Samantha Knight was just crowned Texas Pin-Up Model: One to Watch (the Newcomer category) at Hot Rods and Heels. Here she chats med school, Patsy Cline, and standing out in a crowd.  Photos: Shoshana of Through the Looking Glass Studio, MUA/H: Ladonna Stein

Q: Congrats on being crowned Texas Pin-Up Model: One to Watch. Since this is the newcomer category, you obviously have had a whirlwind year. Tell us about that very first shoot, your goals for yourself as a model this year, and how you achieved them.

My very first pinup shoot was with Alvarado in Los Angeles. I had never shot pin-up before but I really wanted to get into it. I loved all the bright colors and the super cute clothing. I was really nervous because I was used to shooting more glamour and editorial fashion and the poses are a little different. My best friend took video of the shoot and looking back I can say I’ve definitely come a long way cause it was a hot mess. Some goals I set for myself this year so far was to try and change my look frequently. I change my hair a lot. I started out as platinum going more gray/white and slowly went to a darker purple. Next I plan on going more platinum mixed with either pink or soft lilac, more for work purposes. A few other goals was submitting more work to get published and designing more clothing for shoots. I love making bright colored vintage inspired clothing.

Q: I hate the word “scene” but sometimes it is necessary. Breaking into the “scene” can be difficult, what were the three biggest lessons you learned this year? What advice would you give to ladies who want to pursue pin-up modeling?

One thing I’ve learned with getting into modeling is to never give up and to stay positive. Secondly, you have to really network to get your name out there whether it’s online or going to different events. Lastly, you have to work with different photographers. It really helps working with different styles, different people like different things and that will only make you a better model. Advice I could give other ladies is to be yourself and bring your own flair into it. When it comes down to it pin-up is pin-up and you have to put your own flair in it to make it pop and be different.

Q: You have a very unusual look with your purple cotton candy hair. How do you maintain it, and do you feel standing out so much has helped or hurt you overall?

Maintaining my hair is pretty easy. My natural shade is a fairly light blonde so my stylist doesn’t have to do much to get it light. I go in probably every month and a half and get it touched up. I was using a water rinse on my hair but this last time my stylist mixed something up and it takes like 3-4 weeks for it to finally fade. It stays in there pretty well. I feel like standing out actually helped a lot with my modeling. It stands out and draws attention so I feel like people notice the unusual weird stuff. haha.

Q: In addition to modeling, you’ve had a busy year with school. I understand your studying medicine with the goal of becoming an OB/GYN. How did you know this was the career path for you?

Ever since I was a little girl I told everyone I was going to be a doctor, actress and figure skater. Yes I really believed I was going to be all three of those when I was little. I have always enjoyed science and the physiology of the human body and of course helping people. When I first started college I changed my major from pre-med to fashion design my sophomore year and I took a break from school to figure out what I really wanted and I started back this last fall with the determination of going for what I have always truly wanted to be an OB/GYN.

Q: If you could have dinner with any five people, living or dead, who would they be and why?

Jayne Mansfield, I love Jayne Mansfield, she loves the color pink, heart shaped things and chihuahuas, how could I not want to have dinner with her? Marilyn Monroe, I’ve be in love with everything Marilyn Monroe since I was a little girl when I started watching her movies. Patsy Cline because I love her music and grew up listening to her. Reese Witherspoon because she’s my favorite actress. Lastly, Betsey Johnson because she is one of my favorite designers.

Q: What does the future hold for Samantha Knight?

Traveling around for shoots is definitely in the works right now. I am currently in the works of teaming of with a friend who makes clothing and we plan on traveling together so that will be awesome. Hopefully more publications in different magazines, I get so swamped with school sometimes I forget to submit. Also finishing school, that is my ultimate goal right now for my future.

Dallas’ Blaze was just crowned Texas Performer, One to Watch (the Newcomer category) at Hot Rods and Heels. She sits down with us to talk motorcycles, Ziggy Stardust, costuming, and hair maintenance.

Q: Congrats on winning the Title of TX Burlesque Performer- One to Watch (Newcomer category)!  You seemed to create quite a stir in your first year; to what do you attribute your success?

Thank you! I’m very excited and honored to claim that as my first burlesque title! As far as what I attribute my success to I think a lot of factors came into play. I have an extensive dance background so that helped a lot. I have a great support network of talented friends that encouraged me to really push myself. I have a wonderfully supportive Husband who helps me with my music, watches my endless rehearsing & grudgingly puts up with all the glitter & rhinestones that litter my home.

I think above all though is my determination to really put on the best show I possibly can in the 4 minutes I’m on stage. I really wanted people to walk away from one of my performances saying ‘Wow, that was amazing!’ rather than ‘Aww, she’s new, I’m sure she’ll get better’ so I really though hard on each performance and the impression I was going to give the audience. After all, it is really all about them!

Q: I understand you have made all of your costumes yourself, and they are absolutely amazing! Do you have a background in costuming?

Thank you again! I do make most all of my own costumes but I have purchased various pieces from vendors in the past due to either time constraints or just coming across something perfect for what I was going for. I’ve been sewing my own costumes ever since I asked for a leather jacket for Christmas when I was 13 but got a sewing machine instead! I’ve taken a few courses on sewing & design but I am mostly self taught; a lot of experimentation lead up to where I am today!

Q: Your hair has become a signature, is it a custom color, and how hard is it to maintain?

