We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Petty Treason a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Petty, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

How did you learn to do what you do? I saw a poster for Burlesque classes in a coffee shop in my hometown. I was finishing up my theatre degree and had always battled internally with being the biggest girl on stage most of the time. I thought burlesque might help me with those feelings. I didn’t know I was actually changing the course of my performance career. I finished up the burlesque classes and kept going. When I moved to the Twin Cities, I really found my community.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
Im an avid learner. I love taking classes and workshops, so I feel like Im learning all the time and my learning process is never complete. If I could go back and tell myself anything, I’d tell myself that good things take time. I think thats what I tell my students at The Rose Academy the most now. You’re not going to get it overnight.

What skills do you think were most essential?
Time management and vulnerability. I think those skills answer two important questions of “where am I going” and “how am I going to show up”. Time management is difficult for obvious reasons. Life gets in the way, things come up, and schedules go to the wayside. Vulnerability is harder and takes time. I don’t think I was able to be truly vulnerable with myself, in my classes, and with other performers until a few years into my journey. I can see my performance get better as I work on that skill.

Petty, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Petty Treason and I am a burlesque performer and producer. Ive been working as a performer for the past 6 years and started producing shows about 4 years ago. I perform all over the Twin Cities and have started performing nationally as well. I produce shows locally as Petty Treason Productions, or as a part of different production teams. Some of the venues include The Amsterdam, The Mounds Theatre, The Black Hart of St Paul, Broken Clock Brewing, and I’ll be opening a show at Norseman Distillery in January 2023! So if you’re looking to catch a burlesque show, I probably have a few coming up to tell you about! I have a love of introducing folks to burlesque. I enjoy producing shows in places that haven’t typically had it before. I think I have a huge love for what I do, and I want to share it with anyone that is interested.

I started burlesque while I was getting my undergrad degree in theatre. I wanted to feel good in my body on a stage and I thought burlesque would help me get there. Once I started taking the classes I learned how much more burlesque is than that. I finished up my theatre degree and moved to Minneapolis, where I pretty quickly moved away from theatre and changed direction to only performing burlesque. I remember how scary that shift felt, but Im so happy I did it. I found my people and my passion.

I teach at The Rose Academy of Burlesque (located in Uptown Minneapolis) which is lead by Deeva Rose. Deeva is a nationally revered burlesque performer, stellar burlesque producer, and all around kick ass person. I feel lucky to work with someone who is as goal driven and community focused as they are. They want the best for those around them, and I think the students feel that. There is no feeling on earth like a Rose Academy student showcase. Imagine a dance recital, but with all adults who are reveling in the magic of performing burlesque for an audience for the first time! Its beautiful body positive magic. I love getting to be a part of someones journey through burlesque. So if this sounds appealing you should check it out!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Go support local art! Come see a show. Like something you see on the internet and tell your friends! Its amazing just how easy it is to become a part of a scene. And every bit helps us. Venues are more likely to bring burlesque into its space if it knows theres a following and people are interested in whats going on. Being that voice of support is critical.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, its knowing I have had a part of everything I put out there. I am the director, choreographer, costume designer, and social media manager. I have so much control over what I do, and thats a really cool feeling. When I was doing primarily stage plays, the set up is entirely different. The performers stick to performing, and everyone works together on a concept that is brought to the stage. I get to create the whole dang thing, and I love it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pettytreasonburlesque.com
• Instagram: @pettyparty123
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011333423717
• Linkedin: NA
• Twitter: NA

Image Credits
Darin K (Pink and Leopard) Tim Knox (Crawling)