Vera Valentinaa: The Black, "Blonde Bombshell" of Burlesque!

For those of you that don't know, I perform under the monicker "Johnny Sparks" with Black Diamond Burlesque here in Sarasota, FL as the troupe's feature male burlesque entertainer. Burlesque is the art of strip tease and has made a popular comeback in the past several years due to popular artists like Dita Von Tease and the horribly done title film, Burlesque featuring Christina Aguilera and Cher. Despite the latter, our society has embraced the entertainment form and come out in droves to little clubs and big theatre to see this rare classic art form. Even more rare are the artist of color in this field. Enter Victoria Burwell, who dazzles the crowd as Vera Valentinaa (the extra "a" is for ass..."

Fast Facts About Vera Valentinaa

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Schoolin’ Life: Spelman College

Crayon Box Color: Goldigger Gold (with flecks of real gold in it.)

Instagram: @missveravalentinaa

Facebook: Vera Valentinaa

When I met Vera we were learning how to live the dream as theatre majors in Atlanta. Actually, we were partners on a huge class project in our Theatre Management Class. From our creative minds came the fictional, “EDGE Performance Ensemble” a non-profit performing arts org in Austin, TX that I must say we earned quite a nice grade on at the end of the semester. Now, lovingly known as the “Black, blonde bombshell” Vera is shimmying and shaking her way into the hearts of burlesque fans everywhere. 

Pat: So tell me how Vera Valentinaa came about?

Vera: It wasn’t on purpose, I’ll tell you that. After graduation, I came home and I was looking for a job in dance or theatre or something like that. As you know, St. Louis isn’t a Mecca for the performing arts. I went to STLauditions.com and saw that they were opening a new club and it was going to be all about burlesque slash pussycat girls type deal. They were looking for girls to dance and just be a part of the ensemble. So I auditioned and I became a member of the Hoochie Coochie Girls. Now, the original purpose of the Hoochie Coochie Girls was never to do burlesque- We were supposed to just dance and be pretty.

Pat: But that changed?

Vera: Yeah, it kind of progressed because the club didn’t want to pay the out of town dancers because they didn’t realize how much the out of town dancers were going to cost. So they asked us to start doing individual numbers. I started tap dancing as my solo, and then they wanted me to actually do more burlesque. I didn’t know if I wanted to do it, but then I saw Go Go McGregor…and she was a white girl…but she was amazing. She was very classic, in this all white dress and did this beautiful fan dance, almost a la Sally Rand. And after that I did my first full burlesque number, at the Jumpin’ Jupiter in Maplewood, MO in October 2011. Then it all fell apart from there and all the clothes started coming off.

Pat: So you have been doing this for about three years. I know you have a performance background prior to burlesque, how has that helped you?

Vera: I guess the previous dance training was a really big help. Most burlesque dancers, DON’T dance, they walk across the stage and take off a glove and then walk to the other side and take off another glove. It’s all about building a character and making strong choices, which I’m glad I’d already learned in school.

Pat: In your journey, how did  you solidify your character? What did you learn that taught you this is for Vera and this is not for Vera.

Vera: I thought Vera would be completely classic burlesque and just classic numbers, but there’s so much more to burlesque than just classic. While I love the classic style, it doesn’t always let you show off who you really are as a performer. I think it really had a lot to do with me-me personally knowing who I am and what I wanted to do. I wanted to incorporate tap and I wanted to do more dance with a little more spice, which led to me doing “Hot in Here”! [laughs] That was a collaboration between me and my mother…she wanted more layers. I told her there wasn’t enough music for that. Also, just knowing….me.

Pat: So you mentioned your mom. How do your parents feel about you doing burlesque?

Vera: My mom is ok with it…I won’t say she’s ecstatic. For obvious reasons…I don’t know but I ended up losing my job because I do burlesque. I think that’s her concern, the risk involved in what we do. I don’t invite my dad to shows, unless I’m not taking off my clothes. They’re ok with it, but they’re just concerned about the future. They know my ultimate goal is to open up a dance studio. How are parents going to feel about their kid’s dance teacher doing burlesque? At the same time, I’m working at a studio now and the artistic director there doesn’t have a problem with it, as long as the kids don’t know about it.

When I was working at a school shortly after I graduated, I told the principal and she was cool with it. All the teachers knew and they were interested. I kept it away from the kids, but they made their assumptions about what “Ms. Victoria” did outside of school. I find it so surprising that people who work for kids are more accepting than the ones that are working in corporate world. Either way, it’s not affecting what I do in the workplace.

Pat: A lot of people have a misunderstanding about the art of burlesque and often equate it to stripping. Your thoughts?

