How did she get into performing burlesque to begin with?
I was teaching flexibility classes for my business, Limber Sports Performance, and two of my original students were burlesque artists and asked me to perform at a show they were running at the time, Cristal Burlesque. Using my rhythmic gymnastics background, I performed two sexy gymnastics acts before I really knew what burlesque was. I shortly after fell in love with the art form as it gave me the freedom to use my talents and create truly unique stage acts.
How would she describe a burlesque performance?
Burlesque brings together a broad range of performance skills and styles, and adds the essence of striptease and seduction. Dita Von Teese says ‘burlesque is a world of illusion and dreams and of course, the striptease. Whether I am bathing in my martini glass, riding my sparkling carousel horse, or emerging from my giant gold powder compact, I live out my most glamorous fantasies by bringing nostalgic imagery to life.’
You’re currently the star aerialist in Bloodbath, what other shows have you performed in?
I am currently doing the Australian tour of Sexpo performing with my adagio partner Sidney Saayman. I performed regularly at Red Bennies from 2010-2014, including the finale show on their closing night earlier this year. I have performed at the Australia Burlesque Festival each year since it began in 2010. Other highlights include performing on Underbelly, Squizzy, Loreal Fashion Festival and for French music producer and DJ, Dimitri from Paris.
A cabaret show brings together a wide variety of performance types – what is your favourite and why?
I love sexy circus or what is sometimes referred to as Cirlesque, a blend of circus and burlesque combining acrobatic skills with the ‘teese’ and sex appeal of great burlesque.
You get to perform with some cool high-tech props in Bloodbath, can you describe a couple of them, and tell us which one is your favourite?
The advantage of working in a professional show such as Draculas is the opportunity to work with elaborate and large scale props which really set off a burlesque act. My favourite prop in the latest show is obviously my Bloodbath, which you will have to come see for yourself!
Who do you draw inspiration from for your performances?
Firstly, Marilyn Monroe; she once quoted in an interview as saying ‘I think that sexuality is only attractive when it’s natural and spontaneous.’ I also love Cyd Charisse who famous for reportedly insuring her legs. Cyd is one of the greatest female dancers and actors in the history of movie musicals. I perform a tribute act to ‘Frankie and Johnny’ inspired by Cyd’s performance in the 1950‘s film ‘Meet me in Las Vegas.’ I also have an act inspired by French singer Edith Piaf who was one of France’s greatest international stars.
BY LIZA DEZFOULI
