1. How did you come up with your stage name?

I loved the name Requiem & wanted my last name to roll off the tongue so I started thinking of all the R words I could think of. Thus, Requiem La Raunch was born.

2. What style of burlesque do you perform?

I perform classical & neo-burlesque. I would like to branch out more at future shows by doing a belly dancing or tap act.

3. How long have you been a burlesque performer?

10 years!

4. Are you actively performing now?

Yes, I am. I’m also the co-founder of Gem City Dolls.

5. What makes you want to perform?

I love the rush I get being on stage! Burlesque crowds have amazing energy that I feed off of when I’m performing. I’ve been a performance artist my whole life, even attending college on a theater & dance scholarship. There’s just nothing like the thrill of live performances where anything can (& sometimes does) happen.

6. Do you do a solo or group act?

I prefer to perform solo. However, I really enjoy choreographing group acts.

7. What is your favorite costume or thing to wear on stage?

I absolutely love to wear wigs & corsets. I take inspiration from drag & alternative imagery for my makeup & wigs. I love rocking that hourglass silhouette with corsets.

8. Do you make your own costumes?

I would say most of my costumes are “semi-homemade” meaning I’ll Thrift or purchase items & then bejewel, modify or glam them up.

9. Do you have a special self care or beauty product you can’t live without?

I absolutely love giving myself pedicures at home so my foot file, foot masks, nail polishes & nail art are very important to my self care routine.

10. What fascinates you about the art of burlesque?

What truly fascinates me about burlesque is the performer’s ingenuity. From aerial/circus type elements to exquisite props, I’m always amazed by what wonderfully unique & different ideas people come up with!

11. How did you find out about burlesque?

I attended a show in Eugene, Oregon while on vacation & thought, “why have I not been doing this for years already! It’s very much in my wheelhouse!”

12. What are your top 3 go-to burlesque songs?

Haha almost anything Britney Spears or Marilyn Manson. I’ve done multiple acts using songs by those artists. I also really loved “Rock Me Amadeus” by Falco & named my son after that song/act I did.

13. What do you do to mentally prepare to perform?

I try not to over-practice. I try really hard to trust my ability & confidence while not overthinking or stressing about it.

14. What is the most challenging thing about performing?

It’s exhausting! From dealing with props to getting dolled up to actually dancing. I always sleep well after a show!

15. What is the weirdest experience you’ve had at a show?

I threw my bra into the crowd & a man caught it & wouldn’t return it to me. I was so sad because I’d spent many, many hours bejeweled it. Lesson learned.

16. Who is your favorite burlesque performer?

Dita Von Teese

17. Do you have any regrets about being a burlesque performer?

It can be very difficult trying to hide it from work/coworkers. I have known people who were fired when their bosses found out about their Burly life.

18. What do you wish people knew about burlesque?

Almost everything! There are a lot of misconceptions.

19. What is your favorite thing about being a burlesque performer?

The glamor of becoming Requiem definitely. And I also appreciate being able to express myself in a creative way, to have burlesque as a creative outlet.

20. What advice do you have for someone who wants to try it but is too nervous?

The best way to dip your toe into burlesque is to help out with a show. Kittening, stagehand work, promotion are all great ways to see what it’s like.