If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me if I would tell them how to get their hair color the same as mine I would be living *quite* comfortably at this point! I do use products purchased from a regular beauty supply store but I do combine them to create what you see.  Thankfully my hair color is naturally light so I don’t have to use any bleach but it is a lot of upkeep; root touch up at least once a month (more if I have important shows) and color depositing shampoo every time I wash it. I’ve been a redhead for over 15 years now & I think I have *finally* figured it out!

Q: Of all of the new opportunities that have come your way recently, how do you decide which ones to pursue, and which to pass on?

I have more hobbies and interests than really any one person should have so I learned very quickly that I needed to have an up to date calendar with me at all times to first see if I have the time available. I keep in mind if I would have to create a new number for the event & if I have time to create, rehearse, costume & perfect it.  After that I take into consideration the cost of the show for me vs. the compensation I would be getting. Things like would I need a new costume? How far is the event for gas expenditures and if I would need to purchase a hotel for the evening.  If it’s a charity event is it something I would actually want to support? I try to remember that just because someone give me a chance to be onstage doesn’t always mean I need to be up there.

Q: What would be your top three tips for new gals trying to break into burlesque?

Let’s see…

1) Figure out a starting point. Do you want to do classic style burlesque or some really edgy numbers? Is there a performer that really speaks to you with their shows & you want to create the same kind of art? You don’t necessarily have to do that style for the rest of your career but this will at least give you a starting point to seek out teachers or other performers that may help you get started.

2) Attend as many burlesque shows as you possibly can. not only will you see new & exciting performances & styles that you might not be aware of but you will also meet many of the producers & performers involved in shows in your area.  Talk to them about your interest in performing and they might be able to direct you to classes & workshops or troupes that could help.

3) Don’t ever put a performance piece onstage until it’s ready to be seen. Like I said earlier I never wanted people to think ‘oh, she’s just new at this’ due to a lackluster number. Really work hard on your presentation before it gets to the stage.  Practice in front of friends & family & get their feedback.  Get photos taken of you in your costume so you can see how it looks to other people. Record a practice if you can so you can see how everything looks in movement. Above all remember that you are performing for the audience and you need to make THEM happy rather than just satisfying your need to be in the spotlight.

Q: You recently bought a motorcycle, tell us all about your new biker adventures.

I’m so excited about that! I completed my safety course, got my license and picked up my bike all in one day! I now own a 2007 Honda Shadow Spirit VT750DC; it’s all black and chrome with red pinstripe flames painted on the tank.  As soon as I saw it & sat on it I knew it was meant to be mine! I’m still working up to being as proficient as I need to be before heading out alone and safety is a big concern of mine but it’s been a blast so far!

Q: If you could have dinner with any five people, living or dead, who would they be and why?

Tough question!

1) John F. Kennedy – Being born & raised in Massachusetts the Kennedys have always been a fascination for me. My first really ‘book report’ was on JFK when I was in 4th grade.  One of the very first things I ever did in Texas was to go to Dealey Plaza; I still won’t drive over or even get near that ghastly ‘X’ there. I admire what he was trying to do and even though he had normal failings like every human being I think he was a great leader.

2) David Bowie – I remember the first time I heard ‘Ziggy Startdust’ & I came home to tell my mother how much I loved it.  She told me ‘You wouldn’t like him if you knew what he was like in the 70’s’ so of course I immediately went & looked it up & was downright smitten! The movie ‘Labyrinth’ only strengthened my fondness of him & Sarah’s ballgown from that movie turned out to be the first ‘big’ costume I ever made.  Would love to be able to just sit and eat my dinner while listening to him talk and looking at him across the table!

3) Gary Numan – Another British rocker that I am hopelessly smitten with! I met him and his lovely wife Gemma years ago at a show in Boston; I was dressed like Joseph Michael Linsner’s character ‘Dawn’ who Gary had done a ’soundtrack to read by’ for recently. He actually asked to meet me! I love his music and they were both such lovely people I’d really jump at the chance for a dinner with them.

4) Baz Lurhman – The creator of my favorite movie ever; ‘Moulin Rouge’.  I’ve admired many of his films but MR struck me so deeply from the very first time I saw it I doubt there will ever be another movie able to do the same.  I’ve recreated many of Satine’s costumes from it (in frightening detail sometime & please don’t ask me how much I’ve spent over the years on them!) and still cry every single time I watch the end of it. Both he and his wife Catherine Martin (the costume designer for MR) are such huge inspirations to me I would probably be just speechless the entire time!

5) My Dad – I’m very lucky to still have my father alive but I haven’t seen him in person since I got married in 2006. he’s always been such a big supporter of anything and everything I’ve wanted to do in my life even if he didn’t so much approve of what it was.  As long as it made me happy that is all he cared about.  i still talk to him on the phone quite often but there is nothing like a hug in person from your Dad.

Q: What does the future hold for Blaze?

I’m not sure! Sometimes I get frustrated trying to think about what the future does hold for me as there are so many things I want to do & accomplish & I’ve never claimed patience as one of my virtues! Whatever I’ll be doing you can be sure it will include a lot of glitter & rhinestones though!

Burlesque Arrests: Jack Ruby & Tony Midnite

by: Femme Vivre LaRouge

I present to you two very different figures from the history of burlesque: Jack Ruby and Tony Midnite.  While Midnite made his mark as a performer, costumer, and LGBT activist, Ruby went down in history not for the clubs he owned, but for shooting Lee Harvey Oswald.

