Candy Gram: Maria May I

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 Tanya Cheex a line at t.cheex AT gmail DOT com. Today, say hello Maria May I.

What is your hometown?
I have never lived in one state longer than 5 years, so my hometown is hard to determine. I guess I will say Wisconsin, because that is where most of my family is.

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
I am actually very new to burlesque. I started becoming interested in Jan. 2009 and did my first performance the last week of Feb. 2009.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
Well over 30 pairs

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
Car Wash, Got My Mojo Workin', and Boogie Shoes.

What are three items could you not live without as a performer?
Pastie Tape, Hairspray, and Shiny stuff.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Red Hot Annie. She is such an amazing enterpenuer, so sucessful, and yet humble at the same time.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
I have really taken a liking to Ivy Paige. She's quriky, and funny, entertaining to watch.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
Can I say Hat? I love hats, I would walk around in my birthday suit, and just be comfortable wearing a hat.

What’s the last movie you saw?
I'm addicted to horror movies, one of my favs is The Shining so I just had a fix of it last night.

What’s on your must-see-TV list?
Re-runs of The Wonder Years and That '70s Show. I also like to watch House, Law & Order or anything on Nick at Nite.

What book is on your nightstand?
I hate to admit, I don't read books nearly as much as I should. I have a stack of fashion magazines as high as my ceiling. I am a freelance fashion designer, so I have to be on the up andup.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
I know it is lame but I would go to Wisconsin. I have a huge family and we are all really close, I don't get to spend nearly enough time with them.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want?
Why? Hmmm.... flying! I flippin hate driving, and the CTA, so if I could fly, that would be fantastic!

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: La Cholita, Gentry de Paris, Jade Pearl, Kitten DeVille, Miss C, Immodesty Blaize, Nasty Canasta, Vivienne Vermuth, Scarlett James, Tura Santana, Tatah DuJour, Susie Caboose, Gigi La Femme, Kitten on the Keys, Virginia D'Vine, 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.

Candy Gram: Gentry de Paris

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 Tanya Cheex a line at t.cheex AT gmail DOT com. Today, say hello Gentry Lane.

What is your hometown?
Paris (via Hollywood )

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
Since I first saw Gypsy at around age 12. But I didn’t start taking off my clothes until I was 23. (I guess I’m a late bloomer).

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
Not that many. Perhaps a dozen. Do you want me to go count?

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
Harlem Nocturne (I know, I know! But there’s a reason it’s a classic!)
Too Darn Hot
A French song that I’m going to regret posting called J’Coûte Cher. It’s super vavoom jazzy and has great lyrics. Copy me and I’ll kill you. Actually, I won’t have to. It would be career suicide to use a song that’s already so closely associated with me. So there.

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Really high heels with quick release ankle straps, Kryolan pancake and good lighting.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Dita. She’s generous with her advice, she doesn’t mince words, and now I’m getting pretty good at figuring out when she’s joking. (I’m so gullible, it’s tragic/hysterical). She has set the standard and anyone who doesn’t admit to her level of influence on their own career is a Big Fat Liar.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Gypsy is my favorite because of her marketing ability, but she doesn’t seem like she was a very nice person. People will hate me for saying this, but I find the real stories behind these women quite sad. I don’t know one who led an admirable life. Except Josephine Baker, but she was never technically a stripper.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
I have 3 François Tamarin corsets that make my waist 18” In a word: Hot.

What’s the last movie you saw?
Good God! I don’t even remember. I’m fighting the inclination to lie and put something intellectual. But it was probably a BBC documentary. I hate going to the movie theater. The seats are filthy.

What’s on your must-see-TV list?
House and Mad Men. I’d do Don Draper in a second.

What book is on your nightstand?
The script for my show in September -- The Gentry de Paris Revue with Dita Von Teese.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
Thailand. I’d like to get a three-hour massage while lying face down in a kiddy pool full of Pad Thai. I hear it’s legal there. And only costs $7.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
Teleportation. Because the Paris metro sucks.

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Jade Pearl, Kitten DeVille, Miss C, Immodesty Blaize, Nasty Canasta, Vivienne Vermuth, Scarlett James, Tura Santana, Tatah DuJour, Susie Caboose, Gigi La Femme, Kitten on the Keys, Virginia D'Vine, 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.

