Q1: Why (&when) did you start doing burlesque? I started burlesque about 10 years ago. Its something I had wanted to do for quite a while, and when asked to model at the world body paint championship burlesque made sense to incorporate.
Q2: How does performing make you feel? Fantastic, empowered, adored, good at something, appreciated. Largely it depends on the show and the audience!
Q3: To you how does burlesque fit into feminism? Burlesque and feminism are easily reconciled, depending on your point of view. To me I think partially about ownership and control - the performer is in charge and its a place where as a woman I can fulfil whatever role I choose. It's also about not being quiet, having a voice and presence and not allowing the view of society to tell me what I should do, be, look like etc.
Q4: Who do you believe is the intended audience of burlesque? Whoever wants to be part of it! Our audiences are so varied that I don't think its easy or fair to generalise.
Q5: Is there ever a fear you will be objectified by an audience member? Or that your intentions will be misinterpreted Not really any more than I am objectified in any other situation. I have often found that audiences are more respectful than some random public encounters. In character its also easier to rebut comments which can be seen as offensive or not welcome. In terms of being misinterpreted (or misrepresented) sometimes yes. I find it particularly offensive to have women tell me that what I do is wrong.
Q6: "as long as I am a sexual subject I am not averse to being a sexual object" how do you feel about this quote? I disagree. Burlesque isn't about sexual objectification. Women should not be viewed as objects at all, and my body/being has nothing to do with you unless I choose to share it with you. I think some people come to burlesque with the thought that its sexual because of the strip tease elements and its nice to subvert that too.
Q7: How do you think burlesque does or can subvert the male gaze and/or challenge beauty ideals? Yes. But it needs a supportive community to do so. There are still shows which book on the basis of looks over talent. It can also reinforce the idea of a woman's body being her property since we are the ones controlling how we are seen.
Q8: Anything else you want to add (Feel free to leave your performing name if you wish, it is not mandatory if you wish to stay anonymous)
Thanks for putting this out. There are numerous dissertation subjects around burlesque and it helps to put burlesque into the mainstream. Happy to tell you my performer name but would prefer to not be named publically :)
Q9: Are you happy with your answers being used in my dissertation & / or referenced on my blog? Absolutely! Xxx
Q1: Why (&when) did you start doing burlesque? In 2005 i started and it was because i enjoyed cabaret, theatre and corny magic and horror xx
Q2: How does performing make you feel? incredibly happy and sometimes incredibly sad xx
Q3: To you how does burlesque fit into feminism? I can see its purpose in challenging gender stereo types and giving women a platform to be heard but it can sometimes reinforce misogny and create gender bias. Bulrlesque meeds to have more gender fluidity as it is often portrayed as female dominated industry which it is but its open to all as its a performance industry
Q4: Who do you believe is the intended audience of burlesque? Everyone except children
Q5: Is there ever a fear you will be objectified by an audience member? Or that your intentions will be misinterpreted Theres never a fear of it people casually objectify each other everyday. Theres is nothing wrong with objectification it depends on how its delivered and the context of it.
Q6: "as long as I am a sexual subject I am not averse to being a sexual object" how do you feel about this quote? In my performance im not a sexual subject but that may not stop peoples perceptions being the opposite of what i intend.
Q7: How do you think burlesque does or can subvert the male gaze and/or challenge beauty ideals? Does it do this and what about female gaze? In addition beauty ideals can be challenged by burlesque but they cam also be reinforced and thus detrimental go some of the population. It depends on the performer, their intent and professional practice some challenge ideals and gaze and some do not
Q8: Anything else you want to add (Feel free to leave your performing name if you wish, it is not mandatory if you wish to stay anonymous) Please keep anonymous
Q9: Are you happy with your answers being used in my dissertation & / or referenced on my blog? Yes