Born in Chicago in 1911, Jack Ruby relocated to Dallas in 1947, to take over management of the Singapore Club, which his sister owned.  Ruby later changed the dancehall’s name to the Silver Spur Club and additionally purchased the Bob Wills Ranch House to operate as a western-style nightclub.  Neither of these clubs survived, but his next venture, the Vegas, did.  The Vegas club offered beer and wine, a limited food menu, a live band, and the occasional striptease act.  After a failed attempt at operating a private club on Commerce, he changed its name to the Carousel Club and abandoned the membership system (which enabled club members to purchase liquor) for a public nightclub format with four stripteasers, an emcee, and a band on the payroll.  While some employees got along just fine with Jack Ruby and even spoke fondly of him and his generosity, he was known to have violent outbursts of temper.  He reportedly sapped one employee, beat a musician with brass knuckles, and pinned another to the wall then kicked him in the groin.  He also supposedly gave a handyman a sound beating and threatened to toss a cigarette girl downstairs when confronted about wages.  Somehow in the end, though, the charges were always dropped.

Ruby’s money management was sketchy at best and some performers claim he withheld payment from them; he used his car trunk for his banking, always paid cash, and took out several loans, but never from a financial institution.  His operations were suspended multiple times by the Texas Liquor Control Board, for being an agent of moral turpitude, producing obscene shows, allowing a drunkard on the premises, alcoholic beverage consumption past club hours, and bounced checks.  He was also arrested for permitting dancing after hours (twice), selling liquor after hours, disturbing the peace, allegedly carrying a concealed weapon, assault, and ignoring traffic summonses for a total of 20 tickets.  Most of these charges, including an additional one by the Bureau of Narcotics, were dropped, or resulted in a small fine.  His final arrest, however, in 1963, saw him sentenced to death for shooting Lee Harvey Oswald point blank in the stomach.  However, Jack Ruby died of cancer while awaiting the appeal process.  His motivations are much debated and his life was a turbulent one from the very beginning; the widely differing opinions of him by people who knew him keep the true Jack Ruby cloaked in mystery.

A native Texan, Tony Midnite was born in 1926 and began his performance career as a female impersonator in Galveston.  Before long he took his show on the road, made it to Hollywood by age 20, and then joined Chicago’s Jewel Box Revue in 1948.  Midnite’s passion for costuming eventually took him away from the stage and in 1952, he opened his own studio.   He outfitted all of the best performers, both female impersonator and female, worldwide, in lavish costumes and gowns.  In 1958 Midnite costumed the Jewel Box Revue for its Broadway performance and after that he stayed on in New York, doing costumes for theatre, television, and even the Metropolitan Opera.  He later returned to Chicago to open his own show; although the Chicago police were open with their dislike of female impersonation, this never held him back.  In the early 1950s, the police department attempted to quell his career, but undaunted, Midnite audaciously booked the Jewel Box to perform a two week run of 25 Men and a Girl at a lush show lounge.  The show, consisting of 25 drag queens emceed by a drag king, was so popular that it continued at this venue for eight months.  The Jewel Box Revue also pushed boundaries by employing a multiracial cast of performers in the early fifties.  Although his career was a very successful one, it was nonetheless peppered with discrimination and, effectively, segregation, at times.  Tony Midnite participated in protests and publishing about LGBT issues, earning him an induction into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 1996.

Burlesque Haunts: Austin

by: Femme Vivre LaRouge

If you’re planning on heading down to Austin for the Texas Burlesque Festival this month (which we recommend) you may want to consider staying at The Driskill hotel for some extra kicks.  Fans of all things vintage just might have an intimate encounter with history via one of the numerous ghosts known to haunt The Driskill.  A “landmark of legendary Texas hospitality,” the place is so lavish and lush that some guests choose never to check out.

The Driskill was built by wealthy cattle baron Colonel Jesse Lincoln Driskill.  Its architectural splendor was matched by its advanced technological luxuries and was the first hotel south or west of St. Louis to boast electric lighting.  The very first long-distance call ever placed in the city of Austin was from the lobby of the Driskill, and the hydraulic elevator and elaborate bell system that enabled guests to ring for room service made it a luxurious place to stay in 1886.  Thanks to the Austin Heritage Society and many concerned citizens, the structure was saved from the wrecking ball and remains not only a State Historic Landmark, but a luxurious place of lodging to this day.

Ever important to Austin’s social scene, the hotel is located right on the infamous 6^th street, and during Prohibition it housed the finest hideaway in all of Austin.  The Driskill has been dubbed ‘the living room for Texas politics’ and indeed, not only have the politically powerful gone there to meet and drink, but the Texas Senate convened at the hotel for about a year during the construction of the State Capitol.  Rumor has it that the Texas Rangers even hatched the plan that would be the demise of Bonnie and Clyde while sitting in a suite at The Driskill.  It’s also considered by many to be Austin’s most haunted building as well as the most haunted hotel in the state of Texas.

Due to a tragic accident on the stairs, the first resident ghost of the hotel arrived in 1887 while the Texas Senate was in session.  The daughter of a senator, the little girl was back within the week and has never quit playing and bouncing her ball in the 1^st floor lobby and the 2^nd floor ladies’ room.  The Driskill is still home to its namesake, Colonel Driskill, as well, whose face you can gaze upon in the lobby thanks to a portrait painted in 1890.  Don’t worry, he won’t be showing his face any other way, although if you smell a cigar and no one’s smoking or an unseen force becomes interested in your bathroom lights, he may be nearby.

