Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariana Salazar.
Hi Mariana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up, I had an intense passion for dance, high heels, and all things glamour! I would walk around the house in my mom’s kitten heels, a feather boa, and a little plastic tiara that barely held onto my head. I’d beg my mom to go to the grocery store, first grade, or even Sunday church in my Cinderella dress. Looking back now, the signs were pretty clear. I was always a little Diva. As I got older, I always kept up with either dance, cheerleading, acting, writing, or any creative outlet that allowed me to express myself in a way that felt unrestricted. For me, creativity and using my body was always a way to recenter myself and express my truth. Through the years, my creativity was eventually stifled; I was told to be more realistic, and focus on more “practical” things that would eventually promise me a successful career and adult life– in theory. So I tried the whole academic thing. I did well in High school, got a full ride scholarship to a very prestigious college in Massachusetts, and figured that graduating with from there would be my security. But even then, throughout my time at school that I dedicated to my Environmental Science and Philosophy degrees, there was always one thing that I kept coming back to simply for the joy and peace that I felt when doing it, and that was dance. There wasn’t a single semester I was in college that I didn’t take a dance (or dance adjacent) class, just for fun. I might as well have done a Dance minor. Even then, I realized that although I was pursuing things I was incredibly passionate about, dance was something I simply could not live without. So when I graduated college and moved back to Houston, the first thing I did to help me ground myself back in the city was hit a dance class. I visited my very first Burlesque show at the Neon Rouge in 2023 and completely fell in love with the glamour, the drama, the beauty and the freedom that Burlesque provides it’s performers. I auditioned probably a week later, and from then on have built my (extremely unforeseen) career as a Showgirl. Throughout the last few years, Burlesque and the skills and confidence I have gained from this career have helped me in many ways. I have become a published model, I have designed and created all of my costumes, and have even dabbled in music production and mixing. I always say Burlesque is like 7 jobs in one, but it has honestly been a blessing to be able to create a sustainable and successful life from what started off as a hobby.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I struggled for a long time with my self confidence and feeling like I wasn’t good enough. That imposter syndrome followed me even throughout college, where I never felt confident using my voice or my intellect. There were many times in my life that I felt like the things I did were all to just try and prove myself, whether that was to my family, my professors, or really anyone in my life. I truly struggled in the beginning because I didn’t have a strong support system, or perhaps one at all. But as I like to think, all of those experiences were for a reason, and I feel like they have led me to build my own support system for myself. The last three years of my life have been like a self-confidence crash course/intensive. I just had to keep trusting myself to move forward with integrity, and as I did, I found myself. I have come to learn that every part of me is worth sharing, and fortunately, once you know yourself and love yourself, confidence is just a byproduct of your self-worth.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a professional Burlesque dancer, Showgirl, and. Model. My specialty is bringing a sexy, glamorous, sensual, and intimate vibe to my audiences. For me, the work I do as a dancer and model is to not only captivate an audience, but to bring them into my world of love and whimsy. My stage name, Mari A’marte, was born from my desire to spread love. Not in a physical way, but more in a philosophical and spiritual way; spreading love through joy and moments where you simply feel free and happy to be alive. I think what sets me apart most from others in my industry is that I perform from a place of service. What I do, while it might be a little risqué or provocative, is really in hopes that people can open their hearts and drop their guard when they see me. It is an invitation into vulnerability, and I hope to create a safe space where people can feel like they are loved for who they are, and to not be afraid of simply being, even if it is just for a moment.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think it is my integrity that will ultimately bring my success. I feel that especially in a creative career, it is important to stay true to your vision and what you hope to see in the world, whether it agrees with you or not. Ultimately art is a vessel for human connection and even though sometimes it may feel like a lot for some people, I have a feeling that in the end, authenticity is what audiences truly crave, because that we are really able to connect to each other. The more I keep being myself and sharing myself, the more the right audiences will be attracted.
Pricing:
- Modeling rates: $200/hr, $250 for H&MU included
- Boudoir: starting at $350/hr
- Burlesque: please email inquiries to marianaxsalazar@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://starletvanity.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamarte.xo/
