Booking
I can be booked for burlesque, aerial and/or fire performance.
I recommend scheduling as far in advance as possible, but it must be at least a week before the event. For holidays and engagements with multiple performers (if I’m helping to book others), I’d recommend two to four weeks’ lead time. I’ll need to know call times, opening times, event theme, facility details (such as dressing area and rigging logistics information), if there’s other entertainment with which I’ll need to coordinate, etc.
Please read below for some details that may make the booking process a bit easier.
Burlesque
While I’m happy to do guest spots in burlesque or variety shows, I generally perform with Blast-Off Burlesque, the group I cofounded in 2006. My solo work spans from gogo dancing to striptease to absurd performance art to vaudeville, and I’ve collaborated with my colleagues for many duet and group acts. Blast-Off can be booked via the Blast-Off Burlesque website.
Aerial
I’m happy to perform solo and alongside other aerialists. These performances can be part of a show – accompanied by live music or other performance – or the aerial work can be eye candy for an event, such as an art opening or a club night. The presentation can range from aerial gogo dance, to ambient posing, to titillating striptease.
- Lyra
The lyra is my weapon of choice. Each of min is a 36″ steel hoop. I have one which I often rig from a single point and with a swivel (so it spins), a doublepoint that can be rigged to a single spot or two, and dance lyra that is flat on top and rigged like a dance trapeze.The height minimum is 12’. - Aerial Frame
A cross between lyra and trapeze, the aerial frame is a metal rectangle suspended from two points. It’s 26″wide by x36″ high, and very portable.Minimum height for aerial frame is 14’. - Sling/Cloud Sling/Aerial Net
A sling is fabric, hung as a loop (with the ends at the top) from a single point. Cloud sling is rigged from two points, ideally 9′ apart. Aerial net is similar to sling and cloud sling, but it looks like a gigantic hammock. My sling/cloud sling/aerial net performance style is very influenced by lyra and static trapeze, rather than traditional silks work.The height minimum for sling is 14′. Minimum height for aerial net is 16′. - Still Rings
Still rings are like the men’s gymnastics rings, but this performance integrates trapeze and silk/sling moves. Rings can be included alongside other apparatus, but not booked as the only equipment for an engagement.Height minimum for rings is 14′.
Aerial Requirements
- Performer(s) will rig all equipment.
- Exposed rafters or large structural beams that can bear loads of 800 to 1250 lbs. at minimum.
- A ladder is needed that reaches the rigging point.
- At least 6′ free space below and around the apparatus.
- A site inspection and a short tech rehearsal to test rigging.
- Access to venue 2 hours prior to event start to rig and prepare for performance.
- Guest entry for an assistant who will provide safety/security for the performer and/or document the performance.
Fire
From a fire fan dance, to palm torches, to skin transfer and fire eating, I’ve recently begun to perform with flame. Fire fans provide a brilliant spectacle that can vary from an elegant burlesque fan dance style to more aggressive spinning to slow movement and posing that resembles great wings of fire. Palm torches present a hand full of fire, and small torches are used for dancing, body transfers and even fire eating.
Fire requirements: Engagements require two important and distinct areas: the Performance Area and the Fuel Station. The fuel station should be clearly marked with NO SMOKING signs. Fire tools will be lit within the performance area (or stage). All fuel containers will be located in the fuel station. The fuel used for most fire performances is Coleman Camping Fuel (also known as “white gas” or “naptha”). All fire engagements require an additional Fire Safety (provided by the performer) to monitor the performance and be prepared to act in case of an emergency. Generally, there needs to be a space of 9-10 feet between the performer and the audience and a minimum ceiling height of 12′.