaning to you?

The Chameleon Queen comes from having my friends not recognize me while performing under different characters from show to show, or even in the same one! I didn't want to limit myself as a performer. Having the Chameleon Queen as an umbrella name for a small cast of characters gives me the opportunity to explore different personas and genders. As for the tag line: "I can do anything!" It stems Jim Morrison's calling himself the Lizard King.

2. How did you get started in burlesque?

We got lost going to the first audition, so I rang up the group to let them know. They were kind enough to schedule one just for me. I rang three times to verify...nary a return. An ex-boyfriend told me about another one. So, I went with his girlfriend-at-the-time to Big City Burlesque's auditions. She got in, which was great! I was happy for

Photo by Marc Turnley

her.

The director asked me to give the fan dance a go. He handed me the fans and said that he'd play the music till I was ready. Now, having tried to get to the first audition without success my thought was: what have I got to loose?! I turned to him and said: Turn on the music, give me the fans, let's go.

Years late while telling this story, he was there. I thought I had gotten the part about half way through the song. He stepped in and said that no, it was mine when I said let's go.

3. What has been your best moment as a performer so far?

There are actually two, but they are similar. The first was a gig in Asheville, NC for a charitable event. I had performed the first blue fan dance to "Lament." And after an fellow came rushing back to speak with me. He said that he got what I was doing. It left me a bit bewildered, until he gave an explanation. He saw that my performance wasn't just a fan dance, but a shamanistic expression. That was at a time when I spoke very little of my point of view on sacred performance. So, my jaw pretty much hit the floor. A total stranger understood. Somehow my beliefs in art showed through.

The second time, was my first fan dance with the white Sally Rands, a beautiful string arrangement of "Someone to Watch Over Me." It was for my Grandma Brake who had breast cancer, and the show was a breast cancer benefit. My friend Oscar came running back stage out of breath and said, "I get it! I get it!! She's watching over you! You are watching over us!" Needless to say, but the tears that I was already fighting to hold back broke through.

Photo by Moonbird Design

4. What is your favorite act to perform?

Mainly, I adore fan dances. But, "The Monster" piece that combined burlesque and stunt work is up in the tops.

5. What is your burlesque dream show?

A large scale old fashioned Christmas variety show, like "White Christmas." Giving the joy that we had as children to others when the season is so fraught with stress and worry. Something that when it's thought about, a tune whistled from it ...that afterglow of happiness lingers.

6. Where do you see your self in the next five years?

Still performing, teaching, reaching out into other artistic media, and learning.

7. Tell us something outside of burlesque that you are involved or interested in.

Pit Bull rescue and advocacy. I've my own Pit mixes, The Greer Boys, Sophocles and Herman Munster. They've been my inspiration to do what I can: perform, donate, rescue, write letters...whatever I can do to help Pit Bulls just be recognized for the beautiful, loyal, and fine dogs they are.

8. What do you think is your greatest skill, not including burlesque?

Photo by Kevin O'Connell

This is a tough one...perhaps connecting good people for everything from performances to philanthropic endeavors.

9. What are you most looking forward to this year as a burlesque performer? As a civilian?

New and exciting collaborations! Mystery and history are on the horizon!

As just me, more opportunities to dance and do stunt work; marching in the PRIDE parade with Angel Action Atlanta, the Pit Bull Candlelight Vigil, just being able to do good things.

10. Who is your favorite performer to watch?

This is not a one person answer at all! My favorite legend is Kalantan. Her movements are beautifully hypnotizing, very serpentine. She's not well documented sadly, but I've been able to find her on Something Weird videos, Pinky Shear found her under Adele the Petite Parisian, and she danced in one of the Sinbad films.
Sally Rand for fans, she is my idol and muse after all! Toni Elling brought me to tears at BHOF in '07 with her graceful walk and mink peel.

And honestly, I tear up watching my students...my burlesque daughters. It is pure joy to watch each one of them take wing.

