Our best of Spring 2011 Issue featuring Coco Lectric celebrates it’s Issue Release at the third annual  Hot Rods and Heels May 21st at the Lakewood Theater in Dallas!

We are so proud of this issue!  See cover girl Coco Lectric do a full reveal in our  exclusive photos of Queen of Burlesque & Texas Performer of the Year Inside! Printed in full color from cover to cover, this full sized magazine is 44 pages of your favorite Pin Curl online features and articles as well as exclusive print only material you can only find here. Featuring cover girl Coco Lectric, and including exclusive interviews with Cora Vette, Midnite Martini, Red Hot Annie, Katherine Lashe, Ursula Undress, Courtney Crave, and many more! In addition to feature interviews, you’ll also find great articles including the coveted Tips for Building a Successful Portfolio & Shooting Successful Promo Images Guide, our exclusive Burlesque Haunts series, Herstory of Legends like Georgia Sothern and Mae West, and DIY projects including prop making, vintage beauty secrets and cocktail recipes.

Not going to make it down to Texas?  Buy the new issue online. (Ships out after May 21st).

Hot Rods and Heels 2011 Schedule:

1-6pm Workshops!  Take classes with the pros on pin-up modeling, make-up, and burlesque! Workshops must be purchased in advance.

6pm Doors open to the public!

6-8pm Vintage Shopping with tons of amazing  pin-up vendors indoors, and a classic car show (pre-1964 American hot rods) show outdoors. Mix and mingle over food & drinks.

8pm- Midnight Pin-Up Model Fashion show hosted by the amazing Jayme Foxx!

Awards ceremony that crowns the winners of the Texas [model, performer, make-up artist] of the Year titles.

Burlesque Show featuring some of the best performers from all over Texas! MC: The iconic and hilarious Cora Vette of Denver!

Live Music by rockabilly great Johnny Hootrock on Austin.

Meet Coco Lectric, Texas Performer of the Year 2010, at one of two meet and greets to be held at event: one during the day, and one in the evening.  Grab the new issue and get an autograph!

For more details, please visit HotRodsandHeels.com

Editor’s Note: This just a small part of the interview & photoshoot, for the full reveal (literally) get your hands on a copy of the Best of Spring 2011 online or at our Issue Release Party at Hot Rods and Heels 2011!

Miss Coco Lectric, crowned Texas Performer of the Year at Hot Rods and Heels 2010, talks titles as currency, travel, and the burlesque community evolving.

Interview: Divertida Divotchka. Photos: DallasPinUp.com

My goodness a lot has changed for you since Pin Curl last spoke to you.  You were crowned Queen of Burlesque in New Orleans last September.  How have titles changed things for you?

The biggest change is being held to a higher standard every time I hit the stage. When someone introduces you as the Queen of Burlesque, the audience sets their expectations a little bit higher. They’re expecting to be blown away. I don’t know if I’ve always been able to live up to this higher standard, but I’ve certainly tried.

Producers have also had a good excuse to hire me for their shows, since the New Orleans festival, which has given me the good fortune of making burlesque my full-time job. Having titles is like currency in this business and everyone wants to see for themselves what all the fuss is about. I’d become accustomed to performing for an unassuming audience, and these days they prepare themselves to see something spectacular. I have to bring it just a little bit harder every show to live up to their expectations.

Congratulations on being voted number 13 in 21^st Century Burlesque’s Top 50 for 2010! We’re so thrilled to hear the news, what’s your reaction?

I was thrilled! I didn’t lobby for votes and I really didn’t expect to see my name on the list at all. I don’t know what happened, to be honest. I was watching the list and cheering on my pals, for sure. After it got to the top twenty performers I figured that I didn’t have a chance. I feel truly honored that so many people even know that I exist, let alone like my work. I’m still sort of in shock about it and I thank 21st Century Burlesque for always having such kind words to say about me. They’re doing great work to get the word out about so many talented performers and promote burlesque around the globe, and that’s priceless.

I’m told you’re focusing more on the education realm at the moment. As headmistress of the Austin Academy of Burlesque, do you mean teaching more, taking more classes/workshops, or both?

I love teaching and I love learning, so I plan on doing a lot of both. Learning from the legends and contemporary performers is key to keeping burlesque alive and well. It allows the community to grow and shape the art. Burlesque performers are like a family in a lot of ways, only we’re not born into it as much as we’re brought in by learning from the life and art of those who came before. I’m proud to be a part of this family, and by teaching I get to help other burlesque performers and students with the lessons I’ve learned from the greats.

