After a long hiatus...

[Annie Mae]

I started helping back stage for a burlesque troupe (Tucson's first!) and worked picking up the articles of clothing the lovely ladies took off while dazzling the audience. I set up props, help with costume changes, etc. This lasted for the better part of a year when I decided that I wanted to be on the other side of the curtain. I had been in roller derby and was finding my heart wasn't into it. Burlesque was a great alternative that is just, if not more, empowering. I started getting ready for the August show (in 2007) in April when I picked up a hula hoop. I had seen hoop dancers and thought it would be crazy to combine burlesque and hoop dancing.

Opening night was our Back to School show and I put together a school girl act combined with a hula hoop. I've never looked back since! I love being on stage. It's amazing how empowering it is. After suffering fron anorexia for 11 years, I had body issues. But the gals on stage embraced their curves, their jiggles, their imperfections. It was inspiring, to say the least.

I moved up north following a separation from my now ex-husband. I tried desperately to find burlesque nearby but Phoenix is the closest, which is still 2+ hours away. There had been burlesque in Sedona, but from what I could gather, the troupe founder moved as the audience just wasn't there (which I am not surprised).

I started a roller derby league up here over a year ago. But again, I find my heart just isn't into it. That's when my troupe founder offered up a suggestion that this coming May we have a reunion show of sorts. So fantastic. I jumped at the chance.

Time to dust off the hoop and pasties!!!!