We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Miss Brawling Beauty a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

I would have to say the most meaningful project I have worked on was helping to bring national and international burlesque festivals and competitions to my home state of Utah. I’ve worked hard on this because I know what it’s like to not have anyone help you navigate this industry. These festivals and competitions help performers make important connections, learn from our peers and legends and even gives them opportunities to compete for state, regional, national and international burlesque titles. I want the next generation of Utah Burlesquers to have these incredible opportunities available that I never had.

I have been an advocate of the burlesque community in and out of my home state of Utah for almost two decades. I recently moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to continue my beautiful journey as a performer here in sin city.

My tireless efforts on not only inclusion, but friendship, support, collaboration and providing opportunities to the underprivileged are just some of my contributions to a community undergoing immense growth over the past few years.

My constant dedication to the art has helped me to become a pillar of the burlesque community around the world. Many performers in and out of my home state look to me for mentorship, advice and help when producing or performing as I am often called the “Mother of Utah Burlesque” in the Utah performance art circles.

My dedication to teaching this art has allowed many performers to flourish under my encouragement. I am constantly encouraging everyone to spread thier wings, fly and have confidence in themselves as they pursue careers in burlesque both in the U.S. and abroad. Anyone under my care is bound to feel both supported and seen without question and my spirit is never lost on anyone who seeks my help.

I have always been pushing for burlesque to find a safe haven in and out of my home state and is critical to its growth today. I am the recipient of numerous awards including:

– Topless Entertainer of the Year 1993 Dallas – Fortworth

– America’s Got Talent 2008 (Top 40)

– Utah Regional Burlypicks: Master of Tassels 2018

– Utah Regional Burlypicks Master of Improv 2018

– Utah Regional Burlypicks Best Overall Winner 2018

– Burlypicks World Tassel Champion 2018

– Opal Dockery Legends Award Winner 2018

– Burlypicks Fan Favorite Winner 2016 (2nd runner-up), 2017 (1st runner -up) and 2018 Fan Favorite 1st Place

-Best Decorated Burlesque, Burlesque, Burlesque 2019

– GLCC Evil Regal Queen 2019

– Artist Recognition Award Winner for The Americana Burlesque and Sideshow Festival 2020

– Miss Viva Las Vegas Princess 2022

As a disabled performer my advocacy for the underserved and the unseen is extremely important to me. I try and use the knowledge I have gained to continue my legacy.

For me the most rewarding part is to mentor the newer generation of performers. Being able to pass on my knowledge has been such a privilege.

I believe we need to fight to keep art alive in our schools. Too many art program’s are being cut while sports programs get most the funding. The future in art lies with our children. We need to make sure that our younger generation has an opportunity to become the best artists they can be through education.