In your last Pin Curl interview from July 2010, when asked about being the only Texan to perform at Burlesque Hall of Fame weekend in Las Vegas you said, “I was nervous that if my performance wasn’t so great, they really wouldn’t take Texas seriously. I’m hoping I made a big enough splash this year that they consider more Texas performers next year.” Considering that you’re performing in the Reigning Queen of Burlesque competition at this year’s BHOF weekend, it would be safe to say you made quite a splash, don’t you think?

I’m delighted to be performing in the competition this year. It seems as though the selection committee is looking a little harder at Texas performers, which is exciting to all of us in the Lone Star State. Congratulations in particular to my friend and colleague Ginger Valentine, who was chosen to perform in the debut category this year. I have high hopes that we’ll rock Saturday night and encourage performers from out of state to come to Texas and perform with us, too.

As always, you’re a remarkably busy woman. You said in your most recent Pin Curl interview that you were making festivals a priority, and boy did you ever! You’ve traveled all over the place this year, including Key West, LA, San Diego, Chicago, Albuquerque, Atlanta, Denver, New Orleans, Las Vegas, all over Texas, and plenty more that I likely missed. How do you manage to keep everything balanced?

This year I’ve had no choice but to take everything one step at a time. It’s wonderful that I get to do what I love, I wouldn’t change a thing, but I’ve had to remind myself more than a couple of times to breathe. I also remind myself that if I ever get tired of doing burlesque I can just stop, but I don’t think I’m in danger of that. It’s still the first thing I think about when I wake up and the last thing on my mind as I fall asleep. It’s my absolute dream job and I am so thankful that I can tour so much and make friends with performers all over the world. I suppose I manage to balance the craziness because this is my chosen profession and lifestyle and I’d like it to stay that way for as long as the universe allows.

The Jigglewatts, the Austin burlesque troupe you co-founded, was voted best burlesque troupe in Texas at Hot Rods and Heels last year and is also a finalist for the same award in this year’s event. How have the Jigglewatts evolved in recent years?

We’re constantly evolving because we recruit such great performers. Miss Ruby Joule and I love being solo performers, but having a group is so rewarding and allows us to reach more people. Selecting new Jigglewatts is a process, and in the five years we’ve been producing shows we realize how important it is to have a troupe full of headliners who all just happen to get along. We need to keep the cast small and everyone needs to be confident in their abilities and recognize how valuable their individual talents are to the group as a whole. This year we added Jolie Ampere Goodnight and Ruby Lamb to our cast and 2010 Jigglewatts Pearl Lux and Goldie Candela will be performing again with us very soon. We recognize that as a group we’re so much more powerful and entertaining than we are individually. The Jigglewatts mission has always been to support the beauty and talent in other women, and it might be a little hard to do that without showcasing as many different beautiful and talented performers as we can.

Anything you’d like to add?
The burlesque world changes and grows constantly, and with its increase in popularity there’s an opportunity for the community to come closer together and there’s also more potential for the genre to grow. It’s our responsibility as the current burlesque community to work together and help it become the best and most wonderful thing it can be. I understand that there’s been some concern about the recent increase in the popularity of burlesque and a lot of us are afraid that it will morph into something new and different and unappealing to those of us in the field now. I feel strongly that if we stay true to our studies and our roots and we keep our eyes open to the world around us, we will be able to help guide the art form as it develops. We just have to continue to support each other.

Oh, and I love Pin Curl! Thank you for all the great things you do in the community, and for working so hard to promote burlesque as the wonderful art form it is. See you May 21st!

Find the full interview & photo shoot here!

The Layman’s Guide to Burlesque Classes in Texas.

By : Shoshana

Whether you were inspired by attending a local burlesque show, and want to hit the stage yourself, or you are just looking for a creative workout there’s a local burlesque class and instructor that is just right for you.  The trick is finding the perfect fit.

Dallas

Ginger Valentine uses her 15 years of dance training to serve as headmistress of Ginger Valentine’s Burlesque Charm School.  Novices and seasoned performers welcome.

