VivirLatino

Image by Laura Byrnes
Makeup by Melissa Pizzamiglio

The following interview is a VivirLatino exclusive interview with the Latina Queen of Burlesque, la Cholita, by the Latina Queen of writing, Adele Nieves.

Adele Nieves: You’ve been described as the Latina Queen of Burlesque, and L.A.’s Premier Burlesque performer. How would you describe yourself?

la Cholita : I would definitely agree with both of those (laughs). I’m also extremely fiery and passionate. When I first started they used to say I was the “MVP” – most volatile performer – and “The Firecracker,” because my stage persona is very explosive. When I get up there it’s just larger than life. Every time I meet someone the first thing they say is “you’re so much shorter than I thought you’d be!” I have a very strong, over-the-top stage presence and it’s just kind of overwhelming, like “BAM!”

So I would definitely agree. And I would even say I’m the Queen of L.A., because why not?

A.N: What is it about burlesque that inspires your expression and performance? Also, how did you get started?

L.C: I always loved dressing up. I would put on my mom’s jewelry and lipstick, put on her bras and stuff them and try walking out of the house (laughs). I loved singing, dancing, and the theatre. I went to my first show, a burlesque convention, only about six years ago. It had women from all over the world, and legends like Dixie Evans, Tempest Storm, Isis Star, Satan’s Angel – these women were the O.G.s of burlesque, and they’re still up there and doing it better than a lot of the young ones. There was so much diversity, girls who in normal society wouldn’t be looked at twice or would be criticized for cellulite, and each one looked so cute, so charming, and so sexy, whether they were campy, glamorous, raunchy, or had big props. Every girl did her own thing, and for those few minutes each girl was on stage, you couldn’t take your eyes off her. Once I saw that, I was like “oh my goodness, this is what I need to do.”

Another reason I started was because I didn’t see anyone representing what I wanted to see. As a homegirl from Los Angeles, you’ve gotta represent, right? That’s a big part of me and my performance.

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