August Performer Spotlight: Ursula Undress

1. How did you come up with your stage name and tag line?  Does it have a special meaning to you?

It actually just popped into my head one day, and I mentioned it at the meet-up and told everyone "Don't steal that! I am sitting on it a while", then, as you well know - Chrystal Shawnda Leer died a quiet death while performing at an Unknown Hinson show, and was reincarnated as Ursula 

2. How did you get started in burlesque?

Before I moved here, I had already been looking at the scene and within a couple of months of moving, I went to a meet-up and met some amazing ladies! You (Katherine Lashe), Talloolah Love, Sadie Hawkins...you guys made me feel so welcome! It was nice to have an outlet for my love for the theater.

3. What has been your best moment as a performer so far?

Hrm....I think it was the first time I performed at the Texas Burlesque Festival...it was so awesome to have friends drive in to see me and be in my home state as a real performer. 

4. What is your favorite act to perform?

I think it is my Star Trek one just for the sheer joy of hearing the audience....they love the costume and the stoic face....and the Trekkies are awesome about it! 

5. What is your burlesque dream show?

OH MY STARS!!!  It would have everyone! Michelle L'Amour, Dirty Martini, Trixie and Monkey, Jo Boobs, Indigo Blue, The Jigglewatts, Ruby Revue, Perle Noire...so many more that I can't list here. And of course Satan's Angel would be there, and I would choreograph the largest strip tease that included EVERYONE in the Atlanta/Athens scene!!!

6. Where do you see your self in the next five years?

Hopefully still running The Atlanta School of Burlesque and producing shows regularly. I would also love to perform in Europe. 

7. Tell us something outside of burlesque that you are involved or interested in.

I actually have an art degree, and love to paint & draw. Currently, I sometimes design handwritten fonts. I am also getting into doing DIY stuff in my house. A pallet-wood headboard is in my near future!

8. What do you think is your greatest skill, not including burlesque?

Other than sex? (HA!)I think I am good with people.... 

9. What are you most looking forward to this year as a burlesque performer? As a civilian?

As a performer, I look forward to some collaborations that I have in the works. As a civilian, I look forward to taking up yoga again and working on my house.

10. Who is your favorite performer to watch? 

I could watch Lola LeSoleil all day! She's always interesting and innovative and so well poised. And all of her numbers are completely different!

July Performer Spotlight: Nikki Nuke'm

Photo by Trent Chau Photography

I met Nikki Nuke'm almost a year ago at the open house for The Atlanta School of Burlesque.  She was an amazing teacher, a wonderful person and with Ursula Undress's recommendation I began hiring Nikki for Tease Tuesday shows that evolved into her having a open invitation to perform with Syrens of the South whenever she was available.  She's a great addition to the Atlanta Burlesque community!

1. How did you come up with your stage name and tag line?  Does it have a special meaning to you?

I came up with Nikki Nuke'm while I was driving in my car coming home.  I was thinking about my persona...whacky, daring, almost cartoonish.  Nuke'm (like Nuke Them!) holds a special place in my heart from my love for the Fallout franchise and all things post-apocalyptic themed.  

2. How did you get started in burlesque?

I was first introduced to burlesque by Ursula Undress, Lola LeSoleil, and Fonda Lingue!  I saw them perform at the South East Mosaic Festival last year and became enthralled with this fabulous art and dance form.  Within a month of moving to Atlanta I was performing in local burlesque shows as a fire eater and snake dancer and before I knew it...I bought my first pasties!

Photo by Lisa Eckman June Tease Tuesday

3. What has been your best moment as a performer so far?

Honestly it would have to be when I was stripping for the first time and my tearaway pants got stuck in my butt cheeks.  I was SO scared all night that my butt was going to grab hold of those pants and I was going to be so embarrassed.  And it happened.  But it really wasn't as dramatic as I thought it would be.  Everyone laughed and cheered anyway and no one died and I relaxed way more with my mistake.  Mission accomplished.

