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Bella Sin opens up and talks about the festival and what it means to Ohio!

7/27/2012

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Scott Alan Stanford Images
Tell us how the festival came to a reality? 
For a few years the idea was tossed around, some of us showed interest and others where at the time supportive. Thru trial and a few battles the festival came to be last year with great success, but it was not with out trials and tribulations that were fixed this year. 



What can you say about the festival planning?
It's a big undertaking, We started planning in Feb 2012 and since then have been making sure the details are in place to have yet another historically amazing festival. 
It's a lot of hard work honestly that is very intimidating at times but thanks to the people involved putting in their hard work we are overcoming difficulties every day with our amazing team.


What is the Goal of the festival?
There is a bigger goal then me or any one else, This is not Bella Sin's Burlesque Festival this is OHIO's Burlesque Festival every one is welcome from beginner to legend. We are hoping that soon we can prove our self to other festivals as a large scale event but for now we are a little humble event that is growing and putting Ohio on the map. Any one is welcome this event does not have agenda's, favoritism and it's not a popularity contest. So many festivals are popping up but ours is different and in Le Femme Mystique tradition we are making sure we reach out to those that need help that is why we have the charity of the year. 


What can you tell us about the cast? 
The cast is amazing and we have girls from Old School to Neo Burlesque. They are all so amazing, different and innovated.  We also welcome our Italian friend Miss Satine this year. Just way to exiting! The festival is growing! 


I understand that the festival is not a competition is that correct and why? 
That is correct, It's so much pressure to just put in your application and get evaluated based on your video, Video does not capture your performance in all it's glory. We just wanted to make sure the girls were not pressured and we just want them to have fun!
I just think that we respect all the tittles given by other festival such as Burlesque Hall of Fame and we are so small still that i feel we are not ready to name the ohio burlesque queen honestly we have such talented performers in Ohio it would not be fair. 


What is an addition this year from last year? 
Since this year we are on a Fri/Sat says we added a dance party a relax atmosphere where you can meet the cast and dance your buns off. Also this year we have posters i know its not a big deal but it is to us!. Along with more board members to make the festival more efficient. Along with VIP seats and some more vendors and sponsors. 


Why should people attend this show vs others?What makes this show special?
This show is different then all others you will see some locals but you are seeing so much more performers from all over the country some thing you can see every day. This is special since is such a large profile event that you get a little bit of everything in every performance.  


Let's change gears let's talk about you! Tell us what make you work so hard, what inspires you? 
Well, I hate talking about my self now of days not as self centered as i just to be when i was younger (ha ha). I honestly have changed so much and learned so much more now of days so am working so much harder to make sure i put out quality performances and costumes. I'm an entertainer beyond anything else so i want to make sure when you see me your entertained. My resent marriage has really changed my life having such a supportive partner it's such a blessing, I truly feel blessed and loved with this man. He has taken an active roll in my performance life becoming my co producer and a director in the festival his experience working in Hollywood has been of great help to me. i have become more aware about productions and the details.


Last year your mother went thru a hard place being diagnosed with Kidney Cancer, How is she now? 
Am very glad to say she has beat cancer and has been such a survivor and a big inspiration to me. She is a big part of my life and i still have her around to listen to me and walk me thru my problems am very lucky. 


We know you have had some issues in the past with productions, We also know your a controversial performer that has people talking. What did you learn from those mistakes?
I honestly have learned so much from them and honestly you will always learn from them and i have made my apologies but i had to learn that you can't please every one or make them happy. Thankfully, I have learned to not bite off more then i chew, not to take things personal and to separate friends and business. Oh and contracts!! I figure if am controversial that means am doing something right, If you are talking about me i really don't care because what you think of me is not of my business. it used to put me down but now i just smile and giggle it off, I will still treat you with respect and honor no matter what i was raised better then that. 


Let's get even more personal! 
We know you are a great supporter of the GLBT Community!
What are your stands on the current gay marriage issues? What are your feeling towards Chick-Fil-A?

Marriage should not be dictated by church or state, The LGBT community are being treated less them human and last time i check they are all humans and honestly who are you to dictate who they should all marry? 

