Photo by Ani
Lang
International
Burlesque Show stopper, true vintage beauty, Miss Banbury Cross oozes the sex
appeal and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden age, and the sass and decadence of the
late 1950s. Boasting a “body from outer space” measuring a perfect 35-21-35
Banbury Began her career as an international showgirl in 2008 at the infamous Madam Jojo’s in Soho. She has quickly become the shining star of European Burlesque, and showing no signs of slowing down.
Banbury Began her career as an international showgirl in 2008 at the infamous Madam Jojo’s in Soho. She has quickly become the shining star of European Burlesque, and showing no signs of slowing down.
Signed to agencies across the globe and an already impressive and
increasing list of exclusive clients, Miss Banbury Cross is set for
superstardom!
This Blonde Bombshell, Pin-Up Sex Goddess has been dubbed the “Neo Marilyn”
of Burlesque and it is from the Hollywood actress that Miss Cross draws her
inspiration from, as well as the great icons of burlesque history.
Her champagne striptease is legendary, her signature fan dance is unlike
anything you have seen before and her costumes are beautifully and superiorly
hand crafted. The image of total glamour.
How
did you get into the burlesque industry?
Completely by
accident, it was at a time in my life where I wasn’t sure of my direction.
Having graduated with a Theatre degree that was the path that I was trying to
force myself down, unfortunately it is a tough industry to get into
and so I followed other avenues to earn a living - luxury retail, admin,
reception work. Burlesque came along and swept me off my feet
quite unexpectedly and I have never looked back.
How
did the name Banbury Cross come about and what does it mean to you?
There was never
a eureka moment with the name either….it just naturally happened. One day I was
researching for my debut act, something with horses and nudity I imagine and
there we have it, I somehow ended up with the name Banbury Cross. It means a
lot to have a unique name that people remember and that doesn't sound
too strange. It could actually be someone's name! Nothing infuriates me more
now is counting 15 performers with the same variation of a name (yes I counted)
Do your research! be memorable! And don't allow yourself to be confused with
every other black haired Betty Page lookalike!
Do
you have a favourite routine/performance?
The routine I
debuted with was my champagne Showgirl act. In the past 4 years I have spent
time and a hell of a lot of money building it up, developing it and making it
what it is today!
I am
all about having 4 or 5 very strong acts that you keep investing in,
and perform constantly, rather than churning out shit low quality
acts that you'll retire in 6 months time because you're not willing or able to
let it grow.
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 swear by Erno
Laszlo, a company that has been around since the 20s and the recipes
never change. Used by Monroe herself, and many of the products that I use were
used by her also, and there is nothing that is better for my dry skin or makes
me feel as fabulous!
Do
you have a set beauty routine?
The Erno Laszlo
routine is basically, drenching face in cleansing oil, splashing 20
times with warm water, lathering with sea mud soap soap, splashing again 10
times then patting on their signature cream.
I love having a
routine, and I never fail to do it, no matter how tired or inebriated I
am.
On
that note how to you keep yourself in shape for your performances?
Looking good on
stage and having a great body takes work, effort, dedication and a lot
of motivation. It doesn’t come easily nor are you ever going
to achieve it through quick fixes or laziness. I work out 5 times per
week… a mixture of HIT, cardio and Pilates. I also eat 5 small high
protein meals a day to keep my metabolism fire up! Also WATER! I drink about
a gallon a day, it stops me from feeling sluggish and gives me loads
of energy, plus great skin and hardly any cellulite!
Describe
your fashion style?
My style varies
really, I don't do "pinup" every day. I actually feel a lot more at
home and comfortable in jeans, boots and t-shirts (my inner cowgirl)
Californian girl style is what I would describe mine as. Hippy Boho surfer chic
by day and Hollywood glamour puss by night.
Where
are you favourite places to shop?
Etsy is amazing
for vintage, though I rarely buy clothes as most of my time, money and love
goes into buying new costume pieces!
What
are your must have pieces of make up?
Moisturiser,
eyebrow pencil and mascara.
What
is your favourite perfume?
Reflection by
Amouage, for me it reminds me of summer and falling in Love
and frolicking in fields! Shame it's so pricey, as I have run out of
it :(
What
do you like to do with your time off from being Banbury Cross?
I love sex
music and travel :). I scuba dive in exotic location and then relax in a
hammock on a beach with a good book and cocktails. That is my long term plan,
to work hard now and then chase the sun into my old age!
Who
is your favourite burlesque performer to watch?
I have so many,
so to keep it brief and to spare your readers a lesbian crush gush ;)
I love to watch Kitten Deville and Catherine D'Lish.
Nothing epitomises the amazing variety of talent than them. Kitten is
a classic sex pot, grinding, quaking, explosion and Catherine is a sensual,
slow, powerful neo performer. Both are huge icons for me.
Who
are your biggest inspirations and why?
The 2
performers above, Dixie Evans (the original MM of Burlesque) Tiffany Carter,
Rita Alexander (both whom I have gotten to know a little on my travels) Both
sensational people and unique performers in their heyday!
And of course,
Marilyn herself has been an inspiration and idol since I was an awkward 8 year
old, and will be until the day that I die. Her beauty was incredible, her story
was so heart breaking, she exploded on screen like I can only ever hope of
doing on stage. A lot of people gave her a bad rap, but having her as a role
model effectively made me who I am today.
What
advice would you give to a girl reading this interested in getting into this industry?
I guess I would
start with; Be Unique - do your own thing and don't worry if things don't
'happen' right away. Never compare yourself to other performers; the beauty of
this industry is the diversity… would be pretty boring if we all did fan
dances.
Know your worth
and never accept anything less, not only does this devalue what you do but
lowering rates will eventually result in the industry crashing to the ground
and none will ever want to pay for quality again!
I don't mean to
be all doom and gloom, but the future of our industry starts here, and it's up
to us to ensure it stays alive, that it keeps getting better and continues
to inspire future generations.
Thank you to Miss Cross for her time with this interview
for me to share with you. Keep up to date with news on Miss Banbury Cross by
checking her website http://www.missbanburycross.com/Mis_Banbury_Cross/Home.html
I have more very exciting interviews lined up for you so
keep reading!
xoxo
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