I have always been a performer at heart, but being away from my home country really inspired me to try out experiences I would never have considered. My first performance was in May 2014 as part of Geekenders’ production of ‘The Empire Strips Back’, and I was instantly hooked by the possibility of stories that burlesque and cabaret can tell, and the camaraderie that could develop within the wider community. Since becoming more involved with the Vancouver burlesque community as a performer, instructor, and producer, I ultimately wanted to pay forward the gifts that that artform has bestowed upon me, to those that come after – especially to the next generation of Black dancers.

This may sound very silly, but I feel like choosing a favorite act is a lot like choosing a favorite kid – they all reflect important parts of my life, or things that I am fond of and wanted to immortalize in my life in a meaningful way. But if I had to pick one right now, it would probably be “Coconut Woman” (which you’ll get to see at ABR!) – not just because it’s a love letter to Bahamian culture, but because of the special memory tied to it (my parents in the audience in 2023, and my mom dancing in her seat to the music!).

I want to see more people take risks with the acts they develop! Tell compelling stories, incorporate something that is unique to yourself and your lived experiences! Being hot on stage for 5mins is the expectation, but I am always dazzled when a performer is able to pull from something else that makes their act truly unforgettable. Also – despite it being 2025 we *still* have to have this conversation: NO MORE ALL-WHITE/THIN/FEMME CASTS, PLEASE!~

Oh, that’s a juicy one. I think it’s often very hard as a performer from a historically marginalized identity to sometimes fully trust that the art that you want to share with the world is good by your own standards, never mind anyone else’s. But it’s even harder when you find out that sometimes your inclusion in a show or environment was more about obligation or meeting a quota, versus truly believing in what you have to offer via your performance. In my instance, the challenge has often been wondering if things would be “better” or “easier” if I made myself more palatable/marketable to others’ sensibilities (be it to audiences or producers), or allowing people to take advantage of my identity dignity in the name of stage time. Ultimately the answer is the same – I am not interested in following another person’s path, or dulling myself in service to another’s whims. I’m much more curious and excited about the path I can make for myself- without apology or co

Oh goodness I deal with burnout *constantly*, despite my outward exuberance. I’m very much a “DO ALL THE THINGS!!” kinda person (because I used to be in the position where I had to say ‘no’ to a lot of opportunities due to other obligations), which sometimes means I will bite off more than I can chew. Nowadays I still happily say yes to whatever crosses my path (and especially if it makes my heart sing with excitement!), but I also am happy to say ‘thank you, but not this time!’ if I can’t balance it all out. It can sometimes feel like opportunities are scarce, but I am a firm believer in the right ones making themselves known to you at the right time- and if they don’t shake out, it’s not the end of the world. Also, having a team beside me to both keep me accountable and take something off my plate if I ask for help has also been a blessing, and I am very grateful to the teams I work closely beside (the VIBF Board of Directors and Geekenders’ Production Team!) w

I am predominantly a nerdlesque performer, so naturally the media I consume are constant sources of inspiration! I have so many act ideas from video games and anime that I’m sitting on only because I fear they may be too niche to pull off!! Did you ever consider an alternative stage name? What was it? Who would that person have been? Actually for me it was the other way around! I had a brief stint as an alternative model before discovering burlesque, and I had a different name for that- it was a highschool nickname that I am still fond of (as someone who is not-so-secretly a weeb, the name was the romanji of my given name) but I was starting to feel that I was outgrowing it in a way that I couldn’t identify in my early 20s. When I prepared for my burlesque debut, I knew immediately that the name didn’t fit for this purpose – I needed a name that reflected the islands that shaped me, even when I go against the grain. ‘Androsia Wilde’ was born from that exploration and re-ex

Definitely voguing! One day maybe, when I am not as busy as I currently am (so… maybe in the next decade?! LOL)

Dream show would be one based on the video game series Alan Wake, or the Remedy Universe of games as a whole! (Seriously, look up ‘Herald Of Darkness’s of YouTube and TELL ME that wouldn’t make a bomb-ass group number!!) Do you have a mantra or philosophy that defines this moment of your performance career? Has this changed over time? I have a couple, but the codex could be simplified to one key phrase: “Have fun with it”. If I’m not having fun, then why am I doing it? I like to think that has been pretty consistent, even I’ve only been able to articulate it more recently.

I think the biggest piece of advice I would give to anyone in the community – especially people who are enamored by the sparkle and glamour of burlesque and want to give it a try for themselves – is to remember that the path you take to the stage is your own to chart. You don’t have to be a clone of your mentors, you don’t have to do styles or techniques that don’t feel right to your form of expression. You can be exactly as sexy, as funny, as haunting, as pensive, and as joyful as you want on stage, because not only will be someone out there that digs what you do, but it will be *so* much more gratifying to yourself to follow your own compass, and make the stuff *you*want to make!! As for myself- this is my first time traveling out of province for a headlining opportunity! I’m very grateful for the chance to introduce myself to a whole new audience, and I am excited to see what comes next~