No one that is right. I have gay friends that have been committed to each other for years and there is nothing more i want then to see them get married legally. This summer Cleveland hosted the highest amount of "Illegal" marriages as a support for the vote to legalize marriage in Ohio. NYC legalized it along with other states.. I support same sex marriage !!! 
And as for Chick-FIl-A I have note eaten there for years before it was a larger deal i don't support organizations that put my friends and family down! 

Let's tone it down a bit, 
Fresh, New and Exciting?

Oh my god so much, honestly getting ready for the festival is all am doing right now. Then my friends from Kabarett Vulgare Odditease  are releasing their show in mid august so excited to be in the cast. Just taking a break after the festival and going to see my family and prepare to travel to BurlyCon 2012 in Seattle. The Book It's All That Glitters came out and it's amazing! 
Making new costumes and slowing down the stress is going to be a nice welcome stage in my life. 




Bella, Any thing else you would like to add?


Yes, A GREAT BIG HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR FESTIVAL DIRECTORS AND VOLUNTEERS. To every one involved a great big huge thank you!!! 


Check out Ohioburlesque.com and bellasin.com for details on shows and more. Also please come to The 2nd Annual Ohio Burlesque Festival 2012 and support burlesque in Ohio! Aug 4th at The Beachland Ballroom !!! 


Thank you Bella for your time! 
There you have it folks! 
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Welcome Ava Adore from Cleveland, OH

7/24/2012

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What got you started in burlesque?
I love the spotlight and performing! I had grown up performing at school in musicals and plays and watching Gypsy and Cabaret and decided that's how I would perform as an entertainer. It became my persona, my alter ego. I loved it and kept coming up with different skits and costumes and routines. 

How long have you been performing?
For almost 12 yrs at various clubs around OH. This will be my first time performing in a burlesque show and as a bona fide burlesque performer!


What does burlesque mean to you?
It's the fulfillment of a life long dream! To show everyone there still is tease in a striptease! I want to show the world that you don't have to be a size zero to be sexy and use your body in a provocative way! Every women everywhere, should be able to be proud of there bodies and not be held down by nay sayers!


Why Ohio?
Today Ohio, tomorrow the WORLD! LOL! Ohio is home, it's a great place with so many possibilities! I see great things for burlesque in Ohio!


Describe yourself in one word.
Ambitious

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Welcome Kat Colorful from Columbus, OH

7/24/2012

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What got you started in burlesque?
While battling a diagnosis of Cancer, I was in a very dark place as far as my confidence, self love and was so depressed over my health. I didn't feel sexy, I didn't feel beautiful, heck, I didn't even feel really human. What I did know was I needed to live a little, and do some things on my bucket list. I had seen a burlesque show a few months before and met the fabulous Viva Valezz. She was offering burlesque classes by the equally wonderful Clams Casino so I decided to step out and take the class. I even dressed up for the part because I really needed the boost. Viva, Clams, Bella and many more there were so supportive, and encouraging that I went home with a passion and a renewed sense of confidence. I might be a big girl, I might be an old girl, but I had my sexy back. I practiced, and put together a routine, not thinking I was ever going to do it on stage, but it was mine. I could pretend. Then when Viva asked me if I wanted to perform I soared with anticipation and excitement...and FRIGHT. Fright was not needed, It was love at first step on the stage. For a woman that was making a plan to leave this world, I had a sense of ownership over my sexiness again. 

How long have you been performing? 

I have been performing with Viva Valezz and the Velvet hearts in Columbus Ohio for almost two years. 

What does burlesque mean to you ? 
Burlesque, saved my life! It is my creative outlet, a place for me to release all my energy and to encourage girls of size, age, and all the other things we hold ourselve back with, to fly. I love when I see the spark in someone else. I am able to incorporate all of the things I love, from leather and D/s to laughter and comedy.


Why Ohio?
 I live in Ohio, Its my home, and I am excited to represent it!


Describe your self in one word?
 Well, of Course....Colorful!

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Welcome Constantinople from Cleveland, OH

7/24/2012

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What got you started in burlesque?
Well, I am just a bit of a drama queen, but I hate acting. Burlesque is a place
you can be yourself, while being a character without having to remember lines. 
There is a fine line between a stage name and the person behind the performances. 
Burlesque is the outlet I sought to be the crazy bitch I am genetically bred to be. 
Thanks Grandma and Great-great-great Aunt Gusty! Both burlesque beauties, Grandma from the sixites, and Aunt Gusty
from the turn of the 20th century. It is a family affair.