Candy Gram: Immodesty Blaize

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 Tanya Cheex a line at t.cheex AT gmail DOT com. Today, say hello to Miss Exotic World 2007 and the author of Tease, Miss Immodesty Blaize.

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
From about the age of 5

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
I’ve never counted. I tend to wear the same few pairs as I have them custom made by my jeweler, but I do seem to have accumulated plenty of novelty, wholly impractical ones.

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
I get bored easily. It changes. Let’s say Blues In the Night, Stairway to the Stars, and Chivas Regal. I’m determined to work out a way to do classic to ZZ Top some day though.

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Hot rollers, rhinestones, heels. Oh that’s so unoriginal. But the basics are best!

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
No one has influenced my career. But I have personally been inspired by many things. Everyone knows my main performance muse is Liberace. And then Ava Gardner, Grace Jones, Jayne Mansfield, Divine, Irving Berlin, Claude Cahun, Evelyn Waugh, Russ Meyer, Beardsley, Roy Orbison, French chateaus, Russian orthodox churches, Chinoiserie….so many things.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
You want me to choose? Just one? No way. Obviously our 2009 reigning queen Kalani Kokonuts. Lilly Christine. (The heat!) Zorita. (She’s the reason I have a streak in my hair) Lili St Cyr. Liz Renay. Satan's Angel. April March. Dirty Martini. This is a mean question, choosing only one indeed.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
A simple black Dolce Gabana dress. I can wear it in any country, any time of day, any occasion, TV show, press interview, fashion party, funeral, wedding; it packs down to the size of a pair of Wolford stockings, doesn’t need ironing.

What’s the last movie you saw?
Mommie Dearest. Actually it reminded me of someone I know.

What’s on your must-see-TV list?
I don’t watch much TV. Flight of The Concords, The Wire, Mad Men, I’ll make the effort to watch those. I did a chat show with David Simon (The Wire) recently, I was a little lost for words.

What book is on your nightstand?
Me Cheeta, the autobiography.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
Capri maybe. I can wear diamonds in the sun and sip a mean dry martini, and us Europeans don’t freak out about topless sunbathing. I can’t have tan lines, now can I?

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
Time travel. Apart from being able to source the best wardrobe ever, learn the dance of the seven veils first hand, and dine with Robert Mitchum, I wouldn’t mind taking out a few evil dictators with an AK47.

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Nasty Canasta, Vivienne Vermuth, Scarlett James, Tura Santana, Tatah DuJour, Susie Caboose, Gigi La Femme, Kitten on the Keys, Virginia D'Vine, 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.

Candy Gram: Nasty Canasta

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 Tanya Cheex a line at t.cheex AT gmail DOT com. Today, say hello to Nasty Canasta of Pinchbottom Burlesque.

What is your hometown?
Brooklyn, NY

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
I've been in theatre for most of my life; I gave up acting for burlesque about five years ago.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
My pasties tend to be specific to each act, so I have a different pair for pretty much every number - probably in the double-digits by now. I also can't really help but collect random things to glue to my boobs; friends go on trips and instead of bringing back t-shirts and things as souvenirs, they're like, "Here are two ashtrays from Graceland, I thought you could use them as pasties."

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
It changes a lot, but right now I'm really having fun with Ice Cream by New Young Pony Club, Queen's theme song to the Flash Gordon movie, and You Light Up My Life.

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Ziploc bags, Static Gard and red nail polish.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Probably my grandmother, who's been incredibly supportive of my performing habit no matter what form it's taken. She gave me my first box of dress-up clothes and ran lines with me for school plays, and when I was in college studying theatre she would send me postcards from shows in Vegas - a few years ago she even made it out to Vegas for Miss Exotic World.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Julie Atlas Muz. She's a constant inspiration and I want to spend a day living in her brain.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
My 6" black platform stripper heels. It took months to learn how to walk in them, and now I never want to take them off - I've actually done tribute numbers to these shoes.

What’s the last movie you saw?
Little Miss Sunshine -- on DVD. I never seem to make it out to the movie theatre, somehow.

What’s on your must-see-TV list?
Doctor Who. Classic ones, new ones, all of them - it's an obsession. I also finally limped into the digital age and just discovered Hulu, and recently I've been watching my way through old episodes of Barney Miller. It's fabulous.

