#darlindajustdarlinda

[thotyssey]

On Point With: Darlinda Just Darlinda

A veteran burlesquer, dancer and performance artist, Darlinda Just Darlinda continues to make her mark in nightlife and the arts world at large. On the eve of the premiere of her new project, DJD gives us the scoop on what this is, where’s she’s been and where she’s going!

Thotyssey: Hey Darlinda! I was wondering how last night's show at the House of Yes went... EXTRA!

Darlinda Just Darlinda: Hello! EXTRA Burlesque was awesome! LadyBox Theater did a takeover! My co-founders Peekaboo Pointe and Tansy did solos, and we were joined by one of our core dancers Vic Sin for a sneak peek of Untitled Rainbow Project that's debuting at Wild Project on Thursday 9/6 for a limited four show run!

We're gonna get into the deets of that intriguing project in a bit! So you are well known here for being a burlesquer, a dancer, a performance artist, a choreographer and show producer for a minute now. Were you always all of these things, or did some of these evolve over time after others?

Yes! I've been involved with dance, and  theater since I was a child. My mom was a producer of a non-profit dance series in the 80's, and they were both on the board of the local theater company. They put me in all the dance, comedy improvisation and theater classes that were available in my tiny Northern California town. 

So naturally I got my BA in Theater Direction. In college I directed The Vagina Monologues twice and for my senior thesis I directed Hedwig and The Angry Inch. I was obsessed with drag, but didn't know how to fit it in with my female body. When I graduated college, I discovered burlesque and realized that it was a combination of all the things I  loved... and haven't looked back in 15 years!

I was wondering how your stage name came about.

I actually found the name “Darlinda” in college one day, when I met this fantastic woman in a red, white and blue Swarovski crystal encrusted leather jacket. Her name was Darlinda--, I'd never heard the name before. Then a week later, I was shopping at the Monterey County dump's thrift store called Last Chance Mercantile, and I found a burgundy satin jacket with the name “Darlinda” on the front and a RAINBOW on the back, I also found some rainbow booty shorts that same day(apart from being queer, I've always been obsessed with rainbows). I lost the jacket at a show, but the shorts are still alive and well. 

Then when it was time to get a burlesque stage name, I thought about it... "Darlinda... just Darlinda, like Madonna!" then I changed my mind because I realized "Darlinda Just Darlinda is funny and catchy!" Sometimes it confuses people, so I have to reiterate, " first name Darlinda, last name also Darlinda, middle name Just!"

That’s a crazy coincidence, that odd name popping up twice in such a short time.

Right, I couldn't escape the name! Amazing!

Dita Von Teese just performed at Wigstock, and she’s arguably the most conventionally famous burlesquer... but the classic style she performs in is not what a lot of today’s burlesque dancers do. 

I wanted to go to Wigstock, but since I had a show, I was only able to see an hour of it... so it didn't seem cost effective. Anyway, Dita is great: she employs a lot of my friends, her shows are a Grand Spectacle, and I really appreciate seeing that kind of artistry on a big gorgeous stage!

 How would you describe your own burlesque... like, what are your goals when you perform?

My burlesque style is what I call Performance Art Burlesque. I tell stories, make political statements, do actual rituals, and sometimes just make people laugh and sing... along like my "Wind Beneath My Wings" act. My goals are to inspire people to feel something, to improve their lives, to be present and love themselves!

These days, burlesque is often about body positivity and female empowerment... these are important traits in the Trump / #MeToo reality. But I guess there will always be naysayers, feminists and misogynists alike, who dismiss it as objectification. How would you respond to them?

I have a #MeToo reverse striptease and an Anti-Trump striptease. Body objectification is only bad when the person who's body it is doesn't give consent, or isn't properly paid for what they do. I art model and strip! I've made my living consensually and consciously objectifying my body. It's my artistic "paint brush." One minute I'm doing a cute "patriotic" striptease... the next minute I'm physically nauseated, naked, pulling a photo of #45 out of my pussy so I can tear it up and tear up the patriarchy.

