Meet Trailblazer Bang Bang Von Loola

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bang Bang Von Loola.

Bang Bang Von Loola, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was lucky to have a really fun and creative start to life. My extremely artistic and devoted parents homeschooled for most of my childhood. My dad, a successful life long musician, and mom, a wonderful creative on all fronts. We lived in Los Angeles, CA until I was 12 years old, and in that time I was able to witness the many facets of show business. My parents always encouraged my creativity, and happily indulged me in one of my earliest dreams, of being a professional ballerina! I started my ballet training at the age of five and continued to explore the world of dance performance into my late teens. My passion for old Hollywood glamour also started quite young. This was greatly nurtured by living so intimately with “Tinseltown”.

One of my favorite things to do was dress up, and put on little “productions” where I’d sing and dance for my friends and family. I liked the whole process of putting shows together, including all of the “behind the scenes” stuff. Little did I know that my penchant for dance, show production, and elaborate sparkling costumes would become a career!

Fast forward to 2009, when burlesque entered my story. I was in a time of my life when I was figuring out what my ultimate calling might be. I was dabbling pretty seriously in vintage pin-up modeling, vintage inspired hair and makeup application, singing old jazz tunes with my dad and his band, and trying to find my way back into dancing. A family inherited illness had put a stop to my formal dance training, and I desperately wanted to continue using my years of dance experience in some way. I really wanted to culminate dance performance, with all of the vintage interests I had been developing. One day, I stumbled onto a documentary about burlesque and its modern rebirth. I knew immediately that I had found the way to combine all of the things I loved into one concept. Burlesque, simply put, was the perfect fit for me!

From there, I began further researching the history of burlesque and looking up local shows that I could attend. Up until that point, I wasn’t aware there was such an expansive burlesque presence in Colorado! I was lucky enough to get my feet wet in the scene quite quickly. I took a very basic series of classes and had a short stint with a troupe that left me craving more from the possibilities burlesque had to offer. I ultimately craved more from the inclusive, supportive, unbound creative side of burlesque, which I hadn’t tapped into yet. I wanted to be involved with part of the community that embraced all body types, sexualities, gender identities, and ethnicities, which has always been important to me.

In 2012, I and a small group of Fort Collins-based burlesque performers decided to expand our horizons and started our own troupe, which we fondly dubbed “BlueStocking Burly-Q.” A “bluestocking” by historic definition, is an educated, intellectual person, with emphasis on the 18th-century group of intellectual women. The group focused on the inclusion of anyone who needed a safe place to express themselves, which was something our burlesque troupe believed in.

BlueStocking Burly-Q ran as a troupe, with our small group of gals until 2016. Eventually, the remaining members of the troupe left to seek other ventures, and I decided to forge forward with the company. From that point on, I took over the producing, marketing, MC’ing, singing and dancing of the show. I brought in guest stars, burlesque, and variety performers alike, from all over the country to be in my monthly productions.

After a couple of years, the group evolved into the production company I run today, which was rebranded last year as “BlueStocking Burlesque.” I currently produce a monthly show, the 1st Thursday of every month, in Fort Collins Colorado. I now have two full time “BlueStockings”, Cheri Kush Lightning and Ryan Stone, who assist me in show production and marketing. Our show is housed in an amazing venue called the Downtown Artery, which is located in the heart of Old Town.

Throughout the time that I’ve been developing BlueStocking Burlesque, I have also performed as an independent contractor in multiple different productions including: Crimson Burlesque, Gazealouse Presents, Peaks and Pasties, Carnivale De Sensuale, Cora Vette’s Racy Review, the Clocktower Cabaret & Monday Night Tease in Hollywood to name a few. I’ve also participated in various special events including Colorado, Las Vegas, Iowa, Mile High, and Burlypicks burlesque festivals, and the 1940’s Ball in Boulder CO. All of these shows and events have given me a great deal of immersion in the community, and the experiences I craved when I started out in this career. I’ve met so many extraordinary people through burlesque that have become life long friends. I’m truly blessed to have been given these opportunities, and I am grateful for every show I’ve been a part of!

Currently, in addition to my monthly BlueStocking Burlesque show in Fort Collins, I am a regular performer for the Clocktower Cabaret in Denver! I can be seen in their Thursday and Saturday night burlesque shows multiple times a month. I also perform in some of their specialty shows like: Blush, Naughty 90’s Banging Burlesque Review, and the upcoming Nerdlesque show in June.

Recently, I’ve begun offering private lessons and mentoring to help aspiring performers achieve their ultimate goals in their burlesque careers! Though I never pictured my self as a mentor, I’m really glad I decided to pursue this venture. It’s helped me realized and appreciate the knowledge I’ve acquired over the years, and revitalized my love for my art form! I am thrilled that my experience has been helpful to others in their journey.

I’m currently looking to the future with great optimism. I have so many amazing shows and experiences on the horizon, and I am getting MARRIED to a wonderful fella in August! I’m at a point where I see that my dedication to my career is opening up many exciting avenues, some I never imagined being possible. I am extremely grateful and thankful for where burlesque has taken me, in my professional and personal life.

