La Cholita by Laura Byrnes Photography. Byrnes also shot our cover.

Los Angeles’ La Cholita, the Latina Queen of Burlesque, talks motherhood, medieval torture tactics, her new band, rhumberas, body image, and childhood bedazzling.

Interview: Divertida Devotchka

Congratulations on your baby boy! (He’s your first, right?) Regarding your pregnancy, you mentioned in a recent interview that you were “excited and thrilled but also terrified at the same time.” Now that he’s here, do you find that you’re still slightly terrified, or has instinct kicked in and taken over?

Thank you so much!! Yes he’s my first and the best thing that has ever happened to me. Having a baby is an immensely joyous occasion but nobody talks about how scary it can be too. Aside from the fact that you are growing a tiny person inside you, all of these  crazy things are happening to you physically, emotionally and mentally, then there’s this stigma like you are just going to drop off the face of the earth. Suddenly everyone is treating you like you’ve been stricken with some terrible disease! Even some of my closest friends stopped inviting me out or calling because they just assumed that I would no longer have a social life but that’s when I needed them most. All I kept hearing was how this was the end of my career as a performer but I think the most terrifying aspect was that it was a serious reality check. It made me really reevaluate my priorities and my life. It was a year of intense transition for me, I had to look closely at myself, my career, my relationships, and be brutally honest with what changes needed to happen. That was hard, especially letting go of people and accepting the things I couldn’t change. Dealing with heartbreak, devastating post partum, and all the new changes in my life there were times I wanted to crumble, but then I would look at this amazing gift I’ve been given (my son) and all the hardships I faced suddenly turned into artistic gold. I stopped whining and feeling sorry for myself, grabbed a pen and started writing music and finding ways to channel those emotions into creative outlets.

Valentino has been the biggest blessing in so many ways, he is the ultimate love of my life, he’s so inspiring, just an endless source of light and happiness that pushes me to strive harder and be the best I can possibly be and as a result all these amazing things began happening. I’m more successful in my career than I’ve ever been: traveling around the world, headlining tours, performing with my idols. It’s been the most challenging yet most rewarding experience of my life but I feel like a fucking warrior now. He has awakened a strength and unconditional love within me that I never knew I was capable of there’s nothing in the world that compares to motherhood!

Cholita Live. SH Photo

You’re fresh off headlining a European tour. Tell us all about it! Care to share some of your fondest memories from the tour?

This tour was an epic experience on so many levels. I love to travel, and Europe is incredible because there is so much history which is an element you really aren’t exposed to living in L.A. In Ireland I explored abbeys, Victorian gardens, lush country side and saw a knight sarcophagus that was just mind blowing. In Belgium I visited a castle and learned about all of the brutal torture tactics used to punish prisoners in medieval times and although it was disturbing it was fascinating. Each country was more interesting than then last. It was amazing to be half way across the world and in every country have fans, some people driving as far as 5 hours to make it to see a performance.

I am so incredibly grateful to each and every person that comes out to my shows and I really enjoyed the European audiences because they were so enthusiastic. They just do it the way they feel it and aren’t afraid to go crazy and I LOVED that. At one show in particular there was a girl who I noticed kept looking at me but looked really nervous so I smiled and said hi and she came over with a little piece of paper. She didn’t speak any English so before the show she had looked up all the things she wanted to say to me and printed them out on a piece of paper. She read each line to me and I melted, Is that not the sweetest thing ever?!

Another big highlight was fulfilling my long time dream of dancing in Paris; it was magical. Paris is enchanting, breathtakingly beautiful and the whole city is blooming with love. It’s just in the air and you feel it. I’m a big time romantic so I fell madly head over heels with the entire city. I cried as the car took me to the airport, I didn’t want to leave and definitely look forward to returning. Everyone was asking about my band which was really exciting for me too since it’s a fairly recent endeavor for me, we’re working on a European tour next summer so I can’t wait to get back!

I’d like to know more about your band, La Cholita and the Kreeps. Can you describe your style for our readers and fill them in on when and where they can see you play?

Currently this is the project I am most excited about and of which I’m most proud!   It’s like a new romantic relationship, everything is fresh and thrilling like a constant natural high and you want the whole world to know about it. Our sound is influenced by psychobilly, surf and garage rock. I sang with a few different bands but never really felt like I could let go and be me;  I was always upholding this kind of glamorous image. Although I do identify with it, there’s also a part of me that wants to trade my heels for creepers, get in a pit, get rowdy and dance and sweat like a wild woman!