But don’t get Colonel Driskill confused with Colonel Peter Lawless, who also haunts the hotel.   A resident of the Driskill hotel for around 31 years, the retired railroad man stayed on thereafter and has been seen by several, usually checking his railroad watch while waiting for the elevator.  A woman driving a bus recently had to slam on her brakes at the intersection of 6^th street and Brazos when a man wearing “old time clothing and carrying a watch on a chain” appeared in front of the bus, only to disappear again.  If you happen to see him, he’ll probably just turn and walk off through a wall, although hauntedtexas.com notes that he is an unusual spirit as he will look at and acknowledge the living.

There is one room of the Driskill that has been known to steam up as an invisible roommate takes an imaginary shower and you may even find some scribbles on your notepad.  Guests in another room have had their luggage rearranged while they slept and once a cheeky phantom decided to choose Annie Lennox’s outfit for the evening while she was showering.  In a friendly fashion, the alternate outfit was hung neatly in the closet.  The same ghost has a reputation as a ladies’ man and has been known to make advances on single ladies.

The most mystifying room, though, is 525, which went unused for years.  Legend has it that two brides, 20 years apart, had committed suicide in the bathroom, but whatever the reason, the bathroom door was bricked up until 1998 when renovations brought about a smattering of paranormal activity.  The paint peeled from the walls, the air conditioning defied science, and most alarming, the tub turned out to be full of water with seemingly no way of it getting in there.

The ghosts of The Driskill really seem to be a kindly bunch and for some of them, the party just never ended.  Banquet manager Arthur Cicchese once heard inebriated laughter erupting from the elevators at 6am and then a whole group laughing around him in the hall after the elevators had both opened, although none of the merrymakers was visible.  As the author of Ghost Stories of Texas, Jo-Anne Christensen, puts it, the Driskill embodies “the true ‘spirit’ of southern hospitality.”

If you still haven’t had your fill of ghosties, head on over to The Tavern, rumored to have been  a speakeasy and brothel during Prohibition.  Located on West 12^th Street and Lamar, The Tavern is home to ‘Emily’ who is enjoys the peaceful mornings at the bar and has been known to change channels on the television and occasionally break a glass.  The staff doesn’t seem to mind, though- they’ve named a liquor cabinet after her!  Emily has also been seen standing in the window with a little girl who may or may not have been her daughter, and staring out across the road, to the gas station.

Or, you could just camp out at the Capitol hoping to see the mysterious lady in the red dress.  Whatever your itinerary looks like, April in Austin is sure to be spectacular, and maybe even a bit spooky.

Delia Dread, of Austin’s Black Widow Burlesque troupe, talks glitter smack, blackjack, to-do lists, and Spanksgiving.

Interview: Femme Vivre LaRouge

Black Widow Burlesque was founded in January of 2009, but you were performing with Red Light Burlesque before that.  What inspired you to strike out on your own and form BWB?

Well I did a Christmas show with RLB; I was under the impression that they were coming to an end. So essentially, this is my first and last show.  I was so hyped up on the glitter smack that I wanted more and made it happen.  I am very thankful for Red Light and glad to know they are still going strong with Ruby Rockit.

How did you first discover that burlesque was your calling?

Well, I have always loved singing and dancing.  I had a job as a karaoke entertainer for a while.  When I moved from Midland, TX to Austin I knew there was a fabulous burly-q scene here and I am already into the rockabilly, and my love of showgirls became one and the same.

Performing, modeling, managing a troupe, producing shows, and having a personal life is a lot to keep up with- how do you maintain balance?

I also have a part time job and I am getting back into school so now is more difficult than ever.  But I realize that every single hour of every day is important, and I have a planner and I am a big fan of to-do lists.  They help me stay on point and focused on important things that need to be done.  I decompress by singing karaoke, going to other burlesque shows, playing blackjack, watching the Golden Girls and Judge Judy, yoga, and of course champagne!

How did you meet the lovely ladies (and gent) that perform with you? Do you do most of the booking and group choreography yourself, or does the group function as more of an artist collective?

CRAIGSLIST! Yeah, that’s right; we hold auditions whenever we need fresh new faces and ideas and we actually just had 3 new ladies join our ranks!  The biggest reason why I started Black Widow Burlesque was because I wanted the troupe to be a group collective and for everyone to have a say in what goes on.  It makes it more of a family and it’s great that we can delegate tasks to each girl so I am not responsible for everything.

You draw on several influences for your work, from the classic queens of burlesque to classic monster movies- if you had to pick just one favorite of each, who would they be?

Lili St. Cyr is my favorite classic burlesque queen and Frankenstein is my favorite monster!

What are your performance pet peeves?  What is your favorite aspect of performing?

Sound guys and venue space.  We aren’t like a band, where we just plug in and go.  We need room to dress and we need a person to press play and pause on the sound board.  You would be surprised, but that is hard to find.  That’s why we wrote up our terms of agreement, yea we are professional now woohoo!  The best parts are the costumes, free booze, the audience’s energy, and being able to be proud of your femininity and accept your body.

Have any great stories about show catastrophes?

We had a show at Creekside Lounge and the sound man ended up leaving to go drink, so I had my friend’s boyfriend run our sound.  The stage had broken bottles on the ground and I ended up ripping the hem off my dress from a protruding nail….Burlesque is dangerous, people!  I know, classy…..we have come a long way from our humble beginnings.

Tell me about your upcoming projects and your goals for yourself and your wonderful troupe.

November 19th Black Widow Burlesque is proud to present the first annual Spanksgiving, a burlesque festival at club Encore!  The show has two stages with variety acts, burlesque, and bands, not to mention vendors such as Naughty Cakes and Dreamers, the best part is 100% of the proceeds go to breast cancer awareness.