4. What is your favorite act to perform?

I really love eating fire and it's the act I perform the most.  I love the "rise" I get out of the audience!  But honestly...I would have to say my favorite act to perform is anything with my ball python Mordecai.  A lot of people have misconceptions about these gentle creatures and at EVERY SHOW I bring him to, I get to show people just how sweet snakes can be!  Some people who were too scared to be near him will have him around their necks by the end of the night!

Photo by Broken Skulls Productions

5. What is your burlesque dream show?

Oh gosh...I don't really know!  I'm still so fresh to the burlesque scene I haven't even witnessed a fraction of the possibilities!!  I guess...I would be tickled pink if I could see an all "legends" show...I have a love for classics and to see women who ruled the stages then, take those stages yet again, would be really amazing to me.

6. Where do you see your self in the next five years?

TAKING OVER THE WORLD!  But no seriously, I see myself getting more involved and more brave and going on tour--with fire, snakes, swords, canes, and more!  And of course...making more and more sparkly costumes for people I adore!

7. Tell us something outside of burlesque that you are involved or interested in.

Outside of burlesque, belly dancing is actually my main source of income.  But I could talk about dancing all day!  My actual hobbies include:  swimming (recreational and dance, of course), exercise and weight lifting, video games, and drawing.

8. What do you think is your greatest skill, not including burlesque?

I'm a pretty great swimmer, not gonna lie.  Not just swimming laps I mean, but modeling underwater, inversions, free diving, coaching, etc.

9. What are you most looking forward to this year as a burlesque performer? As a civilian?

As a burlesque performer, I am most looking forward to learning!  There is so much history and knowledge for me to access that I can barely contain myself.  It's like entering a huge cave system--but instead of stalactites, it's tassles!  As a civilian, I love how many shows there are in the area that are so easy for me to access.  As someone who performs constantly for a living, it's very refreshing to have so many options to just put on a nice dress and grab a cocktail and see a show.  

10. Who is your favorite performer to watch?

Photo by Trent Chau Photography

That's a tough one...there are so many I love to watch!  But I'll go ahead and choose the latest celebrity performer I saw--Franki Markstone.  Her muscular isolations, her smile, her costumes... everything!  She's funny and has a great stage presence.  And she's super sweet to boot!  She's definitely someone I look up to now.

Spot Light on Atlanta's Ruby Redmayne

Cave girl by Vinson Smith

I am going to continue to try to spot light these amazing performers in Atlanta.  We have such an amazing thriving scene here and it has so much community and family in it that it should be celebrated!  

Ruby Redmayne has been on the Atlanta scene since 2010.  I actually found (back when my flip camera worked) that I had done an interview with her the day of her debut and thought it might be a fun thing to share as well.  So you get two interviews!

1. How did you come up with your stage name and tag line?  Does it have a special meaning to you?

My first performance name which I registered was Suki Tawdry, which I still love and may use again one of these days. I changed it to Ruby Redmayne because my hair is such a major part of my identity, and I have yet to perform as anything but a red head.

Panty throw by Wombat

2. How did you get started in burlesque?

I had one of those "big birthdays"  and realized my life had become very mundane. I didn't intend to perform, but I signed up for the Syrens of the South classes before I had even seen my first burlesque show. Its been an incredible journey. 

3. What has been your best moment as a performer so far?

I love performing in places and shows that have an audience that doesn't see burlesque regularly. Performing at the Goat Farm for a radio fundraiser, Killer Creek Harley Davidson for St Patrick's day, the High Museum with a production by Talloolah Love, 7 Stages with AXA and Krampus Xmas, DooGallery for an art opening~and last but not least, opening the WigOut drag show at the Atlanta Eagle! 

I treasure these shows because they are challenging and exciting.

White crinoline by Rose Riot

[Editor's Note: You have no idea how happy it made me to see multiple shows she did with Syrens of the South in her favorites.  This is why I keep producing and cultivating shows!]

4. What is your favorite act to perform?

SHAKEWEIGHT! Yaaaasssss. Haha. Also, Bouncy Ball and La Vie en Rose. 

5. What is your burlesque dream show? 

I love the shows most that mix burlesque, drag and variety. I can't get enough of those. 

