Backstage At the Cabaret Devine

Miss Lizzy D. Vine

Burlesque 101 Past & Present: 

Burlesque was originally introduced to post modern times and re-introduced to modern day as a rich source of music, comedy, and sex appeal that has kept its essence: to captivate audiences by making them laugh and keeping them turned on from 1840 through the 1960s with somewhat a regression in between, and today regaining it's strength due to current performers; who will be featured in my articles to keep you posted on current events, lifestyle, etc.  

In the mid 1800s, burlesque, as it was known, was devoted to the display of shapely, underdressed women to keep audiences intrigued and coming back for more. In the Victorian age, when proper women went to great lengths to hide their physical appearance form beneath bustles, petticoats, hoops and frills, the idea of young ladies appearing onstage in tights was a powerful challenge. As time progressed, performers and audiences pressed for even more. Why? Because the mystery as it was, was in its naive way sexy, but not sexy and revealing enough, they wanted more. And to the surprise of the industry, sex and sex appeal in its own respects got the attention of its fans. A single element of sexual innuendos would take burlesque to new heights. Transgressively, what would attain a vast amount of attention would soon be the reason for its slight destruction.  

In theory, most people today think that "burlesque" is descriptive to a female stripper taking stage, walking a runway to a bump and grind beat. Not so!  As always, there’s more to the story and what better than to hear it from a performer him/herself right? Exactly!

As I said before I wish to convey every element that encompasses a Burlesque performer on and off stage. Stay tuned for my featured performer and thanks for your support! 

Interview with Miss Rockwell DeVil-Pinup Villain 

One word to describe your life style.  

Eclectic. 

How did you get into Burlesque? (Were you motivated by friends?) 

Being so close to my grandmother, I really got into the history of the 40’s and 50’s. I listened to all her wonderful stories. I was obsessed with the wardrobe, the music, the women in cinema etc. and eventually I came across the women of burlesque and started doing my history on them. 

How did you begin?  

As strange as it sounds I basically started practicing the routines from the old videos in my room when I was about 18. When I was about 20 I rounded up the courage to start doing private parties for companies and special events and didn’t tell my friends or family. I was too shy. Eventually I got used to performing, so I got the courage to tell my friends, but would never tell them where I was performing. Now I’m more open about it all. 

How did you come up with your burlesque name? 

My name was actually given to me. I had a friend in high school who used to rhyme my name all the time and he started calling me Rockwell. I liked the idea of it since I was a dancer then as well and people used to shout Rock Well Raquel! De Vil came later with my hair. Every time I’d touch up my roots with the bleach my boss at the salon where I worked would sing  Cruella De Vil’s song. It just stuck after them calling me Cruella De Vil for so long, so I put the two together. 

Do you have a signature performance? 

I wouldn’t say its signature, but I have a routine that involves me and my favorite parasol, sort of a dancing in the shade tribute to Dancing in the Rain. My dark version of course. 

Have you toured?  

No. I never felt ready or confident enough to tour until now, so I’m heading out this year to work with a few musicians and I couldn’t be more thrilled. 

What is your fondest memory? 

I'd have to say the first time I performed. I was so nervous, but after felt like I had overcome my stage fright. It was a great feeling of self accomplishment. I used to get so nervous performing as a kid and my mother used to tell me, "When you’re on stage just look over everyone’s head.” It wasn’t that simple when doing a tease. 

What are your goals? 

Mostly I want to be a part of a traditional burlesque revival. I hope that I could only make those who came before me proud of what this new wave is bringing. 

List people you have performed with 

I always perform solo, but I would love to perform with two of my favorites, La Cholita and Kitten Deville and of course Miss Violet.  

I gather my inspirations from all sorts of performers, both burlesque and cabaret. There are so many great performers now and so many that came before me that it would be a crime to name just a few. 

What are three things a kitten like you can't live without? 

The love and support of my family and friends, music, and eyeliner!

And of course if there is anything you'd like to add, people you would like to thank and such? 

Lastly, I’d like to say that I really appreciate your interest in interviewing me. There are so many talented gals out there with far more experience than me and now that I am branching out to perform more it will be an honor to share the stage with them. I thank you for giving me this opportunity and I thank everyone who’s given me their support. Without you the stage seems so dim. Besitos!

This concludes my first interview. I'd like to thank Miss RockWell DeVil-PinUp Villain for her immediate response and dedication to keeping me updated and sharing the inside scoop with you, the reader, and for her passion to keeping Burlesque alive!! Stay tuned for my next article featuring World Famous Bob a female performer from NYC. Lots of love from Nor Cal. Ciao! 
XOXO 
Miss Lizzy D. Vine 
www.myspace.com/misslizzydvine