Monday & Wednesday evening classes are held at The Ruby Room (Fair Park in Dallas) and sessions include “Bumps and Grinds” and “Classic Burlesque Striptease”.  You may buy classes in series, or drop in for $20.

Tuesday is “Burlesque Shimmy and Tone” at Move Studio in far north Dallas.

Miss Malicious of The Lollie Bombs and Texas Performer of the Year 2009 teaches “Burlesque 101” at 7pm every Monday evening at Lady of America Gym on Mockingbird at Abrams. Malicious covers everything from classic burlesque moves and basics to full burlesque routines.  Class is free with gym membership ($30/mo) or drop-in for $15.

Delilah Muse, nationally renowned flamenco dancer, has dove head first into the world of burlesque! Her “Get Your Sexy Back” Burlesque class at United Dance Academy caters both to new mothers wanting to get back in shape & expectant mothers looking to stay sexy and fit during pregnancy.  Classes are on Saturdays. $55 per Month or $15 per class.

One of Dallas’ oldest cabaret troupes, The Velvet Kittens teach a wide variety of cabaret style and burlesque classes at the Verandah Club in Dallas.  Classes and workshops change monthly.  Four Class Series is $60 regular registration.

Denton

Honey Cocoa Bordeauxx has been on the stage since age two.  She brings her expertise to the Green Space Arts Center every Monday night for Burlesque Aerobics.  Classes are $10 for TWU or UNT students and $15 for non-students.

Honey will also be starting at class at Sole Groove Dance Fitness in Flower Mound later this month!

Austin

Austin Academy of Burlesque’s headmistress is none other than Miss Coco Lectric, co-founder of The Jigglewatts and Hot Rods and Heels Texas Performer of the Year 2010.  Lectric covers everything from classic techniques with boas, gloves, and stockings, to advanced choreography and full routines.  Classes range from $10-$15 and are on a drop-in basis and are held at Galaxy Dance School and Lucila’s World Dance Studio.

Houston

Grace Truvant founded Lady Grace Academy, Houston’s first school of burlesque just over a year ago.  The classes are taught in series and students may choose from a wide variety of subjects such as “Classic Moves of Burlesque” (Truvant is a New York School of Burlesque associated instructor), “Advanced Burlesque: Creating Your Character”, and “Exotic Essentials”.  Fees variety based on studies choosen.

We last spoke with Austin-based Coco Lectric back in November.  Since that interview, she has gone on to win the Title of Texas Performer of the Year, “Texas Burlesque Ambassador”, and will be performing later this month with none other than Dita Von Teese.  We certainly have a lot of catching up to do, and were honored when Coco took time out of her insanely busy schedule for an interview with us.

Interview & Photographs: Shoshana, of DallasPinUp.com

Q: Since we last interviewed you in November, so much has happened!  First, let’s talk Hot Rods and Heels.  You won the Texas Performer of the Year title, and The Jigglewatts won for Texas Troupe of the Year.  Tell us a bit about the evolution of your work over the last nine months.
The last nine months has been a pretty wild ride. I’ve done more producing than I ever have. We opened the year with a Tribute to Bettie Page which featured The Jigglewatts and Dallas performers, Ginger Valentine and Elisa and other amazing Austin girls. Miss Ruby Joule and I have done a lot more traveling as well; we performed in Albuquerque at the Southwest Burlesque Showcase and in Bustout Burlesque in New Orleans. I performed in Chicago with Michelle L’Amour and her Chicago Startlets in Chicago for “Stripper’s Holiday” in April.

Dallas made reaching my goal of getting my name out there because I got the opportunity to perform in shows with Catherine D’Lish, Perle Noire, Angie Pontani, and my personal favorite, Dirty Martini. I’ve also made festivals a priority this year because, not only would a title or two be wonderful, I get to learn from and become closer friends with some of my favorite burlesque performers and legends. Networking is so important in burlesque world, I mean, sharing one’s performances is kind of the point, right? Performing with other folks from all over the world that make burlesque a priority widens the net of potential audience members and fans.

Q: Right after Hot Rods and Heels, you were off to Vegas to be the only Texas performer given a performance slot at the Miss Exotic World Showcase, part of Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend in Las Vegas, becoming our “Texas Burlesque Ambassador”.  Tell us about that experience.

