Daily Inspiration: Meet Tula Casati

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tula Casati.

Hi Tula, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
From the moment I started burlesque, I was hooked. I have always loved classic movies, specifically movies that had its leading lady as the star of some sort of show. My main focus quickly gravitated towards the Golden Age of Hollywood and the legendary burlesque stars of the past – icons like Toni Elling, Gypsy Rose Lee, and Rita Hayworth — to the current queen of Burlesque, Dita von Teese. Their elegance, charisma, and the sheer artistry of their performances deeply resonated with me. I found myself wanting to emulate the timeless glamour and sophistication they embodied, particularly their masterful use of props like exquisite feather fans. I even performed fire and aerial to push the boundaries of what burlesque could be.

About a year ago, my journey evolved from performing to learning. This transition started because of a desire to combine my love for classical ballet with the classic allure of old Hollywood burlesque. With that, I created a new act that brought together my love for ballet and the classic use of feather fans. This act, named La Papillon and set to ‘Summertime’ by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, debuted in Portland, Oregon at the 2024 International Booklovers Burlesque Festival. This year, I will be performing it at the 25th Annual Tiki Oasis Midnight Burlesque show.

My work is a celebration of both classic and contemporary, aiming to combine classic burlesque with my own artistic voice. I relish the opportunity to create captivating acts through movement, whether it is the intricate choreography of a ballet-inspired burlesque piece or the mesmerizing dance of fire.

Beyond individual performances, I have had the incredible opportunity to bring my art to larger stages. I regularly perform at large events, including galas, festivals, and award shows. These performances allow me to share my passion for elevated artistry with a broader audience, contributing to the evening’s entertainment with a touch of classic Hollywood glamour and sophisticated performance art.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It certainly has been an interesting road! There is so much to see and be inspired by in Los Angeles. And with that, it is easy to get caught up in what’s considered “cool” and “hot” without first asking if that is something that is “cool” to you. I’ve learned that it is okay to be disconnected, especially when it comes to creating.
Of course self-doubt sets in when you’re creating something. Questions like, “am I good enough?”, “will people enjoy what I do?”, “do I even enjoy what I do?” A nightmare. In addition to the internal feelings, there’s the external validation that is very easy to get caught up in. It is very easy to try and impress others in an effort to be seen and stand out in L.A. without stopping to truly think, “Does this actually work for me?” I do realize that everyone gives the same advice of being true to themselves, but out here, that is never more apparent.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a proud Burlesque performer. I often like to say that I am an ‘ecdysiast’ as a nod to Gypsy Rose Lee. My specialty is feather fan dance. I am also a skilled performer with fire and aerial hammock. My tagline is the “Beverly Hills Bombshell” as I bring high Hollywood glamour to every act I do. Rhinestones, boas, glitter, jewels; if it’s classic Hollywood glamour, then it’s Tula Casati!
The way I dance with my fans sets me apart from other performers. I like to act as if the fans are wings, like an extension of my body that I cannot let go. While performing, I find ways to keep the fans in my hands the whole time, finding moments in the music that allow me to trade them back and forth to remove layers of my costume. I say a little prayer back stage each time so that I don’t drop them!

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Go to classes. As a dancer, getting to a dance class is the best way to find like-minded individuals that can provide a different perspective. And exploring other classes or even education that isn’t paramount to your industry is a great way to network outside of a room full of people that may be looking for the same opportunities as you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tula_casati
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/TulaCasati
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tulacasati?si=EVTCZzhfFCr4Pebw

Image Credits
Vita DeVoid Photography, Neil Lewis Behind Burlesque Studio, Flying Lion Cabaret Photography, Hannah Dunsirn