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Hey Good Looking: Interview with Dani California

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Published on 9 May, 2011, by in Interview.
I couldn’t think of a better way to start the week than share my interview with Miss Dani California, another one of those fabulous people you come across by accident; either because read about them and find their website or they let you know they read your musings, etc, it’s always interesting to meet people making their own way through life doing what they love most – besides, who doesn’t want to read about a pretty and talented burly performer?

You have been acting, modelling and performing burlesque shows for the last few years. How did your artistic facet come about?

I’ve always loved performing – when I was a child I would round up the other kids in my street and we’d put on little shows in the back garden for our parents! As soon as I was old enough, I joined several amateur dramatics companies then after leaving school I went to performance college – it really was like Fame! – and gained a Distinction in Professional Musical Theatre.

What would you say does your work consists on, then?
I draw heavily on my dance and theatre training, and I’m heavily inspired by the Parisian Belle Epoque period and the American Golden-Era.

How do you feel about the burlesque scene today, after the growth it had in the past few years?

This is a very exciting time to be a Burlesque Performer – there are a lot of opportunities and outlets available and the entire industry is full of creative and inspiring people.


Name your top five aestethic influences/idols and tell us why. 

In no particular order!

Loie Fuller – Dancer of the Parisian Belle Epoque. Her pioneering ‘Serpentine’ Dance has inspired many of my own routines.

Sally Rand – Silent Movie Actress and Fan Dancer. She is credited with being the ‘first’ Fan Dancer so whenever I perform a Burlesque Fan Dance, I owe it to Sally Rand!


Clara Bow – 1920′s American Silent Movie Actress. I love the look and style of the 1920′s, and as people tell me I look like her, she would be my era inspiration!


Kittie Klaw – one of the first performers in the UK’s ‘New Burlesque’. She is a fount of knowledge and always inspires me to step out of my comfort zone.


Audrey Hepburn – Film actress and Twentieth Century style icon. I adore her beauty and class, and I aspire to one day be as stylish and timeless as her.



Please share a picture of your daily glamour/everyday wear and describe it!

My style varies from day to day – I am rarely without my red lipstick, pearls and flowers in my hair, and I adore Leopard Print, Lace and jewel tones.

What do you fancy the most about being Miss Dani California?
I adore being the centre of attention and being able to transform on stage. However, the line between ‘real life’ and Burlesque-life has become so blurred that even my Grandma admitted she thinks of me more as Dani California than as the real me!!

Do you have a wisdom cupcake for the Sailors and Sailorettes reading?

Follow your dreams and reach for the moon – if you fail, you’ll fall among the stars. And be nice to everyone you meet – karma is a bitch!




Burlesque Starlet: Performer, Model and All-Round Princess
Miss Dani California’s Website

Miss Dani California on Facebook


Watch Miss Dani California in action!
Miss Dani California’s You Tube


Isn’t she quite the doll? More blogs to come on pretty frocks, 50s flicks and some more… Stay tuned, and don’t forget to follow/subscribe the newsletter for updates!


Love,

 

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