Being the opening act for the opening show was an honor. So many attendees told me how much they enjoyed my number and I attribute a lot of that to being the first one on stage. The audience was absolutely incredible and attentive and spent their hard earned time and money to get to the venue, so they were ready for a good show. I was SO ready to give it to them, I’d been saving up my adrenaline for that night and can honestly say that when I walked off the stage, I was content. I even got to give Perle Noire the eyes during a glove peel. She responded ecstatically! Being the “Texas Burlesque Ambassador” this year was an honor but it also brought about a new set of responsibilities. So many amazing performers here submitted applications and I was shocked that I was the only one to get in. I was nervous that if my performance wasn’t so great, they really wouldn’t take Texas seriously. I’m hoping I made a big enough splash this year that they consider more Texas performers next year.

Q: The Jigglewatts are headlining at the Lakewood Theater on July 2, and then you are off to New Orleans to perform with none other than Dita von Teese at Tales of the Cocktail. Can you tell us which number/s you are doing?  Are you more nervous or excited?

I’m performing my Big Red Boa number in Dita’s show. I’m very excited about performing with her and I’m doing the long version of the song, which is what I’m most comfortable with. I’m mostly nervous that I won’t have enough rhinestones on my outfit!  But seriously, I am a little nervous about performing for an entirely new audience. Most folks come to burlesque shows because they love burlesque. Dita von Teese’s audience comes to the show because they love Dita, I hope they have enough room in their burlesque hearts for a full-bodied Texan with a tan.

Q: Your four month whirlwind lands you back in New Orleans in mid September to compete for the title of Queen of Burlesque at the New Orleans Burlesque Festival.  Last year’s competition featured an amazing line-up including burlesque super stars like  Perle Noire, Catherine D’ Lish, and Lola Van Ella.  What was your reaction when you were asked to compete?  What is your view on competition in burlesque?

I was absolutely beside myself thrilled when I found out that I’d be competing in the Queen of Burlesque competition this year. I really want to bring something fresh, new, and a little naughty to the show this year. There is just something about performing with a live band that gets my toes curling. I actually kind of enjoy competition in burlesque, it makes me want to improve my craft and do my homework.

I’ve always been a little bit aggressive when it comes to my talents, though. If I weren’t competing with other bombshells, I’d be competing with myself. It really is difficult for a panel of judges to make a decision of who has the best act though, burlesque is like comparing different fruits. No one is selling the same exact gimmick and everyone likes something different. To be honest, I don’t really know how to compete well with other performers, there’s never a level playing field and most of us are playing different games any way.

Q: In the midst of all this, you also managed to complete your master’s degree, be a single mom, and hold down a personal relationship.  How do you manage to do it all?
Wow. That really makes it sound like I’m busy, doesn’t it? The short answer is: I don’t know. I take things one moment at a time. I follow my passions and I try to temper everything with common sense and logic. My degree will open a lot of doors for me in the future, but it has taken a back seat to everything else. There are a lot of things I know I need to do right now. I need to focus on burlesque right now. I need to be a good mom right now. I need my boyfriend right now…wait that’s not what it sounds like!

On a more personal note, I only get the chance to be a great mom once. I know how important my influence is while he’s young and he is my top priority. My boyfriend has been a great support in my life, artistically and emotionally. We’ve known each other for years and I still get butterflies when I know he’s in the audience. I follow my heart and my gut in all matters of my life and, to my great surprise, I find myself where I belong.

Hot Rods and Heels Recap

By: Hella Goode Photos: Mark Kaplan

Hot Rods and Heels, billed the largest pin-up festival in Texas, is an annual event that takes place every May in Dallas. The Lakewood Theater, a historic East Dallas Theater was home to the annual gathering, and while turnout was about the same as last years’ event, the much larger venue allowed for more breathing room than past event, and as one vendor put it — “Thank God — It’s not all assholes and elbows”. [Her colorful way of giving the thumbs up to a larger venue that was less crowded.]

The daytime activities included a car show- which boasted the Lucky 13 car club, as well as individual owners who had caught word of the festival and brought their mint condition hot rods in for the day. The daytime goers seemed to hang out outside with the hot rod show, as opposed to taking advantage of the workshops going on inside the theater; but by the 7pm Model showcase and runway fashion show, which was emceed by Dayna Delux, the entire crowd had filtered inside, and stayed planted for the 23 act burlesque show that followed; although the crowd thinned out a bit towards the end of the night when the show ran much later than the promised 11pm end time.

