Rising Stars: Meet Morgana of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgana.

Hi Morgana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been a dancer my whole life. I started when I was about 3, and found the studio I would really cultivate my training at only because my best friend was going there and I decided to go with her.

To this day I still dance at this same studio and although I tried commercial dance and musical theater, trying to make my way into the dance industry, it didn’t stick for long. One of my mentors at my dance studio, Jillian Schmitz, has been a successful burlesque dancer ever since I have known her. I am not sure how I got the desire to do burlesque, I just remember I found a dance group that did burlesque and I wanted to try it. That was almost four years ago now! I’m not sure if it’s serendipitous or fate, but I am grateful either way.

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 hasn’t been a smooth road. Besides the lack of bookings in LA in general, people don’t go out to see shows that much anymore, let alone tip on top of a ticket price. I’ve struggled finding work, usually only having two shows a month now at most, if I’m lucky. And that can be hard on your self esteem!

Even if it’s infrequent, I love being in front of an audience. There’s nothing like the energy at a burlesque show! The crowd hooting and hollering, the music blaring, the whole audience being focused on one thing – you – is unlike anything else!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Even though I have a day job, I am a burlesque performer, and it’s a huge passion of mine I am lucky enough to get compensated for. I mainly focus on classical acts with more dance-y sections. I like the glamorous sparkly costumes as well as showing off my splits (a Morgana staple). If I don’t do the splits in at least one act in a show, something is deeply wrong and you should call my emergency contact.

I am most proud of the improvement I’ve seen in my art over the last four years. Seeing photos and videos of myself early on to now has been a rewarding experience – not just in my movement, but also in my costuming and confidence. I appreciate the people who have given me the opportunity to grow and the audiences who have also supported me – burlesque is an interactive art form in my opinion, and an audience’s energy is invaluable!

I believe my dance experience sets me apart from my peers. Although studying dance before performing burlesque is not a requirement, and I know many incredible performers who don’t have that background, I think my understanding of lines, musicality, and energy makes my performances unique!

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for those starting out is knowing that everything you do is apart of what you’re selling – your virtual communication (emails, etc) as well as your energy, helpfulness, and kindness backstage. People will hire you because you are easy to work with as well as because you are talented. I know I have received at least one job because a producer has reached out to someone I had worked with previously, and they recommended me. Making friends in the industry is always helpful.

Enjoy what you can because this industry isn’t certain, and I think that makes it more exciting!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ShowgirlMorgana
• Youtube: @ShowgirlMorgana
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Elizabeth Strano
Flying Lion Cabaret
Joseph Niles Photography