by Rawiyah
Every year in ritual I retell this story. I also tell it before my Bawdy Divine Workshop. It’s part of my glitter magic and as we descend into the darkest night in what seems the darkest year I cast it out again into the world as a way to reel in the light. The story goes that Amaterasu Omikami the Sun Goddess was … Read More Storytime: Solstice
by Rawiyah
(written after an interaction with an uber driver on my way home from performing at the Uptown Club in Oakland) You… You saw a happy, tipsy, fat, black woman and assumed I was a straight club girl on her way home from a night of partying. You assumed I was blowing off steam after work, caught in a revolving ritual that would go … Read More Not that kinda party.
by Rawiyah
“My Body is not a Cage” was written for “Burlesque and Why” a stage play produced by Dottie Lux, the founder of Red Hots Burlesque. Her goal was to give the audience an insight into what is beneath the glitter and glam. A chance to see that our performances are deeper than the foundation that goes on our faces. I was incredibly honored … Read More My Body’s not a Cage
by Rawiyah
I want to say that it started as a massive screw you to every magazine, every movie, every bully on the school yard, every very concerned stranger and condescending asshole. I want to say that my decision to dance burlesque was an exquisitely executed physical “bite me” to that girl that giggled when I walked into the gym.I want to say that I started stripping in defiance of every single music video and popular retail clothing store in existence. But that … Read More Werkin It Out
by Rawiyah
Alright I’m totally writing this all late but BurlyCon was amaaaaaaaaaaazing. Before we got there I was 75% body conscious with a high chance of freaking the fuck out since our fearless troupe leader Juicy D. Light signed us up for peer reviews. Now let me make is completely clear: Peer Reviews are not about competition against other performers. It is about putting yourself … Read More Burlycon 2011
by Rawiyah
Because being part of something larger than yourself, that challenges you and forces you to grow is a powerful experience Because the burlesque community is comprised of artist twisted creative compassionate genius and it is a pure fucking honor to be among their ranks. Because years from now when I am old and grey I can look back and say I had the ovaries … Read More This is why I do it 🙂