While staying true to the all Texan line-up that Hot Rods and Heels prides itself on, they did manage to encompass even more Texas cities this year, with performances representing Houston, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Austin, and Denton. The knock-out performances that drove the audience wild and got the loudest applause were Pixie O’ Kneel’s Car Wash Number, Coco Lectric’s Snake Charmer, Rosie Rawhyde’s classic piece, and Nick’s surprise Michael Jackson tribute.

While it was mainly industry types that stuck around for the awards ceremony, the loving energy was almost tangible. Congratulations to Coco Lectric, who took home the Performer of the Year title, Angela Ryan who won Pin-Up Model of the Year, and Austin’s The Jiggle Watts for best troupe. The newcomer category — One to Watch — went to burlesque entertainer Bunny Bailey and Pin-Up model Bondi Holly. Perhaps the largest applause of the night was for the surprise winner — Mark Kaplan of NakedLens.org who took home the Darling of the Year award.

Pegasus News summed up the night as, “The best pin-up show I have ever seen.” And I tend to agree. This is an event not to be missed, and I can’t wait until next year!

Pin curl had the opportunity to visit with the Jigglewatts: Ruby Joule & Coco Lectric and talk assassins, Madonna, zombies, and baking.

Photo: Through the Looking Glass

Q: Who founded the Jigglewatts and how has the troupe evolved since its inception?

R: The Jigglewatts has three original founding members: Ruby Joule, Coco Lectric, and Cherry Zap. Coco brought along the Jigglewatts name from an earlier incarnation, which was the inspiration for the electrical theme of our names, and also spoke to our philosophy.  Since the troupe was founded, a handful of dancers have come and gone but we’ve remained small in number, keeping an exclusive “boutique troupe” feel. Because of this, we’ve moved away from the idea of group numbers, focusing instead on developing spectacular solos and engaging duets. 

CL: Before the Jigglewatts was a burlesque troupe it was a club I created for women to support each other in their endeavors and to appreciate how we’re all beautiful and unique. As a troupe we strive for these goals and really demonstrate how women who realize their unique beauty and sensuality can be powerful and inspiring. When we first started out we were still trying to find our niche. I was more serious about culturally inspired numbers that utilized my dance and gymnastics training. I also used to choreograph a lot more and we had more ensembles. Now we do a lot of solos and are very intense about our costume choices and engaging the audience instead of just hitting them over the head with our dance moves.
  
Q: Both of you have extensive dance and theater backgrounds. Can you give us the highlights?

R: Gosh, where to start?  I’ve been dancing since I could walk, and was on the prima ballerina career track until I had a serious foot injury as a teenager.  I couldn’t bear to leave the performing arts, so I transitioned into theatre and started learning other, less punishing forms of dance.  I have fond memories of performing with Ballet Austin in The Nutcracker and Snow White, and later as the “palest hula girl in town,” performing Tahitian and Polynesian dance for about 9 years.  I am particularly proud of originating the role of Eva in the musical, The Cafe du Cache, and following in Madonna’s footsteps to play Karen in Speed-the-Plow.  

CL: I began dance training at the age of 3 and began dancing professionally at the age of 14 in Houston. I performed with Ruby for years in the Austin area in the Polynesian arts, belly dancing and Afro-Caribbean styles. I began my professional choreography career in Austin where I was the house choreographer at Paradox Nightclub. Austin has known me as a featured dancer for years. As a vocalist I’ve performed with award winning band, Salsa Del Rio and toured Europe with an operatic choral group with top performers from the state of Texas. As a pop/R&B singer I performed with Liquid Stereo Project and co-produced and recorded as a solo artist on my album, Alive. My most notable film appearances have been as associate producer, choreographer, vocalist for the female lead in Z: A Zombie Musical and as Isabella Montoya in Green. I now teach Classic Striptease and Go-go Cardio and am coordinating the Austin Academy of Burlesque.

Q: In your opinions, what makes a “great” burlesque piece? What elements should it possess?

R: In my opinion, a great piece starts with a concept that is original or meaningful to the performer, and utilizes the elements of music, costuming, movement and stage presence to the fullest and most detailed extent possible to illustrate a story or transformation. As a spectator, none of these elements can be a weak link, or the act falls like a bad soufflé!

