Not too long ago, I took part in an Instagram Live hosted by my dear friend Mell N Dowed as a prelude to the Dundee Fringe show I am performing in. Here are some of the interview questions we discussed in a more streamlined manner. And if you haven't picked up your tickets for Glitter & Gore yet, here's your chance!
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you discover burlesque? How did you get into it, and how long have you been performing?
I'm Anastasia Dusk - a fairly classic, sightly alternative burlesque performer from the North of Scotland! I've been performing almost five years (with a gap year) at this point, which is crazy to think that I've been part of the burlesque community for that long! But I first got into doing it when I attended a skills class during university. It was a way to change myself for the better!
2. Did you do any other types of performing before you found burlesque?
Not officially! I did take part in some of my high school’s Rock Challenge, though. Which for those who don’t know is a contemporary storytelling type of group dance competition that happens across the UK.
3. Where are you from? Are you a Dundee-based performer or from further afield?
I believe I am the Most Northernly UK Burlesque Performer! Hailing all the way from the topmost part of Mainland Scotland.
4. Without spoiling too much, tell us about your acts for Glitter and Gore! What inspired them?
For glitter - I'm actually debuting a new act! It's still kind of spooky, kind of mystical, but it's definitely leaning down the classic side of burlesque. Jazzy, slow paced, and full of the teasing!
For gore - I’m doing my quintessential "Bloodletting", very vampy, kinda grungy. You get the gist! I'm thinking of doing a bit more blood play with it though, this time around.
5. What’s your favourite thing about burlesque?
Other than taking my clothes off? Just how welcoming everyone is. There's such a big community behind it, and you find your group of people you gel with. It's just really fun!
6. When coming up with an act, what is your creative process like? Where do you draw inspiration from? What or who inspires you? Do you tend to find a song and work out the rest from there, or do you come up with a costume and then find music that will fit, or do you think of a theme and then work out what music and costume will tell the story of that theme?
I’m really bad, because costumes come first! I get inspired by different aesthetics, or I see other performers costumes, or even just a colour theme. And then I have to build my act around that.
So, I'll usually get a theme idea from the costume, and then it's finding music to fit the theme. But - I do find it helps when it comes to working out the rough bits of choreography I do use. And by that I mean where and when to remove my costume pieces. Between that, I am much more improv with it all.
7. Do you have any pre- or post-show rituals? Anything you feel brings you luck? Any other tips or tricks you find really useful?
Try not to overthink your choreo too much! It's definitely easier said than done, and that's coming from someone who doesn't do too much choreography to begin with!
8. What advice would you give someone wanting to start their journey in burlesque?
Funnily enough, one thing that's kind of ended up being a thing is either before or after the show, is having a pizza! All the carbs, all the cheese, it's good! But after the show, I like winding down by removing my makeup, and just finding time to do my skincare.
9. In both day-to-day life and performing life, are you more Glitter or more Gore?
I think a lot of the other performers would say I’m more Glitter than Gore. But I do think I have a bit of a Gore side to me, which definitely gets explored more when I’m performing!
10. Finally, why should people come to Glitter and Gore at Dundee Fringe Festival, and describe the show in 3 words!
It's going to be a bloody good night! (pun not intended!) It's going to be full of positivity, and full of interactions that you might not expect. And I think people will just have fun in general - come watch us strip off our clothes!
Funnily enough, I made a TikTok that describes the show in a whole tonne of words! But in just 3...
Glamorous, Gory, and Enthralling!
So you should definitely get yourselves along on the 22nd of September at 7.30pm, for the closing show of the Dundee Fringe 2024.
Thank you again to Mell for having me! It was a fabulous interview and such a fun catch-up. Go give her a wee follow, as there will be more interviews with other Glitter & Gore performers coming your way!
I'll see you at the show!
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