Werk! You and Minnie Tonka form the burlesque-producing duo The Schlep Sisters, best known for bringing us an amazing annual Hanukkah show, and more recently the “Boy Vey” revue at Coney Island. 

We will celebrate our 15-year Anniversary in Feburary 2019, and  our 12th Annual “Menorah Horah” during Hanukah (December 2-10th 2018)!

And you two did some drag in that Coney Island show!

"Boy Vey” in August, was our first time being drag kings together! 

Is there anything else in the works from you two?

Minnie Tonka is in Untitled Rainbow Project this week, and is focusing a lot of her energy on her nutritional therapy practice called Wellness HQ.

Tell us about Ladybox. What’s the history of this theater group?

Yes, LadyBox Theater! Tansy, Peekaboo Pointe and I got together in January when I wanted to start working on my new Dance Theater show Untitled Rainbow Project. They had been working on their performance art piece Feast  for a few years, so it seemed fitting that we band together to start our own dance theater / performance art group, and LadyBox was formed. Tansy has a background in theater, choreographing and starring in Eager to Lose at Ars Nova. Peekaboo Pointe has both a degree in dance, and is currently getting her Masters in Theater Technology. 

With our cumulative decades of nightlife / burlesque entertainment, it seemed like the perfect time to start this company. I have dabbled in off-Broadway and noticed a huge male-centric influence on theater / performance art, that is super oriented towards gay men... but not so much queer women. So it's been really thrilling making this work with mostly queer women on the steering wheel! There are some men on stage, but it’s a mostly women-run company. It surprisingly feels revolutionary, because it shouldn't in 2018. But in the #45 regime, women's rights are threatened, so now is a huge time to stand up for our rights. 

On a more logistical level..., once the company is up and running, we've got a few productions under our belt. We want to produce other female, queer, trans, POC, performance art/ dance/ theater makers. We hope the LadyBox can be a place for all folks to make their art! We are being produced by the amazing  Mighty Lucky Productions for this launch, and from this we hope to start our non-profit and apply for grants!

Why is your piece called Untitled Rainbow Project, by the way?

I've been doing performance art with a rainbow theme for some time, 10 years ago I did A Year in Rainbow, a year-long "life as art" project where every other month I would wear a color of the rainbow. I did a daily blog about it, as well as a show each month honoring the color... and the in-between months I would wear rainbow every day. Anyway, for the past 10 years I wanted to do another rainbow project, and so I came up with the idea to do a loosely-autobiographical story using the rainbow color chakras as a storytelling device. For example, Red has inspired Birth and Sex! Orange is about Divinity! Yellow is Intuition. Green is the violence of love. Blue is speaking your truth and your voice. And Purple is a Royal Explosion! I couldn't think of a name for the piece, so I just used Untitled Rainbow Project for a filler, and it just stuck!

Amazing! Well it should make for a fascinating experience of viewing at Wild Project on September 6th, 7th and 8th!

I understand that on premiere night (Sept. 6th), there will be an epic opening party at Club Cumming, where the URP shall be performing with other greats.

YES, exactly! Club Cumming has been such a supportive breeding ground for nightlife in the past year, so it seemed like the PERFECT spot to hold our after party and fundraiser. I'm SUPER THRILLED to have Ana Matronic be our DJ! There will be performances, and a live auction of some amazing art!! I'm SO looking forward to it!

And this weekend, you’re gonna do Bushwig! What’s your slot, and what shall you be doing?

I'm at Bushwig Sunday Night (Sept. 8) 9:20pm. I'll be doing "Wind Beneath my Wings," my favorite lip synch striptease. Two words: "expect pussy!"

Pussy Power!

Anything else?

 I'm a resident performer at Extra Burlesque at House of Yes, and Fuck You Revue at Bizarre Bushwick. So folks can find me at their monthly shows!

Okay last question: in your opinion or even experience, what is the absolute worst song to burlesque to?

Oh, that's a tough question. First one that comes to mind is Cher’s "Welcome to Burlesque." It’s TOO obvious. BUT I could see someone doing a parody to that song. That's really the joy of burlesque: it literally means to make a joke/ make fun/ laugh at something! And that's the joy of life... you get to laugh along the journey!