What book is on your nightstand?
I just finished Lord Of The Flies, which I haven't picked up since high school. It's totally made me want to go back through the old summer reading lists.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
I'd like to say I'd be all adventurous and go whitewater rafting and defy death on a mountaintop, but really all I ever want to do is sit on a beach. With a drink. Naked, if possible.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
Time travel, definitely. It'd be the ultimate costume research, wouldn't it?

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Vivienne Vermuth, Scarlett James, Tura Santana, Tatah DuJour, Susie Caboose, Gigi La Femme, Kitten on the Keys, Virginia D'Vine, 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.

Candy Gram: Tura Satana

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 Tanya Cheex a line at t.cheex AT gmail DOT come. Today, say hello to iconic star of Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!, Tura Satana.

What is your hometown:
Chicago, IL

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing:
Since 1953

How many pairs of pasties do you own:
I used to own 25 pairs, but I gave away all but one pair. I had two pairs for every costume I owned.

What are your three favorite songs to perform to:
Lure Of Tura, Go Tura Go, Tura's Song. Besides those Blue Moon, Night Train, Midnight in Moscow.

What three items could you not live without as a performer:
A good stage, a great audience and a great orchestra.

Who had the biggest influence on your career:
Stunning Smith

Who is your favorite burly queen:
Lili St. Cyr

What is your favorite item of clothing:
My Kimonos

What’s the last movie you saw: Twilight

What’s on your must-see-TV list:
Moonlight, NCIS, Charmed, House.

What book is on your nightstand:
The Tartan Warrior

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go:
Canada or Europe

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why:
To be like Wonder Woman, So that I could fly to all my engagements and be strong enough to dance to thrill the audiences. Without a good audience you have to make them come alive and then you can perform your best. But the job is for you to keep all of the audience interested in you as long as you are on that stage.

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Tatah DuJour, Susie Caboose, Gigi La Femme, Kitten on the Keys, Virginia D'Vine, 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.

The Candy Gram: Susie Caboose

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 Tanya Cheex a line at t.cheex AT gmail DOT come. Today, say hello to Susie Caboose.

What is your hometown?
The Rose City! Which is a nicer way of saying I'm from Welland, On.

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
Since I was three. That’s when I started dance lessons and I idolized Shirley Temple. I later performed on the Beauty and the Beast stage in Disney World when I was eight and fourteen. Within the last year burlesque was a natural segway from the cabaret style I was trained in and the physical comedy I was using in plays. It combines all my loves for acting, singing, dancing, fashion, perversion (and sometimes food!).

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
I’m a newbie, so I’m resting at seven. I’m really lucky because my best friend is amazing and makes them to custom fit my unique bits. She’s beautiful and so are all her delightful creations.

What are your three favourite songs to perform to?
The Girl From Ipanema, Whatever Lola Wants and Paint It Black. I love anything Spanish or Afro-Cuban as well though; so sexy!

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Leather, velvet and silk. However, I also dig the use of unnecessary band-aids and tightie-whities.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Marilyn Monroe, Fassbinder’s female characters, The Barrison Sisters and Mick Jagger.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Bettie Page! But in terms of contemporary local artists in Toronto (which I am all about supporting) I love all the cancan belles from The Saucy Tarts.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
My red, leather vintage high heels, “Seville” by RE-MIX.

What’s the last movie you saw?
W. I’ve been disappointed in Oliver Stone though lately. I’m really looking forward to seeing Wolverine. I hope it’s as good as the origins comic series.

What’s on your must-see-TV list?
I need to finish watching the second seasons of Pushing Daisies and The Riches. Two AMAZING series right now. I’m also stoked for the fourth season of Dexter. On a surprisingly new note, I just watched the pilot for Kings and I’m already loving it because of the main character, Ian McShane who played Al Swearengen in Deadwood. I have such a crush on him!

What book is on your nightstand?
Fierce by Hannah Holborn and Apathy and Other Small Victories by Paul Neilan, which is painstakingly funny right now, in a tasteless sort of way.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
Havana

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
I’m attracted to the dark side. I’d be a super-villainess, like Mystique or the Phoenix.
I’d like to have teleporting capabilities, or be some sort of half-human/half-machine cyborg. You could go anywhere you damn-well please or have crazy ninja skills, built-in weaponry with a computer enhanced brain. Picture Iron-Man if he never left his suit. What? Nerds do burlesque too...

