Chicago-based MochaMocha2.0, who won Best Debut Runner-Up at The Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2026, is a professional performer and choreographer, and the founder of Body Confidence for Queens, “a community organization that inspires body confidence through dance and movement”.
Here’s her 21.
1. How would you define yourself in three words?
Spicy, flirty and fun.
2. Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Oh, definitely Megan Good or Teyana Taylor.
3. What is your biggest strength?
My biggest strength is my positive approach to life; even when unfortunate things happen I can still see the good that life brings.
4. What is your biggest weakness?
My biggest weakness is that I am VERY impatient. I have no patience for anything.
5. When are you most happy and inspired?
Anytime I hear new music or when I’m dancing to release emotions – it feels soooo good!
6. What is your favourite on-screen burlesque moment from film or TV?
Seeing my Best Debut performance from BHoF 2026.
7. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Be yourself because everyone else is taken.
8. If you could switch lives with one person for a day, who would it be?
Beyonce or Oprah, I just want to experience what it feels like to be THAT rich!
9. What’s the biggest myth or misconception about burlesque?
That burlesque isn’t a real artform; it’s only stripping and it doesn’t mentally help others. Burlesque has taught me how to connect with my body mentally, physically and spiritually. I am body confident, self assured, and I now accept myself because of burlesque. Burlesque is the artform that helps you find yourself through movement and creativity, and I’m happy to be reconnecting with my inner child through it. This is the most free I have ever been!
10. If you could only perform to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Good Kisser by Usher. I love the tempo and sensuality of the track.
11. What surprisingly useful things do you have in your show case?
Aside from my usual showgirl things, I always pack lip gloss, extra pairs of gold and silver jewelry, and my protection crystals. I lose my mind if I don’t have these items, I feel more fulfilled and prepared for my shows with them.
12. Do you have a backstage ritual?
Yes, I say this mantra before each performance:
I am beautiful inside and out,
My uniqueness is what makes me beautiful,
I love myself, I trust myself, and I believe in myself,
No validation is needed for me to be me.
I am free, I am a Body Confidence Queen.
13. What advice would you give to new performers starting out today?
Be yourself, do your research, and honor those before you.
14. What is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement has been the creation of my company, Body Confidence for Queens (BCQ); it’s inspired body positivity and self love in so many folks across the Chicago area. My mission when creating this company was to showcase how beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and encourage Queens everywhere to love the skin they are in regardless of societal beauty standards. The classes involve movement therapy, mirror affirmations, and mental health journaling, but the main style of dance is Burlesque. I knew that using this artform would not only help students connect with their bodies but activate their alter ego, allowing students to be whomever they wanted to be. To this day BCQ remains an active community organization advocating for body positivity and self love everywhere.
15. What is your biggest regret?
I don’t have any.
16. What is the biggest challenge facing today’s burlesque scene?
Creating safe spaces for burlesque performers. There is a misconception that after you book a burlesque performer and offer them their requested pay rate, that is all a producer or venue needs to do. No, that is actually the tip of the iceberg. There have been too many instances where performers were not cared for in venue spaces by the producers, staff and/or audience members. Performers need to feel safe and have adequate changing rooms in order to perform at their best. Creating and maintaining safe spaces should be a priority – it is necessary for all artists everywhere.
17. If you could go back and tell yourself one thing when you started out in burlesque, what would it be?
I would tell myself to: Take up space!
18. What is a cause or issue that’s very important to you?
Black people in burlesque. I LOVE seeing black bodies on stage! When I joined the burlesque industry eight years ago, there were only a handful of black folks in Chicago. My entry into this artform felt very foreign, like I was misplaced; everyone around me was white and I questioned if I belonged. My Neo-Burlesque wasn’t classical and I didn’t look like a typical performer, but I didn’t let this bother me; I chose to push through and create my own lane. Black people taking up space in burlesque has become iconic to see and experience, because we thrive here! Numerous black Kings and Queens (including myself) have won crowns and become title holders in burlesque, and it’s been magical to see black people create and excel in this industry.
19. What are you currently reading, watching, and listening to?
How to Achieve Peace of Mind by Jerry Dorsman and Bob Davis. This book has taught me how to get out of my mind and into my body. Naturally I am a very anxious person, but this book has taught me how to breathe and process my emotions through both movement and relaxation.
20. If you could share a dressing room with one performer for the rest of your career, who would it be?
Po’ Chop – she’s a funny but honest individual.
21. What would you like your life and career to look like in 10 years time?
My company Body Confidence for Queens will be a global name with annual body positive showcases featuring, dance, fashion and food.
Follow MochaMocha2.0 on Instagram and visit bodyconfidenceforqueens.com.