Interview With Lady Aye
by Cary
Classic Burlesque has become a huge phenomena lately, what about it first captured your interest?
As much as I love and respect The Legends, I'm really way more intrigued by the innovators of the Neo Burlesque scene. I loved the fun and confidence of the performers. Additionally, I feel like as performers, producers and audiences; New Yorkers really values wit and talent over, say, sheer number of rhinestones or perfectly retro posturing and I'm all about that.
What kind of performance do you put on?
I like to think of it as sideshow with burlesque elements grafted on to it. For example, while I don't peel in the conventional sense; when I perform straitjacket or fire I'll use a lot of the same flirty, tease moves that burlesque performers use, and I love to use the same short story structure with it versus just showing off a skill.
At what kind of events do you perform?
I've done everything from swallow swords on Gossip Girl to eat fire in dive bars, but mostly it's burlesque-related.
What's it like performing all over and experiencing the different scenes?
I love it! I love watching the different ways people put their own signature on performance. I also love the completely different reactions you get from a variety of audiences.
Where is your favorite place to perform?
I love Coney Island, Asbury Lanes, and a handful of other venues, but mostly just where I'm with my friends and a fun audience.
Has anything crazy ever happened at a show?
All the time! One incident that makes me laugh (in retrospect) was when an MC introduced me with a very suggestive joke about my sword swallowing and I had to step on stage and say "Thanks for that lovely intro, and now I'd like to say hello to my mom, my dad and my cousins visiting from France, who are all in the audience tonight!"
How did you start performing with fire?
Actually, in one of my best friend's living rooms. I had wanted to learn for years and we were talking about one day, and she said, oh, by the way, I'm a retired fire eater, I'll teach you. So I'd go to her place after work and practice and I was hooked.
What about fire intrigues you?
There's a certain elegance and fun to it if it's done well and the possibilities for building acts are endless; so, I've found it's actually a very good creative outlet for me. It's also a discipline where there's a great balance between actual technique and showmanship, so there's always something to learn.
What safety concerns are involved in that type of performance?
Lots! I always carefully mind my hair, my costumes, even the length of my fake lashes. Plus, the specs of the venue itself and I travel with a fire extinguisher, never drink until I'm finished and a lot of other things.
What kind of music do you like?
Rockabilly, jump blues, garage and punk. That's my favorite personally and what I use in my acts.
What do you like to do for fun?
With two careers (I have a square day job where they don't know about my night job) sleep is a treat, but mostly just see my friends and just enjoy living in New York as much as possible. Also, I'm working on a series of short documentaries on Mermaids of NY that's centered around our mermaid parade.
See more of Lady Aye at:
www.myspace.com/lady_i
www.ladycircus.com
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