Hello and welcome to my first contribution to East73rd!
(picture by Éadaoin O'Reilly, hair by Terence Murphy taken in Waldorf Barbershop)
I am a Dublin based Burlesque broad and will be sharing with you my adventures in all things magical and mundane. I have been selected to represent Ireland in the World Burlesque Games in London this coming May and I am competing for the WORLD FEMALE CROWN! No pressure then!!
My burlesque career began 5 years ago, this week as I took part in my first Pin-up inspired photoshoot with photographer Éadaoin O'Reilly. This then led to my being asked to host and run burlesque and vintage events in the city. I have always been involved in some form of performance - tap, Irish and modern dance, ten years of vocal training and I have had many choral incarnations over the years. I knew I wanted to entertain people, and it was my involvement in the cabaret scene that decided for me exactly how I wanted to go about it.
One thing that may come as a surprise is that I suffer hugely from stage fright. This has eased somewhat throughout the years, however when hosting events I found it crippling. I knew I would be far more comfortable as a performer, and for this reason I packed up my sequins and headed for London. I spent three years working hard, cutting my teeth in the UK burlesque circuit. It was extremely hard work, and at sometimes disheartening, but I am a determined woman and I love what I do. There was no way I was giving up, without giving it my all. I started out as Cheesecake burlesque dancer, but never felt that comfortable with the cutesie element to it, especially watching other performers who excelled at that style of dance. I then went back to basics, stripping the choreography right back, working hard on my movement, costuming and performance in order to find my own style and what I was most comfortable with. My style of performance is now far more classic in it's inspiration, delivery and costuming. I make the majority of my costume pieces myself. There a number of factors in this; I am a perfectionist and quite OCD about what I envisage coming to fruition!
I am currently working on a number of new acts, as well as rehearsing for the WBG and have a number of exciting projects in the pipeline. All of which will be revealed (slowly,but surely!) through my posts,here!
Sugar'n'seams,
Ms.Harlot DeVille ♥