6. Where do you see your self in the next five years?

Oh honey, I'm lucky to make it through the next five minutes. 

Wait!  Laws of Attraction....I see myself in Tahiti with four Polynesian lovers.  

7. Tell us something outside of burlesque that you are involved or interested in.

I'm an exercise nut. Its 99% of what I do. The remaining 1% is I make Crappily Crafted Crafts and give them away. 

Valkyrie and nihilists by Greg the Mayor

8. What do you think is your greatest skill, not including burlesque?

Im very verbal and I like people in general. 

9. What are you most looking forward to this year as a burlesque performer? As a civilian?

As a performer, I'm always looking forward to inspiration. Whether I do a number one time or many times, I am passionate about freedom of expression. That is what I appreciate most about this art form.  

Civilian wise?  I travel for my birthday. Got a good plan this year. I need it. 

10. Who is your favorite performer to watch?

I adore Salome Cabaret out of Knoxville. As a group or individually, they blow me away. 

And now for your super special ancient bonus video!

Spot light on Sunny Midnight (or why I suck)

So back in March for her (our) birthday month I asked Sunny Midnight to do an interview as I would like to keep spotlighting performers from around Atlanta much like I interview all the Burlesque Legends whenever I get a chance.  She turned it in on time, I got slammed with doing all the things for Mass Transit Muse and never bothered to post it.  Better late than never, right?

Shaped Light Photography

1. How did you come up with your stage name and tag line?  Does it have a special meaning to you?

The lovely Ursula Undress helped me come up with it when I was in classes(ABC &123s of Burlesque). I didn't want to get "trapped" or pegged with a name that wouldn't allow me to explore different avenues of my persona. I.E.-something too sweet/nice that would not necessarily be able to do something dark, etc. So Sunny is my bubbly, extroverted self andMidnight can refer to the sexy/dark/mysterious things that can happen at that time. It's a nice juxtaposition.

2. How did you get started in burlesque?

I went to a show at The Masquerade and saw some awesome performances that piqued my interest so I inquired about classes. Next thing I knew, I was signed up for classes with Syrens of the South. Best.Idea.Ever.

3. What has been your best moment as a performer so far?

Performing at DragonCon (one of my favorite conventions) in front of roughly 1200 likeminded nerds. It was mind blowing.

Lucky Pinup Photography 

4. What is your favorite act to perform?

My housewife number to Etta James's I Just Wanna Make Love To You

5. What is your burlesque dream show?

Ooooo...hmmmm. A show filled with all my favorite performers from all over the world and me being front and center to take it all in. I know it's probably weird I'm not in it, but I so love to watch without the burden of getting prepped for the show or watching backstage.

6. Where do you see your self in the next five years?

Hopefully, more involved. A title or 2 under my rhinestoned belt and more travel for festivals.

7. Tell us something outside of burlesque that you are involved or interested in.

I am a huge nerd. I love going to DragonCon, the East Coast's answer to San Diego Comic Con, and am getting more in to cosplay. I also am a contributor for both Shauncastic (shauncastic.com), a nerdy podcast on pop culture and Traumatic Cinematic(http://traumaticcinematic.com/), a podcast/website that focuses on horror mostly.

Richard LaMarre
Tara Hymen, Sunny's 70s blaxploitation alter ego

8. What do you think is your greatest skill, not including burlesque?

My ability to empathize and see most issues from all sides. Also, my uncanny ability to name most songs in 3 tunes. I wanted to be on Name That Tune when I was younger

9. What are you most looking forward to this year as a burlesque performer? As a civilian?

As a performer: Improving my craft and making quality/entertaining routines. As a civilian: Continuing getting better from my health issues from last year and seeing more shows/traveling as a civilian.

10. Who is your favorite performer to watch?

Perle Noire. She is such an inspiration and a beauty to watch. Full of so much grace and talent. You can't take your eyes off her. I wanna be her when I grow up.

Marc Turnley from BCC - Pinkie Pie!!