Episode 13: Poison Ivory

2 comments

1. I love how candid Poison Ivory is in this podcast, and talks about some of the challenges as a performer of color, as well as the weight of being crowned Miss Exotic World.

   Here are links to things discussed as well as some great quotes:

   • The Girth Podcast – the “sex and dance” podcast mentioned in the beginning, where Poison Ivory was interviewed along with Miss Ksyn, the Lipsync Battle dancer. Sadly, I can’t find the actual episode anywhere, so please comment if you found it!
   • It’s not easy being Queen, a post written for 21st Century Burlesque.

   In Poison Ivory’s words: “That tiara carried a lot of weight for me.“

   • Passion Planner
   • A Wink and A Smile, a 2008 documentary about the Seattle Burlesque scene.
   • Impostor Syndrome
   • “I truly believe that the only reason why I won is that people wanted a black woman to win finally.“
   • Poison Ivory’s 2016 Burlesque Hall of Fame performance which won her the “Miss Exotic World” title.
   • burlypocunite@gmail.com – her mentorship program for performers of color
   • “I had a lot of backlash from women of color when I started performing.”
   • New Zealand Burlesque Festival
   • BurlyCon in Seattle.
   • “Did I complete any thought?“

   When asked “why did you start to do Burlesque?”: “I was in a very broken place. […] I came across the documentary. My friend bought me a ‘essentials of Burlesque’ class at the New York School of Burlesque for my 29th birthday“.

   Poison’s two mantra’s – one for performances: “It’s not about me, it’s about them.” – another for life: “Just be present. Just be here right now.”

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2. I finally got around to listening to this podcast and I truly appreciate it. I’ve had the honor of knowing of Poison for many years and even once shared the same stage with her years ago. Over the years I’ve watched her grow as an artist and she literally leaves me speechless in every video of her performance. Which means, I can’t even imagine what it must be like live in person. Her as a performer isn’t even why I’m commenting. Its her sharing her thought processes, her philosophy, her mission and her overall journey in a vulnerable, open and raw way. I love it. I hope she writes more! Now I need to go listen to all your other podcasts too. Thanks for these conversations.

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