CL: In addition to what Ruby mentioned, a great burlesque piece is all about what makes the performer tick. She has to really look like she’s enjoying herself, like there’s nowhere in the world she’d rather be. I also love watching performances that have a little twist or a well thought out theme.
  
Q: Many of your signature numbers involve elaborate costumes and props that add to the glamour. Can you describe your creative process in developing a new number? How much of the prop and costuming is yourselves, and how much is commissioned?

R: For me, the creative process can be sparked by anything- a theme show, a character I want to portray, a song I just HAVE to dance to or a special prop I want to play with.  Then it seems to come together in bits and pieces, like a jigsaw puzzle.  I make (or repurpose) all of my props and costumes.  It’s one of the parts of the process I enjoy most, plus I like having complete creative control over the finished product.

CL: So far all of my props and costumes have been created by me, or have been fashioned from something that already exists. Jupiter Moon Corsets recently made me a fabulous cocoa colored ensemble that I’m working into a signature Coco solo. New numbers or themes pop into my head several times a day. Sometimes a theme of a show will inspire a new number, for example, at Gifts and Garters where I’ll BE a gift from Tiffany’s. I find myself wanting to BE something non-human like a pony or a tangerine, I’m working on a cobra number and a dragonfly number, now. Lovers, friends, family and the politico-social climate inspire my numbers quite often, but I’ve got to keep some things a secret, right?
 
Q: Speaking of glamour, our cover shoot is having fun with image of an over the top glamour girl as the image of burlesque, and has you ladies baking in the kitchen in fabulous dresses. Do either of you ladies actually cook? What are your contributions to your Thanksgiving spreads this year?

R: Ha!  I’ll let Miss Coco handle this one, as I do not cook! At Thanksgiving feasts, I’m usually relegated to bringing the relish tray.

CL: When I do cook, it’s to die for. But–I’ll let you in on a little secret — I hate to clean. I love to cook, but I hate to clean the gigantic mess that accompanies a delicious meal. My Czech grandmother taught me to make all kinds of pastries and jams, and a close friend taught me how to make some traditional Chinese dishes, but for the most part I like to discover food on my own. I made Thanksgiving dinner a few years ago and people are still raving over it. I’ll bring the turkey, dressing and gravy if they let me this year.

  
Q: Recently, Dallas has had the privilege of seeing a lot more of you lovely ladies. Each of you has performed at various Bewitching Burlesque events as well as Dallas Burlesque Festival and Hot Rods and Heels. How does the Austin burlesque scene different from the Dallas scene?

R:  The Dallas Burlesque scene is so exciting in its rapidly blossoming growth! I love coming to Dallas to perform because the shows are such bombastic events and there is a feeling of mutual respect and support for every role in the burlesque community, from dancers to producers, photographers and designers.  The Austin entertainment scene is saturated with talented artists trying to be noticed, so it can be quite competitive as we are pitted against theatre, indie film, live music and myriad other entertainment choices every time we perform. Perhaps for this reason, Austin has been a great place to hone professional, attention-getting acts.

CL: Dallas really knows how to appreciate local talent when it sees it. You all are very good business people and on top of your game in entrepreneurship. Austin is more a town of artists with far fewer business people in the arts, but that part is growing. We are all on our own, in a way, but like Ruby said, there are so many of us. People come from all over the world to live in Austin for that very reason and there are more bands and performers than I could ever hear about in town. I’m so proud to be a part of the longest active burlesque troupe in town.
 
Q: Ruby Joule, you’ve been working a lot as an actor lately, and even jokingly referred to yourself as the “music video queen”. What acting projects do you have in the works currently?

R:  Haha, that’s right!  I love working on music videos because they are often quick shoots and can be very creative.  Up next, I am pleased to report that I’ll be appearing as “Midge” in the feature film, “A Mind of its Own,” which will be shooting in Dallas in late 2009. In it, I play the main character’s co-worker, a fiery redhead from Scotland.  Winning this role was quite a feather in my cap, as I hear they auditioned in Texas and LA before making their final decision.
 
Q: Are you switching your focus from burlesque to acting?

R: This burlesque adventure has actually marked a grand detour from my acting career.  The aspect of burlesque that had me hooked was the ability to cast myself in any role I felt like dreaming up! No waiting around for a good character to come along, auditioning, and hoping the director likes you.  It’s DIY from start to finish, with complete creative control. However, while I love the art of burlesque dearly, I’ve realized that for me its scope is limited.  I wouldn’t say that I’m switching my focus as much as trying to find a happy balance between burlesque, legit film and stage, and modeling while keeping it all in perspective.  A lofty goal when there are still only 24 hours in a day! 
  
