Spanish siren Ruby Monroe has certainly made her enigmatic presence felt on the international burlesque circuit, winning the Miss Viva Las Vegas title in 2022 and following it with a stratospheric Top 10 debut in the Burlesque TOP 50 2023. As well as travelling the globe with her sumptuous Old Hollywood style striptease, Ruby has her own entertainment company at home, too. Now she takes on the 21.
1. How would you define yourself in three words?
Daring, sweet and very Pisces.
2. Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Lady Gaga.
3. What is your biggest strength?
Determination.
4. What is your biggest weakness?
Trusting everyone.
5. When are you most happy and inspired?
On stage with my team.
6. What is your favourite on-screen burlesque moment from film or TV?
Brigitte Helm in Metropolis.
7. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Be yourself and enjoy the ride. If someone doesn’t like it, look the other way.
8. If you could switch lives with one person for a day, who would it be?
Lady Gaga as well!
9. What’s the biggest myth or misconception about burlesque?
The belief that burlesque is something easy and simple to replicate. I often hear comments like ‘If I had those costumes, I could do that too’. People don’t understand that burlesque is not only about costumes. It’s about your presence, your personal aura and your confidence on stage that has been polished along the years and may look ‘easy’. I always reply the same to them: if it is so easy, go ahead! Do it!
Nobody has given me anything for free; even my costumes are made by me because unfortunately I’m not rich and I had to learn how to make them as well, so get your ass to work and do it! You will realise that it wasn’t that easy even with the costumes made.
10. If you could only perform to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Count Bubba by Count Basie. At my last show this song started again from the beginning after four minutes of performance and I had to improvise of course. It felt like a lifetime, haha!)
11. What surprisingly useful things do you have in your show case?
Eyelash glue, a pair of heels and a black wig (just in case I need to show my bad girl side).
12. Do you have a backstage ritual?
Just relax and have a gin and tonic!
13. What advice would you give to new performers starting out today?
Watch burlesque 24/7! You have to know your industry if you want to get in. Attend shows, take classes and immerse yourself in the burlesque world. Inspire yourself with your favourite performers and then start with festivals! It is the best way to make yourself known and show what you are able to do on stage.
14. What is your proudest achievement?
Having my own entertainment company. I never thought this dream would come true.
15. What is your biggest regret?
Life is too short to regret anything. I have become the person I am also thanks to my mistakes.
16. What is the biggest challenge facing today’s burlesque scene?
Social media shadow ban for sure! It is increasingly difficult to reach a new audience. We can’t show our work.
17. If you could go back and tell yourself one thing when you started out in burlesque, what would it be?
Dream big, babe! Everything is possible and hard work always pays off. Don’t feel insecure about your current abilities or lack of experience. Everything can be improved with work. No one is born knowing it all.
18. What is a cause or issue that’s very important to you?
The poverty that is being generated around the art. I meet great artists who have to pay bills with multiple jobs because they are not valued economically as they deserve and they can’t fully focus on their art.
19. What are you currently reading, watching, and listening to?
Reading money-saving business articles, watching the series Shogun, and listening to Electric Light Orchestra.
20. If you could share a dressing room with one performer for the rest of your career, who would it be?
My eternal partner in crime, Dito. We have shared many dressing rooms over the years. We know how to party, gossip, support each other and solve any problem. It’s always fun and I feel safe when he is in the room because I know he can help me with anything I may need.
21. What would you like your life and career to look like in 10 years time?
I would like to be the creator and director of an iconic show like Crazy Horse in my country. A show that endures over time and is internationally known. And of course, be able to continue performing live.
Visit cheektocheekshow.com and follow Ruby Monroe on Instagram.