Vera: People fail to make the separation between the two. They don’t see how burlesque has more artistic merit. It’s turned into a theatre pursuit. There is still sexual roots, but I wouldn’t call it erotic. I wouldn’t call any of the performers “sex workers” like strippers. I’m not throwing shade on any girls that earn money that way though. I wish I could wear red bottoms every day and drive a Mercedes.

Pat: How far do you see your burlesque career going?

Vera: I’m going to shake it as long as I have it…As long as it’s not gross and disgusting. I love going to shows, I love working on the costumes, the photo shoots, the festivals…as long as it’s not affecting my well being and my health, I don’t see me stopping soon. I like it, I love it…I want some more!

#artsupportsart

Vera Valentinaa will be performing on the following dates in the St. Louis area:

Little Bo's Creepshow
October 4th
The Crack Fox
Downtown St.Louis, MO

HOLLERWEEN: A Hip Hop Burlesque Spectacular!
A 2nd Story and Blyre Cpanx Production
October 23rd
The Mad Magician
Downtown St.Louis, MO

There's always enough black to go around,

Pat

#WebseriesWednesdays: BLACK BOOTS

For those of you that don't know I am an alumnus of Morehouse College, a prestigious historically black college (also known as an HBCU) located in the heart of the southern mecca, Atlanta, GA. In addition to being conferred my degree a few years back, I also left those hallowed grounds a member of a Greek fraternal organization, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc. With my membership came experiences, responsibilities and bonds of brotherhood that I will always cherish. Shortly after my matriculation at Morehouse, I also became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. With my love and dedication for both my fraternal organizations and the brotherhood of Morehouse, I was quite excited to have stumbled upon this weeks webseries, BLACK BOOTS.


BLACK BOOTS, is the creation of the artistic think tank, Band of Artist Filmmaking Collective [BOA] founded by Geno Brooks, Jared Wofford and Lamont Pierre. BOA was recently featured on IndieWire's "32 Web Dramas Upstaging TV With Their Diversity". BLACK BOOTS lives up to the credit as one of the five series presented from the collective. Set on the fictional campus of Brooks University, BLACK BOOTS is shot through the lens of college freshman Grant Boyer who finds himself on one hell of a journey as he begins his membership intake process of a certain fraternity. Between the rigors of pledging, school work and a few other surprises, the first few episodes had me flashing back to my college days.

This series is nobody's School Daze, you won't see any musical numbers or Sam shouting on Morehouse College's century campus, but it does still capture an experience that leaves you nostalgic and even a bit regretful at times. I'll also will say for the record, that I don't condone hazing and there are instances in the film where the conversation of "pledging vs paper" certainly does arise. What I enjoyed after completing the first several episodes, was reading the comments under the video and seeing viewers (both Greek and non-Greek) challenging what they were seeing in the film. As you know, the first step to solving any social problem is to have a open dialogue.

So, I share this series with you to make you think, give you some college memories and for some give you one of the many different experiences of Greek Life (some of the things in the series are a bit...well I'll let you judge for yourselves.)


#artsupportsart

Keep up with BLACK BOOTS on Facebook, here.

Watch BLACK BOOTS Episode 1 here:

There's always enough black to go around,

Pat

#5 Broadway

14 SOLDIERS

Fall 2008

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc.

#2 Othello

Blue Phire

Fall 2013

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity of America, Inc.

#WebseriesWednesday: FIRST

Issa Rae Productions...the mastermind behind the hilarious series, The Mis-Adventures of an Awkward Black Girl brings us a new web series from the mind of creator Jahmela Briggs, FIRST.

Issa Rae Productions describes FIRST as, "A modern day Love Jones, documenting the milestones of dating." Well, I couldn't agree more as I watch Robin (played by creator Jahmela Biggs) and Charlie (Will Catlett) navigate each episode which captures each unique "first" experience: the first call, the first awkward moment, the first talk. Each episode is filled with nuances and moments that make you smile from memories, laugh from your experiences and try to forget your mistakes. Biggs and Catlett, successfully create a perfect duo navigating this new journey. Only in it's first season, FIRST leaves the audience wondering exactly what will happen with this couple that seems just too good to be true.



#artsupportsart

So take a moment to visit Issa Rae Productions on YouTube and experience the beauty of, FIRST.

Follow FIRST on Facebook.

Watch a teaser for FIRST, here:

There's always enough black to go around,

Pat

Joy Conaway: Music to fill you with "joy!"

