We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ayris Blaze. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ayris below.

Ayris , appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I’m about six months into studying the art of burlesque.

The art of burlesque is a difficult one to learn. It’s not something you can just pick up and be good at. It takes years and years of hard work and dedication.

I signed up for a program that covered all things burlesque, from history to performance techniques and everything in between. In each class, I learned new skills that will help me be a better performer. I’ve learned how to create my own costumes, choreograph my own routines, theatrical makeup application and much more. Although things are still relatively new, I feel I have a solid foundation to get started in the industry simply from attending Cleveland Burlesque Academy under the instruction of one of the leading performers in the industry— Bella Sin.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

When I first started this journey, I was simply looking for an outlet that was just for ME. I needed a break from the daily demands of being a mom and an entrepreneur.

I set out on an adventure to find myself again. I searched within and realized I’ve always loved dance, music, fashion and theater. During the daily hustle and bustle of life, I had somehow lost touch with that vibrant and creative side of me.

I have always been a creative person, but over the years I began to feel like my creativity was being held back by society and the world around me. This led me down a path of self-doubt, anxiety and depression until I finally decided that it was time for me to do something about it.

I know this isn’t unique to me because many others share the same sentiments. It’s really gut-wrenching when you find yourself hobby-less with no identity beyond being a mom or whatever title you may hold in your chosen career field.

I wanted to find something that would inspire me and keep me motivated. I wanted to find something that would help me grow as a creative, as well as a person.

I found it in burlesque!

It allows me to express my creativity through performative dance and art without any restrictions, limitations or judgment. It allows me to truly explore all aspects of myself as an artist while also helping me find my voice as a black woman who loves what she does and is willing to fight for it despite the obstacles that may come along the way.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I’m finally focusing on me.

Burlesque has allowed me to tap back into these areas of my life that I previously ignored or suppressed. For years, I tied my worth and happiness to so many unnecessary external and internal factors such as ability, appearance or weight. While those things are important, I realize how important it really is for me to embrace my true self—the one inside my heart rather than what is on the outside.

As a new artist in this form of entertainment—one that involves expression through movement—I am excited.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

When I first began classes, I was fascinated with the art of burlesque. I loved its sensual and theatrical elements, the glamorous costumes and the stunning performances. I thought it was a great way to express my creativity through art, fashion, dance, and music, and have fun while doing it.

But the more I learned about the history of BIPOC burlesque legends and current performers, artists, producers and others working in the industry, I soon realized that there was something much deeper going on.

It was like stepping into a whole new world — full of passion, advocacy and community.

There are performers in all shapes, sizes, ages, genders, abilities and so forth, who are bold and brave enough to bare their entire souls with a side of a ‘little skin’ to the world.

They may be from different age groups or walks of life. They may have come from different walks of life or different parts of the world. But they are all driven by one common goal: to see the world through their own eyes and showcase their talents on stage in front of thousands of people.  They want to inspire others to try something new or do something they never thought they could do before. They put themselves on the line so that others can connect with them through their work. They made art out of life experience and emotions they’ve experienced to share with others. And for that, I am forever inspired.

As I prepare for my burlesque debut, I want to take a moment to thank every BIPOC burlesque performer, past and present, who was bold enough to ‘take it off’. I’m here because of you. Thank you for blazing the trail, now it’s my turn to keep it LIT! ~ Ayris Blaze

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