New Orleans-based burlesque superstar Perle Noire discusses her
Miss Exotic World titles, Josephine Baker, wardrobe malfunctions, and
how Hurricane Katrina changed her life.
Interview: Divertida Devotchka Photographs: Shoshana, Through the Looking Glass Studio
How long have you been performing?
I’ve been performing since I could speak and walk as an actress,
singer and of course I loved to dance around whenever I got the chance.
Although I’m not formally trained, I still have such a passion for
being onstage.
How long have you been involved with Bustout Burlesque?
I’ve been involved with Bustout Burlesque ever since Hurricane Katrina.
What made you decide to get involved in burlesque?
I fell in love with burlesque when I discovered Josephine Baker. Her
story was so fascinating to me that I vowed to perform a tribute to her
one day. So I started doing research on other burlesque queens and
tried to find shows to audition for. The women seemed so empowered and
free. I loved how glamorous and confident they looked. In New Orleans
there was a burlesque musical called Backstage at Da Fonky Burlesk, and
after performing in this musical I knew that I was meant to be a
burlesque performer.
Burlesque is widely interpreted and means something different to many people. What is your definition of burlesque?
The definition is “to make a spectacle of” and I love that.
Burlesque is not about taking off your clothes. True burlesque is about
showmanship and creativity.
Tell me about your best moment(s) as a burlesque performer.
My audition for Bustout Burlesque was great because I met Dollie
Rivas and Rick Delaup and that was the moment that sent off a chain
reaction to my burlesque career. This moment followed winning Best
Debut [at Miss Exotic World 2008] which lead me to London to perform in
The Tease show with the mighty Immodesty Blaize, Kalani [Kokonuts] and
Catherine D’Lish. Now I’m speaking with you as the Second Runner-Up
Miss Exotic World 2009.
Do you have a worst burlesque moment or embarrassing story (wardrobe malfunction, accident, injury, etc.)?
I’ve been known to lose a pastie.
Perle Noire at the Victorian House, New Orleans. Photo: Shoshana of Through the Looking Glass
Tell me all about your experience at Miss Exotic World. What are your aspirations for next year?
I had such an amazing time at Miss Exotic World. Everyone in the
community has been so helpful and kind to me. I remember when they
called my name last year for Best Debut, I was in shock. It’s such an
honor to perform on the stage and I still can’t believe I won at Exotic
World twice. I really hope to become a burlesque queen one day.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)?
I’m so inspired by Josephine Baker, she was so ground breaking. I
love to watch other performers; they inspire me all the time. I love
the queens and upcoming queens such as Immodesty Blaize, Kalani
Kokonuts, Catherine D’Lish, Dirty Martini and so many more.
What do you know about the history of burlesque in New
Orleans, and what impact (if any) does that history have on what you do
today?
New Orleans Burlesque was so vital to the burlesque scene. Bourbon
Street was famous for its burlesque legends such as Wild Cherry. I’ve
had the honor of performing on Bourbon Street and I’ve worked with Wild
Cherry. The stories she’s told me about Bourbon Street, well you’ll
have to ask her yourself.
Tell me all about the New Orleans Burlesque Festival. What are you most looking forward to about the weekend?
I’m so excited about the festival! It’s the first burlesque festival
to feature a LIVE BAND! I’m competing for the title and I have to say,
I’m extremely nervous. I can’t wait to watch everyone backed by a live
band.
Were you there during Hurricane Katrina, and if so, what
impact did it have on your life and/or your involvement in burlesque at
that time? Would you say that New Orleans has now “fully recovered” or
do you think there are any areas that may never recover?
I was in New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina and I lost everything.
This event made me more determined to live my life and pursue my dreams
because everything really can change in the blink of an eye. The New
Orleans Burlesque Fest is proof that New Orleans is recovering.
What do you like to do when you’re not performing, rehearsing, etc.?
When I’m not performing I’m working on performing again. I contact
shows about performing as a guest performer and audition for plays.
Perle Noire at the Victorian House, New Orleans. Photo: Shoshana of Through the Looking Glass
Anything you’d like to add?
I would really like to thank all the burlesque queens before me.
Thanks for taking a chance and opening up so many doors. The burlesque
community has accepted me with open arms and I’m truly grateful.
Editor’s Note:
All Photos taken at the Victorian House Bed & Breakfast on Rampart. www.victorianhousenola.com
The staff was very hospitiable, the building was beautiful and has a
rich history (it is over 100 years old, and after being a private
residence, it had a run as a brothel beginning in the 1930s, before
becoming the beautiful bed and breakfast it is today). I highly
recommend The Victorian House to any NOLA visitors.
During our shoot, while sipping a vodka, sprite, and soda, Miss Perle Noir shared her infalliable Hangover Cure with me:
Two Pepto fast tabs (the melty kind, not the shaken kind) dropped into
a glass of Sprite (Coke will do). Drink while still drunk, before you
hit the pillow. Perle swears by it!http://pincurlmag.com