Thank you, Darlinda!

Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Darlinda Just Darlinda’s upcoming gigs, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

On Point Archives

[darlindajust]

WEDNESDAY at @apothekenyc @broadwaybrassy and #TheBrassKnuckles and @mspussnboots 10pm-1am! . . . #Repost @broadwaybrassy ・・・ Wednesdays give me life! Join me and my jazz band, The Brass Knuckles every Wednesday at @apothekenyc this week featuring the burlesque talent of @darlindajust & @mspussnboots. 10-1. Be sure to whisper the secret password to our dashing doorman for entry. (Tin Pan Alley) #speakeasy #hiddenbar #apotheke #jazz #burlesque #livemusic #jazzband #nycburlesque #nycjazz #nycnightlife #nycbars #chinatown #doyersstreet #broadwaybrassy #broadwaybrassyandthebrassknuckles #pussnboots #darlindajustdarlinda #showgirl #burlesqueshow #nyc #apothekenyc (at Apotheke Bar, New York City) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn5a3_dBZjv/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1cvhs3ggb042l

[gigisurreal-blog]

TOMORROW NIGHT!! Come for free! Show's at 9pm!! Happy hour til midnight. Let us entertain you. Thank us with your big tips $$$ 🍗🍻💃 #Repost @dromedary_bar (@get_repost) ・・・ I Love Burlesque is back this Wednesday night, November 15th! Complimentary show with your patronage! Hosted by Lucy Buttons with performances by Pinkie Special Ula Uberbusen Dickie Smalls Lillian Bustle and Darlinda Just Darlinda! Go-Go stylings by Gigi Surreal! DJ Fresh Prince of Darkness doing the tunes! Hump Day Happy Hour Meals all night, with food till midnight! Michael behind the bar serving the best tiki cocktails till 2am! BE THERE!!! 💥🍹🍍 #dromedarybar #dromedaryburlesque #iloveburlesque #lucybuttons #bushwickburgers #happyhourallnight #bushwickbar #bushwickburlesque #babes #dromedarywednesdaynights #manzobehindthebar #tikibar #brooklyntikibar #leelavonevelour #petiterenard #amberray #bunnybuxom #tinytwist #lucyrisque #ginminsky #femappeal #freshprinceofdarkness #fun #ulauberbusen #dickiesmalls #darlindajustdarlinda #lillianbustle #pinkiespecial #gigisurreal

[schoolofburlesque]

Darlinda Just Darlinda: Feminist Neo-Burlesque Speech

(Above, Darlinda Just Darlinda. Photo by photo by Kahlia Litzow)

This speech was originally given at Burlycon on 10/26/07 

I’m Darlinda Just Darlinda. I’ve been performing burlesque in New York City for almost 5 years. With a degree in Teledramatic Arts and Technology (an integrative degree of theater, new media, film, video and radio) I found myself directing plays that had sexuality as the reoccurring theme like “The Vagina monologues” and “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” I was living in Monterey, California in 2003 and my roommate went to Tease-o-rama in San Francisco. Tease-o-rama is a burlesque convention that happens almost every other year; it brings burlesque performers together from all over the world. My roommate went and told me about the individual acts that she had seen, I was blown away. I loved that burlesque integrated sexuality, comedy and storytelling all in a easy to understand, 3-5 minute package. I left Monterey with a Burlesque going away party and moved to New York to follow my dreams. So I’ve been performing burlesque in New York ever since!

To speak of Feminism and Neo Burlesque I’m going to define the terms as I interpret them:

My definition of Neo Burlesque is the combination of classic burlesque striptease, performance art, and various forms of dance, satire and comedy sketch.