Showmanship is really important to me so I still approach each performance with The Kreeps the same as I would a burlesque performance. I’m always thinking about new costuming, hair, makeup, props, etc. If fans are coming to see us I want them to feel like they got their money’s worth.  My favorite performers are those who really dive in and are 100% in the moment giving it their all, they don’t even have to be great singers it’s just that raw passion. I hate when I go see a band and he/she had a great voice but they just kind of stand there or walk back and forth I could have just bought the CD.  The thrill of performing live is that exchange of energy that happens between you and the audience because no two are alike.

I was really nervous at first because I had already made a name for myself doing burlesque, so on one hand it was good because I had a fan base on my own and people were curious, but I also knew they would be more critical.  It’s like you are only allowed to be talented in one capacity. But if you are an artistic creative soul by nature chances are you are probably good at a lot of things.

I know that not everyone is going to like me but I can’t sit around and not live my life out of fear of what other people think. So far we have been REALLY lucky, and the response has been tremendous we had our first show in May and things have just taken off it’s incredible. We’re playing places like The House of Blues in Hollywood, The Las Vegas Shakedown and opening for legendary acts. One of the biggest music magazines in the UK just featured us as what’s new in music, which is insane and awesome.

Photo: Aaron Settipane. Image from Dita Von Teese and Special Guests "Burlesque: Strip Strip Hooray!" at the Roxy Theater. May 17&18, 2011.

You recently performed with Dita von Teese in the “Strip Strip Hooray” show in L.A. Since seeing Dita was your first ever burlesque show when you were about 19 years old, that must have been quite the accomplishment to see things come full circle. Did you ever expect that things would turn out that way when you first began performing?

It was very emotional for me because when I got the invitation I instantly went back to the night 9 years ago when I was watching  her perform on stage for the first time and thinking to myself, this is what I want to do. I have always held her in the highest regard, and have a deep respect and admiration for her work. To have your idol tell you they love what you do and ask you to be in their show is just beyond, words cannot express. I was pinching myself all the way until my heel hit the stage the first night and even then thinking to myself, “WOW is this really happening?” On top of that I just had my son 3 months before and hadn’t performed in a year so it was the ultimate comeback! Being on stage again at a historical venue was like reuniting with an old friend, I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. It was overwhelming. It was very exciting to perform for a whole new crowd and to have such a positive reaction from them. I was over the moon and remain grateful to Dita for the opportunity. As far as whether I expected it to turn out this way, not necessarily I mean I always set goals with the intention of fulfilling them and I always give my all when in pursuit of those goals but this was HUGE and I feel really lucky. It is definitely a moment I will cherish near and dear to my heart forever.

Speaking of your first burlesque show, you said in a recent interview that your mom took you to that first show, and you said of that experience, “it felt like I had been training for it my whole life without knowing it until that moment.” First of all, let me just say- your mom sounds AWESOME! Second, I think many performers had that same epiphany (I certainly had the same feeling) but I’ve never heard it described so perfectly. I’d like to know more specifically the things you were doing that were “training” before you realized that’s what it was. Do you have dance or theater background? What about costuming?

Yes my mother is awesome. As an artist herself, I think she understood what it was like to dance to the beat of your own drum so she has always supported and encouraged my interests .I always say that I tap danced my way into the delivery room because performing has been an innate instinct for me for as long as I can remember. I started Ballet and Tap when I was about 2 or 3 but I knew I wanted to do more. I became involved in theatre and music first by putting on shows in my living room for family members and house guests, then in the yard recruiting neighborhood kids as my back up dancers which evolved into me joining community theaters and playhouses.

In middle school I wrote all my school’s plays and was obsessed with makeup and costuming. I played a lot of male roles as well as crazy people and villains; I loved the transformation and challenge. I was also born with a deep rooted lust and fascination for elaborate decadent costuming. I would watch old Mae West films and Ziegfeld Follies girls and just be in awe day dreaming of being a modern day version of that. My mom bought me my first Bedazzler and I Bedazzled *everything*!! She also had an extensive collection of gorgeous vintage rhinestone jewelry that I would wear to preschool. I don’t think anyone in my family or who has known me since then is surprised one bit by my career choice now. It’s funny because when I’m working on costumes and acts sometimes I have flashbacks and it will remind me of being a little girl, bedazzling my dresses and imaging they were big beautiful showgirl costumes that I would be wearing on a big stage and now they are.

