Check Out Saint Valentease’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Saint Valentease.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was so much different when I first moved to Colorado two years ago than I am now. I attribute a lot of my growth to becoming a burlesque and drag performer and finding my niche little community. Getting started is always like you’re learning to walk for the first time; you fumble and fall down a lot because you don’t quite understand how legs work yet. I ended up parting ways with where I started after I realized it to be a toxic environment for me, which propelled me to work my ass off to get myself booked. I didn’t want anyone to take credit for “shaping” me or hold the smug belief that I couldn’t get ahead just by being true to myself, I needed someone to pave this path for me. It was a slow start, but I was diligent about reaching out to producers as often as possible and being really annoying about castings. After doing my first paid show with Rebel Girl Productions, where I debuted my Naughty-Succubus-Nun act that I still pedal to this day, it sort of took off! Producers were more willing to book me when I reached out, to the point where I’ve been able to become a traveling dancer/performer and even get into face painting for events. I’ve been able to make enough of a name for myself, by myself, that I now have producers reaching out to ME to ask to hire me instead of the other way. It’s an incredible turnaround for sure, and I feel like that’s a big goal for a lot of performers. I’m honored and humbled to be able to grace as many stages as I have.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m surprised by how readily I’ve been able to book myself and how much I’ve been able to create over the last year. That’s not to say it’s been perfect. There are times when being turned down from a casting has triggered some imposter syndrome within me, making me feel like this is all a waste of time. There are times where peers have been less than friendly. I had to accept the fact that I don’t fit the classic burlesque/drag scene and likely never will. All of that is just part of growing as a performer and a person.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Being a performer has taught me things about myself and allowed me to grow in ways I never thought possible. Performing, and in particular stripping, has cast aside the curtain than shrouded my gender and sexuality. It has helped me feel at home in my body and touch a part of sensuality that I didn’t realize existed: sensuality and sexuality for the sake of oneself. Being on stage is immensely self-gratifying in that way as someone on the asexual spectrum. But I guess I don’t really know what I’m “known” for; I feel like that’s something for audiences to decide. I try to create new and interesting acts so that I can keep people on their toes so they don’t always expect the same thing. I’m really proud of being able to create a lot of different numbers and having the courage to try weird things that the audience may or may not receive. No matter the reaction, it always gives me pleasure to perform…and possibly confuse.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If you want to work with me, you can message me via Instagram! That’s the main platform I use to run my “business”. If you’re not looking to book me, you can support me by tipping me, which helps me buy and create costumes and props! Find me on IG and Venmo with the handle saintvalentease.

Pricing:

• Show bookings: guaranteed $50 per act, plus tips. Rate is negotiable depending on production size/quality.
• Private parties: $150, plus tips. 50% non refundable deposit required 1 week prior.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: saintvalentease

Image Credits
Broken Glass Photography Allie Kat Porter Kilted Imagery Garrett Chappell Ryan Abbot Eliza Rex