Today we’d like to introduce you to Xio Nova
Hi Xio, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Xio Nova has been a long time in the making. I started in 2022 and I actually started out as a drag queen under the name Xiomara Celestia Nova (first it was Angel Dust but I changed it quickly). When I first started out I was conforming myself to a feminine silhouette and performance style. I was holding myself back from what I truly wanted to be. A lot of that stems from the drag community being queen dominated in the mainstream media. I didn’t know what a drag king was until I attended a Glitterbomb Show. I was amazed and I knew I wanted to be a drag king. My first king show was in Denton TX at the first Broad Strokes Show (Produced by Violet Bites and Rex Luther) at Yellow Dog Art Bar. When the show was over, Rex came to me and expressed that I should keep doing king centric performances. Ever since then I focused on being a drag king. The more I performed as a king, the more I felt like me. I could finally be silly, stupid, and sexy all at the same time. Not only that, but I felt more comfortable in my drag. That’s the biggest difference between now and 2 years ago. Not long after that, my drag sister LILITH AZALEA ZEON emerged on the scene and we started our drag haus; Haus Of Stardust. We love together so we are always collaborating. I finally feel happy with the art I put on the stage and I hope everyone else does too!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like I said before, it was definitely a long time coming to get where I am now. A lot of my issues just come from my inner saboteur telling me that my ideas were too silly or wouldn’t go through well with audiences. I started out as more of a burlesque performer, revealing a lot of skin during my numbers. That seemed all and well but it didn’t feel like me. As soon as I started doing king centric performances my confidence went all the way up! I hushed the negativity in my brain and let all hell break loose.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a drag king named Xio Nova. I dance and lipsync to songs at any stage that will have me in the DFW area. I mainly perform in Denton TX and I am known for my silly and campy performances typically embodying well known characters and stereotypes. My main goal during my performances is to make everyone laugh. If I can put a smile on your face I have succeeded.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My best advice to anyone starting out in the drag scene is don’t be scared to make connections! I was so nervous about being a baby performer that I didn’t talk to my fellow performers until just recently. You’ve gotta silence that voice that says you don’t have what it takes. You do! Also, be yourself! Your brain is unique, showcase your uniqueness! I promise there is an audience out there for what you bring to the stage.
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