We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hot Tawdry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hot below.
Alright, Hot thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
On my 38th Birthday in August of 2021 I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer which is especially tough to hear when your business is the art of baring (most ) of your body. My tagline is “She’ll blow you away with her Windy Titties” so the thought of having to part with my well known tata’s was a really tough reality. I didn’t know what the future would be for me on every level. I was going to fight to survive but, would I be able to perform again? Could I continue producing? How was I going to get through( physically, emotionally and financially )a double mastectomy, 16 rounds of chemo, 5 weeks of radiation and reconstructive surgeries? The Burlesque Community came through 110%. I am still overwhelmed by the amount of care, generosity and kindness shown by my friends, community and fans.
I didn’t need to ask for help people just showed up at the right time. I asked for mail to distract me and every week I’d receive mail on the precise day I felt hopeless. Small acts of kindness I received like care packages, or a meal delivered or a silly text message really got me through. The kindest thing anyone has ever done was to throw a Benefit show called Tawdry’s Tata’s to help raise money to help me through. The generosity of the community weather it was donating time or money still makes me tear up today. To see my friends, my peers and an audience come together to support me during the worst time of my life is something I will carry with me forever. I can never express how much that event means to me or the people involved. I can only hope to thrive post Cancer and pay it forward whenever and however I can
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I started as a Burlesque performer over 10 years ago when I went out for an audition for a Nerdy Burlesque show. It was a scripted comedic show in a theater that incorporated Burlesque and it piqued my interest. I have a background in Theater Film/TV and was looking for something to reignite the spark I had for performing after being burnt out with the business of Show. I got cast in what I thought would be a 6 week run of the show and turned into a whole career. I fell in love with the many facets of Burlesque from the glamour to the humor to the ability to present work that 100% came from me.
As a Burlesque Performer you are your own booking agent, promotional Team, choreographer, and sometimes costumer (I pay people with a greater skill set to elevate my concepts and make them a reality). Throughout the years I added Emcee , producer and instructor to my Burlesque Resume because if you want things to happen- you have to put in the work and sometimes learn the skillset for yourself.
As a producer I started Hot Tawdry Presents which is the LLC for myself and my company. We have a monthly show at Foundation Room at House of Blues called House of Burlesque Chicago that has been running for 8 years. We recently added shows at Ina Mae Tavern and The Vig. We provide Burlesque, Drag and Variety entertainment for Corporate events and Private parties. We are known for our high energy, dynamic, super fun shows and events. If you’re at a Hot Tawdry show its one part party, one part show and all parts entertainment.
I’m proud of the high level of talent, professionalism and diversity at my shows. We book the best of the best and always like to present the diversity in the Burlesque and nightlife community.
I feel like myself and my company do an excellent job of understanding the needs and vision of the venue, the crowd they draw and what type of entertainment will work best for everyone.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I underwent a double mastectomy, chemo, radiation and 2 reconstructive breast surgeries and am back to baring those Cancer free tata’s on stage.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Show up, show out and spend money. Share their events, recommend them to others and demand the Arts stay in schools.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/HotTawdry and instagram.com/HotTawdrypresents
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HouseofBurlesqueChicago
Image Credits
Ellen Beard Greg Bell Photography