Interview with Folly Mixture Bettsie Bon Bon!

Photo by Nick Ball Photography

Another treat for you now, the gorgeous Bettsie Bon Bon has prepared an interview for you lovely people.

A performer with nearly 6 years’ experience under her very rhinestoned belt, Bettsie is a sensual delight. She started her career with Miss Polly Rae and the Hurly Burly Girlys. She now is a headliner Solo artist and is a co-founder of The Folly Mixtures. Award winning Bettsie has taken her stunning version of burlesque all over The World.  Known as the body of burlesque, this is one bump and grinding showgirl, full of glamour, class and sass! Please visit her website for further info and videos. www.bettsiebonbon.com   

Photo by Tigz Rice Studios

How did you get into the burlesque industry?

Oh gosh! Well it was about 7 years ago during  Uni, I joined the dance club to keep fit, meet people etc and a friend suggested I audition for a troupe that she had just become invoved in, that troupe was Polly Rae’s Hurly Burly Girlys, I got in and well the rest is history!!

How did the name Bettsie Bon Bon come about and what does it mean to you?

Wow so long ago, my first act was a lollypop seller, so Bon Bon came from that, always been a fan of alliteration and Bettsie sounded good! So undeep! When I went down the sexier route I thought about changing it, but I have grown to love it plus I have great Bon Bons ;)

Do you have a favourite routine/performance?

It changes depending on mood!! I love my Green Queen act but am currently really enjoying A Very British Showgirl, Folly Mixtures wise its Diet Coke or 50 Shades of Gold.

What is it like being part of the famous Folly Mixtures?

Amazing, Stressful, Creatively fulfilling and hard work! I wouldn’t change that bunch of girls for anything! We are are big family that have stuck through highs and lows. We are so proud that we have achieved so much and so thankful people like our silliness.

I personally have seen you perform to a huge crowd as part of An Evening of Burlesque, how do you cope with nerves and ooze such confidence?

Well I have to say it does get slightly easier the more we do- but it’s still bloody nerve-racking! I have been performing for nearly 7 years now and really only in the last three do I feel I have come into my own, I have come to term with body issues and life issues and I love what I do- if I feel rehearsed then the confidence oozes!! (covering nerves nicely!! )

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?

Sleek make up- Affordable and good, Benefit triple emusion –just yum for the skin, and good food J

Do you have a set beauty routine?

Take my make off before bed, I have to use quite basic make up remover- vasaline for eye make- believe me amazing!!- as I have psoriasis and have to be careful.

On that note how to you keep yourself in shape for your performances?

Lugging a suitcase around and performing! I do try and keep in shape,  but I love my feminine curves, I advocate healthy living, and everything in moderation-although that’s a hard one for me to keep  when it comes to wine and chocolate!!

Describe your fashion style?

1940/50s vintage meets modern day…I love 40/50s shapes- come on it suits the curves! But I also like to dabble in other things- hard to get me out of my leopard wedge boots at the moment!

Where are you favourite places to shop?

Well I can’t really remember the last time I went shopping for me! Bettsie loves ebay for rhinestones and feathers! But recently I have discovered Rock Steady Clothing and Vanity Project by Limb, both are amazing faux vintage designers, you have to check out the prints on Vanity’s stuff! And of course you can never go wrong with a bit of Vivian of Holloway or Collectif.

What are your 3 must have pieces of make up?

Blusher, eyeliner and red lippy!

What do you like to do with your time off from being Bettsie Bon Bon?

Time off- yes please!! I like to hang out with the other half and my cat on the sofa, trying to convert them both to Sci Fi films!

Who is your favourite burlesque performer to watch?

God so many- just one??

I’m not I’m saying more!! Kitty Bang Bang- for just pure awesomeness! Laurie Hagen-again awesome, Luna Rosa- sex on bloody legs, Dinah Might for brilliantly mixing sexiness and comedy, Audacity Chutzpah for clowning genius,Ginger Blush for the best prop work in the business,  always Fancy Chance for sheer balls, loving Beau Rocks at the moment- major girl crush  Oh god the list goes on so many! And never forgetting those other Follys gota love them J, though I usually watch them from the side…

Who are your biggest inspirations and why?

My beautiful boyfriend Spencer Maybe, who inspired me to leave my city job and do what I love.Old school burlesque wise- Blaze Starr everytime- sexy!

What advice would you give to a girl reading this interested in getting into this industry?
Do your research, see some shows, talk to performers know what you want- find your you and don’t be a sheep!

  Photo by Amy Stanford Photography

I would like to thank the fabulous Bettsie Bon Bon for taking the time to do this interview for you all. I will have more treats coming your way so stay tuned!

xoxo

Photo by Rich Newnham Photography