We had the good fortune of connecting with Coco Rose’ and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Coco, why did you pursue a creative career?
Burlesque has been my outlet and activism for women, women of color and queer-identifying women. Although some have dismissed burlesque as little more than glorified stripping, neo-burlesque is about reclaiming society’s objectification of women. With every performance, my goal is to leave the audience knowing that I am not just a (POC), sex worker or marketing gimmick but a black woman that has a story to tell who has embraced her sexuality, curves and taken her power back.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My burlesque started off as an ask in an Applebee’s parking lot and now almost 5 years later it has blossomed into my lively-hood and a very big part of my personality. Before March of 2020 I was crushing every goal I set before myself, I was traveling the world performing, learning from industry professionals and I even won a crown. Then The Rona hit and everything came to a halt, for me. I am impressed and in awe of those in my community that have been able to pivot and keep the name of Burlesque alive. At 1st I felt like I really wasn’t a true burlesque performer because I didn’t and haven’t been able to pivot and keep going. Thanks to a heart to heart with fellow performer Bella Sin, I was assured that there is nothing wrong with me and I am still a performer but sometimes you need time to grieve, sit still and recharge, while still holding space for my art. As the founder of Glitter Goddess Productions any show that I put on POC performers will always be the majority of the cast because those are the stories that get pushed to the back. overlooked or just plain white washed. And my goal has and always be to make sure that the public knows that burlesque is just not thin white bodies and everyone in the audience will see someone they can relate to.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is so hard to do now that Covid has all but taken over the city but if and when I do get out you can find me at these places. Not a shock to anyone we are going to Sublime Doughnuts on 10th street. It is 24 hrs and blackowned what’s not to love! LanZhou Ramen, this is my happy place because I love their hand pulled noodle soup. Roswell Falls would be the next step because the falls are so beautiful and the sound of the water flowing over the rocks gives a level of peace that is indescribable. And since we can’t go to a live burlesque show I’d set up the computer and log into one of the many digital burlesque shows.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people that deserve credit in keeping this little Unicorn going. 1st Dru’s Bar run by Tami Montgomery in Memphis Tn for giving me my 1st stage to create on, Metropolitan Studios in Atlanta Ga for teaching and pushing me. Syrens of the South in Atlanta Ga for giving me the stage to create my art. Flux Inqueerior and Stormy Knight for helping me produce shows, pushing me to continue with my art and talk me off the ledge when the pressure gets heavy. And my Wife Crystal for being my biggest cheerleader and embracing the life of a burlesque wife.

Instagram: @thecocorose
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecocorose/

Image Credits
Charles Bailey JC Barger Dlgitaltheartist

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