Photo: Madamette Fleurs dress in royal green; Hair hat and boa: Cat Cult by MVP
When do you feel the most powerful?MVP: When I am wearing my red lipstick. It’s literally my war paint. I feel beautiful, powerful and sexy. It’s almost like a barrier between me and the rest of the world.
What does Playful mean to you?
MVP:Playful to me is when you add whimsy to your life. Not taking things too seriously. Finding joy and fun in the mundane.
How has burlesque dancing empowered you?
MVP: I come from the world of theatre. It was the Segway into burlesque. I started a troupe when I was in grad school. Burlesque has taught me how to love and appreciate my body but to love and appreciate the differences in us all.
Burlesque performers come in all ages, sizes, genders and colors. Each with their own unique perspective on sexuality and seduction. Performing takes bravery. It takes a lot to put your body and fantasy on display for an audience. I feel at home on stage because I am unapologetic when it comes to my creativity and style.
Photo: Play boots in dreamy noir, lingerie from MVP’s closet
How are you leveraging your experience to inspire others?
MVP: I use my social media regularly and have shared my journey with the world. I also teach act development which helps performers create their signature burlesque acts. I also like to offer advice to students on navigating this world of burlesque.
What’s a challenge you faced that you’re proud of overcoming?
MVP:I received my breast cancer diagnosis April 20, 2023. Before that I knew I had breast cancer I had had a series of health issues that I realize now were warnings. My body forced me to take a year off performing. I had a double mastectomy and it took two surgeries to complete it. I needed to depend on my husband for everything and I’m a very independent person and it was not easy for me.
In that time I pivoted back into my visual art which I had somewhat abandoned. My skills came back, I sold pieces and it was nice to focus on something that had nothing to do with performance or what I looked like while I healed.
I still experienced FOMO and was very emotionally raw for a time but Im not the kind of person who just waits for life’s opportunities I just pivot.
I think, “What do I have control over at this moment?” Then I take inspired action. It was a long painful battle and after few months I was able to perform again. In between surgeries and after. I’m back and better than ever. I’m stronger than I realized.
What’s your favorite beauty secret?
Laughter, meditation, drink water, eat dark leafy greens and Peter Thomas Roth complexion pads.
Photo: Madamette Fleurs dress in royal green and Play mules noir; Boa: Cat Cult by MVP
Who inspires you most? Why?
MVP: My inspiration comes from music first. I listen to so much music everyday all my life. I can’t live without it.
Then it’s old Hollywood movies, fashion, visual art, Catwoman, Betty Boop, Marilyn Monroe, Grace Jones, Dorothy Dandridge, Eartha Kitt and of course Josephine Baker. She changed my life. I discovered her when I was 7 or 8 years old and I haven’t been the same since. It started my obsession with France and French music. With my love of old Hollywood it was refreshing to see a black superstar thriving in that era. And she wasn’t the maid or playing second fiddle, she was the star! And at one point the most famous and wealthiest black woman in the world.
Creative Director @quanasia.graham
Creative Collaborator @miavpart
Photographer/ Videographer @rome_god
Loft Location: @cynthiavonbuhler