Today we’d like to introduce you to Rose Whip.
Hi Rose, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Before I began performing, I was an audience member, just like everyone else. I would go to all the burlesque and drag shows my heart (and wallet) could muster. Seeing so much energy and vitality on stage fueled my passion, and I began to understand what queerness meant to and for me. Finally, I attended one show that changed the trajectory of my performance path. I went to a Black, Queer-forward burlesque show called Jeezy’s Juke Joint. Seeing that many black bodies on stage, owning their sexiness, their bodies, their identities, and their blackness was the first time I had ever seen it displayed in such a powerful way. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be a performer. In many ways, I began to find myself Black, Queer, Non-binary, and Radical.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. While still struggling to find my voice, I often wouldn’t or felt like I couldn’t speak up when other artists and performers displayed problematic behavior. I was in many uncomfortable situations where I felt unsafe, trapped, or unsupported. That hurt me deeply, to the point where I was constantly being gaslit. I felt like I was “crazy.” But that’s what gaslighting does. It isolates you. And this is where I started to learn how much power money holds. If an audience member is a contributor to the success of a show or production, behavior may be overlooked, putting the artists’ safety at risk. Sometimes it was cultural appropriation. Sometimes it was ignorance and other times, it was a direct result of colorism, homophobia, racism, or possibly a combination of those things. Once I started to speak up and voice my concerns, I found myself in a position where people would not work with me because they knew I would be vocal when hearing, seeing, or directly experiencing things that would otherwise be deemed inappropriate or unacceptable. But, somehow, the performance and art space are different. I was labeled “angry” and “aggressive,” as many black women and femmes often are. Thankfully, and unfortunately, that also kicked off my journey in therapy. So much growth and healing have come from all of it. For that, I am grateful.
Thanks for sharing that. Can you tell us more about your work next?
I finally started performing as an amateur act in gay clubs in The Grove in 2014. I took a chance while not knowing what I was doing and reached out to producers at places like Attitudes, Rehab, Siam, The Monocle, Bomber’s Hideaway, and many more. Some of those names may not be familiar to many now, as they are no longer open, but they have all had a long-lasting imprint on so many in the queer community. I competed at the 2017 Missouri Burlypicks competition in Kansas City, taking home the gold for Master of Improve and 2nd for Best Overall. I also made my international debut at the Toronto Burlesque Festival. Nowadays, I am regularly cooking up something new in the world of Neo-Burlesque all over Saint Louis and the Midwest. Nerdlesque falls under this umbrella, which includes anything nerdy, cosplay, and pop culture. I not only perform, but I also produce and am an instructor. I am most proud of my drive to keep going, keep growing, and create safer spaces where I can. What sets me apart is that my primary focus now is on making queer and performers of color more visible, one stage at a time.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Absolutely. I’ve learned that everyone deserves kindness, honesty, consistency, and support. That’s something that many of us felt we might have been missing through the introduction of the virus. I think Covid gave many of us time to reflect on relationships and partnerships of all shapes and sizes. If we truly value the people in our lives, we should put in the time and effort to continue to grow and evolve in healthy ways for them and ourselves.
Pricing:
- Private Lessons ($25-$50/hr)
- Group Classes ($15-$20/ hour)
- Private Events ($150-$500)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rosewhipburlesque.wixsite.com/mysite
- Instagram: @rose_Whip
- Facebook: Facebook.com/RoseWhipBurlesque
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rosewhipburlesque3160
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Rose_Whip
Image Credits
#1: Divine XO Photography #2: Divine XO Photography #3: North Arrow Creative #4: Jessica Page Photography #5: Dom and Lens Photography
