She's as charming as her name sounds... and boy! is she multi-talented in her own special unique way!
1) Can you share with us a bit about your background or any info about your ethnic heritage?
I am melting pot. African American, Creole (Spanish, French, African, Native), Native American and Mexican.
2) What are the many different dancing styles that you master?
I started dancing at the age of 3. I began with the basics: ballet, jazz and tap and then as I got into middle school and high school I focused more on jazz, modern, and drill. In college, I was part of a hip hop dance troupe as well as studied middle eastern dance. I started performing Burlesque in 2008.
3) Are there many artists that inspired you to become the artist that you are today?
Oh yes! I've been expired by everyone from Twyla Thorpe to Carmen Miranda and Josephine Baker. I especially look to the classic bombshells of the 40's and 50's as well as Old Hollywood glamour for a lot of my inspiration when it comes to putting together an act. I also have a love for the 70's and Afros.
4) OK what would be the best way to describe a typical Honey Cocoa performance?
I really give my all when I'm on stage and I try to keep it classy and entertaining with a bit of raw sensuality. I was once told I was a prime example of how to have the audience eating out of the palm of your hand.
5) Are we wrong but… why isn’t there more women of color working as burlesque entertainers, alternative models or fetish stars?
I get asked that question a lot and I don't really have a definite answer. I have however, seen a steady increase in the number of women of color as models and entertainers in these genres over the course of the past few years. I think the thing that draws a lot of women to burlesque is that they feel that they can relate in some aspect to the performers. Whether it be emotional or aesthetic. I think there are starting to be more entertainers that women of color can relate to.
6) Would you be willing in the future to do a shoot wearing usual fetish fabrics like latex, rubber, leather, etc.?
Of course! I am a big fan of all of those.
7) You are also involved in teaching burlesque… how does this works and what kind of individuals are willing to learn?
Yes, I teach weekly classes in North Texas. My students are so diverse. I have taught everyone from college students to expecting mothers.
8) Tell us about all the steps required when you’re creating a new stage routine (costumes, music, choreography, etc.). Is there a team around you or are you 100% in charge of production/creation?
For right now I am in charge or production and creation. I'm kind of a control freak. I like the idea of being able to take a fantasy and make it a reality. In working on the various aspects of putting together a routine I get to tap into all the different sides of my artistic ability and it's always a great learning experience. When creating a routine I am usually inspired by music or a theatrical concept and then I go from there.
9) Do you have specific goals? Like, where do you see your career going in five or even ten years from now?
I really would like to travel more and perform as well as continue to learn and grow as a performer and expand my repertoire. I hope that I will be able to continue to model and perform for sometime.
10) Can you claim that there’s a thin line between your private life and your modeling/performing activities? In other words, do you “play” with others in time of intimacy?
Wouldn't you like to know? :) I'll leave that one to the imagination.
11) What are your future plans concerning new tattoos? What would you like to express more?
I hope to be able to get some more tattoos in the future. I also have some work that needs to be done on the ones I already I have.
12) You must promise to come visit us in Montreal soon, can’t you? :D
Yes of course! I would love to!