How long have you been performing? 
Two years formally as Constantinople in the Cleveland Burlesque Scene. Ten years as Constantinople
at parties, holiday and weekend. Nearly thirty years as the crazy bitch that I am genetically bred to be.

What does burlesque mean to you ? 

At first, burlesque meant a hobby, what I spent my spare time and money on. I poured energy and focus into classes,
workshops and study. THEN, I realize, I am who I am. Constantinople is good, not because of classes or effort, no one 
cares about all the hot glue burns or pulled ass cheeks, besides other performers... all the audience care about is my avant-garde entertaining self who
turns it on no matter what, well no matter how much alcohol I have swallowed, that is. 
SO, burlesque means to me--the public place to be the person I am inside of my glittery feathery head.

Why Ohio? 
Hello-- everything and anything American that is good and weird comes from Ohio. 
Every since those weird pilgrims came from Connecticut, founded the Western Reserve, us mother buckers have been keeping it real. Buckers, as in--Buckeyes. While buckeyes do grow in Ohio
supposedly, buckeyes is attached to the Indian bartering system of trading deer hide. Buck, the male deer, translates to the
American slang for money as buck. Now, please pass me a few bucks so I can keep the tradition of Burlesque alive;)

Describe your self in one word?

Contantinopled.

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Welcome Lula La Rose from Detroit, MI

7/24/2012

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What got you started in burlesque?
For many years now I have had a love for mid-20th century style and culture.  Through my interest, I ended up coming across retro erotica and burlesque film shorts.  I love watching old stag films and burlesque performances from this time period.  It seemed so different to me, intriguing, and something I could relate to.  When I realized that there was a burlesque resurgence happening I wanted to become involved.  I have a background in theater, so I already had some comfort with the stage.  Also through the encouragement of those around me and the people I met through pinup modeling and in the fetish community, I gave it a shot.  I joined a local fetish troupe and started performing with them at their shows.  I have loved it since day one.

How long have you been performing?
I have been doing other types of performance (music, theater, etc.) for over 25 years.  I have been performing burlesque for 3 years.

What does burlesque mean to you ?
Burlesque celebrates a time gone by, classy eroticism, outrageousness, fun, creativity, and that we are all beautiful in our own way.  I love it when I get feedback from women who have seen me perform, and say that I help them to feel good about themselves, and their body.  It makes it all worth it to me.

Why Ohio?
During my years as a burlesque performer, I have had the pleasure to meet and become friends with some of the Ohio performers. I am looking forward to sharing the stage and celebrating with them at the Ohio Burlesque Festival. I also have some fans in Ohio, and look forward to seeing and entertaining them as well.

Describe your self in one word?
Multidimensional.


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Welcome Midnight Joy from Houston, TX

7/24/2012

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What got you started in burlesque?

I had been a swing dancer for about 12 years and was really bored. So one day a good friend of mine wanted to start a Burlesque Troupe. She would see us dance at a local club. So one night she approached me and asked if I wanted to join. I thought about it for 1 second and answered "Well why not?" So not having a clue what I was in for, a month later we had our first show and the rest is history.
 
How long have you been performing? 
Burlesque, a little more than a year and a half. I feel like I have been doing this forever. I love it!
 
What does burlesque mean to you?
 
I am still struggling with that one.  Burlesque is art. A raw look into sexuality. A forum for ideals, thoughts and dreams. It can be rough and soft, glamorous, ugly, seductive and repulsive. All rolled in to an ever expanding ball. It should embrace it's past while welcoming it's future.
 
Why Ohio?
 
It may take me a long while and the anticipation may kill me. But I want to experience every burlesque community in the United States and maybe beyond. So far the friendly faces and amazing women oh and men, (I have already met some awesome boylesk),  push me to meet even more talented and sexy performers. So Ohio show me what you got. Entertain me and I will entertain you.
 
 
Describe yourself in one word?
 
