We talk to the fabulous burlesque dancer Perle Noire as part of our new series of burlesque interviews.
Perle Noire
Burlesque dancer, Perle Noire, has won several awards at the Burlesque Hall of Fame, Miss Exotic World Competition. Best Debut Performer 2008, Second Runner-Up Overall Performance 2009 and Most Dazzling Performer 2012.
She was also the very first burlesque dancer to be crowned Queen of Burlesque at the New Orleans Burlesque Festival 2009. It’s no wonder that Perle Noire was named in joint fifth place as in 21st Century Burlesque‘s top 50 industry figures, worldwide.
(Image from Burlesque Beat)
One of Perle Noire’s best known routines is her performance of Josephine Baker‘s iconic 20s burlesque banana dance.
Her impressive burlesque dancing earned her spot in Dita Von Teese’s Burlesque: Strip Strip Horray! revue. Alongside Perle Noire, the cast includes Catherine D’Lish and Dirty Martini. Truly, an outstanding line-up.
Dita Von Teese said,
I saw her performance on a video, and I immediately wanted to have her be a part of the show.”
See Perle Noire’s amazing performance at Starlight Burlesque:
Perle Noire Interview
Burlesque CV: I’m beyond elated to profess that I have had the pleasure of working with EVERY burlesque queen worldwide. Including, Dita Von Teese, Catherine D’lish, Dirty Martini, Michelle L’amour, and Kalani Kokonuts, just to name a few.
I graced stages all over the world from Australia to New Zealand. And I had the pleasure of making herstory in Tokyo last year! I was the first American headliner to perform in a burlesque revue.
I like to call myself, “The people’s choice” because I haven’t won any “ Queen” titles at BHOF, but I have won several awards throughout my career. I won Best Debut in 2008, Second Runner Up in 2009, Queen of Burlesque at the New Orleans Burlesque Fest and Most Dazzling Dancer 2012.
How/Why did you get into burlesque? I enjoy burlesque because it is the epitome of theatre, glamour, pageantry and showmanship! You can pay tribute, transform, evolve, and create with this beautiful, theatrical platform. And that is why I love the art form.
What’s your burlesque highlight: I have a plethora of highlights but seeing the Josephine Baker château is still at the top of my list. I performed with Immodesty Blaize in London and she took me to see my idol. Yes. It was a glorious moment in my burlesque phenomenon.
Who’s your burlesque icon? Toni Elling.
Top burlesque tip for non-burlesquers: Remember that life is a runway, darling. Someone is always watching darling. Be Fabulous!
Have you got plans to come to the UK? I was there in June with the lovely people at Sublime Boudoir.
What’s next for you? I’m currently working with Jo Weldon from the School of Burlesque in NYC along with another project in Australia. To keep up with me, please follow me on Twitter @msperlenoire.
Watch the performance which won Perle Noire Most Dazzling at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend:
Check out our interview with New York burlesque dancer Calamity Chang and our answer to: what is burlesque?
