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!

Brownsville based pin-up model Ili Jean discusses Andy Warhol, makeup, and inspiration.

Q: What songs are in heavy rotation on your MP3 player right now?

Right now anything by: Johnny Thunders, France Gal, The Clash, The Velvet Underground, Wanda Jackson, The Shangri Las, The Ventures.
 
Q: You do a lot of conceptual shoots. How much of that is you, and how much of that is the photographers you choose to work with?

One can’t function without the other; a pack of wolves is as good as the hungriest wolf, and we’re all starving to do exactly what’s on our minds. I am very fortunate to be able to work with such artistically driven individuals; we work together on producing photo concepts that fill our goblet of creativity. As of late we have been taking a more avant garde approach which has kept our minds busy with tons of new in depth ideas.

Q: You don’t see a lot of pin-up models in Brownsville, Texas. What’s the scene like there? Do you find yourself mostly traveling for shoots?

Brownsville is a small town with a lot of room grow , the photographers I work with regularly, live here in the Rio Grande Valley, but I do mostly travel to perform more so than shoots.
 
Q: What are your top three favorite cosmetic products and why?

– Magic Power by Prescriptive is a translucent powder that gives skin a shimmery glow after you have applied your make up. I never leave home without it.
– Show Dior mascara is the only mascara on earth that has ever worked for me. The consistency is thick but not clumpy. I used it even after applying false eyelashes; it is a female must have!
– Dior black eyeliner maybe the most difficult eyeliner to take off, but by far the best! It will not budge!

 
Q: If you could sit down to dinner with 5 people, living or dead, who would they be and why?

A famous Baroque painter named Peter-Paul Rubens. Definitely Andy Warhol just as long as he doesn’t leave me barefoot and glamorous in New York City like Edie Sedgwick. Come to think of it I would really love to see what Rubens would have to say to Warhol about art and vice-versa. Jayne Mansfield, because a dinner party requires both beauty and class. Then maybe Buddy Holly and Joe Strummer. Joe Strummer has always had allot to say so I’m sure the conversation won’t get boring- as for Buddy, I could be the girl in “True Love Ways”.

Q: Your weight and weight loss have been topics you are open about through your blog. In a modern society of “thinner is better” beauty ideals, you have still maintained a high self-esteem. What advice would you give ladies who are struggling with weight issues?

My weight loss was a gradual process taking over a year. My weight will continue to yo-yo give or take a few pounds. I believe it was an overall good decision to get some more exercise and be healthier. I was never dissatisfied with what I weighed before; I just knew I was not getting enough exercise.

Today’s socially imposed beauty standards are unrealistic and frankly unachievable. One can spend a life time trying to climb the beauty ladder to perfection, but the truth is our bodies will continue to change as we do. I hope to inspire women to accept themselves and realize you can be beautiful and full figured.
 
Q: You maintain that higher education is a top priority. How do you manage to keep a firm head on your shoulders, and balance your shooting/performing schedule with school?

At times it feels there are just not enough hours in the day for it all. I have a planner I write in religiously, planning day by day. After I graduate with a bachelor’s degree I would like to get my master then continue school and get my PhD. So looks like I have to start getting used to the busy life early!

Q: You talk about the concept of re-invention. Do you view your alter egos as extensions of yourself with personalities all their own?

I view them simply as extensions of myself. A prism has many facets, and this is just one reflection of my many colorful artistic genres. I am constantly reinventing and craving creation; it’s a concept that never leaves me.
 
Q: If 100 years from now, there is an “Ili Jean” legacy, what would you want it to be?

Ultimately, I just want to have a positive influence on women, I would like to inspire through burlesque, art, and education.
 
Q: What does the future hold for Ili Jean? Any upcoming projects we should know about?

At the moment I am going to school full time, and hopefully by next semester will continue my studies at the University of North Texas in Denton. Right now the sky is the limit; I am excited to see what the future holds for me. When I think of what the future holds I always remember a great quote by Leslie Caron, which I hope to live by.

“I think it’s the end of progress if you stand still and think of what you’ve done in the past. I keep on.”
- Leslie Caron