Creating a burlesque solo debut - with Peachy Vendetta

Peachy Vendetta will draw you into her world of desire and danger with her juicy plots and sweet paybacks; revenge has never tasted so sweet.

Photo by Sassy Boudoir Photography

Enjoy another post in my ongoing series of exceptionally sporadic posts - catching up with performers who are embarking on the Act Development Course.

This year, I’ve been able to offer this course in two parts of the year, with performers being able to choose to work to a solo performance at our mid year or end of year Burlesque Showcase.

Each of the performers undertaking the course have about 4 -5 months to workshop an act from start to stage!

This week, I caught up with Peachey Vendetta who has jumped into the solo journey feet first - having only enrolled in one burlesque course previously!

As soon as I started taking classes at Miss Kitty’s Meow, I knew I was going to perform. Performance has always been a part of the burlesque experience for me.

At first, the idea of doing a solo was something I was going to do further down the track, but as I sat in the audience of the 2023 end of year student showcase. and watched the other Act Development students perform their solos, some for the very first time, I found myself thinking “I want to do that” “I can do that” It’s safe here for me to do that”.

So, during intermission I whipped out my phone and signed up for the next Act Development course right there and then.”

Having moved to Tasmania, Peachy has long been inspired by burlesque performers, telling me that she got the opportunity to see the famous Bent Burlesque show,

“I was heavily pregnant with my son. I was ‘wowed’ by the incredible acts of Australian burlesque royalty Imogen Kelly, Glitter Supernova, Lillian Star and Betty Grumble. These artists pushed the limits of dance and performance and seemed so in touch with their bodies and their power.

I remember one act where the performer was a horse. She wore a bridle and a very long, sleek ponytail. Most of the burlesque acts I had seen previously were the more classical style with glamorous gowns and rhinestones galore. I had never seen anything like this before. I was in awe of their fearlessness, and I wished that I could have the courage to be that way too.”

The solo process is always exciting and challenging in equal parts, with Peachy agreeing that it’s a big leap from doing something on your own - both exciting and terrifying! As she says “It is actually all about me. There isn’t the comfort of other performers around you”

Peachey also spoke about performing with physical disability and the challenges that this poses,

“My physical abilities also wax and wane frequently. This has meant that I have had to change aspects of my act to allow for this fluctuation. This can be frustrating, but I am learning to work within my limits, be flexible and gentle with myself. That is always so much easier said than done though!!”

I always ask our solo students to give some advice to fellow aspiring and emerging performers - both tips and words of advice or encouragement.

Peachy spoke about the need to let go of being perfect, which is something I think many people could identify with.

“I often need to remind myself that I am just starting out as a solo performer and things won’t be perfect. … the whole reason I am drawn to burlesque, particularly performing, is to accept my own imperfections and then to hopefully move on from acceptance into embracing them”

There won’t ever be the perfect time where everything lines up in order to take the jump into solo performance. There won’t be a magical time where your body is perfect. Where your confidence is consistent. Where your concept is concrete. Where you know what on earth you are doing!!

Ask for help, ideas, tips... Grace is a wealth of knowledge and support, and the other students will be so excited to see you take that next step. Everyone wants to see you succeed, they are all gunning for you!”

Peachy also recommended that performers practice in the costume!

Photo by Sassy Boudoir Photography

I also think that Peachy’s advice to have fun is a big one. It’s just a burlesque solo. And while it is a big deal to you and you can put a lot of work and preparation in …. it’s also just fun and a bit of artistic expression. The world is not going to end if you make a mistake !

I will leave you with this final comment from Peachy which I think sums up how you can feel ahead of a performance.

“… I freaking love my music, designing my costume, creating something that is SO me even though my dear body is needing to try harder than ever before. To be a disabled burlesque performer and OWNING it.

I am so close to being one of those people that ‘did it’. Whoop! Whoop!”

See Peachy Vendetta on stage !

Burlesque Showcase

Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 May 2024

Moonah Arts Centre | 23-27 Albert Rd Moonah

Doors open 6pm | Show 6.30pm

Tickets from $35