Ginger Snaps and I are putting together a performance burlesque class for the future. We plan on a Texas tour and to keep supporting burlesque in its entirety.

Jayme Foxx sits down to talk marriage, life in L.A., her hosting career, Monroe the Chihuahua, and Wu Tang Clan.

Interview by Divertida Devotchka. Photos: Shoshana of Through the Looking Glass Studio

Q: In addition to your extensive modeling experience, you also host a number of online/mobile shows. How did you get into that and how long have you been doing it? What is the best part about these gigs? The most challenging part?

I found my niche with hosting/interviewing after I moved to Los Angeles.  I was approached by a web-based TV show called Altitude TV (recently bought by Revolver TV). I went in and did some green screen tests for them. When they offered me the job, I was surprised and a little nervous. I never really pictured myself doing that kind of thing. I always had my sights set on modeling. But it was rewarding to take on a new adventure and challenge.  And as it turns out…I absolutely fell in love with hosting!  It’s an amazing experience to interview people who have accomplished so much, are so driven to continue to succeed, and who are so passionate about what they do.  I get to meet people and do things that people dream of … and I get paid for it!  I am one lucky girl.  The most challenging part of the job is scheduling.  Trying to line up the perfect window of opportunity for everyone to meet and spend a couple of hours whenever they are already so busy can be hard.

Q: You just got married in April of this year, correct? How’s married life?

It is going very well!  I was never one of those girls that really pictured herself getting married.  Whenever I met my husband it was seriously love at first sight. As cheesy as that sounds, we both dove right into the deep end. Six months after knowing each other he proposed to me, and a year later we got married! There is no one else on the planet I would want to be married to. He is awesome. It’s weird to see your future in someone else! I never could see past a year or two with other boyfriends (sorry guys) but honestly with him I can see forever!

Q: You’ve been modeling since age 12 and just returned to Dallas from a stint in LA. What are some of the major differences between working and living there as opposed to here? What made you decide to return?

LA will always hold a dear place in my heart…from a distance.  I loved living there! It was fun, exciting, and the opportunities and experiences I had were awesome!  Before moving, I traveled to LA quite a bit for work. But living there… you’re in the hustle and bustle of the city – constantly dealing with fake people, getting parking tickets for everything, inhaling smog…and the TRAFFIC!!!  It’s a tiny city with a lot of opportunity, but there are too many people fighting for those opportunities and they’ll do anything to “make it”.  Don’t get me wrong – I love California! I am blessed to have lived there as long as I did and accomplish what I accomplished in my career, but moving back to Dallas has made me a much happier person!  I moved back to Dallas last year simply because Brad and I got engaged and having a long distance engagement was not something we wanted!

Q: Your dog Monroe is featured with you in several of your photos and he’s obviously a big part of your life. I also saw that you’ve done some work with PETA. Would you consider yourself an animal activist? Why or why not?

Oh man!  That little guy is the apple of my eye!  Monroe is a Blue Merle Chihuahua! He is about to turn four.  I don’t have any kids of my own but I feel as if I gave birth to him.  The Peta 2 shoot was AWESOME. I was so stoked when they asked me to be a part of it. It was an anti-fur ad for Fred Segal.  We posed with live bunnies and did a small interview on buzznet.  It was featured in AP Magazine, as well as other publications.   I wouldn’t say I am an animal activist. I don’t have any plans to blow up any facilities or do anything extreme, but my heart is very connected with animals.  I don’t like abuse or animal testing.

Q: What are your professional and personal aspirations for the future?

Well, professionally I would like to continue to focus on and expand my TV hosting career. Maybe one day you’ll see me on MTV or VH1! In my personal life, I just want to grow old with the hubby, have babies, and live to be 87!

Q: You have some interesting tidbits about you on your website, such as the fact that you can play the saxophone, you don’t drink, smoke, or do drugs, and you can quote almost every Wu Tang Clan song. Care to share more about any of these things?

HAHA! Well the Wu-Tang story is short and sweet. When I was in 10th grade, I had a friend named Raul. He had this “W” drawn really big on his notebook, and I asked him what that was. He explained all about Wu-Tang and the 36 chambers. Then he pulled out his Walkman and played some songs for me. At the time I was heavy into old school punk rock, so it was pretty funny to see me jamming out to Wu Tang. I just really connected with the Wu. Haha!

As for the other stuff – I just try to take good care of myself. I’ve never been a smoker and I’m not really a drinker. I haven’t had a soda or anything carbonated in 10 years. I don’t do much dairy (no milk), and I take a bunch of herbs and vitamins to keep me healthy for as long as possible.

Q: Anything you’d care to add?

Feel free to check out my interviews with some awesome bands at www.RoyalArtistClub.com and my blog at www.RoyalArtistClub.com/RACblog

2010 Best Solo & Audience Choice Winner at Texas Burlesque Festival:

Angi B Lovely drops in to chat about titles, aerials, gypsies, Maury Povich, and disco camping.

Interview: Shoshana.  Photographs: High Art Studio and Benn Britt.

Catch Angi this month at Viva Dallas Burlesque on August 6^th, with the Lollie Bombs August 13^th and 14^th, and in September at The New Orleans Burlesque Festival!

Q: You originally came on the burlesque scene in Dallas, well…by helping to start it.  Tell us about those early days as a co-founder of the award winning and beloved troupe- The Lollie Bombs.

It wasn’t entirely glamorous in the beginning I must admit. We often performed on tiny, badly lit stages, mostly at bars and changed in storage rooms with no mirrors.

