Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobbie Burlesque.
Bobbie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been in the performing arts my entire life. I began studying theatre arts in grade school and got my start on stage performing in school plays. I always knew about Burlesque – since it is part of American Theatre History with the Vaudeville Era but never knew it was still thriving until I discovered the underground Neo-Burlesque scene in the late 1990’s. There I was introduced to The Velvet Hammer Burlesque, Buckingham Burlesque, and a show at the Infamous Derby in Hollywood. I became a fan of the wild and glittery world, going to shows, and becoming a dedicated audience member.
Then while I was studying Ballroom Dance in the early 2000’s a fellow dancer and I collaborated together and formed our own Burlesque Troupe: The Lustful Kittens. Originally set out to be a Theatrical Dance Show – we wrote out a script, choose music, held auditions, choreographed dance routines, and started rehearsals. Our first show was January 2002 and we ran strong till 2006 with over 20 Cast Members at one point.
Running a Dance Company and Troupe proved to be trying and obstreperous. Even my partner and co-director decided to retire from the show just a couple years into our run. I continued the company as long as I could but finally decided to close our curtains and give one final show. For our “Farewell” show I reached out to some of the more Famous Solo Burlesque Stars of the time to be Special Guests for our final production. I was honored to have “Queen of the Quake” Kitten DeVille, Miss Viva Las Vegas 2006 Renea’ Le Roux, La Cholita, and Victoria Vengeance be part of the finale. These women were so impressed with my production they wanted to know when the next show was happening. What I thought was my last production quickly became my first….as I ended the burlesque troupe, I then began a journey working with Solo Burlesque Artists.
From there, I became known as Bobbie Burlesque and started creating new and exciting burlesque shows working with some of the top Burlesque Stars in the industry. I still look back at that “Farewell” show and think of it as my 1st. As one door closed, another opened which has taken me to places I never thought possible. Since then I have been working non stop producing some amazing shows, working with talented artists, traveling across the western part of the United States – taking my show on tour (twice), won awards, been internationally known and seen, been on television, and have pushed the limits of performance art and live entertainment. Today, I have a recurring monthly show at Harvelle’s in Long Beach and have a team of artists and performers who continue to grow and fascinate audiences with every show.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I don’t ever feel the road I have traveled has been smooth. If it was, I don’t think it would be as exciting, memorable, or emotional as it has been. Time always seems to be an obstacle. When everyday life, jobs, responsibilities, and personal relationships take importance – it can be a challenge to find the energy and time to work on your passion and art. Money is always an issue too. Creating art is expensive and when there are no sponsorships or investors in your business it can be difficult to create something from nothing. My art solely depends on the ticket sales of the audience members. Without them, there would be no art.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a burlesque show producer. I produce live theatrical burlesque shows. Currently, I produce a monthly show at Harvelle’s in Long Beach, CA called Seduction: Classic Burlesque Stripshow. The show is an interactive showcase of classic burlesque, circus arts, drag, and comedy. I am proud to say my show is ran entirely by a very diverse group of talented and amazing women. We have women production managers, stage managers, crew members, light directors, sound editors, producers, and of course performers.
Contact Info:
- Website: seductionburlesque.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: seductionburlesque
- Facebook: bobbieburlesque
- Twitter: seductionburlyq
Image Credit:
Photo of Bobbie Burlesque: Vicious Photography Photos of Seduction: Daniel J. Sliwa
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