Great, 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?
There have definitely been some obstacles to hurdle, but that’s just life I suppose.

Specifically, I had to go through some less than pleasant experiences with performers and producers who didn’t embrace the inclusive side of the burlesque community. As with anything, there are pockets of people who don’t share the same vision, don’t like sharing the spotlight, and feel the need to be exclusive. I try to shy away from those kinds of situations, but I will say, a scenario like that actually helped inspire the creation of my company, BlueStocking Burlesque.

On occasion, I’ve found my self in uncomfortable situations where people think what I do is less than savory. I’ve noticed that most of these individuals just aren’t well educated on what burlesque actually is, and all of the amazing things it supports. Usually, I’m able to describe what I do, why I love doing it, and all the amazing things that come with it, and they walk away with a different idea of what burlesque can be! Of course, you can’t win everyone haha. You can try to give others the opportunity to learn about new things. Hope that you inspire them, in the long run, to open their minds to new idea and concepts.

My advice would be to figure out what makes you feel happy an fulfilled, and pursue it wholeheartedly! Pay no mind to those who are negative, insecure and narrow-minded. Carve out your own path, be kind, patient, optimistic and professional. You are in charge of your destiny, so create the life you want!

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a professional, full-time burlesque performer and producer in the lovely state of Colorado! On the side, I’m also the bookkeeper and production manager of a non-profit.

I own the award-winning BlueStocking Burlesque production company, and troupe based in Fort Collins Colorado. I perform burlesque routines, MC, and sing in all of our monthly shows as well as produce them from start to finish. I have the most wonderful crew and a fantastic fan base that comes out and supports our brand of inclusive, authentic burlesque in Northern Colorado!

My specialties include classic burlesque routines, “torch” singing, stream of consciousness comedy style MC-ing, and show production. I have refined the application of vintage styled hair and makeup, as well as stage makeup. I also handcraft all of my own costumes, right down the sparkly pasties!

Aspiring burlesque dancers can book me for private lessons, or for an overall mentorship to help them get their professional burlesque career on track! I can cover all the bases, such as choreography, costuming, hair & makeup, musicality, branding, networking, booking strategy, etc. Whatever help you need to nurture your journey in the wonderful world of burlesque! I will happily personalize lessons to individuals needs.

I am proud to represent one of the small numbers of Asian American burlesque dancers/producers in the business (I’m probably the only 1/2 Japanese 1/2 Jewish gals of the bunch). I’m honored to be able to represent my heritage in this art form, and I hope to inspire more girls of my ethnicities to feel comfortable in their own skin!

Overall, I strive to give everyone, performers and patrons alike, a safe, positive space to enjoy the timeless art that is BURLESQUE. I believe I’ve helped the growth of a stronger, more liberated flavor of burlesque in Fort Collins that I’m very proud of.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
There are quite a few of us who mentor aspiring burlesque performers (including myself!), as well as ample amounts of burlesque shows and events to attend in Colorado!

I would start out by enjoying burlesque as an audience member. Figure out what shows and styles appeal to you, and find your inspiration! Another benefit of experiencing a show as an audience member is to get a feel for what is genuinely enjoyable to watch. The brilliance of musical timing, each performer’s unique styling, the artistry of the hair and makeup, the overall attention to detail, etc. All of this should be enjoyed from a patrons point of view in order to gain the full experience. It will help you appreciate all aspects of burlesque when you begin to perform. Burlesque shows encourage the exchange of energy. When the audience is loud, the performer feeds off that energy and translates it into their performance. It’s a wonderful symbiotic effect!

Next, I would find a mentor or class series that speaks to your style! It’s better to find a good fit in rather than be in a situation that doesn’t make your soul sing!

When I started out as a soloist, I created a few staple routines, complete with well-rounded choreography, detailed costumes, and confidence behind them that I would present to producers. Most importantly, these routines were a joy to perform, and I enjoyed every part of creating them!

After a while of establishing myself in the scene with these acts, I’d create new ones, and start the process of “selling” them all over again. I still practice this procedure today! As a producer, I’m always impressed with new OR established performers who come forward with a very realized brand, vision, and vigor for burlesque.

Social media is certainly a staple in self-promotion of any kind. I have made sure to secure all social media handles under my name to keep my brand intact. My best platforms at this point are Facebook and Instagram. Keeping friends and fans up to date with your adventures encourages audience growth, and hiring opportunities. I usually take a peek at the social media profiles of a potential booking, to get a better idea of their style, etc.

Another way I nurture my network is by attending burlesque events and simply being friendly and professional with everyone I encounter! I find my self drawn to those who don’t rely on “putting on airs”. I think it pays off to be personable and authentic at the same time. I’ve found that being myself is my best asset, and has helped me build a strong, wonderful network of friends and colleagues!

Pricing:

• Burlesque mentorship pricing depends on the needs/goals of the individual.
• BlueStocking Burlesque Variety show tickets range from $8-$10

Contact Info:

• Website: www.facebook.com/bluestockingburlesque
• Email: bangbangvonloola@gmail.com
• Instagram: @bangbangvonloola
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/bluestockingburlesque

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