New Hero: Pucks A'Plenty
AURORE sat down with burlesque performer Mx. Pucks A’Plenty to discuss polyamory, the politics of burlesque, and embracing rest.
Burlesque—how did you get into it, and what about it keeps you coming back for more?
I discovered burlesque about 10 years ago. I had just had my son and I was experiencing postpartum depression. While surfing Netflix, I found a documentary called A Wink and A Smile. It was all about the history of burlesque and a burlesque school in Seattle. I was hooked and wanted to see burlesque live. For seven years I would go to a burlesque show once a year. Four years ago I finally registered for Miss Indigo Blue's Academy of Burlesque, and the rest is history.
Burlesque sort of just happens to you, and in my case, it keeps happening to me, whether it be performing or producing. Just when I think I've reached a plateau, I find more inspiration to keep evolving.
From your Instagram, it’s clear that you’re more than just a performer. You’re also a public personality and an organizer. Do these two worlds intersect for you? How so?
The worlds intersect daily. Performing the art of burlesque is political by its very nature. Art and storytelling is part of the wheel of social justice. Even when I am doing a very classic and elegant act it is still a political statement. People with bodies and identities like mine are still fighting for our humanity and the agency in this world, so by taking up space, I am challenging the status quo.
“Performing the art of burlesque is political by its very nature.”
Tell us about your relationship to polyamory.
I have identified as polyam for almost a decade. I currently have five partners and live with two of them. I also produce a yearly event called the Polyam Day Camp.
What makes you feel sexy as a person and as a performer?
I am a hedonist by nature. I feel sexy as a person whenever I have a freshly shaved head and as a performer whenever I get to peel a satin glove off with my teeth!
What do you most love about the Seattle communities you’re a part of?
I love that the communities are evolving and open to making changes to show up for the most marginalized among us. Seattle is such an artsy place and I love that.
What is your favorite non-erotic food that is actually erotic?
I love sashimi, specifically hamachi belly. It is dreamy and melts so beautifully in the mouth.
Who are your muses?
Lately I've been inspired by so many Black Femmes and nonbinary artists. Goddess Briq House, D'Monica Leone, and Rebecca Mm Davis are so inspiring and supportive.
How do you rest and care for yourself as an artist, person, and erotic being?
Rest these days has been hard to come by. I am currently the board chair for a new organization and venue in Seattle called the Seattle Burlesque and Cabaret Co-Op. Our new venue The Give Inn will be opening in July officially. I am co-producing my flagship event, ‘What the Funk?!’, an All BIPOC Burlesque Festival in August, all while raising an 11 year old, preparing for season 2 of my podcast SexualiTEA SEA, fulfilling my work with the #OldProProject as a National Coordinator, and trying to show up for all of my partners. When I find moments of rest it usually involves sushi, my bathtub and therapeutic crying. It has been a really long and intense 2 years for me as an artist, educator, parent, and business owner.