SCARLETT JAMES – QUEEN OF BURLESQUE
INTERVIEW WITH SCARLETT JAMES
BEST OF CANADA 2010
- Scarlett James, cover art of upcoming book: ( fabulous!! K.A.)
KA -This was my first ever Burlesque show and I am a complete convert. I felt like a kid at an amusement park, not knowing which treat to try next; except in the case of a show, the surprise element is heightened. Would you say that Burlesque is having a renaissance of sorts?
SJ – Burlesque is definitely having a renaissance in Montreal amongst the mainstream audience. We are re-living the golden era of Montreal’s grand cabarets. Glamour is back, on stage and off the stage. I felt the need to have that kind of entertainment for myself and it seams I was not the only one.< class=ai>
KA-The audience at the show were as (and in some cases more) receptive than most concerts I have been to; at least twice there was a full standing ovations after a performance. What is it about your show that creates such a passionate response?
SJ -I have a lot of talented artist on the show and the way I run things around me involve a lot of love and respect. This allows the performers to really enjoy what they are doing and connect with the audience. That is the key for me, I offer the best environment possible so these artistes can give their best. Of course the public will respond to such a positive energy with joy!
KA – Scarlett, Scarlett, Scarlett… if I could write a poem to you, it would go like this: “Roses are red, Violets are pretty, I will dance for you, but I will not show you my ….” The fact that there is no full nudity seems to heighten the experience even more; is this the secret behind burlesque?
SJ -I always say that the most important is not the destination but the journey to get there. This also applies to many things in life and Burlesque is only a reflection of that. The person who experiences this is excited, curious, enticed, nervous, aroused, focused and the imagination is highly stimulated. All of this taps into the core instincts of a human being… I have not invented anything, I just like to play with it!
KA – Your performance was worthy of a large Vegas stage with tens of thousands watching (the photos on the slide though amazing does not give it justice folks, if you were there you witnessed poetry in motion. If you were not, I am sure this is just the beginning for Miss Scarlett) What pushes you to create such magnificence.
SJ – I have a great imagination, I guess… I have a dream, a vision and I follow my instinct. Creating is a big part of who I am, I could not leave without it. It is a little girl’s dream to one day become a princess and imagining wonderful stories to fall asleep at night. From those dreams, I still have the feelings I once felt and from those emotions I create. It is very difficult to explain…
KA – I was asked last summer to interview you for the printed version of KA magazine’s Best of Canada. We were so busy that it did not stay on my radar (to which we will definitely say right here on record that Scarlett James is KA Magazine’s pick for “Best in Burlesque 2010” and we will definitely be putting this on our website as well as in the next issue #5 even if it is 2011). Do you find that Burlesque isn’t getting the main stream attention it so deserves, or do you even wish for this?
SJ -I think burlesque as I see and present it is getting the attention slowly but surely. In the past 3 years my clientele has evolved and 90% of the attendance was, in fact, mainstream. I am really happy about it and this was part of my goal to bring Burlesque in Montreal beyond the underground scene. I have young professionals, presidents of high profile companies, recognized law firms and mining industries. I mean the corporate world is very careful about their image and the show is so grand that I have now their support. I think it tells a lot and makes me very proud.
Thank you for crowning me best burlesque 2010, I appreciate that J.
KA -While at the show, I was struck by the diversity of the audience. There was the lady fully dressed in white (shown in slide), the man in suit and tie, the social ladies, the ladies that lunch and the hipsters (can I still use that term). Well the place had everyone. How did Burlesque become so Universal and in particular you Miss Scarlett, as they were practically all bursting to see you?
SJ -I like to celebrate women, and men. I have a vision that people had a need for at the time they needed it, I present something new (even though it is as old as the world) and different, I am not about shocking as I think there is enough of that in everyday life. I am making certain everyone is at ease and relax, enjoy themselves and I am here to share something and not take something from them. I, above all, bring them in my dreams and my dreams are appealing to all “genre” of people, so I found out!
KA -Your presence on stage is so grounded and so centered it seems like the Zen of Burlesque, how do you center yourself for a performance?
SJ -I have to find a very quiet place right before I get on stage where I will stretch using techniques given to me by a contortionist. It helps me to get out of my head and back into my body. I feel every inches of my skin touching the fabric of my costume, like a caress, I feel every movements to the tip of my fingers, the music pours on me as if it was a warm embrace and I let myself enjoy every step, every rhythm, because it last so little time, 4, 6 minutes maybe… this is such a privilege to be on that stage and share my whole with my public it is really an intimate moment that I cherish.
KA – You have a way to make every single person in the audience think you are having an intimate moment with them (I have never met you in person) and even I felt like I was alone with you in a crowded room. How do you achieve this?
SJ – As I said, it is a moment of pure pleasure for me, if I feel is so intensely, I assume other can feel it too. I am also like that in person. I am intense and thus in everything I do, everyone I talk to has my total attention. I think it is in my nature. It is very demanding on me but I would not have it any other way. What you see on that stage is an exaggerated version of what I really am. So I am giving myself completely, entirely and this energy must reach to them.
KA – What is next for Miss Scarlett James?
SJ – The book is coming out and we are launching the French version at ‘’Pois Penché” Tuesday March 22nd, Then I will tour to promote the English version in the United States and then Europe. Dates are to be confirmed. The Prestigious Montreal International Burlesque Festival August 25th to 28th at Club Soda will be extraordinary again, with legends, international stars and workshops open to the public, a fashion show and art exhibit.
Plus other things that are in the cooker but, you know… I can’t tell you everything just yet…
KA – Who is Miss Scarlett?
SJ – The best way to describe me would be: an iron hand in a velvet glove. I am determined, resilient, hard working, stubborn at times (only because I am right), I am fair in my decisions but sometime I can pass for being a little hard on people I love, only because I want the best for them. I love life, fine food, good wine, spending time with friends, I love traveling and arts, reading and painting ( I am a 3rd generation painter in my family) I am always interested in learning, about anything and everything. I enjoy the city very much but adore nature, scuba diving, hiking, dancing, stretching; I need to go to the gym 3 to 4 times a week so I can let out my stress. I enjoy meeting new people, I am discreet in my personal life, and believe it or not, I am also a bit shy… Maybe the stage is a way to deal with it.
I think this is a good starter!
www.scarlettjamesburlesque.com