Tuesday 19 February 2013

Interview with UK Burlesque Star Aurora Galore!

Photo by Neil Kendall Photography

Today I have an interview for you all with the edgy petite powerhouse Aurora Galore.
For those who may not be familiar let me introduce you to Aurora Galore. Winner of Miss Paris Burlesque Festival 2012, Aurora Galore is an exciting tattooed Burlesque and Fire Performer whose influences stem from Lady GaGa, Haute Couture and a wide range of dance styles. Her performances vary from dark, outlandish dance acts to fire breathing finales and burlesque parodies. Aurora has a contemporary aesthetic, a modern soundtrack, and energetic acts that are full of power and pizzazz.
Having performed on stages since the age of five, Aurora is a vivacious and exuberant entertainer whose edgy stage presence allows for both controversy and appreciation! With a combination of dance, fire and a crazy persona, Aurora is able to be an ‘electrifying tour de force in aggressive sensuality, brimming with the confident exuberance’ of an artiste.

Aurora arrived on the scene in 2010, and has evolved in aggression, power and art. The ‘petite powerhouse’ has a style ‘still rare in London’s vintage-dominated burlesque scene and remains a unique treat’ to all that watch her. Her Lady GaGa inspired acts portrays a modern take on burlesque and illustrates a captivating sense of disruptive madness!

Photo by Retro Photostudio

How did you get into the burlesque industry?
I have always been a dancer, since I was a baby, and being short and a bit weird, I never wanted to or could get in a company or production. One day when I was going to dance classes during uni, they were doing some burlesque classes. And I decided it would fit me better as it is a more personal dance experience and I can explore things in a way that I wanted to. Then I just hit up as many shows as I could, and worked really hard!
How did the name Aurora Galore come about and what does it mean to you?
It doesn't 'mean' anything in the way that some others so. Aurora was my great-grandmother's name. And as I am very proud to be Spanish (well, Gibraltarean) I wanted to use one of the Spanish names in my family. My mother is Rose-mary Carmen, but I thought it was too pretty for me. My friend came up with Galore, which I thought was awesome, because it had a rhyme, and it fit as I am an over-the-top performer!
Do you have a favourite routine/performance?
Of my own or someone else's?
Of my own- I always love to do my Marry the Night - it encompasses everything I am about and do and it has lots of energy.
Someone else's - I am going to say Lady GaGa- Bad Romance Video! It has dance routines, avant-garde fashion, edgy concepts and creepy factors. All the things I love to bring into my own performance style.
You are on stage and being photographed a lot of the time. Looking after yourself must play a big part in your life. What are you favourite beauty products and why?
I don't take 'care' of myself in any other way that I train hard and wash my make up off before I go to bed.
My make-up collection is mainly Illamasqua and Mac as they are more vivid make-up brands and have more stand-out colours and effects in them.
Do you have a set beauty routine?
Not really. I don't wear make-up during the day or when I go to the shop or something. If I go to an event, show or perform, I am covered in it, so I always allow my skin to breath in between such events!
On that note how to you keep yourself in shape for your performances?
I dance all of the time, and I think I remain in shape by default. I do not try to be skinny or toned, as I quite frankly am neither! But I stay in a healthy body class just by dancing all of the time!
Describe your fashion style?
I like everything. I have been a heavy metal lover (also a GaGa song :P) all my teenagehood, so always had that rebel fashion going on. But I only ever wear dresses or skirts. I don’t own trousers because I can't stand wearing them! So I will always wear a dress (I am usually really overdressed) but in any style that I feel like exploring that day!
Where are you favourite places to shop?
Karen Millen dresses actually fit me best! I like to vintage shop too when I have the time for it. But my mother lives in the USA, so when I go and visit her I usually do a massive shop. I go through Macys and big department stores during their sales and stock up for the year!
What are your 3 must have pieces of make up?
Eyebrow Cake (or Eyeliner for my eyebrows)
Eyeliner
Eyelashes (Top and Bottom!
What do you like to do with your time off from being Aurora Galore?
I really don’t ever take time off and that is the way that I like it. I once had a few weeks off and I genuinely went crazy. When I go to visit my mother and I am not performing, I will still practice, make costumes and do admin 24/7. I really live for what I do, and I happier that way!
Who is your favourite burlesque performer to watch?
I love Marnie Scarlet - she is more of a performance artist, but she is so original and creative; a real pleasure to watch. I love Chrys Columbine - another original one, but so committed and fantastic, I love her too! And probably Bettsie BonBon at the moment - she is always so raw and sexy, and I can’t keep my eyes off of her!
Who are your biggest inspirations and why?
Lady GaGa - always.
She is truly an inspiration. From her performance presence on stage, to her unique take on fashion and power,she is just amazing to watch. I literally live for Lady GaGa.
What advice would you give to a girl reading this interested in getting into this industry?
Try to be an original and creative as possible.
Try to choose a unique name and don't try to be anyone else.
You can be inspired by people, but never pluck things directly from them.
Take the inspiration and interpret it in your own way.
And always do research. You may have an amazing idea, but there may already be 10 similar
routines out there, so always check what is on the scene first.
And really try to always be your brand, even if it is something simple.
Own what you do, and who you are, and always be true to that.
Photo by InaGlo Photography

Thank you to Aurora for her time with this interview for me to share with you all. I will be interviewing more burlesque performers so stay tuned for these in the near future!
Thank you for reading and in the words of Aurora, ‘Stay Strange and Keep It GaGa’
xoxo

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