Ruby Champagne
In 2010, Ruby successfully earned her the title, “Miss Viva Las Vegas 2010” in the Viva Las Vegas Burlesque Competition. In 2012, she won “Best Soloist” in the ABurlyQ Burlesque & Sideshow Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has performed in New York Burlesque Festival, TeaseORama, ABurlyQ! Showcase, St. Louis Burlesque Festival, Southwest Burlesque Showcase, Colorado Burlesque Festival, and will be a headliner at the Hollywood Burlesque Festival!
Yadi Hurtado: How did you get started in burlesque?
Ruby Champagne: I started in New York at the New York School of Burlesque and accepted any opportunity for stage time in Burlesque shows, which included being a back-up dancer for Jo Boobs in the Cheese Festival at Coney Island and being in a BurlyQ Fashion Show at The Slipper Room. Fun times!
Yadi: How would you describe your burlesque style?
Ruby: My Burlesque style is known to be representative of Classic Burlesque, and I am so grateful that I’m known for that! I also love to incorporate Latin moves whenever I can.
Yadi: What made you get into burlesque?
Ruby: It felt like a great way to be able to be artistic and express my passion of beauty, glamour, dance, and sparkles!
Yadi: When did you first come to the LA/Hollywood area to perform?
Ruby: After my NYC debut in 2006, I moved back to CA. Thanks to Myspace, I found Bobbie Burlesque. In February 2007, Bobbie gave me the opportunity to debut in LA at the Whiskey A Go-Go.
Yadi: What are some of your favorite places to perform in the LA/Hollywood area?
Ruby: I love to perform anywhere that will have me! But some of my favorite venues include Three Clubs, El Cid, and House of Blues.
Yadi: Who are some of your favorite performers of all time and why?
Ruby: Tempest Storm is one fierce lady I highly admire. Satans Angel is a great inspiration I love dearly. One of the first NYC performers I loved and admired and loved to learn from is Dirty Martini. I could watch these ladies perform forever.
Yadi: Who are some of your favorite LA based performers?
Ruby: That’s a tough question because I love them all for their own specialty they bring. But to narrow down to a couple favorites, I’d include Charlotte La Belle Araignee, Lulu Lunaris, and Violet Valentine.
Yadi: You have traveled all over the country for shows. What do you think makes Hollywood a special place to perform in?
Ruby: Hollywood is where stars are born, que no? haha! But really, there is a certain vibe and energy in this crazy city that certainly makes it a special place to perform.
Yadi: Where are some places you love to visit when you are in Hollywood?
Ruby: There are a couple shops along Hollywood Blvd. that have vintage clothing. After some window shopping, a cocktail at The Frolic Room or Boardners is quite nice.
Yadi: What is your greatest burlesque moment and why?
Ruby: A recent great Burlesque moment was in Sept. 2013, performing my Mexicana act in the San Antonio Burlesque Festival. Being Mexican-American and having family from Texas, it was a joyous opportunity for me to represent my heritage and love of my Culture with that audience. It was fantastic! And of course, when I won the title, “Miss Viva Las Vegas” in 2010 at Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender, that was one of the greatest, happiest, exciting and rewarding moments ever! I’ll never forget people telling me they lost their voice as result of cheering so loud for me. I’m forever and ever grateful to them!
Yadi: What is your favorite thing about Burlesque?
Ruby: Today, Burlesque is interpreted in many different ways from classic to Neo, and I think that’s a great platform for Performers to be able to express their art. It can be beautiful to see what other Performers do to express what’s going on in their creative brain. I love classic glamour and Latin music ie. Mambo, Afro-Cuban, Disco, etc. Burlesque allows me to show my love of these things.
Yadi: What advice do you have for performers applying to festivals?
Ruby: Provide clear information as requested. Make it as easy as possible for the people reviewing your application to be able to know who you are and what type of performer you are.
Yadi: What is the ONE thing everyone must do when coming to the
Hollywood Burlesque Festival?
Ruby: Let’s show the world how spectacular we are and dress to the nines and then some! Then have cocktails 🙂
Oh! And eat a street hot dog! Yum!
