Hello burlesque fans! As promised a while ago, we are starting to add interviews with Burlesqueteers and other fun articles to this blog. To start things rolling, Miss Double Dare has answered our interview questions. Have a read, and then have a look at Miss DD’s Myspace page!
So Double Dare, how long have you been performing with the Burlesqueteers?
DD: Since July 2008
Do you perform solo? Group acts?
DD: I have performed several group acts and I just had my solo debut in January 2009. What a great way to start the New Year!
What was your most recent performance?
DD: On January 19th and 28th I debuted as an Air Force pilot with a secret garter liquor stash and an atom bomb pasties surprise. I was excited to perform to one of my favorite classic rockabilly songs, Wanda Jackson’s Fujiyama Mama. Waving my little flag around on stage made me feel appropriately patriotic on the eve of the presidential inauguration.
Double Dare is a modern pinup!
What is your favorite thing about performing with the Burlesqueteers?
DD: My favorite part of performing with the Burlesqueteers has got to be the female camaraderie. A burlesque act may only last 5 to 10 minutes on stage, but all the brainstorming, practicing, prop preparation, and costuming is done among a league of creative, talented women. Bombshell Betty has set the tone at her classes, workshops and drop-ins to be warm, friendly and supportive. In the past few months, I have met some truly lovely individuals (inside and out!).
What was it like to perform the first time?
DD: The build up and anticipation is always nerve-wracking but the performance itself and the triumph of its completion is an unforgettable high. For me personally, it felt like an initiation into a new life, a new sexier way of being.
Do you have a favorite show anecdote?
DD: The Tease-o-Rama Burlesqueteer group act “Take Back Your Mink” was a blast, where we all munched on carrots and threw off our accessories to reveal bunny ears and tails. I remember the CD cut out near the beginning of the song and we all were standing there with big waiting smiles. Usually the thought of something like that happening would have terrified me, but Betty was all ready to start singing a capella, until the CD kicked in again. The crowd was cheering throughout and we luckily made it through!
Burlesqueteers performing "Take Back Your Mink" as bunnies at the 2008 Tease-o-Rama Burlesque Convention opening night.
How long did you take Burlesquercise classes before performing?
DD: I was in classes for no more than two months before I did my first group performance “Heat Wave.”
Any advice to people who want to perform but are nervous about getting started?
DD: As with trying anything new, before you actually perform it’s hard to see yourself in that role, but once you do, you can get addicted! Even if you only take the classes, it is incredibly transforming to simply see yourself doing the bump and grind!
What was the hardest thing about getting on stage?
DD: Of course the fear of messing up was always with me, in group or solo acts, but I used no end of luck amulets, rituals and prayers to the love Goddess Aphrodite to see me through!
What has been the most rewarding thing about performing burlesque?
DD: Though I am only 24, I have never felt like I could fully experience my youth; I always felt too mature for my own good. Burlesque has allowed me to consciously experience my youth, my beauty and my sexuality and be witnessed by a tremendously supportive community and audience. I am able to express my wilder side in an atmosphere that is light-hearted and safe.
Do you feel better about your body/your self in any way after performing?
DD: Absolutely. As a voluptuous sort of woman I have learned to more fully embody my curves on stage and off. Also, practicing burlesque in the morning is a fun way to get in shape and a sexy way to start the day!
What do you do when you’re not performing burlesque?
DD: I am a student, a waitress, a counselor and a wife.
Do you tell people you perform burlesque? If so, how do they react?
DD: I divulge it to those who I know will be supportive. Otherwise, sometimes I feel the pleasure of leading a secret “double” life. For those I do tell, I get looks of pleased shock. It seems to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Anything else you’d like to add?
DD: Burlesque is waiting for you, so come dance with us!