Feminism is the equal right of all genders to achieve goals, live in peace, and the respect for all humans regardless of gender. To be a feminist is to be aware of those rights, understand that we have choices in life, and work toward implementing them in our society in daily life or political/ performance based action. My mother was part of the feminist movement at UC Berkley in the 1960’s; she raised me to believe that I can do what ever it is that I choose to do in life regardless of my gender. She even told me NOT to shave my legs. Well how do I live my life as a feminist? I wear a bright orange spandex outfit to a speech at the University of London, not all feminist wear Birkenstocks. I wear Birkenstocks AND high heels! I have a day job at a women owned and operated education based sex toy store. I am an active member of the New York City Burlesque community.

I have made a choice to live the life that I live.

(Above, Darlinda Just Darlinda. Photo by PlayMe BurlesqueCards)

As to weather the “resurgence of burlesque [is] a continuation of the exploitation of women’s bodies or is it potentially part of a new feminism?” The resurgence of Burlesque is not exploitative when the producers, performers and promoters are willing and inspired to participate in the said show. Shows can be exploitative when performers don’t understand their choice to be in the show, if they are made the brunt of the joke, if they are continuing a stereotype.

Neo Burlesque can be a part of the new feminism if the performer is participating with intentions to comment on the situation at hand. Julie Atlas Muz performed her act “You don’t own me” at the Miss Exotic World 2007 competition. This was her last act as the reining 2006 Miss Exotic World. Her act entails being blindfolded and tied up in roped and escaping to the song “You don’t own me.” I perceived this as a statement about the Miss Exotic World Pageant and women’s freedom. I don’t think that the pageant is exploitative, but the competition can create an imbalance in the way that performers normally support one another in the burlesque community and can feel restrictive in it’s competition.

One of the things that is unique about Neo-Burlesque and Classic Burlesque (burlesque performed until 1960 and 70’s) is the acceptance of performers with different bodies. If their body is different from the societal/popular norm Performers can be acting as a feminist by the mere act of having their bodies on stage. The late Heather McAllister the creator of Fat Bottom Review in San Francisco, a fat positive, queer burlesque troupe, said, “Any time there is a fat person onstage as anything besides the butt of a joke, it’s political. Add physical movement, then dance, then sexuality and you have a revolutionary act.” This is predominantly why I am a burlesque performer, from day one I saw how female audience members reacted to my body in a positive manner. They saw my 5’4″, size 12, 36 B, 160pound body and immediately identified, they had a positive reaction because they saw themselves in me. I am by no means a supermodel, but According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average U.S. woman is 5′ 3.7 (162 centimeters) tall and weighs 152 pounds (69 kilograms), so I’m almost average!

If burlesque had never died out and turned into strip the strip clubs as we know them today, I venture to say that the bodies would look less like Dirty Martini and more like Paris Hilton. As burlesque has become more popular in the United States we are also seeing a resurgence in mainstream performance venues producing shows like 40 Deuce and The Pussy Cat Dolls, the performers in these troupes are definitely carrying out the mainstream body image. There is lots of money behind those shows, and women with mainstream bodies have a better chance of participating in shows that generate larger revenue.

This can be frustrating for me, because as-it-is now there is not a venue for me to participate in the mainstream burlesque world because of my body type and my body type is almost the American average. This is a catch 22 because if I joined the mainstream burlesque world, I wouldn’t get to express myself in the manner that I do, because with mainstream comes a lack of political commentary.

The New York Burlesque scene is full of performance platforms for women to comment on social and political issues. Though this can depend on the show, if you are performing at Corio (a dinner club), the producer is more interested in classic Burlesque, if you perform at the Slipper Room (Burlesque night club that has shows Wednesday, Friday and Saturday), the audience is more into something entertaining rather than political and they are often drunk, so a political piece might not be something that they absorb.