Sassy
 

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Welcome MaMarie LaVeaux Indianapolis. IN

7/24/2012

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What got you started in burlesque?
 I got started in burlesque through a wonderful Indy troupe called Angel Burlesque, headed by Katie Angel. AB offered workshops with emphasis on developing your own style, too, which drew me in. I took an interest in historical women of color in the entertainment industry in college and came across women like Josephine Baker who just 'sent me' creatively. I wanted a little piece of that for myself I think; the chance to create and  to give all I could give onstage is a constant allure to me.

How long have you been performing? 
I have been performing in one way or another since 2nd grade - so almost 19 years! I am a classically trained actor with a degree in Theater Performance from Butler University with a particular focus in classical literature analysis - so I enjoy the old & gritty tales and creatures best. Those who see my burlesque routines can see touches of that darker focus with a great deal of emphasis put on the purpose of the skit thematically. I love to tell some kind of story throughout my routines - it's what divides this work from run-of-the-mill stripping! 

What does burlesque mean to you ? 
Burlesque is opportunity. Burlesque is expression in one of its freest forms. Burlesque is a chance for me to be comedic and sexy all in one medium - something I would thirst for otherwise. Burlesque is a newly-opened window into men & women's sexual individuality. I am blessed to be a part of this latest movement of creation. 

Why Ohio? 
There's a rich history of this art form right in Ohio's back yard! I'd be a fool if I missed a chance to soak it up myself.

Describe your self in one word? 
Exotic. 

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Welcome our International Miss Satine from Italy

7/23/2012

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What got you started in burlesque? 
I always worked in entertainment but i never catched my essence until i saw by accident a Dita Von Teese's video... she conquered me... i started trying to understand what she did and i discovered the art of burlesque, an unknown world for me until that moment. So, i started searching for burlesque video around the world and i totally fell in love for it. In italy it was almost unknown, so i took private lessons from stranger performers and i started to perform myself. Now it has become my life 


How long have you been performing?
I have been performing burlesque for three years
 
What does burlesque mean to you ? 
In my opinion burlesque is the biggest expression of femininity.
being sexy without being never naughty and playing with irony. It makes me feel always happy and satisfied.


Why Ohio?
Firstly because i love America. i performed last year in las vegas and los angeles and the glow of the attendance is really involving.
and i think Ohio is a really beautiful experience and a chance to know artists like me
 
Describe yourself in one word? 
The stage's tiger...

 

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Welcome Sailor St Clair from Seattle, WA

7/23/2012

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What got you started in burlesque?
I had always been interested in theatre and performance, but from about 2007-2009 I stopped performing entirely for some reason or another. When I moved to Seattle to start graduate school, I thought I'd rekindle my old love of performing in an entirely new way.


How long have you been performing? 
This is my third year as a burlesque artist, but I've been acting forever.


What does burlesque mean to you ? 
Burlesque is about reclaiming sexuality from a world that demonizes it or uses it as an excuse to make women feel bad for having a sexuality. It's also about the body, and is such an interesting kind of performance to me because it is so incredibly embodied. Acting is obviously an embodied practice, but its rarely about the physicality of the body itself. And in "legit theatre", you always hear stories of audiences getting upset when there are nude bodies onstage, no matter how integral they might be to the story. I like that burlesque is about the body, and about the physical world. It's really refreshing.
 

Why Ohio? 
I'm interested in performing all across this great country, meeting new performers, and seeing what American burlesque has to offer.
 

Describe your self in one word?
I need a hyphenate: showgirl-scholar.


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Welcome Donna Denise from Dallas, TX

7/23/2012

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What got you started in burlesque?
I have always loved burlesque. The gowns, the rhinestone jewelry, the over-the-top sensuality, the music, just everything. I have always wanted to be a part of that and performing allows me to.

 How long have you been performing?
I have been performing burlesque for almost two years.

 What does burlesque mean to you ?
For me, burlesque is a performance art in which the entertainer portrays a sensual, glamorous, and sexy version of themselves in an effort to tease and entice their audience. (I do know and understand that some burlesque is more comical or gore or fetish. And that too is sexy and enticing to differenct audiences.) 

 Why Ohio?
 Being new to performing burlesque, I love traveling and meeting others who share my passion for burlesque. I appreciate the opportunity to see and learn from other entertainers. And I am grateful for the experiences and new friendships that will come from this festival.

 Describe your self in one word?
 Burlesque me says "Fierce"; at home me says "Nice" or "Shy"

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