The Candy Gram: Cherry Bomb

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 Cherry Bomb.

What is your hometown?
Right now, Brooklyn, but I am a Southern girl by birth.

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
I've been a performer my whole life, but burlesque didn't make it's way into my consciousness until after college. I knew that I wanted to do something scandalous where I could climb up on tables and strip off my clothes, but since the burlesque culture hadn't quite made its way down South, it took me some research and experimentation to figure out this is what I wanted to do.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
I was just given a pair of gorgeous metal and pink rhinestone pasties as a gift from the wonderful people at The Pleasure Chest, so that rounds me out to about 14 pairs.

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
I love If Tha Mood... by Esthero, because it's sexy and vindictive and carefree all at the same time. And because of her unabashed use of the word "fuck." I like anything by Reba McEntire to up the camp factor and any version of Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend. With my birthstone being a diamond, that song has special significance to me.

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
M.A.C. waterproof black eyeliner, my GIANT camo bag (fits 4 pairs of shoes!) and my knee-high black go-go boots. They are all terrain vehicles.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
One of my oldest friends, Devon, who used to dance competitively with me and taught me almost everything I know about make-up. And Ru Paul.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
I think that Gigi LaFemme is just so stunning. But not only is she beautiful, she puts together these creative and elaborate pieces that are so complete. You just know she thought every detail through, and I think that's the sign of a truly committed burlesque performer.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
Garter belts. These days, they are totally unnecessary and are just worn for the vamp factor, but wow, they do the trick.


What's the last movie you saw?
Juno, a very gutsy movie, with one of my favorite people.

What's on your must-see-TV list?
Dexter, although the obsession quickly becomes unhealthy. And Nip/Tuck for the hack education in plastics. A Burly-Q salary doesn't leave much cash for cable, so we Netflix our TV shows in this house.

What book is on your nightstand?
There are three: Blink by Malcolm Gladwell, Gangsters & Gold Diggers by Jerome Charyn, about the birth of Broadway, and The Best Sex Writing 2008 by Rachel Kramer Bussel. They are all highly recommended.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
Costa Rica, in some very remote area, sleeping in a tree house. The thing about NYC is that it makes you crave peace and quiet among the plants and animals, and that country is blessed with beauty.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
I've given this a lot of thought, actually, and I would want to be able to control fire. It seems like one of those elements that could be used for good or for ill, depending on what the situation called for. And I like to be prepared.

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: 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.