Today we’d like to introduce you to Milly Marie.
Hi Milly , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
“She was meant for the stage the minute she could walk” was what my grandma used to say. She always felt I was meant to entertain, to be the eccentric person out loud. Milly Marie was born during a very late night shift while in the Navy. I was getting out and I wanted to follow my pinup dreams. And with the pinup dreams, brought me to burlesque. I auditioned for Hell on Heels and was one of the lucky to to join troupe. It became a life changing hobby. When they dismantled to troupe in 2015. I know it was my time to crack those knuckles and give producing a try. I wanted to create a space where every dancer is different and you can be yourself unapologetic. I was say we were the misfit toys, the ones who didn’t get hired often. My method worked and Bless Your Heart Burlesque became a house hold name. We had many sold out shows. Went on one tour. Our shows had fun themes and we made sure to keep your attention though out the show. January 27. 2020 was our last show as a troupe. The pandemic changed how we would burlesque. And we sat down and waited. Then we all kind of went our own ways. We still support each other and if there’s like three of us in one room we require reunion photos. 2024 I noticed a need to bring back what bless your heart burlesque was. A place for all bodies, different talent,, the misfit toy. I’m proud to say I just held my first Bless your heart burlesque production show and we had a very packed house. The theme? All local all plus size. And we felt the love. I love producing so much more than performing. Simply because I feel so much go watching an audience being entertained and going home and have a great night
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been more like an adventure. It’s all very exciting. You can hit a scary point. Or the dry desert. Of course we all want perfect roads, but yes definitely a few bumps. Financially, it can be difficult. As a producer, you want to come out with profit but it doesn’t always happen that way. From being a troupe to now a production company you definitely have to deal with different personalities and me being the “one in charge” did get a lot of tension. Looking back with a few past members, I can see my mistakes and how to approach it a little better. But 27 Milly vs 37 Milly are two completely different women.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a burlesque dancer. I am the producer and creator of Bless Your Heart Burlesque Productions. I am a proud, plus size indigenous woman and I advocate for safe spaces so everyone can freely show their art. I’m Mama Peach.
I’m proud of what I created! Bless Your Heart BP isn’t just a pretty dancer or monotonous. It’s expression, it’s art, it’s loud
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
We’re lucky to have an accessible studio in Claremont called Flaunt Dance Studios. It’s a great way to dip your toes and learn some basic. But honestly what’s important is learning your history. What is burlesque? Who paved the way? Look at all the different styles! Fall down the rabbit hole of YouTube videos. Play with music and costumes. Remember this is fun and always remember to be nice.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/missmillymarie
Image Credits
Slow Hand Photography
Luna Saguaro Photography
Go-Go Amy
Tim Chisham
