How did you get involved in Burlesque?
I have a performance background in theatre, musical theatre, dance, and drag, plus a BFA in Theatre(Design) from UVic, so I had a natural inclination toward burlesque. While living in Japan in 2007, I was listening to Tom Waits’ “Big in Japan” and was suddenly inspired with a GREAT idea for a burlesque number. When I came back to Canada, I was encouraged by friends (particularly local performer Diamond Minx) to take up burlesque and return to the stage. In January 2009 I found Girls On Top, a not-for-profit burlesque troupe which raised money and awareness for survival sex-trade workers. I was so excited to use my skills in design and performance to help a cause i truly believe in but I was scared to come back to the stage after such a long absence. I hadn’t danced seriously in 14 years, but when I auditioned with them, and 3 weeks later when I debuted my first burlesque number, it all just clicked.
Whats your favorite act to perform?
I LOVE performing “The Sweater” by Canadian spoken-word artist Miram Cadell, which was gifted to me by my Fairy Dragmother. It’s a lipsynch number with intense lyrics and requires a huge amount of acting. Also, for my generation, it’s a brilliant reminder of a time when music had wit and personality.
Whats your favorite act you’ve seen?
That’s a ridiculously hard question. Vancouver alone is filed with so much wit and talent, let alone international acts, so it’s really tough to pick just one. I would have to give you my top three:
1: Nicky Ninedoors performing “Closer” as a live-vocal jazz number with striptease (excuse me, I need to change my panties now)
2: Lola Frost performing damn near anything, particularly her number with the champagne bottle.
3: April O’Peel performing the Mime.
Highlights thus far?
My highlights include performing at the BHOF weekend in Las Vegas (dancing at the pool-party in 44-degree weather on burning hot cement), Girls On Top’s final show the Glass Slipper at The Cultch, designing and creating costumes for GOT, performing at fundraisers around town especially the TCRG Shimmy Shake Showdown, meeting incredibly talented and gracious burlesque superstars from all over the world who get excited about shiny things the same way I do.
What Sparkly Thing are you most attracted to?
Vintage Buttons!! It’s actually how I got my stage name. Starting with my mother’s button box when I was about 3 years old, I have always been attracted to sparkly or shiny things (which is often called Magpie Syndrome). My mom used to call me her little magpie, so I’m Maggie Pie.
