Interview By: Nadia Gativa
Nadia: How is your style different from burlesque and why do people confuse them?
Lady Fred: To tell you the truth, I have no idea why… Hahahaha! I find it interesting that people have regarded my dance style as burlesque; my style isn’t at all risque. Perhaps my theatrical presence on stage could be why it’s confusing as burlesque is very theatrical as well, in fact more so. Another reason could be because I perform at burlesque events often. (?) Perhaps people get confused and believe that I am dancing burlesque at that event instead of knowing that I am a variety-act; performing belly dance. This is my speculation…
I once was interviewed for an article in the Oakland Magazine and the writer put in the main title of the article that I was a voluptuous, sensual belly dancer with a burlesque and goth flair (or something of the like); mind you those words were not what I used to describe myself and style at all but for some reason, I keep finding people assuming that of my style; I suppose it could also be my costumes. (?)
Not only have I never taken any lessons in burlesque or attempted to perform it, but I’ve never wanted to portray that I had an interest in it within my performances either, it’s not me as far as what I bring to the stage. Don’t mistake what I say for not enjoying the burlesque experience, I enjoy it very much, I just don’t do it.
Nadia: Do you think it’s possible to make a good fusion of tribal and burlesque, seeing that the later can be quite risque at times?
Lady Fred: I definitely do. I don’t believe in ‘the box’ that some people like to put others in, especially when it comes to art and expression.
It’s all in the eye of the beholder; some may like it, some may not. That is the way the world works.
I believe if you have a vision, there is nothing that should get in the way of expressing it… It’s a chance you take in life and a regret I believe, if you don’t. Anything is possible when it comes to the Arts.
Nadia: What is the reason of such interest towards all things retro, as vaudeville, burlesque or cabaret?
Lady Fred: The vintage vaudeville, burlesque and/or cabaret movements today are related to fashion and style. The Tribal Fusion community revolves around cutting edge style as it was the impetuous for it’s birth; it is youthful in spirit, and with a youthful spirit comes a youthful mentality which gravitates towards stylish and fashionable things. This coupled with the parallels between the history and evolution of these trends as far back as the late 1800′s fits quit nicely with today’s Tribal Fusion belly dance movement.
For Example:
- These performances were all primarily by women.
- Belly dance, burlesque, and vaudeville are all compartmentalized as variety acts and considered second rate entertainment to society. (unfortunately)
- A popular performer on the vaudeville stage, performing her rendition of a “belly dance.” This type of performance was not uncommon and points to vaudeville’s roots in earlier forms of burlesque.
- A belly dancer, although bordering on risqué, far from violates any accepted standards of decency on a vaudevillian stage.
These are just a few strong points as to why it makes sense that it would flourish so well particularly in the Tribal Fusion community.
