Today we’d like to introduce you to Gertie Garnet
Hi Gertie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Burlesque found me at just the right time. Seven years ago, I was a burned-out military spouse and mom of three, giving all my energy and time to my family and community. The constant sacrificing took a serious toll on my mental and physical well-being. I hated my postpartum body and hid from cameras and mirrors. I was unfulfilled and miserable a lot of the time. One day I saw a flyer for burlesque classes here in Salt Lake City. I had a flashback to the old musicals I loved as a teenager that featured classic burlesque. Even though I was a modest and religious person when I was young, I secretly wished that someday I would grow up and be just like the glamorous strippers in those movies.
It felt like a sign. I registered for the series on the spot. This was early 2018 and the classes were taught by my burly mom, Delta Rae Delise. My life began to change in incredible ways. Not only did I learn the bawdy and glamorous vocabulary of burlesque, I also found a safe space to be myself just as I was. I started to shed the toxic beliefs and shame about my body caused by the harmful diet, exercise and purity culture that I grew up in. Most importantly, I learned that I was worth celebrating.
I realized that I had been craving an artistic outlet that went beyond planning birthday parties or baking the perfect blueberry muffin. I desperately needed something just for me. I dove head-first into learning all I could about the art-of-the-tease. I took more classes, read books about burlesque history, filled a notebook with act ideas, and went to every local show I could sneak away to. I met others like me who were just starting out and began to find my community.
I made my debut in 2019, creating a 70’s macramé themed act set to Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” for a decades show with the Beehive Broads. I was so nervous to see what the audience’s reaction would be. To my relief, they cheered and whistled and threw money. Sharing my art and laying myself bare (almost), along with the positive audience reaction, was one of the most empowering experiences of my life. I was officially hooked. I’ve been a working performer ever since.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
A challenge we face as a performance community as a whole is navigating our strict Blue Laws, or decency laws, here in Utah. That means we have to stay within the strict guidelines of how much skin we can show as well as what gestures and themes we aren’t allowed to perform. We’re also limited to the venues and spaces that are comfortable hosting burlesque. Because the decency and liquor laws go hand-in-hand, a business might be fined or lose their liquor license if the rules aren’t being followed. Me and my fellow performers believe the laws are unfair, but we do comply out of respect for the local businesses and venues that support us. We lean into our creativity and ingenuity to make up for those limitations. I hope to see the day where our bodies aren’t policed and we can share our art without barriers. There is a petition for changes to the laws on my Instagram page.
When you attend a burlesque show, the audience sees you onstage for five minutes. So much goes into this art that the audience doesn’t see. This includes act development, costume design and maintenance, music editing, training, rehearsals, marketing, and networking. For me personally, balancing burlesque and motherhood is a juggling act. Performing late into the evening and then waking up for mom-mode isn’t always easy. Luckily, I have support and my kids are older now so they can make their own breakfasts. But it is worth it because I’m doing what I love! I set my own boundaries and schedules and get to be creative every day. I still bake muffins and plan parties, and everything gets done eventually, but now I match the effort to the energy I have. I’ve learned that when I take care of myself my children are happier. Go figure.
An unexpected result of living and working as a burlesque performer has been developing a deep understanding of self, shadows included. In the years following my debut in 2019, I got brave and faced my demons head-on. I came out of the closet, found professional support for my mental health needs, and left my struggling marriage. I was also diagnosed with ADHD and PMDD. Burlesque has been an invaluable tool for self-discovery and healing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My tagline is “The Showgirl Next Door” because I’m curvy, flirty and full of surprises! As a working burlesque performer and instructor I’m most inspired by our burlesque legends. I’ve had the privilege to learn from many of them in person. Some are still performing into their golden years. They have the best dirty stories from back in the day! My mentor, Bic Carrol, who helped me craft my award-winning crochet act ‘The Chain’, sadly passed away in 2023. My goal is to carry on the positive traditions of the past while creating space for myself and other artists to be ourselves and thrive. I perform as a dancer and emcee for private events as well as local bars and theaters. I’ve created dozens of numbers over the years that range from sparkling glamour to the down-and-dirty. I have a knack for connecting with audience members when I’m onstage. I’ve gotten really good at bringing my authentic self to performances and creating special moments. I’ve lost count of the number of times someone has approached me after a show and said how impactful my performance was to them.
This is the only job I’ve ever had, aside from being a parent, where I’m able to use so many of my gifts and skills toward one goal. I’m a multi-passionate person and life-long learner and it tickles me when my mishmash of talents come together to make magic (thank you ADHD hyperfocus hobbies). These include my degree in community health education, ballet and modern dance training, my work as a birth doula and yoga teacher, study of the tarot, and the music lessons I took as a kid. I can sew, embroider, crochet, macrame and fix just about anything. Even the baking! If you’ve seen my Harvest Pie act you know what I mean.
My partner, drag king Liam Manchesthair, and I’ve created “Boas and Bowties”, a production that features burlesque, drag and variety acts. We also perform duets as a couple, including our “Summer Lovin'” Grease inspired number. Our home is bursting with costumes, props, and joy. Look for more of our shows throughout 2025.
As an instructor I specialize in helping students discover and nurture their inner sparkle so that they can show up to their everyday lives, and the stage, feeling confident and empowered. I invite them to tap into the erotic energy that burlesque provides and find their own expression and voice. I believe all who feel called to burlesque should give it a try. (Ages 18+ or 21+ depending on the location.) I have so much gratitude for everyone who trusts me as an instructor. It’s an honor to carry on these traditions. First time students are often nervous, so my number one goal is to create a space where every individual who walks in the door feels welcome and celebrated. I especially love having folks in class who used to dance or do theater when they were younger and have lost touch with that side of themselves. That used to be me! It’s never too late to start or start again.
I teach group workshops locally and online. I also offer one-on-one mentoring sessions for new drag and burlesque performers. My newest program, “Get Your Act Together”, begins February 23, 2025. We’ll be diving head-first into burlesque and the creative process with the intention of personal growth and act-development. The multi-week course culminates in a public showcase at the Sugar Space Arts Warehouse Theater in Salt Lake City in April 2025.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The books I’m reaching for the most right now: “Free Play: Improvisation in Life and Art” by Stephen Nachmanovitch
“A Queer Dharma: Yoga and Meditations for Liberation” by Jacoby Ballard
“Tarot for Troubled Times” by Shaheen Miro and Theresa Reed
Podcasts I’m enjoying: “HEELING the Podcast” with Ashlyn Tori Johnson
“Come Back to Care” with Nat Vikitsreth
“Spaces” with Morgan Harper Nichols
Tarot deck: “Tarot Vintage” published by Lo Scarabeo
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @gertiegarnet
