Interview with UK Burlesque Performer Talulah Blue!

Photo by Grace Elkin

 

I thought I’d give you another little bit of naughtiness to end your week! This is in fact my 30^th blog post since January when I started and now reaching over 20,200 views it seems the readers are enjoying learning about burlesque performers and all my other goings on. I thought you would want more razzle dazzle; beauty and well…blue hair to celebrate!!

This very talented lady can not only perform wonderfully, has a figure to die for, gorgeous hair, she is very creative, she can make gorgeous pasties/headdresses/accessories but is also prepared to give you her beauty secrets!! Let me introduce you to Talulah Blue!

International performer, costumier and pin up model. Talulah Blue's style encapsulates old Hollywood glamour and cheesecake burlesque to create a range of different dances and styles. With her history of classical dance training, and natural charm, it makes for a beautifully conducted, fun performance. Resident performer at three venues, and host of her own events. Booking some of the UK's finest burlesque artists, such as Millie Dollar, Anna Fur Laxis and Chrys Columbine. Talulah has performed in Europe and Asia, at Vintage cars shows, Festivals, Tattoo conventions and to live bands. Email: Talulahblue.com@hotmail.com

 

Photo by Bernard Cavanagh

 

How did the name Talulah Blue come about?

My pastie making business started off as 'pink pasties', after a year I decided to rebrand and needed a name that suited a business and also myself in case I started performing. My mum and I spent weeks emailing names back and forth until we found one that suited me. I wanted a colour in my name, as my real name is Amber. Before I started performing I was quite shy, so I found it necessary to have a stage persona.

Do you have a favourite routine/performance?

I just love performing. For me it's whichever act the audience responds to most, at the moment 'Took the Night' my blues bump and grind act is going down well. I really love bump and grind. I started as a much more floaty performer. These days I focus highly on dance choreography and a bit more 'pow!'

You are very creative, you make costumes, fans, accessories. How did this come about?

I come from a family of dress makers, and although my sewing machine skills lack a little, I can do pretty much anything with a needle and thread, glue, feathers and gems. I also work as a graphic designer for the UK high street. I live to create; it's all I think about.

Do you have any high profile customers?

When I first started out Chrys Columbine was kind enough to model some pasties for me, and when I saw her feather fans I knew exactly the direction I wanted to head in. Since, I have made various fans for Chrys including her 6ft rainbow bow fans and the emerald fans you see in a lot of her promo. I have also made some for the amazing Marnie Scarlet and 100's other performers. My fans have been featured in Marie Claire magazine, on This Morning on ITV and Hollyoaks on C4 also bought some. It's very exciting to think that people in Japan, America, Australia and all over Europe are performing on stages with something I have made for them.

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?

Mac foundation and concealer is my main item, it's a bit heavy for every day but amazing in photos. Other than that water, I love a good shower or steam and drink lots of the stuff too! And of course Elnette hairspray, vintage hairstyles would not happen without it, no other brands match up.

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

I go through phases of exercise; I won't do anything I don't find fun. Practicing for shows is a must and keeps me in general shape. I have a new hobby every 6 months; I've been hula hooping for the past year and have just turned that into an act. Before that it was pole dancing, belly dancing, fan dancing, and the ballet and gymnastics as a kid set me up well. Exercise is so important for children, I can't preach that enough.

What’s your diet like?

It's ok, sometimes I do get busy and end up rushing and being lazy with what I eat. When I am being good I'll make fresh fruit and veg smoothies, have poached eggs for breakfast, avoid bread and only eat fresh pasta as dried bloats me up. I have a very sweet tooth, so I have to put myself on a desert ban every now and then.

What do you like to do with your time off from being Talulah Blue?

I have a tiny Chihuahua Evie, so I like to take her round to friends’ houses with other doggies for her to play with, and out on the park. Apart from having food and drink with friends I don't really switch off. I love what I do, I feel best when I am being productive. I have great relationships with my photographers and to me a shoot is a fun day out!

Who is your favourite burlesque performer to watch?

Some of the performers I really rate are Emmanuelle Claire, Beau Rocks and Evie Lovelle.I have of course watched many videos of Catherine Delish, Dita, Angie Pontani, Kitten Deville and all of the great current performers, and will at some point watch them in the flesh!

What advice would you give to a girl reading this interested in getting into this industry?

Know what your strengths are and use them. Think 'would you like to watch this as an audience member?' if the answer is no, then don't inflict it upon other people. Train, train, train!

What’s coming up in the future for Talulah Blue?

I'm working on some new styles for feather fans and promoting the hen parties that I teach. I'm hoping to some more burlesque festivals this year. After spending Christmas and New Year in Asia am I working on long term plans to build up contacts out there and live in Thailand and Hong Kong for part of 2014.

I would like to thank Talulah for her time with this interview. To find out more about this lovely lady please take a look at the sites below:

WEBSITE: www.talulahblue.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/BlueBurlesque  TWITTER: Talulah_Blue

Photo by Grace Elkin

 

I will be interviewing more fabulous people in the very near future!

xoxo