It might have taken me almost ten years to get there, but this year was FINALLY the year I made it to Burlesque Hall of Fame! And yes, it was everything I could have ever wanted it to be and more. During the Movers, Shakers and Innovators showcase on the Thursday night, I was introduced to the incredible stage presence of Montreal based The Lady Josephine. Known as a ‘tall glass of bad ass’, she made light work of the immense BHoF stage, whilst being an absolute dream to photograph live. The Lady Josephine features in my brand new book STRIP/TEASE – which is now available for pre-orders. Want to know more about The Lady Josephine? Read on…
The Lady Josephine
Describe your burlesque persona in exactly 5 words: Dramatic, Couture, Face, Story-telling, Sex-positive
Tell us about your best ever burlesque moment. What happened? Who was there? I have the fondest of memories of the time Aria Delanoche and Sugar Vixen (back when they were baybees) were my backup dancers at a show with Dita Von Teese. We were acclaimed as a highlight of the entire show. We came off the stage screaming like caffeinated children right in front of Dita herself who was waiting in the wings to go on right after us.
Name three things that you always carry with you. I’m a minimalist. But I carry my pussy with me always.
What inspired your burlesque journey? I saw a way to play in femininity while being a feminist. I saw a way to change the world by celebrating bodies and sensuality.
Who would play you in a movie of your life? A man in drag. Or, Michelle Pfeiffer.
What’s the most interesting thing about you that the internet doesn’t know about you yet? I reuse my own dirty dishes for several meals before washing them. Cuz, you know, mother earth.
Tell us about your shoot experience with Tigz! She came to Burlesque Hall of Fame and captured an act I had worked 2+ years to get to that level and having her shoot that moment is priceless.
What song gets you on the dancefloor? “No Diggity”
Best achievement or moment that you’re most proud of in your career?Standing ovation in our local cabaret for an entirely improvised piece done to poetry written about my burlesque.
What is your top striptease tip? Don’t try to plan your choreography before you have all of your costume on your body and you have enough space to physically map it out. Burlesque IS your costume.
If you could be a model for any brand, which brand would it be and why? Dior. Because Galliano.
What will your autobiography be called? Walking Pussy-First
What exciting project are you working on right now? I just opened my own studio that is almost 2000sq ft in Montreal, Canada. I’m working with my team to turn Arabesque Burlesque academy into a local and international destination for burlesque educators to learn how to teach this art form.
Favourite burlesque festival/show to perform at? Vancouver Burlesque Festival! The venues are just breath-taking
Most inspirational/memorable performer you’ve seen? Oof. Too many. My students/mentees are my greatest inspiration. The feeling of watching them kill the world onstage gives me palpitations.
Want to get your hands on a copy of STRIP/TEASE? Here’s a link – you’re welcome!
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