Dita Von Teese Nude For Bizarre

Dita Von Teese is burlesque’s brightest star, and she gave Bizarre an exclusive, tantalizing peek behind the feathers, glitter and sequins of her world.Which classic burlesque stars do you take inspiration from?

“Most of my inspiration comes from 1930s and 40s musicals. I started performing burlesque in 1991, but back then it was nearly impossible to find authentic, vintage burlesque footage. Instead, I took inspiration from the big Technicolor musicals and movies that depicted burlesque, including Lady Of Burlesque, Gypsy, and Dance, Girl, Dance. I also read a lot about classic burlesque stars, and made up what I thought burlesque was like – which was good, because that helped me form my own style, rather than mimicking someone else’s.”

What’s been your most embarrassing moment while performing?

“Well, it’s pretty embarrassing when I can’t get part of my costume off, or when one of my props malfunctions and I have to figure out how to work around it. I just hope no one notices!”

What do you love most about doing your burlesque act?

“I love the creative side; making a show and watching it slowly come together. Every new number has its own challenges, and I love that moment when it finally feels right and it becomes fun to perform.

Almost every new act makes me panic. I usually spend $60,000 to $75,000 in creating an act, and I often end up wondering what the hell I’ve got myself into.

When I made the MAC Viva Glam show with the bucking, spinning lipstick, there was that first moment when we flipped the switch and watched it go completely wild. I remember thinking, “Oh good Lord, what have I done? I’m going to get bucked off. This is impossible…”

And I did get bucked off, and it was a nightmare to make it work, but when it finally came together it was the most fun I’ve ever had, and people went crazy for it. So I love the process of creating something new, and the challenge of making something come to fruition.”