Interview With Perle Noire--Dancer, Teacher, International Entrepreneur
NYSB: How did you get started in burlesque?
Perle: I started burlesque in 2003, in New Orleans. I was starring in a burlesque musical called, Backstage at Da Fonky B. The musical was about Brownie Gleandale, a strip-tease artist turned t.v mogul and her past with her colorful friend,Lolli Fedici. I played Lolli, of course. We traveled with this show for a few years before I transitioned into a solo artist. I met Dollie Rivas at an audition for Rick Delaup's 1950's burlesque show, Bustout Burlesque.
NYSB: Talk about your creative process. What goes into crafting a successful burlesque performance for you? What do you want audiences to take away?
Perle: My creative process is an extensive process. I begin with inspiration from fashion, art, or historical figures. Then, of course, I look to music to inspire my heart and soul so my body will move. This usually takes about 4 to 6 months. Before I present my artistry to a live audience, I spend months working on the choreography in the mirror. And lastly, I convene with a group of advisers for their input. When I finally present the act to the world, I hope the audience escapes with me. I hope that they feel inspired to live out loud. And I hope they forget about their troubles, heartbreaks, and revel in a moment of felicity with me- if only for a moment.
NYSB: What do you teach ? What is the class all about?
Perle: I'm currently teaching Perlesque, which is a dance class combined with burlesque, jazz, Latin, and African dance moves. During this class, the students learn a dance combination, which is fun, but the class is also about empowerment, artistic therapy, and of course, working up a sweat. My goal is to create a cathartic experience with the power of movement.
NYSB: You've also talked about how you are expanding Perlesque and taking it around the world. What are some of your plans? Where can your fans find your classes next
Perle: My current aspiration is to transition into a dance therapist, and I would like to incorporate burlesque dance as a form of art therapy. I plan to continue to travel within the U.S and abroad as a catalyst for empowerment, and therapeutic expression through dance. The fans have been so supportive, and I'm truly grateful. I'm proud to announce that 90% of my classes have sold-out world-wide and the class is in high demand world-wide . My next class will be at the Dallas Burlesque Festival during Valentines day weekend. And of course, I'm working on future dates at the New York School of Burlesque . Due to the support, I've decided to orchestrate a Perlesque tour within the U.S and in Canda. Please visit perlenoireburlesque.biz for updates.
NYSB: Where can people catch you performing ?
Perle: I'm currently performing all over the globe, including New York, Dallas, Austin, and Helsinki. To keep up with my performances, please follow me on twitter and like my fanpage.
My twitter handle is:msperlenoire.
My fanpage is Facebook.com/PerleNoireBurlesqueFanPage.
Perle Noire has been featured in several publications including the L.A Times and Pincurl Magazine. Perle won the Best Debut category at the Burlesque Hall of Fame in 2008 and went on to win Second Runner-up in the Reigning Queen of Burlesque Pageant the following year. Perle was the very first winner of the "Queen of Burlesque" title at the New Orleans Burlesque Festival. She was the featured performer at the Tetro Circo Price in Spain in 2011 and frequently tours with Dita Von Teese. All of her accomplishments and accolades are due to her amazing stage presence, seductive moves, and artistry which you will get a rare chance to learn from during the Perlesque workshop.
You can find more on what Perle is teaching on the The New York School of Burlesque class page. Visit Perle on her website at perlenoireburlesque.biz
This interview has been brought to you by the schoolofburlesque.com