The Candy Gram: Virginia D'Vine

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 Virginia D'Vine.

What is your hometown?
I was born in Welland, Ontario but I spent a good portion of my life in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. I'm currently living in Toronto, Ontario.

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
I'm only 20 but I have been interested and madly in love with burlesque for five years. I saw a documentary called Pretty Things by Liz Goldwyn on HBO in 2005. I was 15 and I had just discovered rockabilly, I was also just getting into swing dancing so it seemed natural that I would become fascinated with the art of burlesque.

From the age of 15 I started devoting my life to collecting vintage artifacts, clothing, lingerie, records, and my passion for burlesque only grew. Three years later I had just turned 18 and twelve days later I did my first show. I cannot imagine living a life without glitter and pasties.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
I generally have a pair for every act and I make them myself. I suppose I have about seven or eight good pairs of crystal pasties, the sequined ones tend to fall apart due to frequent touring and performances, so I won't count those.

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
My hot glue gun has saved me in a pinch on more occasions than I can count, spirit gum for it's devotion and for never allowing my pasties to fall off (even my heavy fire tassels!) and last but not least my hairspray encrusted hot rollers which allow me to do my hair while applying makeup.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
I cannot simply name one performer or person but if I had to keep it down to eleven people, my biggest influences are Lucille Ball, Zorita, Bettie Page, Betty Grable, Marilyn Monroe, Tempest Storm, Sally Rand, Lili St. Cyr, Gypsy Rose Lee, Jenny Lee, and my great great Roma grandmother for putting performance in my blood.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Zorita, she was so beautiful and creative. I wish that I could find more footage of her.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
Oh gosh, my vintage dress collection is getting a bit ridiculous so it's very hard to say. I really love my faux fox stole that Bettina May made, it makes me feel super glamorous.

What's the last movie you saw?
Let's Make Love

What's on your must-see-TV list?
I am a huge sucker for reality TV, especially ones about models or dancers. I love Americas Next Top Model, She's Got the Look and various other mindless television programs. As for real TV, I don't watch anything really other than old box-sets or Deja View. I love to watch I Love Lucy and The Lucy Show.

What book is on your nightstand?
I just finished reading Chuck Palinchucks Choke, so that should still be there.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
The Samoan Islands. I really want to see some genuine Hula Gals!

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
If there is such a thing as a superpower where you can suck up everyone's knowledge - that's the one I want. Imagine being able to do every kind of dance style just by grabbing someones head.

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Tamara the Trapeze Lady, Champagne Sparkles, Selia Carmichael, Pyra Sutra, Roxi Dlite, Scarlet O'Gasm, Bombshell Betty, Foxy Moxy, Bambi Galore, Mis Rosie Bitts, Sahara Dunes, Mimi Rockafellar, Baby Le Strange, Rose Darling, 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.