Today we’d like to introduce you to Angora Borealis.
Hi Angora, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
For as long as I can remember I’ve had an infatuation with dresses and makeup and, looking back, stuff I’d now identify as “glamour.” In school I had to follow a dress code. Outside of that you couldn’t keep me out of a thrift shop. I collected a lot of vintage clothes and shoes and rhinestone jewelry. OMG I loved that stuff so much. What I couldn’t find I’d make. There wasn’t enough eyeliner in the world as far as I was concerned.
I studied theater in college and later in professional settings as I worked all kinds of jobs and auditioned and did shows. Later I started writing my own stuff and I loved solo shows as much as ensemble work. Then I kinda stopped. I think I needed a rest.
Burlesque was not on my radar, but I started seeing it now and then, including at Viva Las Vegas, a festival I’d attended for years. One day I came home and put Google to work and found a burlesque dance class and showed up. Around 2016 I visited the Burlesque Hall of Fame when it was still in downtown Vegas. The exhibit with its timeline and history resonated with me.
Artistically what was so attractive was the DIY creation of a solo act with few creative limits in a specific genre. And it could be very glamorous with lots of makeup. There is refuge in lipstick.
And I began performing as Angora Borealis alongside the other things I need and want to do.
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?
I go down the paths that lead to performing. They aren’t all paved well. There are people along the way who overlook you. And you’ve got to overcome your own internal obstacles to create. Were you told to be quiet and pretty and nice? You’ve got to build an act, and it might not fit those parameters.
Sharing my story about what I do has also not been easy. I’m human. I fear judgement. But the further down the road I get, the less concern I have for that. My excitement about what I’m doing in my life outweighs my fears. There was a time when I didn’t even want my picture taken. Now I’ve got years of promos and live shots to share with friends and on Instagram. I’ve had friends tell me that I’m inspiring. It makes me feel really great and is an unexpected joy of this experience.
It can be hard not to self-select out. Not to eliminate pursuits and experiences because of external messages. Not to internalize those messages. Shiny things are not off limits. So don’t make them off limits. Bring on the sparkle!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My performance style blends elements of neo and classic burlesque with playful whimsy and golden age glamour. I love to embody a grand character as much as I like to be silly. And I compulsively wink. I can’t help it!
It’s important to me to be very present on stage. In burlesque we do away with the traditional fourth wall. It’s one of many things I appreciate about this art form. Audience interaction, reacting to the audience – it’s all part of it.
One of my favorite acts is tomato themed. The costume is red, of course, with lots of sparkling green leaves I’ve added. I love tomatoes.
If I had to say something I’m proud of, it’s probably just that I’m doing this. I’ve chucked a lot of baggage and learned something completely new. My aim isn’t to be a big star, but I’ll take some of that shimmery stardust along the way.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There are many talented people I’ve had the good fortune to know, learn from, and share a stage with.
I’m grateful to every producer who has trusted me to be a part of their show.
Lili VonSchtupp taught me a lot about the art of burlesque in her workshops and I’m still learning from her.
I’m lucky to have a sister who is always on my side. And I have amazing friends I gather with, Showbabes who Brunch.
I’ll blow extra kisses to my wonderful husband who is a tremendous supporter and puts up with feathers and sequins scattered around the house. He gave me a cute little vacuum which is great at sucking all that up.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angoraburlesque/
Image Credits
1. Vita DeVoid
2. Vita DeVoid
3. Whiskey Shotz Photography
4. @fabienphotography
5. @fabienphotography
