Today we’d like to introduce you to Valentina J’adore.
Hi Valentina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I come from a background in musical theatre, which is what I hold a BFA in. A few months after I graduated, I found my way into the world of burlesque and I haven’t left since. I was a resident cast member with The Moonlight Dolls at Prohibition Theatre for around 4 years until their collapse in summer of 2020. I have also had the pleasure of performing in other states. About a year ago, I began producing my own burlesque shows and I am lucky to now be running multiple shows throughout Houston: The 8th Wonder Follies, Fetish Fantasies and Bewitched Burlesque (co-produced with Belle be Damned).
When not performing burlesque, I still return to my musical theatre roots when possible and have also worked on set for TV shows, commercials and photoshoots.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not. Losing my job with The Moonlight Dolls when Prohibition closed hurt because of the way it happened. Although it was a blessing in retrospect because as a result of that place closing, the burlesque scene in Houston is more colorful, inclusive and far reaching than ever.
When I began producing my own shows, of course I had a lot of doubts on whether or not the shows would be successful. I worried a lot about the longevity of the shows and if Houston would want to come back and see them again and again. But time is proving that there is a real following for burlesque here in Houston and they are a loyal following. The first show I produced, The 8th Wonder Follies, is celebrating its one-year anniversary in November and we have sold out all but one show in that year run.
On a personal level, I struggle a bit with having a spotlight on me when I am not on stage performing. I am extremely shy in a lot of areas of my personal life so running a business that is people centered and having a platform so to speak can sometimes feel very overwhelming to me. But I also recognize that having a platform is a privilege so I do my best to approach it from that mindset and use it wisely.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create in a lot of different artistic areas. I am most known for being a burlesque producer and performer but I am also an actor, dancer, singer, seamstress, writer and aspiring filmmaker. I try not to limit myself in terms of what medium I choose to express myself through, although I have my areas of strength and weakness like every other artist.
When it comes to burlesque, something that I’ve always loved about the art form is that I get to use many of my talents in one medium. I often utilize dance, acting, sewing and directing when creating my acts. And when I began producing, I was able to sharpen my leadership skills.
Creative Producing requires you have a vision and to have the ability to assemble the right group of people to help you execute that vision.
Something I would like to think sets me apart is my ability to envision, and then curate, a mood. I always have a specific vibe I’m trying to get across when I start conceptualizing a project and one of the most exciting feelings I get as a creative is when that world starts to take form. The shows that I produce all have vastly different moods to them and I take pride it being able to create those worlds that my audience can immerse themselves in. If you walk through the doors to see The 8th Wonder Follies, you are going to feel something completely different than if you were to walk through the doors to see Fetish Fantasies.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
If you are interested in starting burlesque, I always recommend that you look into taking some classes first. Burlesque requires that you be incredibly comfortable with your sensuality and a classroom setting will provide a supportive environment for that exploration. If you are sure you want to perform, start by going and watching as many shows as you can. See what your local scene is producing and soak in the way that each individual performs. There are many styles of burlesque and it’s great to observe them all while created your burlesque persona.
You can also offer to “kitten” local burlesque shows. The kitten is the person responsible for collecting the costumes the burlesque performers have taken off and returning them to the performers as well as helping performers with props if needed. The kitten often gets to interact with the emcee of the show and in some cases, gets their own bit of stage time. It’s a great way to get behind the scenes and see how everything works while also getting a little bit of stage experience. Most shows also have a need for a person to take tickets at the door, spotlight operators, etc. so if you are open to working those positions as well, it can be a great way to get your foot in the door.
Contact Info:
- Email: valentina.jadoreburlesque@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valentinajadore/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valentinajadore
- Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/valentina-jadore-33168873135
Image Credits
Mikah Danae Photography
Ginger LaRoux
MDR Foto
DMR Depictions
Jordan Scheiner Photography
Lieurance Designs Photography
