The Candy Gram: Ophelia Flame

As things heat up in Minneapolis-St. Paul, we dish up a red-hot treat with the city's own Ophelia Flame.

What is your hometown?
Uptown Minneapolis, MN

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
I've been taking my clothes off for friends, family and complete strangers for nearly twenty years. I worked as a topless dancer in Minneapolis, Chicago, New Orleans and Las Vegas throughout the 1990s. I found my tribe in 1999 at the Burlesque Museum where I gained the honoree title of Miss Exotic World runner-up.

Although some do, I don't make a hard distinction between burlesque, stripping, peeling, exotic dancing or what ever you want to call it. Intention plays a large part but in the end aren't the names just euphemisms for taking your clothes off? It's simply a matter of how long it takes you to do it. My dance style has remained the same only now, I seem to spend more then I make. I'm completely fascinated by all aspects of the art of the tease and those that both love and hate it.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
About eight, that is until I make Indigo Blue my sugar momma. Then I'll have them ALL Mwahahahah!

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
I suppose my three favorite acts:
Tequila by The Champs (dressed as a tequila bottle w/ undulating body worm)
Stormy Weather by Etta James (with prop umbrella that rotates and rains confetti)
The Laundromat Blues by The '5' Royals (with prop washing machine that lights up and shoots bubbles)

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Toupee tape, a good sense of humor and fellow producer friend Gina Louise.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Two time MEW, Stephanie Blake! I call her my "Big Sister of Burlesque." When I made my first sojourn to Exotic World I emailed to ask her what the heck to expect. She was so sweet, helpful and supportive. We've been friends ever since and adore her. Plus she tells me I should have won every year. I think that's adorable. Also my Minneapolis crew, Lili's Burlesque Revue. They're amazing women and great friends.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Well geesh how do you pick one?! Dixie Evans for being our tribal leader and just a peach of a woman, Lili St. Cyr for being so dang hot, an elegant dancer and a local inspiration. Toni Elling and Lottie the Body for being beautiful, classy and proud in the face of discrimination. I also adore contemporary touch stones like Michelle L'Amour, Julia Atlas Muz and Jo Boobs.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
I'm rather fond of shoes. They protect your feet, make your legs appear longer and look great standing, sitting or in the air darlings! Heheh, I just blushed a little. I am from Minneapolis, you know.

What's the last movie you saw?
Blade Runner, for about the millionth time. Delicious.

What's on your must-see-TV list?
Battlestar Galactica, Six Feet Under, Big Love, Entourage, Dr. Who, The Office, Pushing Dasies. It's true, I'm a TV whore.

What book is on your nightstand?
Gilded Lili by Kelly DiNardo and Grist for the Mill by Ram Dass

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
Any where where I can lounge in the sun, swim, get a chelada & ceviche lunch, a nice cup of coffee and meet interesting people. Mexico usually does the trick and I'm rather fond of the Costa Del Sol.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
Flying. I know it's a standard but that way I can jet off to my favorite beach, burlesque festival of even the liquor store on a moments notice. I suppose it would also come in handy during uncomfortable conversations, embarrassing moments or when you've just plain had enough.

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Panache La Plume, Ginger Valentine, Madame Rosebud, Little Brooklyn, Victoria Veneance, Sauci Calla Horra, Penny Starr Jr., Gemma Parker, Darla DeVine, Sparkly Devil, Vivienne VaVoom, Lux LaCroix, Charlotte La Belle Araignee, Bunny Love, 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.