(Above, Darlinda Just Darlinda. Photo by Malgorzata Saniewska)

There are shows that are specifically dedicated to social and political commentary. Bad Ass Burlesque is a monthly Burlesque show that takes place at the Bowery Poetry Club and has done a Bush Bash for the past few years as part of the July show in conjunction with the fourth of July which is the American day of independence. I have done a couple of acts which bash bush, mainly they are comments about abortion and how Bush is threatening the women’s right to choose, tonight you see one of these acts.[This is the description of the act that I did. The act is to Blood Sweat and Tears "You have made me so very happy" I enter as a buxom blond with a long red evening gown, blue gloves and American flags everywhere, my smiles are endless and it appears that I am a proud American. I do a classic strip tease and the juxtaposition of what follows as I strip is my smiles turn to nausea and my blond wig comes off as do my pasties and g-string. I pull a picture of George Bush out of my vagina and with shock and horror I rip it up. This act explores the thought of the government in my vagina. Why must abortion be a political issue? Why is health care not available to everyone? How really horrible it is that the government IS in my vagina! If you click this link you can see pictures]

Within the New York, San Francisco, and Seattle Burlesque scene, there is definitely an opportunity for queer, trans and men to be involved. This depends on the venue and show. I think you will find that in Los Angeles, California. The look there is definitely very classic and glamorous. In New York we have more of a performance art aesthetic so there is an opportunity for queer and trans folks to perform. I am not transgender so I don’t know the experience of every transgender performer, I can only speculate.

Rose Wood is transgender although in both 2006 and 2007 she was put in the “Boylesque” category in the Miss Exotic World Competition. So there is still some segregation of gender in the burlesque community at large, where if you have a penis you are a boy and if you have a vagina you are a girl. My view of gender is fluid and for a lot of transgender folks who choose not to have any surgery or take hormones this is segregation of what gender is, can be trying.

There is a place for men performing, but Tigger! Mr Exotic World 2006 says that Burlesque is a women’s “sport” and a male performer must tread lightly and respect the female space. I think the idea of respect is awesome and that there have been male performers where you get the feeling that they just want to be backstage with the naked women, and their desire to perform is not as strong. So it’s all about intention and realizing that you can become part of the burlesque movement, but must also be respectful of that movement.

This awareness is important for all genders involved in the Burlesque movement if one has the intention to realize that they are making a statement, it’s about being aware of your actions and understanding that you have a voice in the burlesque movement and it’s your choice to use it!

You can see this original speech at Darlinda's site, DarlindaJustDarlinda.com

To see what Darlinda is teaching at The New York School of Burlesque, visit her class page !

[darlindajust]

What' a GOOO TIME at @sashavelour's @nightgownsbk New Years Eve! A snipit of my act from @heyqweentv!! . . . #nightgowns #sashavelour #heyqueentv #nationalsawdust #newyearseve #darlindajustdarlinda #Burlesque #DRAGQUEEN (at National Sawdust)

[darlindajust]

GoGo Dancing tonight in my @thankgodforabortion tshirt! #thankGodForAbortion #thankgodforwomen #ilovemyjob #ilovemylegs #ilovemybody #abunDANCE #BurlesqueNYC #Burlesque #slipperroomnyc #slipperroom @slipperroomnyc #performanceart #darlindajustdarlinda #ihadanabortion (at The Slipper Room NYC)

[darlindajust]

Hi it's me #DarlindaJustDarlinda, I'm #Queer! Today is #NationalComingOutDay! I hope that Everyone can feel as open and affirming of their sexuality today and all the days of the year! @louise_hay_affirmations for the day is "I rejoice in my sexuality; it is a wonderful gift!" (at Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn)

[darlindajust]

Tonight I was celebrating 14 years in NYC at the place I've spent 12 years taking my clothes off in, the @slipperroomnyc! . . . #ilovemyjob #ilovemylegs #ilovemylife #slipperroom #slipperroomNYC #burlesque #WholeLottaLove #tinaturner #nudeillusion #dancer #BurlesqueNYC #nycburlesque #darlindajustdarlinda #darlinda #NYC (at The Slipper Room NYC)

[darlindajust]

EVERYONE! Dates soon to be announced for @schmalenberger's #BlunderlandLONDON in April 2019 at @bgwmc, but Eric Schmalenberger and I are the POSTER CLOWNS for the @underbellyfest #SouthBank presentation of #Blunderland on June 20 and 21st!! #LONDON YOU SHOULD BE THERE!! Ticket link in STORY! . . . #londoncabaret #londonnightlife #southbanklondon #underbelly #underbellyfestival #FOUYORK #foufouha @houseofyesnyc #houseofyesnyc #DarlindaJustDarlinda #ericschmalenberger (at London, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtUPGNNHx4j/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=41ymgkz5g1xw