You’ve described your performances as “a love letter to the things that have inspired” you, most notably Latin culture. Your fiery Flamenco act won you the title of Miss Viva Las Vegas in 2007, effectively making you the first Latina to become Miss VLV. You’ve also got an act that you describe as “if Mae West was a Mariachi,” as well as a Día de Los Muertos routine. Being that you’re a pioneer of Latina burlesque, what has it been like to see it grow over the last few years? (I’d heard you say in another interview that you’ve started some sort of revolution. Was that your intention or did you find that it just sort of happened?)

It was a demographic that wasn’t being largely represented anymore. Some of my favorite dancers were the rhumberas from vintage cinema like Amalia Aguilar and Yolanda Montes (Tongolele) but I hadn’t seen anyone do anything like that since Russ Meyer queen Kitten Natividad. When I first started, it wasn’t my intention I just saw a place for myself within the community because I knew my style was different, and that I brought a unique element to what was currently being offered. It’s an honor to inspire people; I think it’s the best compliment you can receive. But you never know if that is going to be the outcome of your work.

Every act that I do comes from the heart, and at times as an artist I think you feel vulnerable when you debut a new project because it’s like you are putting a piece of your soul out there for people to judge and criticize but when I think back to the people that have inspired me they were all pioneers in some way. Just because something isn’t being done doesn’t always mean it can’t or shouldn’t be done. I think the most important thing is that you are genuine and true to yourself, that’s how you create a signature and if you can inspire others in the process that is a beautiful thing. It’s great to see so many interpretations of Latina Burlesque from glam, to camp, and traditional to modern Latin culture. It’s been wonderful to see the Latina revolution evolve over the past few years and become a thriving contribution to the burlesque world; I hope it continues to grow.

You say that you’ve been “every size” and that even at 98 pounds when you were 18, you still thought you were overweight. You’ve also stated, “In no other entertainment medium is it really encouraged or accepted for women to embrace their figure and their shape.” Many other performers I’ve interviewed feel that burlesque was the biggest help to their body acceptance. Is that the case with you as well?

Definitely. Being involved in burlesque has been the most empowering and liberating experience for me. I never felt that I represented the ideal model of what was socially accepted as beautiful. I always thought there was something wrong with me, my hair was curly, I had freckles, I was chubby, whatever and no matter what size I was there was always something negative that I focused on. After I began doing burlesque, it was like I had unleashed a force within me that just took over. I wasn’t going to let anyone else dictate what I considered or accepted as beautiful, I took responsibility for that definition!

I started focusing on the things I did like about myself and then I began appreciating the things I previously looked at as downfalls. I realized that my strengths lied in my differences. I didn’t want to look like everybody else.; just because something is popular doesn’t make it better. A gem is precious because it’s rare. There’s nothing you can do about facts, but the great thing is you can change your outlook and beliefs then you begin to realize facts are few and far between, there’s not much that can’t evolve or change.

I highly recommend burlesque to anyone who is struggling with body image even though it may sound like the most intimidating thing you could possibly do if you are feeling insecure, but there is something magical about the transformation that happens when a woman is in tune with herself and tap into that natural sensuality that is within all of us. Some have to dig a little deeper because they’ve denied it or been afraid of it for so long that it’s buried deep down but it’s there. You may not be twirling tassels at your desk or maybe you will but you will hold your head higher, and appreciate yourself more.

Not everyone has to perform in front of an audience; taking classes can provide you with all the tools you need to coerce that inner burlesque bombshell. I recently watched a phenomenal documentary film that is a *must see* for everyone interested in burlesque it’s called A Wink and a Smile. There are many elements that make this film so special but one being that it takes you on the journey of women from all walks of life who have enrolled in the incredibly talented Miss Indigo Blue’s burlesque workshop. Regardless if you have been performing for 100 years or if it’s still just a twinkle in your eye, I guarantee there is part of you that will relate to each and every one of them. I laughed, I cried, I LOVED it. It was such a raw, authentic representation of how diverse women are, and that should be celebrated.

