The Candy Gram: Rose Darling

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 Rose Darling.

What is your hometown?
Houston, TX

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
I've always been a bit of a ham. I treat my clothes as costumes when I go to parties and always end up sticking out somehow. Growing up, every time I saw a beautiful girl, in the movies or real life, I thought to myself, "I want to be like that when I'm older!" Every time I saw a movie with dancing in it, I would watch that part over and over, trying to do the same moves. But specifically burlesque, it's always been there, I just didn't know how to be involved until I joined the Velvet Kittens.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
I actually don't own any. Our style is more the vaudevillian/cabaret. We always have bras, panties, fishnets & thigh-highs on with every costume.

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
I love Big Spender, Missed Me and Sippage. The way Jana Edele, our director, choreographs them (which are group numbers), it feels like
a theater production. We all have individual parts which reflect our character and complements our individual talents. When you bring that to the whole dance, it really makes it powerful.

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Glitter, Fake Eyelashes, Confidence.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
The spirit of the group has always kept me going. I find it so amazing that everyone in the troupe is so different but we get along with each other. They inspire me to get better and better!

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Josephine Baker. I've always been fascinated with her life, she accomplished so many things. I even did a report on her when I was in middle school.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
I'm more into accessories, they let you really play up anything. One of my favorites is an antique jeweled necklace that is covered in pale lavender rhinestones and makes me feel like a princess.

What's the last movie you saw?
Dark Knight. I love Batman!

What's on your must-see-TV list?
Mad Men, Heroes, Dexter and I have a weakness for America's Next Top Model.

What book is on your nightstand?
I have several, I love reading. The fun ones are a comic book by Paul Pope, 100% and a '50s fiction called A Piece of the Action by Herb Gardner.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
I really want to go to Croatia, I heard their beaches are amazing!

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
I would love to be able to transport myself where ever I wanted. I always have so little time and so many things to do and places to be. It would make my life a lot easier!

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Satan's Angel, Ophelia Flame, 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.