Meet Obsidian | Burlesque Dancer

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

Hi Obsidian, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I used to pride myself on living a very prudent and well thought out life. I liked feeling comfortable and knowing what to expect until I got bored and began to feel unfulfilled. Sadly, I knew that I’d never get to where I wanted to go and achieve the things that I knew would fill my cup without taking risks. So, I guess you could say that discontentment and dreaming led me to reshape the way that I think about risks. Risks became the door that led me to my art and my joy.

Risks help me grow and learn. I’ve yet to regret the risks that I’ve taken. Even when they haven’t panned out the way I’ve planned, I learn something new about myself or the business.

The risks that I’ve taken have opened the door for me to travel to perform, make connections with people that I admire, and create spaces for people like me to grow and connect.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a fat burlesque dancer. It is important to add the specificity of fat because burlesque/other spaces where bodies are celebrated have not always been a safe space for fat performers.

It took six years, give or take for me to make it to where I am as a performer. Not, because that is the usual time that it takes, but because I started taking classes at the Atlanta School of Burlesque as way to connect with myself and my body. However, I quickly fell in love with the art and the power that I felt, but feared being able to full dive into the community due to my muggle job and hear that others had lost their jobs. But, with pandemic and losing those that I love, I remembered that life is precious and I decided to seize the day and apply for a show called Fatlanta.

Honestly, it was hard to actually start performing, but I had to shake some off my fears, personal hang ups, and some of the walls that I’d built to remain “safe.” Luckily, one of my instructors at the Atlanta School of Burlesque, Roula Roulette worked with me and pushed me beyond my walls. Had they not taken the time to see me, I would still be dreaming about performing.

Sometimes, those safety walls build themselves back up and I have to remind myself of who I am and how much I love this art, my art.

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.
Honestly, I’m a homebody. But, when I go out it’s in my neighborhood, East Atlanta Village

Metropolitan Studios – There’s always a good show happening. Bonus points if it’s a Candybox Revue Show!!
Kaboodle – Vintage Shop – lots of unique finds
Southern Feed – Open Mic Night
529 – For a great dance party

Little 5 Points to walk around, but I love
Moods Music
Abbadabba’s

Food
Pappadeaux – I’m a Florida girl who loves seafood
Flying Biscuit – grits and biscuits
Home Grown – biscuits

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Atlanta School of Burlesque opened the door to a new and beautiful world that I didn’t know I needed. Through the classes at the ASB I got to know a new side of myself. I began to give myself the time that I deserved. I found the confidence that I’d been missing in my everyday life. Best of all, I’ve found a community and family. I’d like to give a special shoutout to two teachers who have given me boosts in ways that they can’t possibly know – Roula Roulette and Lola LeSoleil. They still take the time to talk me through things when I’m stuck and I’m forever grateful.

I also shoutout my wife. She’s my biggest fan and supporter. She rhinestones costumes, she’s the loudest cheerer, and she’ll do anything for the art.

Instagram: @shesobsidian

Facebook: @shesobsidian

Youtube: @shesobsidian

Image Credits
Balloons – Keith Johnson Fur Coat – House of GeminEye Dark photo w/ white sheet = KCrosby Photography Teal Background – Marc Turnley Black and White – Boom Boom Photography By Erica Young Crown – Amellia G Photography