I joined the Cabaret Community originally in an Indigenous women’s burlesque troupe ‘Haute Natives’ in 2018. In the winter season of Covid, I made my debut as a soloist in the Cabaret Company production ‘Laundry Day’. I attended a ladies fitness class burlesquercise and thought well this is fun and ‘cute’ but I when are we gonna wear pasties. I started to do research into burlesque, its history and deep origins, around women’s empowerment. This was the basis for my start, and then I was diagnosed with breast cancer. While I went through this, I still attended burlesque classes to keep me motivated and to focus on other things besides what I was enduring. I say now that burlesque saved my life. It gave me passion, inspiration and a reason to create art that was meaningful to me.

My favourite act of all time is my Lizzo – Tempo routine. It’s high energy and fun. It celebrates the thickness and sexiness of bodies. When I first heard the song, I knew that I wanted to do a 90’s inspired hip hop look, so I styled a worker jumpsuit, added some graffiti elements, and rhinestones. And the best part is the tear away reveal. I have so much fun performing this routine.

The trend I want to see more of is I’d love to see more of everything!! I love individuality, so I’m so excited to see trends that empower people to be who they are. The trend I wish would stop would be the thought that all burlesque performers have to be the same classic look. We’re all unique and that should be celebrated.

I was performing to a song that had no lyrics and I had practiced the routine many times, but the day I was performing I had mad anxiety, as I was taking the stage with a whole group of seasoned performers. As I was performing I heard my cue note to move into the end of the routine with getting ready to remove my bra, but soon realized I had like over a minute of song left. So I had to improvise. I twirled my pasties. Sometimes in the moment something may go wrong, but just gotta push through and give it all you got anyways! Also, cuz no one knows that you messed up.

I do get burnt out as a human. I like to spend time in nature, to reconnect my spirit to the land.

My inspiration to create new art comes firstly from listening to music. I will feel inspired by a song, or I can actually see a routine come to life in my head when I hear certain songs. I also get inspired for costuming from learning from places like Tips on Tap, and Bealissima’s IG, as she’s always creating new and cool stuff.

When I was trying to choose my stage name I had a list of different names. I wanted it to represent me but also where I’m from. I was almost LumberSnatch. That person would’ve been wearing lots of plaid and sawing logs lol.

I’d love to learn fans.

I think it’s most burlesque performers dream to perform on the stage at BHOF. At this point I’m dreaming of being part of ANY festival. My dream cast would be filled with a wide array of different styles of burlesque performers. I’d die to perform with Lou Lou la Duchesse de Riere, alongside with Virago Nation and Indigibabes Burlesque. And to throw in someone from the other side, Josephine Baker.

Create art that is fun and sexy. Be open to opportunity. My early stages I was consumed with thinking that I needed practically a new act for each show. But, I have learned that it’s good to find the acts that move your soul, and work on refining the act. Would you share your goals for yourself, or any advice for others in the community? One of my goals is to perform away from my hometown at a burlesque festival. To be better performer, that takes the time to practice, and not make last minute outfits. As for advice I would say, do what makes you feel good. Wear what makes you feel sexy. Create a routine that empowers you. And when you create from a space of love, for yourself, it comes out better through your art.