Beginning May 2nd, The Vancouver International Burlesque Festival celebrates its 8th year with three days of premiere burlesque performances to the Vogue and Rio theatres.
Sad Mag was delighted to chat with Sparkle Plenty, one of the gorgeous people behind this racy and raucous festival. On the Board of Directors of the festival, Sparkle Plenty is herself a burlesque performer, and whether she’s parodying Steven Harper or giving us the classic tease, Sparkle Plenty’s unique blend of comedy and burlesque—glamedy—is as fabulous as it is compelling.
Sad Mag: Who are you?
My name is Sparkle Plenty, I am on the Board of Directors for the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival and I am a regular performer with the Screaming Chicken Theatrical Society. I am a glamorous comedian or glamedian!
How did you get involved in the burlesque scene?
I used to perform improv and play music throughout high school and in my early 20’s so the stage was no stranger to me. One miraculous day I was invited to a burlesque show at the old Colbalt and I was blown away with the amount of creativity that was invested in this show. Each act was innovative, fun, and faced no boundaries in terms of style or story so thought to myself, “I need to be doing this!”
When and where was your first burlesque show?
My first burlesque show was at my graduation recital in Screaming Chicken’s Becoming Burlesque program at the Red Room. I was so excited, I must have invited over 20 people to come, and they did!
How did you come up with your performer name?
Sigh, I found my performer name on my friends bathroom wallpaper. It’s a long story but it seemed like a good idea at the time… I have since Googled Sparkle Plenty and learned that she is also a cartoon, a Dick Tracy character, chandelier cleaner, and a pony.
Do you have a signature outfit or accessory?
I couldn’t pinpoint to what my signature accessory or outfit would be. I am mainly seen in loud-print leggings so I can high kick at any given moment.
What’s your favourite genre of music to perform to?
I used to limit myself to pop music because of their infectious, danceable melodies, but now I will perform to whatever song speaks to me or speaks for the character that I’m creating.
Burlesque seems to be growing in popularity. What is it about burlesque that draws an audience?
There is something about burlesque that permits you to enjoy watching something a little naughty or taboo. There is also the artistic integrity that appeals to the public, they are watching and appreciating someone celebrating their body, their sensuality, which allows the audience to do the same for themselves. Like music, burlesque doesn’t limit itself to a specific genre, so there is a style that appeals to everyone.
Best venue to watch burlesque in Vancouver?
There are many fantastic venues to check out burlesque! The Biltmore for Kitty Nights is always a blast, Guilt and Co. has shows occurring regularly and the styles of performances can range from the very elegant to very creepy, The Keefer Bar is great if you want to see some show stopping performers on Thursday nights, and of course, the Wise Hall where Screaming Chicken Theatrical Society holds their monthly Taboo Revue Variety Burlesque shows.
What should we look forward to at the Vancouver Burlesque Festival?
The diversity of the performances! What makes the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival so thrilling is how each performer has their own unique style. There will be glamorous costumes, high-tempo dances numbers, satirical story telling… I could go on, but it’s best to see it yourself as everyone leaves with a different experience!
Where are you as you answer these questions?
I am in a room filled with dazzling gowns that gleam as the sunlight hits each crystal on their silk panels, the walls decorated with beautiful ostrich feather headdresses, and there are kittens everywhere!
Ok that’s untrue but it sure sounds better than in my living room
What are you most excited about right now?
Right now I am excited for the festival to happen! The Board of Directors has been working on this event for almost a year so we’re very much looking forward to see our baby grow. Also sleep, I am excited about trying that out after the festival is done!