Recognised
as the figurehead of the burlesque renaissance, Immodesty Blaize was the
first showgirl in 30 years to take the genre back to that national treasure The
Windmill Theatre. She also developed and headlined the West End's first hit
burlesque show for a critically acclaimed extended run, seen by over 25,000
people. Immodesty was the first Brit to win the Miss Exotic World debut
in Las Vegas in 2006, she even made history performing the first ever
strip-tease on the wireless, live, on Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour!The genre originated in the1840s, early in the Victorian Era, a time of culture clashes between the social rules of established aristocracy and a working-class society. The genre often mocked such established entertainment forms as opera, Shakespearean drama, musicals, and ballet. The costumes increasingly focused on forms of dress considered inappropriate for polite society.
How would you explain “burlesque” for people who don’t know what it is?
It’s a form of entertainment that’s been very popular from the turn of the century right until the 1950’s. It’s ironic cabaret and part of that is what I do where I dress in period costumes and create big spectacles with props and scenery, and strip. That’s what these girls used to do; we’re just bringing it back into this century.
How did you get into burlesque?
I’ve been doing it for about ten years and was always interested in Bettie Page who used to perform with a burlesque star called Tempest Storm who was known for her two props, her breasts. I really discovered it through Bettie Page who was a pin-up girl. It seemed to make sense that in my teenage years I wasn’t thin and flat chested how it was popular to be so that’s how I started.
What has been your most interesting performance to date?
Probably when I got this enormous eight foot vintage glitter telephone and I performed on the receiver with girls around me dressed in 50’s bathing suits and swimming caps. My costume was inspired by Liberace who I think was the most camp performer ever.
Where do you get inspiration for your shows?
I can be inspired by anything from a scene in a film to a piece of music. I get really inspired listening to 40’s Jazz and Swing and I work with a DJ to mix different tracks together. I’ll often think “God I can imagine myself sweeping down a staircase to that music.” Sometimes I see pictures in magazine and a picture of a bird might capture my imagination and think of a headdress.
Do you get recognised on the street on an average day?
Yeah, mostly when I’m shopping. Girls will recognise me and check out what shoes I’m buying!
What are the perks of being the ultimate showgirl?
I guess the perks are I can look after my body and my face and I’ll know that it’s part of my job and not think of myself as selfish.
Do you get people frowning upon what you do?
I haven’t really experienced that myself. I generally get positive feedback, especially from women. Half of my audience tends to be women and I get lots of fantastic fan mail. It’s a piece of theatre and I’m creating a fantasy world that’s charming and funny, maybe a little naughty with an erotic undertone but there’s nothing offensive in my act. It’s all inspired by wanting to make a big spectacle so people will go “oh look at that, I don’t see that on the way to the tube everyday.”
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I don’t have any spare time! I like to go dancing and see Swing and Jazz music. I also like spending time with my dog that sometimes comes on stage with me.
What’s her part in your shows?
She picks up my stocking at the end of my acts sometimes. I’ve had her since she was eight weeks and I used to dangle stockings in front of her so I guess she just learned to play with them. When I’m getting dressed in the morning I have to make sure she’s not in the bedroom otherwise she’ll go through my stockings.
Did you ever take dancing lessons?
I used to do Arabic and Latin dance and I use quite a lot of those moves on stage. Something popular in the 50’s was Bump N Grind and I use the moves I learned in Arabic dance in those routines. I think it’s been very useful to have those skills under my belt.
Where do you get your costumes from?
I design the costumes and I have a whole team of girls who make them for me. I have someone who makes my corsets, someone who makes knickers and bras, a lady in Jersey who makes anything to do with feathers and crystals, and another girl who makes my nipple tassels. I send the drawings and material samples over to them and they make my amazing costumes.
Do you have any beauty tips?
I’d say it’s always worth making the effort; I never leave the house without something on my face. We’re only on this earth once; we might as well make it as glamorous as possible. My one beauty tip is never fall asleep with your false eyelashes on, it’s horrible waking up with them halfway across your face!
How do you feel being compared to Dita Von Teese?
I think it’s great because we’re friends and she’s fantastic. I’ve performed with her a few times and we hook up when I’m in the States or she’s over here. The positive thing about burlesque is that every performer has so much their own personality so you’ll find that even there are lots of bands performing under the umbrella of music, it’s the same with burlesque. We all have our different gimmicks. There’s a trend to want to look the same and have false nails and plastic tits and I think it’s good to have a form of entertainment that encourages people to be individuals.
Where’s your next big show?
If you want to see some of the best performers all in one place come to the Bloomsbury Ballroom, an old 1930’s art deco ballroom, on the 21st and 22nd of November because I’m hosting a big evening. We’ll be having the world famous Clark Brothers who are in their eighties but are still performing, it’s going to be a glamorous evening.
www.immodestyblaize.com
By Rashmi Shastri - Sep 2006