Check Out Bastet Dafoe’s Story

I had a friend take me to my first Burlesque show in 2018, and I was enamored. So much so that I applied for a showcase March 2020. It was called Spa City Sweethearts in Hot Springs, Arkansas. From then, I began to get booked for local shows in Arkansas. Things were picking up until the COVID-19 pandemic shut down social gatherings. Luckily, most burlesque shows went virtual, so I continued to apply and be accepted to those shows. By doing so, I had the opportunity to showcase my art to viewers all over the world. I was able to gain fans and connections at that time without leaving my house, which helped greatly when bars and clubs began to open again! So, it’s been quite the journey to this point, but I wouldn’t change a thing!

My journey to become a household name in burlesque has not been without its challenges. A lot of people don’t know what classic burlesque is, and because of that, it has been difficult to introduce it to mainstream entertainment. I’ve been met with various no’s, closed minds, and the negative connotation associated with using sexuality in art hasn’t helped. Living in the Bible belt makes things a bit tough as well. I receive pushback from venues and media outlets fairly regularly. So, hosting and producing shows can be challenging. It hasn’t slowed me down; it only motivates me to push harder.

I’m a burlesque performer. Burlesque is an art form which dates back to the 1800s. It has roots deep in the black community. One of the most famous burlesque performers that most people know is Josephine Baker. Burlesque includes dance, Striptease, intricate costuming, humor, stage presence, etc. I’m proud to be a black queer woman within the burlesque community. I’m owning my body and expressing myself without any bounds or societal expectations. My most prized accomplishment has been creating Bombay Cabaret. It’s a traveling showcase which highlights BIPOC burlesque performers and musicians. We’ve seen so much of the world on the road and have had great opportunities to share our gifts in front of an array of audiences. It’s been an amazing experience thus far!

I think most people would think from the outside looking in that I have an entire team helping me produce shows, especially those in the road. I absolutely don’t! From email correspondence, booking shows, wardrobe, hair, makeup, organizing travel, budgets, etc. I’m a one-woman team for now. I hope that in the future, I’m able to secure a booking and touring agent to help alleviate some of the heavy lifting.