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Gigi La Femme, Kitten on the Keys, Virginia D'Vine, 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.

The Candy Gram: Red Snapper

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 Red Snapper.

What is your hometown?
Born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, but Los Angeles has been home for 7 1/2 years now.

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
I've been acting since I was five. I got into pole dancing classes about three years ago. I caught wind of burlesque two years ago, started studying and was performing six months later.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
17

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
Everlong by Foo Fighters, Do Nothin' Til You Hear From Me by Lena Horne and You Never Can Tell by Chuck Berry. The last one is great fun because Mr. Snapper and I re-enact Jack Rabbit Slim's Twist Contest from Pulp Fiction, and he strips with me.

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Safety panties, fake eyelashes and bottled water.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Yikes. I've had so many incredible teachers that this is hard to answer, and every one of them has helped shape me into the performer I am today. Jo Boobs was the one who set me on the right path. I wanted to know how to twirl tassels, Googled it and found her website and e-book. I started attending classes with various teachers from there.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Tigger! He popped out to Los Angeles earlier this year and I had the joy of doing three shows and a class with him while he was here. He's so unapologetically himself, very bold in his performances, and an all-around good time.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
My John Mayer hoodie. I have fifteen John Mayer shirts, four of which are hoodies.

What’s the last movie you saw?
In the theater - The Reader. I watched M in film class.

What’s on your must-see-TV list?
I'm a rabid Lost fan. I'm also addicted to The Office. Not a day passes that I don't say "That's what she said." I try to catch Gossip Girl when I can.

What book is on your nightstand?
Walter the Farting Dog and Watchmen. Real high brow stuff.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
I'd love to go back to Paris. It's beautiful there. My husband and I were there many years ago, and we really want to go back.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
I'd want to be self-healing like Wolverine or Claire on Heroes. I'd probably take gymnastics classes if I could heal anything I broke within a matter of seconds.

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Kitten on the Keys, Virginia D'Vine, 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.

The Candy Gram: Kitten on the Keys

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 Kitten on the Keys.

What is your hometown?
San Francisco, California

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
Wow. I started out singing in church and acting in plays at age three. Community theater and high school bands followed. I was always in rock and punk bands as a teen and in the dorms at San Francisco State. I started my whole cabaret underground burlesque stuff in the late 1990s. I started by playing and singing for San Francisco’s first neo-burlesque troupe - The Cantankerous Lollies. I played piano and sang in their orchestra. We went on tour to LA and Exotic World and won best troupe.
It was at Exotic World that I met so many cool like-minded folks and POOF! My life’s calling was found. I am an insecure attention whore and like to be naughty!

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
30! Or more. I make super silly pasties and put my poor boobs and nips through the ringer changing them all the time at shows! My faves are tiny accordions, stuffed piggies, vodka bottles with straws, tiny ukuleles and teeth! The wackier the better. I am always looking at light weight objects to make pasties out of.

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
Original Material: You Bring Out The Savage In Me - I get to scream and yell at the audience like a mad woman and fondle bones.

Lady by Styx with my fab partners in crime the Scenic Sisters. We have nine Viking gals on stage at the same time in our fantasy novel come true.

Good Ship Lollipop by Shirley Temple.

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Glitter
Eyelashes and eyelash glue
My Glue Gun

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Freddie Mercury, Liberace, Alice Cooper, Mae West, Betty Boop, Little Rascals, Shirley Temple, Dixie Evans, Holiday O Hara, Satans Angel, Faye Richmond

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Dirty Martini and Catherine D’Lish

What is your favorite item of clothing?
I love my black and hot pinked striped hoodie that I got in Scotland while doing the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It has little kittie ears on the hoodie that I put pipe cleaners in so they stick up. Meowalicious

What's the last movie you saw?
Happiness by Todd Soldoz. Amazing dysfunction

What's on your must-see-TV list?
Nip/Tuck, Weeds, Six Feet Under, Dexter, Law and Order and any true crime forensic stuff.

What book is on your nightstand?
DSM 4 and rhyming dictionaries.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
Czech Republic or back to Maui to strum my ukulele.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
I would like magic socks that could transport me places where people need help and then I could cure them AIDS crisis, orphans, war, breast cancer, help the elderly, etc. I really like to help people and believe in the curing magic of music.

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Virginia D'Vine, 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.

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.