Arts

Interview with Flavella L’Amour – SA Finalist for Miss Burlesque Australia

MissBurlesque

Photo by Brent Leideritz

Glam Adelaide was lucky enough to interview the SA Finalist for the Miss Burlesque Australia competition, Flavella L’Amour. Flavella will join other State Winners from around Australia to battle it out at the Miss Burlesque Australia 2010 Grand Final at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney on October 8.

How long have you been dancing for and when did you become interested in Burlesque performance?

I studied dance at the Centre for the Performing Arts in SA, but I have been dancing all my life. I became interested in burlesque when it was all around me – I choreographed “Serpent Dancer” for the 2008 Feast Festival and I was free to be erotic in my expression, because it was my own show. I feel more comfortable and empowered expressing myself sexually through dance.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Burlesque performer Empress Star is my inspiration.

You are Adelaide’s only exotic serpent dancer – what is the significance of dancing with serpents and what made you decide to do this?

Dancing with serpents is all about sacred mysteries, rites of passage, shedding skin, letting go of your old self and becoming new again, transformation, regeneration, sexuality and empowering the divine feminine spirit. I have felt a strong connection to this art form – it is ancient and rare and very important and natural to me.

Prior to winning the state heats for Miss Burlesque Australia, where did you perform around Adelaide or Australia?

I have performed at The Garden of Unearthly Delights, The Persian Gardens for the Adelaide Festival Centre, Mindle Beach Markets in Darwin, The Adelaide Entertainment Centre,  The Sydney Royal Easter show alongside The Space Cow Boy and Itsy Bitsy Rima and Side Show Wonderland for Mutant Barnyard. I’m also an award-winning nominee for Best Dance Performance for the Adelaide Fringe 2009 show “Serpent Dancer”.

How important is it for Burlesque dancers to promote a better image of the Burlesque community in Australia and to help Australian audiences better understand this form of dancing?

Burlesque is fun, sexy and empowering for women. The audience really enjoy this art form if it’s done well.

What will the judges be looking for when you compete in the Miss Burlesque Australia Grand Final in Sydney?

The judges are looking for the 4 cornerstones of burlesque dancing: the bump, the grind, the shimmy and the burlesque walk. They will also be looking for warmth, movie star glamour, femininity, presentation, audience response, connection with the audience & an overall polished performance.

What are you required to present to the judges in the Grand Final of Miss Burlesque Australia?

All contestants are required to perform 2 shows from the choice of 3 categories:  Classic Burlesque, Neo Burlesque and Unique Show.

The winner receives $10,000, a return trip to Paris and costumes – how will this help further your passion?

If I win the prize I would become an international star, which will open doorways to perform all over the world with amazing performers in brand new, glamorous costumes. I would also receive a lot of publicity and recognition.

Where does the inspiration for your costumes come from?

I get inspiration for my costumes from silent screen movie stars, show girls and the fantasy and mythical genres.

Are the snakes you perform with yours?

Yes, the snakes I perform with are mine. I have 5 snakes – Kundalini, Anom Ra, Diamond, Venus and Phynix. Kundalini is my biggest snake and I have had him since he was a baby. He is 10 years old now and he has been performing with me for 4 years – he is magic and very beautiful. Anom Ra and Diamond have learnt from Kundalini. Phynix isn’t ready yet and Venus is also still very young. Each serpent has their own dance.

Flavella L’Amour is available to perform a classy burlesque show or exotic serpent dance for corporate functions and private parties. Contact her at [email protected] or visit her Facebook page or website for more information. You can also see her perform at Boho and Casablabla in Adelaide on weekends.

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