Delta Dawn has been a Burlesque Dancer for just over ten years. Some people do not understand what that even means, but she enjoys the whole burlesque world. It suits her bubbly personality, she says.
It really is a misunderstood art-form. I will say that. It always has been. I mean always! But on the other hand…
Well, it is my job. My vocation. There is nothing wrong with it. It is fun. Really, it is a mix of comedy, theater, satire, music. You name it. What other type of performance can make that claim!
And I am obviously not a slut. I mean I am sitting here in this bar having a beer at 2:00PM but I’m filling out Christmas cards!
Okay, maybe wayward women send out Christmas cards as well, but I’m just saying I’m not one of those.
I’m kidding, but my point is that it may not be considered a ‘normal’ or regular occupation, but it is a valid one. And yes, of course it is ‘art.’ A bad burlesque show can be as bad as any other performance, but a good one!
And you might spend the rest of your life talking to people and never meet another Burlesque Dancer but I bet if you stay in New Orleans for another two days you’ll meet another one. Maybe more than one.
But I promise you this. The next one you meet will not be as good as me! (laughs)
Honestly, I don’t mean to brag but I am good at what I do. I don’t know why that is. It just came to me naturally to tell you the truth. I went to my first audition and started a routine, not even knowing what I was doing, and they hired me on the spot.
Now I’m not saying I was perfect from the get-go, but I was good. And I got better.
Anyway, that is how I started my career. Just like that.
I love it. I really do. I love the moves, the sensuality, the music, the cheering. All of it.
My goal is to lose myself in every performance. And to bring the audience along with me. We can all get lost together. (laughs)
And I think I do that. I really do. People have told me that they have never seen anything like it. Or felt anything like it. You know, the joy of it.
Granted it is usually men who say that. And granted it is usually men who want to get into my pants, but that is fine. That is their problem. I’m a performer. But I have a husband and two kids and I’m not going to do anything to jeopardize that.
What was it Tom Waits said? Something about getting a little something you can’t get at home. (laughs)
Well, I give them a little something they can’t get at home. I’m just not giving them everything they can’t get at home. They will have to sort out some of that on their own. (laughs)
© 2016 James Porteous