What’s next for La Cholita?

My primary focus is my band The Kreeps. We’re having so much fun, and I’m learning so much about myself in a whole new capacity. I feel really lucky we found each other and are embarking on this adventure together; I’m really looking forward to returning to Europe with them and seeing where our music takes us. Then again there is so much I want to do! I’ve been hustling and working so hard for so long that up until recently I never took the time to appreciate the things and goals I was accomplishing along the way.

If you put your mind, heart and soul into it you really can achieve anything and your imagination is your only limitation. Sometimes the way you get there isn’t the way you expected it to happen, and sometimes you are achieving goals without recognizing them or without even remembering you set them. It’s been such a crazy journey to get to this point in my life and I still feel like I’m just beginning. Now it’s just figuring out which direction to go next.

It’s awesome to be constantly be exploring new avenues and making my dreams my reality and I don’t want to ever stop doing that. I go back to being that little girl, spending hours bedazzling my clothes, putting on my mom’s rhinestone jewelry, singing, dancing and performing shows in my living room imagining that one day I would be traveling and performing for sold out crowds on big stages. I’ve always wanted to be an entertainer and sing and dance around the world, and that’s exactly what I’m doing.

Murray Hill by Malgorzata Saniewska

New York icon Murray Hill, “The Hardest Working Middle-Aged Man in Show Business” talks Don Rickles, Dita, cheeseburgers, Texas, Swedish Fish, biographies and showbiz.

Interview: Divertida Devotchka

I love how you describe yourself as simply an entertainer, as opposed to a stand-up comedian, burlesque show host, etc., as these are not really accurate descriptions. I read a 2009 interview in which you said, “I’m not up there with some great message, or going to talk about how messed up our country is, or work out my demons for an hour, I’m an entertainer, you see.” Can you tell our readers a little more about the development of your style as a performer and how it’s changed over the years (or if it hasn’t changed a bit?)

Entertainer is an old-school term these days, but it’s what I do. Simply put, I entertain. I’ve always made a conscious decision to play to as many different audiences as possible and to knock down that fourth wall…even if there isn’t one.  With blood, sweat, and tears (sometimes all at once) I earned the best showbiz education available…pounding the boards of New York City in every dump, dive, and high class joint imaginable.  What’s changed over the years, I’ve got a lot of experience under my belt, and a belly hanging over my belt.  I’m like my Grandpa’s La-Z-Boy recliner…I’m beat up, worn in, but totally comfortable.

Obviously the burgeoning neo-burlesque scene in New York is a great avenue for your style, and I’ve read that in some ways you compare your style to that of Don Rickles, who got started in burlesque clubs. Rickles eventually earned the reputation of being an insult comedian, but I’m curious to hear your take on where the line is drawn between making a joke and alienating your audience with too many insults. How do you know when to draw the line, especially when so much of your material comes from off the cuff?

Working the burlesque scene has been a Reese’s peanut cup from day one. It just works. The showgirls, the booze, the energy. I’ll take a lounge, theater, nightclub over a comedy club any night of the week.  Don Rickles is the Master. To truly understand his act, you need to see or listen to it from beginning to end.  Unlike the crass insult comics, or really most stand-ups today, he had a heart and he was all class. He never came from a mean place.  It’s a subtle difference but it’s palpable as an audience member. Comedy clubs are often cold places, Rickles is all warmth. Ironically, he’s called Mr. Warmth…in reality, that’s the vibe of his shows.  I love this quote from him: “If I were to insult people and mean it, that wouldn’t be funny.”

The line is thin between alienating people and making them in on the joke is hair thin.  Based on your earlier question…after years and years of doing this, I’ve learned how to play that line and not go too far.  In the early days, I wasn’t as disciplined as I am now and sometimes schtick went too far or negative.  One of my biggest priorities is making sure any room I play is warm. That’s showbiz.

Murray Hill by Allison Michael Orenstein

You just got done hosting a string of sold out shows featuring Dita von Teese. Care to share a few of your favorite highlights from the tour?

