Miss Sahara Dunes is one busy lady, an entrepreneur with an amazing range of talent and skills!
1) So you’ve been a performer since the second you were born… can you elaborate on that and also share with us a little bit about your ethnic background?
I have always been in dance or rally. Any chance I got I was performing for my family - family functions, holidays, you name it... I was dancing! My parents didn't put me into formal dance training, however I picked up moves very easily and was able to audition for recitals and events taking place around the community. I always say I'm a mix of tastiness. I am made up of West Indian, Native American, and African-American. As you can guess, that has provided many experiences for me. I love learning more and more about my heritage and developing a huge amount of respect for those that have come before me.
2) You claim to be self-taught in your many areas of expertise; do you still have specific performers/entertainers/artists giving you inspiration?
Oh yes! First and foremost, the very first person in burlesque that inspired me was Miss Indigo Blue in Seattle. There was ZERO burlesque in Portland at the time I started and had no way of growing with in burlesque. Until I discover MIB and the Seattle scene. I never attended her school, however watching her and having her constantly feed me positive feedback was essential to who I am today. I have also gained inspiration from Vagina Jenkins, Dirty Martini, Toni Elling, and Satan's Angel. Watching the Mothers of Burlesque have always kept a smile on my face. They give me hope.
3) How fast and easy can you come up with a new costume design? Do you really create it yourself (drawing, sewing, etc.)?
Fairly easy. And yes, I do :). Usually a song hits me (literally, I hear a song and if it sounds like 'burlesque' to me, I make a routine out of it) and I go from there. I do the sketches and the planning/designing. Then I either get a pattern or draw out the pattern myself. It is quite a bit of work, but so worth it.
4) We also asked the following question to Dorian Faust and now we also would like to know your own opinion: are we very wrong in suspecting that there are not many African-American Burlesque performers? Maybe we’re completely off the track… but if not, how would you explain that fact?
I think there are substantially fewer African-American burlesque performers. I believe it's because the majority of mainstream burlesque is of the light complexion. Because of that, they have no role models to show them it's ok to be YOU and still be a sassy hot mama. I would love to see more of a variety of performers of color out there on the stages and at the festivals. But there has to be the encouragement as well. Folks are scared to try something so taboo when there are few to represent. I know there are allies of burlesque performers of color who give opportunity every chance they get to those who want it, but it would be great to see more of it.
5) Now you must tell us more about Burlesque in a BoXXX... was this concept an original idea of yours?
Burlesque in a BoXXX was my conception. It is a home party for those who want to party down, but not go out. We have a party for about 2-3 hours. We dance, laugh, practice tassel twirling, learn about burlesque and the dance moves and have a grand time! I make a special set of pasties for all party goers and bring all the props needed. We take photos and then get a group picture. It's good for birthday parties, bachelorette parties, or just a fun night in with friends. I started it because I realized their were women that wanted to learn about burlesque, but didn't want to go to a class. So along came BIAB :)!
6) Have you ever actually performed in St. Vincent? If not, will this ever be possible?
Sadly to say, no I have not. I hope one day I will be able to perform in my home land.
7) Let’s say you’re giving a solo performancer tomorrow night… what will be your entire day’s preparation to once again successfully dazzle the audience?
I start my day off with a coffee with white choclate creamer. Then it's to the computer for email, website/blog updates, check the Facebook and MySpace. I might do some online promo for the show. Then I make sure to eat at least once that day (on show days I tend not to eat that much...). I make sure everything I need for my act is gathered and packed properly. I test out my CD to make sure it plays without problems. I don't work out, but I do rehearse my routine a couple times, do some relaxation stretches, have a cup of Yogi tea, and relax for the rest of the day.
8) Modern dance, punk, jazz… you do it all! Do you have any favorite musical performers?
I really enjoyed my 'Transformation' act. I come out covered with a white veil over myself. Then I whip it off to reveal a faux-hawked, part punk, part bellydance costume. Then I go behind a screen and shadow dance while I change into my next costume on stage. That takes me about 1 minute. I come out with feather fans, a completely different costume, and completely different look. That was loads of fun!
9) What are your views concerning the fetish scene? Would you ever consider a photo shoot involving leather, rubber, latex, etc.?
I would love to do a fetish photo shoot. I have looked into photographers in the area who's field is fetish modeling and photography, however I have not found one. I believe it is a very powerful scene. One with consenting power struggles and dynamic energy fields. The fetish scene is fascinating and so real.
10) Where do you see your career going, let’s say… 10 years from now? Are you a long-term planner?
I am a long term planner for sure. I see myself to have traveled across the world and performing in various venues and events. Maybe a title holder of some kind. I'll be... lets say older shall we ;), and by then I want to spend time with family and friends and perform at special events.
11) What do you do when it’s time to relax? (you DO have time to relax, don’t you?)
Ha! Relax? What's that? I enjoy a glass of wine or a martini and watching a good comedy or horror movie. Or lounging in bed and playing a card game with the honey.
12) Have you ever been to Canada to perform or even just as a tourist?
I have not performed in Canada, but I hope to someday soon. I have been to Whistler and I LOVED it. It was so beautiful and refreshing.