The Candy Gram: Vixen Violette

In our ongoing Q&A series --"The Candy Gram"-- we ask the same quirky questions of burlesque's various performers. If you want to be added to the mix, drop us a line at kellydinardo AT gmail DOT com. Today, say hello to Vixen Violette

What is your hometown?
Los Angeles by way of Indiana

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
I have always been a performer, since I was the wacky 7 year old entertaining my entire family with choreographed renditions of Don't Put Another Dime in the Jukebox. In a more professional vein I started as a singer, which led me into musicals, which led me down the long, dirty, dangerous route to improv comedy. It's a long story, but evidently living room karaoke is a gateway drug.
How many pairs of pasties do you own?
Six in steady rotation. The 7th and 8th are in production.

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi, Darts of Pleasure by Franz Ferdinand, or anything with a live band.

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Rhinestones, hair pieces, and red lipstick.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Hands down I am most influenced by the friends I have made in burlesque. From my production partner, Lux La Croix, to such fabulous performers as Jewel of Denial, Penny Star Jr, Ruby White, Lili VonSchtupp, newcomer Dizzy von Damn, La Cholita and many others. I feel so lucky to get to see these incredible, and above all, interesting women perform all the time.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
When I went to see the Miss Exotic World competition last year I was so awed and inspired by Kalani Kokonuts. Talk about exciting, beautiful, with incredible production value! Since then I have had the honor of being in a couple of shows with her and she is always not only jaw-dropping, but kind. I can't imagine a better combination.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
In the world of burlesque I am most proud of my cowgirl costume, with tear away chaps, and fringed corset that I made myself this past year. I love a good corset! But I will admit that in every day life I am pretty smitten with my favorite sweatpants.

What's the last movie you saw?
I saw There will be Blood in the theaters and it was really wonderful. The performances were just amazing. More recently I saw Knocked Up at home and laughed my butt off.

What's on your must-see-TV list?
My favorite show right now is Pushing Daisies. My other career is in the television industry and this show embraces everything I love about the art form of TV. Of course, I also love Project Runway. Go Chris!

What book is on your nightstand?
The Gun Seller by Hugh Laurie. I just finished it and highly recommend it.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
I have to pick ONE???? I would love to go back to Europe, or take a trip through South America, but I work hard! Maybe I just need to go someplace tropical and sip frozen drinks all day.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
I would love the ability of super speed. Between my bustling career and my overwhelming costuming and performance schedule, it would be nice to get things done a little more quickly. Although, anyone who knows me knows that no matter how much time I have, I can find a way to fill it.

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Ravenna Black, Veronica Lashe, Amber Ray, Beatrix von Bourbon, Angie Pontani, Tanya Cheex, Bloody Belle, Clams Casino, Trixie Little, Michelle L'Amour, Margaret Cho, Miss Dirty Martini, Princess Farhana, Miss Delirium Tremens, Paris Green, Jo Boobs, Jack Midnight, Heidi Von Haught, Diamond Minx, The Titillation Twins, Scratch, Creamy Stevens and Gina Louise.