[darlindajust]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BELLA BLUE!!! This gorgeous glitter unicorn badass burlesque dancer mama headmistress and stellar human @bellabluenola is celebrating her Birthday TODAY, TONIGHT AND TOMORROW All over the city and I have the pleasure of participating in the joy!! Come to @gravierstsocial tonight and tomorrow at 7pm and tomorrow at 10pm join us for #StripRoulette at @allways_cabaret_club . . . #neworleansburlesque #burlesqueNOLA #whiskeyandrhinestones #NewOrleans #nolaburlesque #funinnola #nolanightlife #nightclub #nightlife #nightlifeneworleans #whiskey #rhinestones #happybirthday #BellaBlue #DarlindaJustDarlinda (at New Orleans, Louisiana) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtD2-QjneQJ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1mgfv8q1o5fjz

[darlindajust]

It's my last appearance in #nyc until February 1st, in the meantime you can find me at @hausofcumming at @clubcumming with #DarrellJustDarrell (pictured here) my #antiTrump act because today is the WOMEN'S MARCH! AND the amazing cast of tonight's shenanigans @ragamuffin_nyc @kemar_jewel @sammyjodj @darren_dryden @danielnardicio_ @alancummingsnaps . . . #poloroid #photo taken by @gregorybaubeau at @fuckyourevue at @bizarrebushwick #video by #DarrenDryden taken at #hausofcumming at#clubcumming . . #nightclub #nightlife #dragqueen #dragking #burlesque #womensrights #womensmarch #thankgodforabortion #alancumming #DarlindaJustDarlinda #lgbtqia (at Club Cumming) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs04F-knvrS/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=rlevaz39fmlt

[darlindajust]

It's cold outside but at #DromedaryBurlesque it's ALWAYS SUMMER!! Join us at 9pm for #ILOVEBURLESQUE presents Dromedary Burlesque at @dromedary_bar Hosted by: @ninalavoix With performances by @heytigerbay @lilmisslixx @missfrankieeleanor @elliesteingraeber @missLucyButtons and #DarlindaJustDarlinda Go-Go stylings by: @klewdlow #DJFreshPrinceofDarkness providing the tunes Have a happy hump day at the camel bar in Brooklyn where it's always a day at the beach... (at Dromedary Urban Tiki Bar) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bss-1gLnWKG/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1w95aut5mmx22

[darlindajust]

I'm a #wierdo @guadalupeinnbk and I had such fun with Salmonella Fitzgerald & the Retro Remix #SalmonellaFitzgerald tonight! #bushwick #brooklyn #burlesque #burlesquenyc #burlesquebrooklyn #nyc #nycburlesque #burlesqueshow #performance #bushwickmusic #bushwickburlesque #darlindajustdarlinda #Repost @vbar531 ・・・ #radiohead #burlesque #guadalupeinn #bday #im32 #williamsburg (at Guadalupe Inn Brooklyn)

[darlindajust]

THE MOST FUN Tonight!! Thanks @fuckyourevue!!! #Repost @forthewitches ・・・ "I've been loving you too long to stop now" #darlindajustdarlinda #bizarre #bizarrebushwick #burlesque #fuckyourevue (at BIZARRE Bushwick)

[darlindajust]

Get out your #Money #Honey! I'm doing TWO Benefits tonight! 6pm #FouYork at @chashama Gala! 10pm in #bushwick for @mmmindela! #sallyfou #darlindajustdarlinda #FouFouHa (at chashama)

[darlindajust]

Backstage with @theladyrizo serving #nightlife #postapocalyptic #realness #backstage at #blunderland @houseofyesnyc #LadyRizo #DarlindaJustDarlinda #LastStripperOnEarth #giglife #iamnaked (at House of YES)