New Hero: Evana De Lune
Welcome to the stage, Evana De Lune, a show-stopping Burlesque performer ready to undress the misconceptions wrapped around Burlesque and explore how the sexy art form empowers and excites women. Read on for our discussion on how she navigates body image, queerness, sensuality, and performance.
How would you explain Burlesque to the uninitiated?
I’ve often said, “Whatever you’re thinking, it’s not that.” We all have preconceived notions of what Burlesque is, and most people associate it with scantily clad women, but it transcends its historical roots in striptease. While it retain elements of its provocative past, it’s an ever-evolving art form dedicated to challenging norms and pushing boundaries. It’s more than what you might expect from fleeting glimpses or popular culture references—it’s a dynamic expression of creativity and defiance against the status quo.
How does modern Burlesque and the way you teach/perform challenge and update the notion that Burlesque is simply a sexualized performance to entertain men?
My approach especially with teaching focuses on empowerment, self-expression, and challenging the status quo, making it a celebration of freedom and identity rather than an act of objectification. I often say that performing on stage and entertaining others doesn’t diminish the joy of dancing freely in my own house. Feeling confident and embracing my sensuality at home is just as exhilarating and empowering.
What assumptions do people make about you based on what you do? Have you dealt with any issues related to your work?
Many people don’t fully grasp the essence of burlesque, leading to misconceptions and unsolicited advice about my career. The assumption that striptease equates to an openness to advances or other services is a common and frustrating misunderstanding. I’ve also faced challenges in gaining acceptance from friends and family, not solely due to the nature of my work but also from the initial uncertainty of my career path. There’s always that pressure to get a ‘real job’ even though I’m at the point in my career where a ‘real job’ would pay less.
How does Burlesque promote body positivity and inclusivity? And how has it personally affected your body image/confidence?
If you go to just about any burlesque show you will see performers of all shapes, sizes, and appearances without judgement or constraints. This celebration of diversity and self-expression was a revelation to me, especially in my early days of attending classes and shows. Witnessing the unapologetic celebration of individuals just as they are underscored the art form’s ethos: it’s about performing for oneself, embracing one’s beauty, and rejecting societal pressures. I found in burlesque a community that I wish I had known earlier in life. It taught me the importance of self-acceptance, allowing me to enjoy food and life without fear or reservation.
Do you have any pre performance rituals?
My pre-performance routine consists of positive affirmations and deep breathing exercises. These practices help me center myself, focus on the moment, and fully embody the energy of my performance. I tell myself that I can hypnotize anyone with just one look, and honestly it seems to work!
Where do you shop for all your amazing costumes?
I’ve always loved elegant costuming and that Hollywood starlet and Vegas showgirl big budget aesthetic. I frequently work with designers to commission custom made pieces, and these serve as my big statement pieces. I also am constantly on the prowl for sustainable, ethical, and vintage lingerie that I can customize with rhinestones and other embellishments. There is a lot of DIY in the showgirl business, especially when you’re first starting out!
What mantra would you give a new performer to tap into their power onstage?
Embrace your authenticity and just do it! Don’t let imposter syndrome hinder your self-expression or your confidence. Your unique presence is your power on stage.
How do you want your audience to feel while you perform?
I aim to captivate my audience, to ignite their senses and spark thought. There’s a profound liberation in witnessing someone embrace their confidence and power on stage, and I strive to share that feeling with my audience. My performance is an invitation to explore a spectrum of emotions, to be turned on, to think, and to feel profoundly engaged in the moment.
How does Burlesque intersect with the expression of BDSM and kink?
Other than directly incorporating these elements into my performances, I think burlesque acts as a bridge, introducing audiences to new concepts in a context where participation is optional, fostering a safe space for exploration. The act of attending a show involves an inherent understanding of consent, allowing audience members to engage in respectful voyeurism and appreciate the performance’s artistry and the themes it explores.
Tell us something about Burlesque that most people don’t know:
Did you know that the Pussycat Dolls originally started as a burlesque troupe! That one is always a fun fact for people. Outside of that I think most people assume burlesque dancers have some sort of a ‘used by date’, but there have been multiple prominent performers of the past that kept going all the way up until their 80’s.
What is the most rewarding part of performing Burlesque as well as teaching it in your workshops? Have you seen people grow more comfortable in their sexuality or body?
The most rewarding aspect of both performing and teaching burlesque is witnessing the joy and inspiration it brings to others. Never did I imagine becoming a role model simply through my passion for dance and this art form, yet here I am, having cultivated a following that finds solace and empowerment in what I do. And there is truly no better feeling than helping others explore and embrace their sexuality and body confidence.
How do you celebrate queerness through performance?
I celebrate queerness in my performances by sharing the stage with friends and inviting audience participation, creating a communal and inclusive experience. The stage is my sanctuary for embracing and showcasing diversity and nonconformity. It empowers me to confidently express my identity and connect with others who share or support that journey. It’s also the only place where I don’t feel intimidated by beautiful women haha.
Are Burlesque audiences really made up of mostly women? Why do you think that is?
Yeah, absolutely! Most people are surprised to learn that burlesque predominantly attracts women, queer individuals, and femme-presenting people. While men are certainly welcome and do attend, this art form has been reclaimed as a space of liberation, celebrating freedom from patriarchal constraints. It’s rebellious, it feels almost naughty, and it’s supporting other women. What’s not to love!
What have you learned about your body and sexuality through Burlesque?
Burlesque has taught me the invaluable lesson that beauty transcends shape and size; it’s all about self-perception and the relationship one has with their body. Throughout my performance career, my weight has seen ups and downs, yet those changes have never diminished my sense of beauty or worth. This art form emphasizes confidence and self-acceptance above all, affirming that how we feel about ourselves is the true essence of allure. I have learnt that I am enough.