Joy is an up and coming independent artist based in Atlanta, GA. We met through a mutual friend in the business, my talented fraternity brother and singer/songwriter Tyrone J. Joy and I instantly hit it off. Her sparkling personality mixed with her gorgeous voice makes this beautiful songstress a breath of fresh air to the indie music scene in Atlanta.

Fast Facts About Joy Conaway

Hometown: Detroit, MI and Atlanta, GA
Schoolin' Life: Georgia State University
Twitter: @joyful_sings
Instagram: @joyful_sings
Facebook: www.facebook.com/atjoyfulsings
Sound: Soul mixed with acoustic pop!
Crayon Box Color: Purple, for royalty.

Pat: So tell me a little about yourself Joy?

Joy: I graduated from GSU last year. My major was television film production with a minor in history…. NOTHING to do with music. You know, it’s really weird. IN high school I didn’t know what I wanted to do. But you know, music doesn’t really pay the bills. Well, I started editing my own videos, music videos and thought hey I could kinda incorporate this into what I want to do in life. I love music and I could still learn a craft that would be helpful down the road.

Pat: So being an actor, I know that it is hard work to get out there. How has it been for you getting your brand out there.

Joy: The first lesson and you know what I’m actually learning it now, not everybody is your friend. I know that sound cliché, but I would go out to others shows and support and when I needed them to come through for me that way, they didn’t show up. My whole thing is people aren’t really against you, but their aren’t for you. They don’t go as hard for you, as you would for them.  And I think that was kind of disappointing, but I think that really pushed me to just do it for myself.

Pat: You consider yourself an indie artist?

Joy: I do. I do. Last year I started calling myself that. People were like, “If you’re don’t want to be an artist then what are you doing?”  But I didn’t want the responsibility of the artistry, because when you’re an artist there’s an expectation of a look and I just wanted to be Joy. But that's not it, that's not even. I think I was just being kind of lazy before and now I'm focused.

Pat: How has that been? Building that image and finding out who Joy is?

Joy: Well, my mom always shopped at thrift stores. Being an indie artist…obviously you don't have any money, so as far as my look, the thrift store is my friend. As far as trying to be high fashion in my look and do these heels, that wasn’t for me. I more comfortable in a vintage, classic, chill vibe. I think that comes across in my music and presentation. Folks were like, “Well your already short, so you should wear heels.” I’m like,  “Ain’t nobody getting in anybody’s heels to trip.” That’s not the idea I have for my life. Finding the look wasn’t hard, but maintaining the look has been a challenge.

Pat: So your confident in your artistry and your image, now comes the music. Can you talk a little about your song writing process? I’d love to talk about Deepest Fear.

Joy: The song writing process. That’s probably my biggest struggle and insecurity. You don’t know if people are going to like it. If people attack it, it feels like they are attacking you. The first song I wrote, “Finally” was a mini anthem for me. I wrote it and recorded it, and I remember releasing it on Sound Cloud and my hands were shaking and I did not want to click submit. If someone doesn’t like your outfit, you get over it. When they don’t like your music that’s hard. Deepest Fear...actually, Tyrone J wrote that. All of it, and it’s amazing and I wanted to sing that.

But my songwriting process is something that I need to grow on. I’m afraid, but I’m going to take the chance. It’s really homework that I need to do. You're not gonna get better unless you do it. That's something that I have to challenge myself to do.

Pat: So musically, who are your inspirations?

Joy: I’m trying to think of the CD’s I have in my car. Artist that have influenced my sound? Well.... John Legend, Rascal Flatts, Katy Perry, Whitney Houston, Keeyen Martin, Michael Jackson, Beyoncé (that's kind of a given...), Doug Whatley, EWF, Jayh, Prince, Norah Jones, Jade Novah, The Clark Sisters, Frank Ocean, Brik Liam, India Shawn, Kelly Clarkson, Pink, The Temptations.... just to name a few.

I definitely enjoy Janelle Monae because she's chill. She's not going to be in the 8-inch heel all the time. She does and wears what she wants. I love that.

Pat: What’s down the road? Artistic goals?

Joy: I had this conversation with God and asked him to surround me with good people. I wanted something that was reachable for me. I’m not looking to jump through hoops. I love singing and I love kids, so I'm trying to put those two together. Singing for a children’s hospital or a cancer ward. I’m looking to connect with places in the area. There are definitely a lot of broken people, but music can heal. People going through cancer or depression need something. Sometimes you can't get to church and sometimes...church can't get to you, but music can.

#artsupportsart

Listen to Joy on Sound Cloud: https://soundcloud.com/joyful_sings

Or, purchase Joy's newest single, Deepest Fear on iTunes HERE.