Trying to educate an audience that had no idea about burlesque was no easy thing to do, especially when most of us didn’t have a basis of comparison ourselves, because of this we took a lot of risks.  Some of our early work included botoh pieces, gas masks, beat poetry, drag queens, and guy members… anything went. Eventually we figured out a formula that worked, but there was a lot of trial and error.

Q: In addition to your work with the Lollie Bombs, you have also come onto the radar as one of the only aerial artists in Texas on the burlesque scene.  How did you first become interested in aerials and what was your training?

As a child I was always climbing to the highest point I could get to; I would often get stuck in trees, or spend hours on the roof. During recess I would spent my time alone hanging upside down and figuring out ways to flip off the bars. I never had any fear of falling, and enjoyed the comfort and quiet of being alone in the air. It was always in the back of my head that aerial art was something that I wanted to do. I took a few classes here and there, but it wasn’t until after my grandmother died that I made the commitment to go for it in a very serious way. She wanted to be a trapeze artist and had always wanted my mother to join the circus. I always wanted to be an aerialist too, so in a way I feel I’m living both of our dreams.

Q: Your aerials, hula hoop performances, fire performances, and work as a performance artist has taken you to all kinds of venues and performances outside of the burlesque scene.   In addition to burlesque, what are your other performance interests?

I love ballroom dance. I have a special love for swing dancing, lindy hop most specifically. I also studied musical theater early in my college career and still have a huge interest in that area.  Also, with literally dozens of disciplines with in circus art, I feel I’m just scratching the surface.

Q: What do you say to folks who say that your aerial numbers are not true burlesque?

I’m not entirely sure what “true burlesque” is to be honest.  This seems to be a genre that is continually reinventing itself. I do theatrical striptease with a gimmick. Some girls strip with a feather boa, I strip in the air. I don’t see how one is more “burlesque” than the other. Indigo Blue once told me “we can spend a lot of time talking about what burlesque isn’t, but I’m not sure how productive that is”. Like her, I’d rather focus my energy on being inclusive, not tearing each other down.

Q: Tell us how it felt winning the title of Best Solo at Texas Burlesque Fest, as well as being a finalist for the title of Performer of the Year at Hot Rods and Heels.

Winning best solo at TX Burlesque Fest was pretty surreal- I had not expected to even be competing at all.  It was only after  tying for crowd favorite with Gravity Plays Favorites Friday night and was invited back to compete Saturday. This was my third year at TX Burlesque Fest and I’ve never been included in the competition, only the showcase, so winning something my first year competing was an incredible honor, especially with all the enormous talent that was involved in this year’s show down. It’s a moment I will treasure for a long time.

I stopped performing and moved to Houston during the time that Burlesque really exploded in Dallas, so moving back I was relatively unknown.  Even the people who had remembered me from The Lollie Bombs might not have thought of me as a solo performer, so I felt I really had a lot to prove.  When I was nominated by my peers as a finalist for Performer of the Year it solidified in my head that I had been accepted into the community, and had made a name for myself as a solo performer.

Q: I joke that you’re a gypsy, but it is true that you come from a long line of performing and visual artists.  Tell us a little about your background.

My grandmother on my mother’s side was always drawing and sketching. My mother was a ballerina, and my mother’s brother is an actor, sculptor, puppet maker and Renaissance man in general. My father’s mother was an actress and a dancer as well, having minor roles in movies like Singing in the Rain.

Q: I hear that Maury Povich plays a role in your daily life- What’s with the Maury addition?

Kind of a guilty pleasure I guess. I practice aerials everyday from one to three, which also happens to be when Maury is on, so usually I’m watching Maury 10 feet in the air.  My trainer and I get a good laugh, it’s bonding for us.

Q: Ok, another oddity- disco camping?

Yes, It’s like regular camping only you bring your whole house, your costume wardrobe, and a big ass disco ball. Pants are optional, participation is mandatory.

But seriously, Disco camping is a phrase I use to refer to events I attend that are based on the 10 principles of Burning Man. Being involved in this community has definitely helped to shape who I am as a person and a performance artist, I’m continuously finding new inspiration and platforms to express myself through these venues.

Q: Artists seek to challenge themselves as a general rule, with so many performance styles under your belt, is there anything you haven’t conquered that you’d like to?

Oh plenty! I have a huge appetite for learning new things and like keeping my audience on their toes. Belly dance, hand balancing, and roue cyr are what come to my mind immediately. I’d also like to learn to play an instrument, something quaint -maybe the ukelalai.  I’m also interested in learning the production side of performance, like lighting design, set and prop building, costume design and sewing skills- really being a one woman show.

Q: What are your three biggest indulgences?  Three biggest fears?

I fear never truly mastering one craft because my focus often switches so quickly. I also fear the deterioration of my body as I get older resulting the loss of my ability to dance. The third may sound silly, but I have a huge fear of being by myself at night where I cannot see all the entrances and exits of the house- it can be crippling at times.

My indulgences are: costumes, snobby beer, and sleep.

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.

Grace Truvant, founder of Lady Grace Academy, is putting Houston, TX on the burlesque map!

Story: Bubbles VonBonBon Photos: Shoshana, Though the Looking Glass

Know burlesque? Know Texas? Well here’s a question…what do you know about burlesque in Houston, Texas (the nation’s fourth largest city by the by)?

Your answer in all likelihood is not a darn thing–which seems surprising in these neo-burlesque-even-sweeping-the-silver-screen times. Located a mere two hours from Austin…and only five from Dallas where TWO different burlesque films have made their debut within a two months’ time span, Houston is surprisingly behind the striptease times.
But one little lady in the oil tycoon city is set to change that…and she’s starting with building her own audience of burlesque admirers and appreciators.

