We were lucky to catch up with Olive Capri recently and have shared our conversation below.
Olive, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with 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.
My burlesque journey began when I took my very first class in my local community, and I was hooked! From there I started attending shows, the very first professional I saw perform was Madison Jane, they had me mesmerized it was then I knew I just had to immerse myself in this fabulous world. From there, I fell down the rabbit hole of YouTube tutorials, and let me tell you, Vera Valentinaa became my queen! Her videos were like the perfect guidebook to what a polished, professional burlesque star should be. She really set the stage (pun intended!) for me.
I started watching various performers notating my favorites! I became a full-on student of burlesque. I even juggled my schedule by attending online classes as my personal life didn’t allow me to attend in-person classes on a consistent bases at the time, but I found incredible online spaces that answered all my burning Burly Q questions.
Would I change anything about my journey? Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing I would remind myself to trust the process. The journey was just as important as the destination. But, I will point out the most essential skills they guided me. Be a self-motivator and have an unshakable confidence—without needing outside validation, is key! You’ve got to believe your an “It girl” before anyone else does.
Now, the biggest obstacle? Gatekeepers. Yep, there were definitely some people who held back because I was “too good” too soon. Fear of being outshined can make people guard their knowledge. But I believe we all have our own light, and the right opportunities will find you as long as you keep looking for them. Gatekeeping is just part of the game in any industry, but it only made me push harder and want to learn event more!
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.
Hey, y’all! I’m Olive Capri, an international burlesque performer and traveling showgirl, from Lake Charles, Louisiana, I’ve always had a passion for performing. From on the Elite Dance Line as a kid to falling head over heels for the rhythms of Louisiana zydeco, dance has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. My burlesque style is a spicy blend of all that, wrapped in a big, bowl of Louisiana culture!
For those who don’t know, burlesque has been around since the early 1800s, but so many folks still don’t know what it is or quite get it. That’s where I come in! My mission? Not just keeping this fabulous art form alive but introducing it to new communities and to spark curiosity everywhere I go. I love creating performances that leave people wondering, “Wait, what did I just witness?”—and that’s exactly the reaction I’m aiming for!
My most proudest moments, is got to be the moments when I watch videos of my performances and see the audience’s smiles, feel their energy, and know I’ve created a space for joy, and freedom, ……from just a thought that turned into a concept. Its kinda like, magic!
Olive Capri is here to celebrate the art of performance in all its dazzling glory! I’m not just a burlesque dancer, I’m a curator of unforgettable experiences. Beyond the feathers and glitter, I want you to feel seen, empowered, and like your part of something fabulous!
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
Absolutely! One thing I think non-creatives may struggle to understand, as an artist, especially in burlesque, you’re putting so much of yourself out there—your ideas, your body, your personality—on display for the world to see. It can be exhilarating, but it’s also like peeling back layers of yourself for others to interpret and judge. You’ve got to have thick skin, but also stay open and true to your creativity.The thing is, creativity isn’t a straight line it requires you to trust in your vision when no one else can see it yet. (got to be a little delusional!) That means a lot of self-motivation and trial and error. Some days it feels like pure magic, while other days, you’re doubting every move you make. But the journey itself is what makes it worth it.
And then there’s the hustle! A lot of folks see the finished product, but behind all the feathers and rhinestones, it’s a lot of hard work, It’s not just dancing! It’s classes, its being a costume designer, and a make-up artist, its being a choreographer and a creative director, its long hours of practice, production, and our favorite (not) promotion!!! Non-creatives might see the finished product, but what they often miss is the dedication that goes into making it all happen.
At the end of the day, my journey as a creative has taught me that the beauty of this path lies in the imperfections, the risk, and the joy of creation. If there’s anything I hope people take away from that, it’s that being authentic and daring to be different is where the magic really happens.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Toss Out the Old Myths and Misconceptions. Burlesque tends to get misunderstood, with people sometimes holding onto outdated stereotypes or mixing it up with other kinds of entertainment. But let me tell you, burlesque is so much more, it’s a blend of empowerment, art, humor, and celebration! Society can help by getting curious, learning what burlesque really is, attending shows, or donating to your favorite artists! When we break down those old ideas, we open up space for more love, respect, and appreciation for the art form!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Folivecapri&e=AT344f0TLADjnyo-9bFkJ5-ay9Rcrpx_cxePOt48cBx-bt-t2d0PtJ4PzovcA60YOwbd21iNNvjSI5hfDMh4eYgzVMplIcG2
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivecapri_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Olive-Capri/61552253499374/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OliveCapriBurlesque
Image Credits
Nuvo Photography
Katlynwrightphtography
Shawn Marquis
Fritz Krieg