Texan temptress Coco Lectric has answered my 2013 pre-BHoF Q&A, and she will take to the stage in a matter of weeks at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2013. I put something lighthearted and fun together this year, and requested some extra ‘media’ from each contender.
When I’m on stage, I feel… at home.
When I’m on stage, I want the audience to feel… welcome and dazzled.
BHoF is special and important to me because… it is like the capitol of the burlesque world, a world I want to live in for the rest of my life. The weekend is my chance to hang out with, learn from and enjoy my burlesque family doing what we do best – perform.
I chose the act I am competing with because… it represents the strength and softness of women. I’ve been really into studying historical female world leaders and goddess mythology lately. The number is a real challenge for me physically and mentally.
If I am crowned Queen… I will do everything in my power to increase awareness of our present and our history and work my tail off to further legitimise our art form.
If I could speak to myself when I was a new performer starting out, I would say/tell myself… Do your homework!
Something that few people know about me is…I was adopted.
I am happiest when… the people I love are well and happy, and when I’ve just had a successful performance.
My greatest strength is… compassion.
My biggest vice is… procrastination.
My greatest fear is… something horrible happening to my son.
If I could spend a day with any woman in history, past or present, it would have to be… Hatshepsut
I if could have a superhero power, it would be… teleportation.
The best piece of advice I have ever been given is… You are much stronger than you can ever imagine you could be. Our bodies are much more fragile than our hearts and minds.
If I could only watch one movie, hear one song and read one book for the rest of my life, they would be… Kung Fu Panda; Closer by Nine Inch Nails; A Natural History of the Senses by Diane Ackerman.
The key to show-stopping striptease is… the ability to invite the audience with your eyes and energy, and mesmerise them with movement and innovation.
My hopes for the future of burlesque are… that we create goals for stronger performances, a strong foundation of education and collaboration, and create a clear definition of our art form. I want us to continue to support each other and strongly resolve to preserve our diversity.