So many highlights, that could be its own interview and reality show! Working with Dita is like being in the major leagues. It’s all pro, all the time. She’s elevated burlesque through the roof and into the mainstream.  My Texas debut was in Dallas and that show was a personal highlight.  The energy was high-voltage so I gave it back full blast and then some. To have a sold-out house flip out like a stadium rock ‘n roll concert for burlesque, well, that’s showbiz. That’s warmth.  Nothing I love more than bringing all kinds of people together and presenting them with a jaw-dropping show. The Texas audiences blew me out of the water.

I must say, it was about 110 degrees that day. At the after party, a very busty and sexy woman came up to me and said, “I know it’s a federal crime, but I want to kidnap you.  I know it’s hot baby, but I got a pool. I’ll even clean it.”  I’ve been in showbiz a long time, that’s one of the best line’s I’ve heard.  A little later in the night, a fox screamed out “Marty! You my boo! You crazy, you funny, you my boo Marty! You crraaazzyy.” That had me laughing too!

You were a photographer when you first came to New York, and much of your subject matter was related to drag queens. How did you make the transition from photographer to performer, and what made you decide to go that route?

That’s a long story. I’ll tell ya, I saw a discrepancy in representation out there, so I became the subject matter I didn’t see. I like to say, if you don’t feel represented out there, then go out there and represent yourself.  Photography is a powerful medium but it’s silent in a way. I wanted to have a voice (even though it can be high-pitched at times) and take up some space. I wanted to even the playing field so to speak. So eventually I put the camera down and jumped on the other side of the camera.  Through performances, I’ve traveled the world, met so many people and made some history in the process.  That beats hanging a picture on a wall any day. Although, I wouldn’t mind my double-chin being photoshopped.

Photo: Allison Michael Orenstein

You have been incredibly busy as of late, and I’m astounded at the number of notable appearances and cameos that you’ve made on television programs and music videos. Which of your recent appearances was the most exciting for you and why?

They don’t call me the “hardest working middle-aged man in show business” for nothing! I love being in a Gossip video and then being on Real Housewives of New York. Keeping it real, and keeping it showbiz. It was a great honor to have a cameo in HBO’s “Bored to Death.” Jonathan Ames, one of my showbiz pals from the East Village created the show after years of hitting the boards in NYC and has hit the big time.  A real inspiration, and he never lost his unique voice.

As a notorious meatatarian, I share with you a strong affinity for cheeseburgers. Tell me about Murray’s dream burger. I want to know everything- the bun, the meat (rare, medium, well?), toppings and assorted condiments, as well as your preferred side dish and beverage, if you wish to include that (though they obviously take a backseat to the burger.)

Incredible how many double entendres I read in this question.  I love a good cheeseburger, and my preferred side dish is the legendary Dirty Martini.  Cheeseburger and fries, straight up, that’s my favorite. I’ve had to cut down on my cheeseburger consumption to just remain 20 pounds overweight. It’s tough in the biz, I tell ya.  Right now, the recent best burger I’ve had is at the joint in Brooklyn called 5 Leaves.  Also, I’m addicted to Swedish Fish candy.  Ladies out there, it’s a real weakness for me. I’ll do anything for a bag of Swedish Fish.

What’s next for Murray Hill?

Waking up before noon tomorrow! Rimshot.  Small, attainable goals are the key to life. Next up is shooting a TV show in London this fall on Channel 4 called Dirty Digest.  I can’t wait! I’ve spent a lot time over there filming pilots, and one of the planes got picked to fly.  And, because this recent southern tour was a blow-out, I think Dita and her VonTourage have some more shows cooking! It’d be great to share the showbiz all over!  Of course, make sure to check on http://mistershowbiz.com !

Anything you’d like to add?

You know I’m a showbiz biography addict?  I’ve got a big library of showbiz books here at the headquarters. When I get a chance, I’m going post The Murray Hill Book Club on my website. I’m a student of showbiz, so to speak.  I’m reading Keith Richards and Roseanne’s new book right now. Some favorites are books on Jimmy Scott, Sammy Davis, Dean Martin, Benny Hill….and I read everything on the old Catskills and comedians that worked the resorts, or the “hills” as they used to say.  Sitting on my desk, waiting to be cracked open is Tina Fey, Kay Thompson and Dancing at Ciro’s.  Readers out there: send me your favorite showbiz books to listmurrayhill[at]gmail.com!

Check out more of Murray on his website See him perform at the upcoming New York Burlesque Festival

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.