You can't say Josephine Baker without saying Perle Noir. The world of Burlesque chants her name as she dances all the way to the top. Residing in New Orleans you can find Perle in all top Burlesque productions around the globe. She's performed for Dita Von Teese and more. Meeting Perle was like something out of fun sitcom. It was a late Saturday night and I was eager to attend a swanky club on St. Charles for their Salsa Night. Once inside it was a rush of energy, everyone looked great. I soaked up the scene then found the Ladies room to freshen up.
The line was long but it made for good conversation with other girl club goers. Who walks out the stall but Perle. We said hello, I gave her a bookmark and we chewed the fat a bit. Literally there at the club we had a ' Meeting in the Ladies Room ' & yes we washed our hands !!!!! LOL....
Enjoy my 7 minutes with Perle Noir !! Read & Enjoy. - thai`
Who inspires you most and why ? The person who has inspired me most is Josephine Baker. I fell in love with her because she was the under dog. She was cast aside by her parents and society. Despite growing up poor and black she decided to create her own path instead of the one chosen for her. She reminds me of myself. I'm the underdog. Most of my life I was poor and picked on. I never fit in with the other kids. However, I always had a desire and passion to perform. The stage is the only thing that's never let me down. Josephine Baker's story reminded me of the Ugly Duckling. I saw a woman who went threw the same abuse that I went threw but she decided to strive in opposition. That's why I love her. Of course, the beautiful costumes and ground breaking performances caught my attention as well.
When did you know Burlesque was for you ? In 2003, I auditioned for a Burlesque show called " Backstage at the Fonky Burlesque". It was a Burlesque musical featuring classic strip tease, ballet, rock music and of course drama. I auditioned because I was a full time actress and singer at the time plus I knew this was a way to perform a tribute to Josephine Baker. I traveled with this show for three years. I performed in New York and Montreal. It was amazing! After performing in this amazing show I knew Burlesque was right for me. Burlesque involves everything that I love about the Theater. Burlesque features singing, dancing, comedy, story telling and glamor. I feel like Burlesque chose me.
What do you love most about New Orleans ? Like myself, New Orleans is misunderstood. It's an under dog. People only see the poverty, bourbon street and the super dome. It's so much more. New Orleans has great schools, people, architecture and history. That's why I love NOLA.
