Mia Victoria Preisser, also known as Mia ‘The MVP’, is a dynamic NYC-based burlesque performer, artist, and cancer survivor with over ten years of experience in the entertainment industry. A fierce champion for body positivity, sex positivity, and healing through the arts, Mia blends her passion for art, dance, and advocacy into every project. Now she takes on the 21.
1. How would you define yourself in three words?
Crazy, sexy and cool.
2. Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Cynthia Erivo.
3. What is your biggest strength?
Passion.
4. What is your biggest weakness?
Passion.

5. When are you most happy and inspired?
When I have time off to relax and play.
6. What is your favourite on-screen burlesque moment from film or TV?
Josephine Baker in Princess Tam Tam. She’s watching a show from the balcony and suddenly there’s an African drummer. She can’t control herself, takes a gulp of champagne, runs on to the stage and tears off her gown, kicks off her shoes and starts dancing.
7. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Mind your business.

8. If you could switch lives with one person for a day, who would it be?
My black cat, Frank. He is perfect and he knows it.
9. What’s the biggest myth or misconception about burlesque?
You can’t make any money.
10. If you could only perform to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sign Your Name. Live version by Sanandra Maitreya.
Mia Preisser performing.
11. What surprisingly useful things do you have in your show case?
Dental floss.
12. Do you have a backstage ritual?
I look into my eyes in the mirror and say: ‘You are beautiful and I love you.’
13. What advice would you give to new performers starting out today?
Do whatever turns you on (within reason of course) and not only what people tell you is acceptable. Take classes with multiple people even if they all teach the same subject. Each teacher brings a unique perspective and can offer new insight.

14. What is your proudest achievement?
Rediscovering burlesque after breast cancer.
15. What is your biggest regret?
No regrets.
16. What is the biggest challenge facing today’s burlesque scene?
When performers own and operate venues, they gain greater control over the environment in which they work, ensuring that it aligns with their artistic needs and preferences. This kind of ownership can lead to more innovative and supportive spaces for creativity. It also allows for a more direct connection between the performers and their audiences, potentially fostering a more vibrant and engaged community. Investing in and supporting performer-run venues could indeed enhance both the quality and accessibility of the arts.
17. If you could go back and tell yourself one thing when you started out in burlesque, what would it be?
Document your work! Stand up in front of your projects and trust that you are exceptionally good at what you do.

18. What is a cause or issue that’s very important to you?
I’m really tired of the constant policing and shaming of women’s bodies. It’s time to respect and celebrate all bodies without judgment or control. Respectability politics are holding us back as a society. There is a direct correlation between sexism and rape culture. Addressing one requires tackling the other, as both are deeply intertwined and perpetuate harmful attitudes and behaviours.
19. What are you currently reading, watching, and listening to?
Just started watching Breaking Bad for the first time and I’m really drawn to shows that explore unconventional characters dealing with serious issues like cancer. The way the series approaches its themes is both intense and intriguing.
20. If you could share a dressing room with one performer for the rest of your career, who would it be?
Pearls Daily.
21. What would you like your life and career to look like in 10 years time?
Healthy, wealthy, sexy and moisturised. I would be a boss but I still have time to be a human. Balancing leadership with personal well-being is crucial.
Visit CatCult.com and follow Mia on Instagram.