We were lucky to catch up with Marina Elaine recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents instilled the arts in me from a very young age which has greatly impacted who I am as a person. They encouraged me to take music lessons, to attend concerts, to sing and dance. I grew up listening to and appreciating every kind of music, from Louis Armstrong to Led Zeppelin.

Both my mother and father valued being educated and independent, and each taught me many things about being both book smart and street smart.

Growing up, I garnered a huge appreciation for antiques and vintage due to both of my parents. My father was a true motor head from the time he was a child, and my love of classic cars, motorcycles, and various antiques has strongly been influenced by him and the presence that he had in my life. My mother introduced me to many older movies, and I know that the reason I’ve seen practically every iconic classic film is because of her!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Marina Elaine, and I am a burlesque performer, pin-up model, and vintage/antique collector!

I started pinup modeling several years ago after a photographer friend convinced me to get in front of his camera. Years of studying pinup portraits and starlets in the movies definitely helped me to pose naturally, and my modeling only grew from there. I have since modeled for various vintage shops and vintage-inspired clothing lines, and have been both nationally and internationally published in a variety of magazines.

Being a model helped pave the way for me to get into burlesque. Burlesque was something I had long admired but wasn’t quite sure I had the confidence or skill to actually do. I was fortunate enough to be grandfathered in by a supportive few performers that are also close friends, first as a stage kitten that picks up the clothing, and eventually as a performer. Currently I co-produce Sarasota’s Hard Heart Burlesque with bi-monthly shows at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, with more show locations on the way (hint hint!). I have been lucky enough to perform in various productions all over the state of Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, and New York, and hope to one day perform internationally!

One of the biggest parts of my life is that of being a vintage and antique collector, primarily of clothing. I have been in the vintage industry for over a decade, and got my start mending and selling 1920s dresses out of my former tiny apartment many moons ago. The majority of the clothing I wear everyday is vintage, typically from the 1920s to the 1970s. I love to incorporate different decades into my looks! I am the proud online manager of Canned Ham Vintage which has been voted Sarasota’s #1 vintage shop numerous years running. It’s thrilling to be able to work hands on with items that span up to a century old and give them their close up in front of the camera, listed online, and eventually off to a new loving home.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is overall being able to introduce others to my art form, especially if it is for the first time. For example, I’ve encountered tons of people at various burlesque shows I have performed in that had never seen burlesque before. I put a lot of time, effort, and hard work into my costumes, props, and routines, so to be able to be their first introduction to the historic and classic style of burlesque is an honor. I want them to be able to take away that even though there are different forms of burlesque that have evolved (and are still evolving), that this is what classic burlesque actually is.
There is often a misconception of burlesque because of different movies that don’t accurately portray it, or those that think they would be going to an exotic dance club if they were to go to a burlesque show and that it is dirty or immoral. It’s rewarding to be able to educate people on the difference while showing them what burlesque truly is.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my view, society needs to be much more open minded when it comes to supporting artists and creatives. Being welcoming of others regardless of what society thinks is “right” or what aligns with their “values” is extremely important. Accepting and appreciating artists and what they create for who they are regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Putting aside any judgement is key.
Unfortunately we live in a very judgmental world. The more that we accept and embrace the variety of people and art around us, the more the creative ecosystem can thrive!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.missmarinaelaine.com
• Instagram: @missmarinaelaine
• Facebook: facebook.com/missmarinaelaine13
• Other: Business Instagrams: @hardheartburlesque @cannedhamvintage Business Facebooks: facebook.com/hardheartburlesque facebook.com/cannedhamvintage

Image Credits
Alexa Luxe Photography Sveinn Photography Goddess Imagery Studios Lorenzo Rodgers