Q: Miss Coco Lectric, you recently stared in an ass kicking martial arts film. Tell us a little about your character?

My character is an assassin in a futuristic sci-fi action film. She’s caught in the crosshairs of a scandal between warring factions in the not so far future in the United States. She’s trying to find herself and avenge the death of her father. I loved doing this film. Isabella and I are very similar only she gets to beat people up all day and she has to lay low. Coco doesn’t lay low.
 
Q: Though you’ve done film and television as well, your love affair with burlesque is your main focus. What is it that has you so captivated?

CL: Burlesque combines dance, music, singing, acting, costuming, modeling and playing dress up; why am I so captivated? But really, burlesque is an art that has the ability to inspire and heal people at a deep level. Women have been given so many mixed messages regarding their bodies and their sensuality, and for that reason many women are unhappy with themselves. Burlesque gives me an opportunity to show a healthy and fun portrayal of sensuality and the beauty of diversity. As a performer I’ve always made an attempt to make the audience feel special, happy, and alive. Burlesque gives me that opportunity. The audience reaction is such an integral part of the show, they are all a part of it. It’s truly an honor to be able to share even just a few moments with everyone in the crowd.
 
Q: The last six months have been successful and busy; we’ve found you ladies in Las Vegas, Dallas, New Orleans, Austin, and Los Angeles! Being able to be a part of so many fabulous events, and finding yourself surrounded by so many amazing performers has to been inspiration as well as informative. What’s the biggest pearl of wisdom you’ve taken to heart in recent months?

R: For me, it has been inspiring to greet those mythical places and people who previously only existed in my remote imagination; The Viper Room, Marilyn’s handprints, Catherine D’Lish, Jo Boobs… they have shown me that perhaps the world is smaller and friendlier than I once thought.

CL: I’ve found that, no matter where we perform, audiences want to be enchanted. When we get up on the stage and dazzle audiences they are more than willing to accept the escape from their every day lives. I can’t help but want to create a more and more spectacular numbers.

 
Q: It is human nature to always want bigger and better. What does 2010 hold for the Jigglewatts, both as a troupe, and as individuals?

R:  We’re continually dreaming up ideas for “our next big show” with the troupe; perhaps one of those ideas will be brought to fruition.  We have both been invited to perform at the Southwest Burlesque Festival in New Mexico, and I plan to make as many stops on the festival circuit as possible.  I would also love to devote more energy to helping our younger Jigglewatts develop their burlesque presence and refine their acts.

CL: As a troupe we are working toward producing more shows in the Austin and San Antonio area and getting our name and reputation for quality performances out there. The Jigglewatts have a very high standard of quality when it comes to performances, we work very hard at what we do and that should continue. We’re always learning about ways we can improve, so traveling will also be in store for us next year. As a solo artist I plan to keep trying to outdo myself as a performer and costumer. I also am looking forward to teaching more burlesque workshops and classes on the road. I’ve taken in upon myself to create more of a classic burlesque presence in San Antonio–it’s a risk–but burlesque is important to me.
 
Q: What would be your dream performance?

R:My dream performance would involve a stage in Europe, a large prop of some kind; crescent moon, swing, champagne glass, or maybe a disco ball that I “hatch” out of, and a live orchestra… all of this wrapped up in a well-produced film.  I’d also love to play Mistinguett (legendary star of the Moulin Rouge) in a film about her life.  A girl can dream, right?

CL: Every time I dream up something I try to make it happen. I’m working toward being a Broadway performer later in life, but for now I want a big stage, big props, and big smiles in the audience.

Catch Ruby Joule & Coco Lectric at these upcoming events:
 
R: Dec 5: Gifts & Garters, Feb 2010: SW Burlesque Fest.  (Filming in Nov)

CL: I will be filming a couple of movies in November, will be in the next issue of Bachelor Pad, performing in Chicago on November 12th a the Blue Bayou and Vaudezilla Presents The Absolut Comedy Show + Punk Rock Red Carpet on November 14th, performing in Gifts and Garters on December 5th, and The Southwest Burlesque Festival February 20.