The Strawberry Siren Q&A

By: Crimson Cookie

CC: You have been performing since you were 12 years of age. Does it ever feel like you’ve spent 16 years on the stage?

SS: Hell yes!!!! But I wouldn’t have it any other way! Every time I try and take a break from stage life I slowly but surely end up back under the lights!

CC: ‘Cirlesque’ is such a cute and cheeky name to describe your performances. Has it always been your intention to combine your circus, theatre and dance experiences?

SS: Definitely. I have all these amazing skills; it would be a shame to leave them all behind.

CC: Congratulations on being crowned Miss Burlesque Victoria 2010! Have you won previous awards regarding your performing talents?

SS: No titles as such. But many rewarding experiences and shows that I have been privileged to be a part of.

CC: How long have you been teaching burlesque dancing?

SS: I used to teach Circus to kids when I was younger and I have always enjoyed sharing my skills and knowledge with others. I only started teaching Burlesque this year though and I’m loving it.

CC: Graduating after 7 years with the Flying Fruit Fly Circus is an achievement. Was it difficult leaving the circus group?

SS: It was very difficult! Not only was everyone in the Circus my ‘family’ but also it was a lifestyle that I was so used to. I was used to constant touring, training and performing and when all of that stopped suddenly, I was a little lost!

CC: What would have been your favorite destination whilst traveling overseas and why?

SS: My favorite destination I have performed in was Hawaii! It was my last tour with the fruit fly’s and it was such a beautiful place. Although my favorite place that I have been overseas is Venice! I went there for my birthday last year and it was magical!

CC: How different was living in New Zealand and performing to the crowds there as opposed to Melbourne audiences here?

SS: The Burlesque scene in New Zealand was only just starting to take off when I was there. There weren’t many performers or many events happening but the audiences loved it! I did a bit of corporate work and was in a Burlesque production for Wellington Fringe, which sold out!

CC: How long has your show ‘Cabaret Cirlesque’ been performing for and what are your future plans?

SS: Cabaret Cirlesque launched in August last year, it was a monthly event at The Toff in Town and ran till the end of last year. I took a bit of a break from my events for a bit, while I concentrated on my performing. But Cabaret Cirlesque will return in February next year and will run three times a year, as will my other events…. Bare-knuckled Burlesque & Bands, which returns this weekend at the Tote! And Strawberry Sundays which is my new event, launching on November 14^th at Red Bennies!!!!!

The Strawberry Siren performs Strawberry Sundays at Red Bennies Nov 14^th.