Interview With Maria Bella

by Cary

Pinup Model & Burlesque Performer Maria Bella.

Classic Burlesque has become a huge phenomena lately, what about it first captured your interest?

There was a lot about burlesque that caught my attention. But I was enthralled with the glamour, sex appeal and the cleverness that goes into each routine. I also loved that burlesque appreciates many forms of beauty and is not stuck on what society has come to stereotype. It allows you the freedom to express your creativity in new and exciting ways, and brings you a new feeling of confidence every time you're on stage. It allowed me to bring my years of dancing experience to the stage, and expand upon my foundation of performing. And I thoroughly enjoy interacting with the audience. Their feedback is what drives me to perform and makes me want to improve.

What kind of performance do you put on?

My troupe, Gilded Lily Burlesque, performs a mixture of different styles of burlesque. Each member of the troupe brings something unique to the team, and I believe that is what makes us so special.

At what kind of events do you perform?

Gilded Lily performs at a variety of venues, and the same goes for me as an individual performer as well. We have performed at art galleries, theaters, fund raisers, clubs, festivals, parties and have traveled to DC, VA and NY.

What's it like performing all over and experiencing the different scenes?

There's nothing more exciting than being able to travel and experience different scenes. It allows you to meet other performers, find new inspiration and open doors to opportunities you wouldn't find elsewhere. It really challenges you to gain more experience performing in front of different audiences.

Where is your favorite place to perform?

I enjoy performing as often as possible, and each venue brings a different energy and crowd of people. But if I had to make a choice, I would have to say The Creative Alliance and The Mobtown Theater in Baltimore.

Has anything crazy ever happened at a show?

After one of our shows in DC, one of the troupe members lost her keys. There were four of us that had to wait at the venue while our MC drove to Baltimore to get the spare set of keys, and then drove back to help us. The Palace of Wonders in DC was extremely accommodating, fed us and made sure we were safe and sound until our MC returned. We were all exhausted but had such an amazing bonding experience. We actually found out later that the keys had fallen into another performer's bag by accident, so we were able to get the keys back after all.

What do you think about pinup becoming part of the mainstream culture?

Modern pinup was a culture that was experienced by a very small group of people because many have not accepted it as a mainstream. It was nice being unique and different from mainstream society. When it becomes mainstream, it tends to lose a bit of its uniqueness. But overall, I'm glad that more people are appreciating the culture. It truly is getting the attention it deserves.

What is it that excites you about pinup modeling?

It is another outlet of creativity. From start to finish, it allows you to bring a concept to life. It is a direct reflection of your style, grace and allows you to pay tribute to all of the legends of pinup before you. I enjoy the glamour, poise and authenticity that goes into each and every photoshoot. It's a lot of fun for me to collaborate with other creative minds, and in the end, you come up with a work of art that you, the photographer, designer and the hair and makeup artist have created.

Are there any other creative mediums you work in?

Before I started pinup and burlesque, I was a musician and played in a soul/funk band. That was such a fun time in my life and I'll always appreciate everyone in the band. I really do miss it.

I'm a dancer and used to perform and compete often. I would also go Latin dancing with a few of my friends. We loved being able to put on our best dresses, dancing shoes and just dance all night long.

What are your favorite types of outfits to model in?

I love making the outfits as authentic as possible, and I have this new fascination with hats, especially vintage wide brim hats. But I also love modeling burlesque outfits, vintage lingerie and swimsuits.

What are your least favorites?

Girdles. I love the way they look when they are on, but I dislike having to put them on and take them off ;)

What kind of music do you like?

This is a tough question. I'm a musician so I appreciate all styles of music and I have a large music collection. Some of the genres I enjoy most are blues, jazz, jam, rock n roll, swing and rockabilly.

What do you like to do for fun?

Travel, cocktails with the girls, Latin dancing, yoga and shopping for hats, designer clothes and lingerie

See more of Maria Bella at:

www.myspace.com/pinupmariabella

See more of Maria Bella at:

www.myspace.com/pinupmariabella

Feather fans photo--Corset by Sugar Kitty Corsets (www.sugarkittycorsets.com) Photo by Luminous Impression. www.luminousimpression.com Maria Bella Back Bend photo by Silent Spirit Studios and MUAH by Ashley Elaine pinup parasol picture-Corset by Sugar Kitty Corsets www.sugarkittycorsets.com. Photo by Luminous Impression. www.luminousimpression.com Tribute to Gil Elvgren (pinup on phone) by Atomic Cheesecake Studios. www.atomiccheesecakestudios.com Train Station by Bombs Over Betty Photography. www.bombsoverbetty.com Pulling off Stockings--Corset by Sugar Kitty Corsets (www.sugarkittycorsets.com) Photo by Luminous Impression. www.luminousimpression.com Detective Bella by Cheryl Fair. www.cheryfair.com Burlesque colors--pasties by Gothfox Designs. www.gothfox.com. Photo by Atomic Cheesecake Studios. www.atomiccheesecakestudios.com Ice Fishing pinup--by Atomic Cheesecake Studios. www.atomiccheesecakestudios.com