Interview With Bella Von Kiss
by Cary
Classic Burlesque has become a huge phenomena lately, what about it first captured your interest?
What first captured my interest about classic Burlesque was just the pure glamour of it all. I didn't know anything about it until about 4 years ago when I watched a channel 4 program called faking it where an average self conscious woman was chosen to take part. She had to live her life as a retro pin up girl and eventually perform Burlesque in front of hundreds of people and gradually learn to love her body. As soon as it ended I said to my boyfriend..'I want to be a burlesque dancer!' But I have absolutely no confidence for taking my clothes off, I hate my body and I cant dance for toffee!! The only talent I really have is my singing so I thought, I must be able to combine my love of singing with the glamorous side of burlesque. So thats what I did.
What kind of performance do you put on?
My performance is very classic, I'm a chanteuse so it has to be sultry and delicate. The songs I sing range from Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday to Christina Aguilera and Norah Jones!
At what kind of events do you perform?
The events I perform at are usually Burlesque or Cabaret shows but I often have people book me for private events such as birthdays, wedding and business parties.
Where is your favorite place to perform?
My favorite places to perform are burlesque nights, theres nothing like them in the world. The glamour of the performers, the effort the audience make with costumes the rockabilly bands and the atmosphere, its just like stepping back in time to the 1950's.
Has anything crazy ever happened at a show?
Nothing crazy has ever happened when I was performing but a friend of mine got felt up by an audience member who thought it was just a strip show and told her she was asking for it. People like that annoy me. They don't see the art in burlesque and think its just common stripping for guys to get off on! You see more groups of ladies at burlesque shows than men wherever you go!
Are there any other creative mediums you work in?
As well as a singer I play the Ukulele and write my own songs, I haven't got round to playing them at a burlesque show yet but the time is coming. I also do a little bit of pin up modeling for friends or new photographers starting out. Thats more of a hobby than anything else. And I am fully qualified hairdresser in my spare time.
What are your favorite types of outfits to perform in?
My favorite type of outfit to perform in is usually a wiggle dress or a 50's swing dress. I love the designer 'Vivien Of Holloway' she's just got it right down to a T. They are beautiful dresses I have 3. one of which I haven't even worn yet. I want one of each in every colour and print. Better get saving lol. I never sing in casual clothes as a performer you have to make an effort. Thats how you get recognized and remembered. Not just for your talent but for your style and image too.
What kind of music do you like?
I'm into all sorts of music really, I can be metalling out to Firewind or Iron Maden one day and be chilling out listening to Jimmy Eat World or Damian rice another day. I love my metal festivals in Europe too, every year I'm either at Wacken in Germany Or Graspop in Belgium, I just couldn't live without music Its my life.
What do you like to do for fun?
What I love to do for fun is go to see live bands weather its a local gig or a 3 day fest. My boyfriend is in a metal band called 'Fallen Few'. I just love the atmosphere you get a live shows, especially when your out with a huge group of friends having a laugh and a drink together.
See more of Bella Von Kiss at:
www.myspace.com/bellavonkiss
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