There's always enough black to go around,

Pat

What's Your Purpose [A Story About an Audition]

The other day I went on an audition for a local theatre here in town. I'd been so swamped with work that I hadn't prepared any music to sing for the auditions, so I decided to just audition as a non-singing actor and do two monologues. I figured, I'll be in and out. They'd seen me before and were familiar with my work, so I was happy to go in and give them a fresh look and then be on my way. I did my monologues and stood on my mark, waiting for the dismissive "Thank You" that we all are so accustom to hearing. Instead, one of the director who was sitting there, asked "Patrick, do you sing?"

Now, the answer to that question is much more complicated than a simple yes. I do sing, but it has never been something I've ever been confident about. Like many of my friends, I grew up in the church and had various musical opportunities singing in my church choir, in addition to being in band from middle school through college. So naturally, I've developed an ear for vocal music. I can harmonize and hold a tune. Everynow and then you might hear me wail out a nice baritone/bass medley at a karaoke night downtown, but I don't consider myself a "singer." 

Even in college, I sang briefly with the world renowned Morehouse College Glee Club (Baritone, Choir 2) and eventually became a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc. I grew musically through both experiences, but being surrounded by so many other extremely talented vocalist made me second guess the abilities that I had. Several of my frat brothers have brought me to tears with their vocal talents, and as far as everyone else was concerned I was the frat brother that was "in theatre". Always considered more of and actor, than an actor who sings, I never was expected to go to above and beyond the basic vocal requirements of what needed to be sung. So I didn't. I was content for quite some time.

So there I was....this director had posed this question to me and I stood there and said, "Well, I like to consider myself more of a Michelle or Kelly than a Beyonce." They laughed, which is what I wanted. I went on to tell them I was more comfortable and confident in my other talents than my vocal abilities. "That's a shame," the director continued, "I really would like to hear you sing."

Now, I'm no fool. So I obliged his wish and sing something I knew was full proof to make me sound good enough. When I was finished, the director said this, "Very good son. You know there's a big difference between our talents and our purpose. You should think again about what those are to you."

I smiled and was dismissed and exited out into the blistering Florida heat, with his words in my head. They still sit there days later. What is my purpose and what are my talents? Are they the same? Am I not seeing something. Or even worse, refusing to accept something? I think this is a part of the journey for every artist. For years and years, we want to say something so deep so profound that it will touch people forever, but maybe what we're thinking we're supposed to do if for some one else, and what we've been ignoring all along is exactly what we needed.

There's always enough black to go around.

Pat

#WebseriesWednesdays: RoomieLoverFriends

If you know me pretty well, then you know that I love a good web series. I love supporting independent artists and great work! If you've haven't already heard about the enetertainment network BLACK&SEXYTV, you need come from under your rock! The dream child of co-founders Dennis Dortch, Numa Perrier, Brian Ali Harding and Jeanine Daniels, the networks provides content that showcases various parts of the black experience.

Enter my personal favorite series, RoomieLoverFriends (originally a collaborations between Issa Rae Productions and BLACK&SEXYTV) , starring Shayla Hale as young professional Tamiko and her on again off again friend but lover Jay, played by Andra Fuller. The two create a hilarious duo navigating the ways of their relationship and all of it's highs and lows. The show incorporates several other characters (some who have their own shows on BLACK&SEXYTV) who add to the chaotic mix of finding a balance between love and friendship. 

I won't give too much away about the story line because it is way too enjoyable! Now, in it's third season, RoomieLoverFriends pushes the envelope and takes viewers through almost as many emotions as a Scandal episode (which I thought was not possible). So I hope you enjoy the show as much as I do. #artsupportsart #blackandsexytv #roomieloverfriends

Watch Season One, Episode One Below:

Check out the entire BLACK&SEXYTV Network:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkRwfQRsQ4UK-iR8JsZRP9w

There's always enough black to go around!

Pat

I've Been Gone for Too Long, Now It's Time To Bring It Back

Family! I took a much needed break for the summer. Truthfully, I was teaching full time in addition to my other duties at the theatre I work at and had absolutely NO time for interview, editing and all things blog related. That being said, I am so excited to be back to bringing you all exciting new artist profiles. I have some really wonderful individuals lined up for the Fall, plus some new features I'm looking into. I can't wait to share everything with you. Starting the first week of Sept!

Look for the newest artist profile to drop Friday Sept, 5 at 12noon EST.

I'll be starting a new feature #WebseriesWednesdays where I highlight some of my favorite webseries, starting Wednesday Sept, 3 at 12noon EST.

There's always enough black to go around,

Pat

#artsupportsart