To my absolute enjoyment, the stars aligned for me to do an actual phone rather than email interview with the woman wanting to help bring burlesque to her hometown, and by the end of our talk I was absolutely enthralled with the sweetness and intelligence of this new but determined advocate for Houston’s striptease revival. Grace Truvant first fueled her lust for classic tease by attending one of the most historically relevant festivals in the new movement….the very first annual New Orleans Burlesque Festival.

Swept by storm tragedy a mere 4 1/2 years ago, New Orleans is often viewed as the old time birthplace of American burlesque. Although this is factually questionable, there is no doubt that NOLA brought something entirely original to the language of bumps and grinds. The lovely Ms. Truvant happened across the festival through the internet and planned a trip with her husband; the trip soon served as the impetus for an overhaul of the curriculum offered at her newly conceived dance school.

When she came voyeur to stage with NOLA and the enticingly cheeky and charming performers of burlesque, Grace fell in love at first grind. Having recently founded Lady Grace Academy, as an alternative opportunity and environment to learn exotic dance, Ms. Truvant knew that she must bring burlesque back. For herself. For her city. And above all to her students…women searching for the meaning of everything from body confidence to sexuality to femininity as fun.
You see…before Grace took burlesque to her city, it was nowhere to be found. Not on stage, not in studios. Asking Grace what really hooked her that fateful night in New Orleans where she witnessed her first show, I learned we had one remarkable influence performer in common: Jo Weldon. It was the incredible aura Jo brought to the stage as well as her workshop (Tassel Twirling 101, of course!) that sealed the deal for Grace, as it has for many burgeoning burlesque stars. It was Jo’s influence and presence as a strong woman in both performance and attitude that gripped Grace’s dancer soul and led her toward beginning a movement that has yet to be really made in Houston.

Grace will tell you that there have been troupes that have come and gone in the south Texas city–but nothing that really stuck or resounded with the general populace. Ms. Truvant is not entirely clear why this has been the case in her hometown, but she suspects it may have somewhat something to do with the high number of lap dance strip clubs–which may help foster a general lack of education regarding burlesque and its value as entertainment beyond sexual enticement.

This led me to another curiosity: if the Houston scene has yet to develop, and few people in the city seem to have a clear idea as to what a burlesque show entails, what sort of students seek out the Lady Grace Academy? Essentially it is women in very similar sparkly shoes to Grace this past year: they have a base knowledge of what burlesque once was, just as it has become part of our classic collective knowledge. But that isn’t enough. Her students find her as they search to find what the meaning and movement of burlesque is beyond feather boas and satin gloves.

Although LGA initially offered only exotic dance classes (Lady Grace herself has been trained in exotic dance forms from expert instructors in the field–but she sought to make it more accessible to women intimidated by the sometimes unfortunate connotations of the art), the school is now almost exclusively burlesque curriculum based outside of the occasional workshop on lap dance or go-go movement. In between educating women about the benefits and beauty of burlesque, Grace is also presented with another plateau to mount–actually getting burlesque shows into Houston. This is a process of small steps, however; and Grace wants to get it right the first time.

Although Grace is well versed in the transformative and tantalizing thrill of burlesque movement, she too is still seeking out her burlesque performance voice. A trained journalist, she is well acquainted with searching for her writing voice–and the difference it makes in presentation once it is finally found. When we talked about the high volume of writers cum burlesque queens (and vice versa), she felt it was that voice element that draws so many practitioners of both arts. As she said, “Burlesque requires the brain, all of one’s thoughts. The planning and methodical process taken to produce a cohesive creative endeavor appeals to women who are attracted to thinking in a narrative way.”

For Grace, the first stop then in creating both a burgeoning burlesque scene in Houston, as well as growing and shaping her school and students, is to really find her space on the stage with more performance experience and audience interaction. As many fresh faces feel when they arrive, she feels the tug of opening herself totally on stage, but she is still exploring the means and meaning of her personal give and take with the audience. She’s trying to process her precise formula for the final feeling and energy she wants to leave with her spectators. Once she finds her personal stage presence signature…the spotlight’s going to keep shining bright in Grace’s eyes. Thus far she has performed in Houston’s “A Tribute to Bettie Page,” presented by The Jigglewatts. This week she takes on Texas Burlesque Festival, and she can then next be seen at Dallas’s own Hot Rods and Heels. All shows which provide further evidence that although Grace may be new to the scene, she’s a force that won’t be forgotten any time in the near future.

So what does come next for Lady Grace Academy and Houston burlesque as Grace goes forward? Well, for one she wants to take her students to the next level with her. Having traveled to Dallas several times for workshops with Ginger Valentine, Headmistress of Ginger Valentine’s Burlesque Charm School, Grace is excited to begin planning for advanced classes in addition to her Burlesque Basics (which already has experienced several happy repeat students). Once things really get underway for both Grace’s performance prowess and her school’s student advancement, she hopes to seek a space to showcase her students and try her hand at producing. She isn’t afraid to help other ladies join her ranks, either. Because that may be the most charming thing about this sweet Houston honey: she really honors the term lady and exemplifies a refreshing grace. For Grace this isn’t about being the best or outshining others. I think she put it best when she told me at the end of our lovely talk, this little gem of a genuine spirit:

“The thing I always want to uphold and encourage in my time as a performer and teacher is that burlesque is a tribe. We should all support one another as much as possible. Because when one of us shines, we all do. There is no finite number of spotlights and we all bring something different and special to the stage. We won’t eclipse one another.”

