Friday, May 23, 2008

The Candy Gram: Ravenna Black

In our ongoing Q&A series --"The Candy Gram"-- we ask the same quirky questions of burlesque's various performers. For the next two weeks, until the 2008 Miss Exotic World pageant, we'll be featuring special editions of The Candy Gram with the burly queens competing in the festivities. If you want to be added to the mix, drop us a line at kellydinardo AT gmail DOT com. Today, say hello to Ravenna Black.

What is your hometown?
Seattle

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
Technically, since I was three. When anyone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said "A ballerina or a princess!" Close enough!

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
I dunno; I make most of mine so they’re constantly being reinvented or replaced. Plus I have a bad shopping habit so I do tend to buy them sometimes, too.

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
At the moment, my three favorites are:
- The Ghost of Smokey Joe, a variation of Cab Calloway’s Minnie The Moocher, as recorded by my favorite swing band, Lee Press-On and the Nails
- Keep on Churnin’ Til the Butter Comes by the legendary Wynonie “Mr. Blues” Harris
- Barnyard Bop by my friend and fellow Seattle-ite, rockabilly genius Marshall Scott Warner.

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Fake eyelashes, Dermablend, and double-sided carpet tape.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Miss Indigo Blue, without a doubt.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Dee Milo, ever since I met her working as the back-stage dresser at my very first Exotic World. Her performance of “The Red Dress That Survived The Flames” brought tears to my eyes, and her encouragement that night, and ever since, has meant the world to me. She’s helping me re-create the “Bridal” version of her signature act, which nearly got her arrested in the 50’s, and I only hope I can do it justice.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
High fuckin’ heels, baby! I am 4’ 11” so I need all the help I can get.

What's the last movie you saw?
Fred Claus, with my kids.

What's on your must-see-TV list?
Uh… Wife Swap? Haha!

What book is on your nightstand?
Consensual Sadomasochism: How to Talk About It and How To Do It Safely by William Henkin and Sybil Holiday (AKA burlesque legend Holiday O’Hara).

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
I have always wanted to visit Bora Bora, but I hear Tacoma’s nice.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
I would want to be able to fly, because I’m afraid of falling and it would sure beat sitting in traffic!

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Amber Topaz, Amelie Soleil, Red Hot Annie, HoneyLu, Kimberlee Rose, Vicky Butterfly, Dominique Immora, Yasmine Vine, Cherry Bomb, Millie Dollar, Joanie Gyoza, Bonbon Vivant, Lola Martinet, Frankie Boudoir, Vixen Violette, 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.

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