With that, I can’t wait to see the direction Grace takes on stage, with her students, and in helping to shape the foundation of Houston’s burlesque community as a whole. She’s already a star in my sights, and we should all support this new addition to our skies.

You can find Lady Grace Academy at ladygraceacademy.com, or you can find Grace Truvant on Twitter at http://twitter.com/thursdaygirl, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Grace-Truvant/322338607783.

Rosie Rawhyde sits down to talk married life, Vegas, the Air Force, and camaraderie in Texas burlesque. Rosie Rawhyde will be performing in Dallas on May 15th at Hot Rods and Heels.

Interview: Divertida Devotchka Photos: Eddie Hernandez

Q: Your website says you were in the Air Force. How did that transition into burlesque?

I was in the Air Force for almost 5 years. I was an Electronic Warfare Technician and was lucky enough to get stationed in Las Vegas at Nellis AFB. When I moved to Vegas I started hanging out with a group of girls that were into pinup modeling. I did some photoshoots with them and talks began to start a burlesque troupe, which became The Sin City Grind Kittens, which to my knowledge was the first neo-burlesque troupe in Las Vegas. This was in January 2004, and I finished my time in the service in September 2004.

Q: You’ve performed in several troupes under different names over the years. Please share your troupe/stage name history with us.

My first performance was with Sin City Grind Kittens as Deadly Tiger Lily. In August 2004, with the help of my friend Goldie Debloomers, we started Babes in Sin Burlesque. We performed regularly at The Cooler Lounge and performed at the Aruba Hotel on the Strip. During this time I got to go to the last Miss Exotic World Burlesque Reunion held in Helendale, California. I was honored to perform at the Friday night performer party. I performed with Babes in Sin until August 2005 when I relocated to Texas. I took time off until early 2006 when I was hired to perform for a bachelorette party. The event was such a hit I was contacted to start a burlesque show. I decided a name change was in order, and my husband came up with Rosie Rawhyde. We continued self-producing and directing shows under the name Babes in Sin, Texas until late 2008 or early 2009, when it was decided to change the name of the show and the show itself. Instead of making a “troupe” we wanted a “production.” There is a core group of ladies that produce and direct each show as well as perform, but we try to have a rotation of performers to keep it fresh. From this point on the After Dark Revue, Corpus Christi’s only burlesque show, has been in full swing.

Q: What’s your favorite aspect of performing? The most challenging part?

My favorite aspect of performing is the creation of the performance. Having the opportunity to become someone different is such a freeing experience. I love traveling and meeting other performers. I have been able to go to some amazing events and performed at a number of neat venues and I have also had the privilege of sharing the stage with amazing performers.

The most challenging aspect has been the promotion. I hate having to “sell” myself. I want my art and performance to speak for itself. I spend most of my money and time on the actual performance and maybe I have been hurt by not promoting myself enough. On the flipside, I have seen girls that have great websites, business cards and photos, but they’re just boring live. I also find competitions to be a turn off. The minute competition is mentioned, there are performers who will get catty and that is something I don’t want to be involved in. Building camaraderie is something Texas needs. It’s too bad the state is so vast. Travel makes meeting other Texas girls hard because of our location.

Q: Who/what inspires you?

Recently I have gotten into tribal belly dance and have been blown away by the performers and the costuming. I have learned that skill in dance and pride in your costuming is essential, and that you shouldn’t rely on the final tassel shot. Other inspirations include old black and white movies, musicals, vintage cartoons, driving across the country, old glamour, vintage Hollywood, and music. I am inspired by life in general!

Q: How long have you been married? Is your husband involved in the burlesque industry? What are his views of your participation in burlesque?

This year will mark our 8th anniversary. He is the music tech. He is involved whenever we need him, but he never really volunteered to do it, I pretty much volunteer him each time. He is great though, dependable and willing to put up with numerous girls telling him directions.

He feels as long as I am having fun and hold myself with class, performing is fine. Marriage is about compromise and growth, together. I always tell the girls in the show that family comes first. I have found that if I equally give him the attention I give burlesque, I can keep everyone happy. I have a great friend and husband at home that I have a blast with on a daily basis! I have to remind myself that there IS life outside of performing sometimes!

Q: What are your goals as a performer?

I guess my current goal would be to keep that inner spark going. I never wanted this to be a day job. I want to be able to perform and hopefully be able to travel more for various events. I would LOVE to make it back to Vegas to do a show with the troupe I started out there. Of course I lack horribly in promotion so maybe working on that more should be a bigger goal!

Q: You’re performing at Hot Rods and Heels in May. Have you performed in Dallas before?

I haven’t yet had the pleasure of performing in Dallas! This will be my first time seeing so many Dallas performers and I am hoping to have a few join the After Dark Revue in Corpus Christi some time!

Q: What other projects are you currently working on?

After Hot Rods and Heels we start pre-production on our late summer Sideshow Ball. We are also in talks right now to possibly host a Texas Burlesque Performers Showcase in 2011. I would love feedback from any and all performers about traveling to Corpus and participating in a two night party and performance for Texas performers only. No pressure, no competition and a welcoming way for us to meet Texas burlesque performers! Please email rosie@rosierawhyde.com for more info and to submit ideas and feedback!

Q: How do you spend your time when you’re not performing (or preparing to perform)?

When I am not performing I love to spend my time having friends over for drinks and movies. Although once us girls all get together and have a couple drinks we end up watching burlesque videos and having a dance party in the living room to David Bowie!