In the Spotlight: Lou Safire!

Lou Safire by Lena Lenman Photography

1. Lou, your performances blend fire, fetish, and vaudeville in such an innovative way. How do you approach creating a new act, and what inspires you most in your creative process?

Ah, the sacred ritual of creativity! I draw inspiration from everywhere: cinema, mythology, but normally a song will trigger a thought process starting with either a movement or a costume piece, followed by me creating a whole music video in my head to it, which then becomes the theme of the act and evolves from there. My goal is always to entertain, unsettle, and leave the audience empowered or questioning their life choices. 

 2. Being recognised as one of the top burlesque performers in the world must feel amazing, but what has been the most rewarding moment in your career so far?

It is amazing, though my dogs still remain unimpressed after all these years.  Honestly, the most rewarding moments are when someone tells me my performance made them feel seen or empowered.

3. You’ve judged some pretty major competitions, including the Burlesque Hall of Fame. Has seeing performers from behind the judging table changed how you think about burlesque, as both an art and a community?

Absolutely! Judging gives you a whole new appreciation for the sweat, sequins, and soul that performers pour into their performance. It deepened my respect for the art form and solidified that burlesque really is for everyone.

4. You’ve trained in various dance forms. What’s your advice for emerging burlesque artists who are still honing their craft and looking to find their style?

Try everything once. Explore all kinds of movement, from ballet to twerking in your kitchen. Your style isn’t something you find, it’s what happens when you mix all your influences together and pour yourself on stage with zero apologies.

5. The burlesque scene has long been a space for self-expression, but as a non-binary performer, do you feel there are additional challenges or opportunities in navigating this art form?

There are definitely both. On one hand, I get to break molds and blend genders with rhinestones. On the other hand, I sometimes have to remind people that “they/them” doesn’t mean I come with a user manual. However, burlesque is a beautiful, defiant industry where I can exist loudly and fabulously outside the binary.

6. Representation is a crucial topic in many communities. How important is it for you to see diverse identities represented in burlesque and other performance art?

It’s vital. Representation isn’t just a checkbox, it’s a mirror. When people see someone who looks or lives like them commanding a stage, it says, “You belong here, too.” The more diverse our stages, the stronger and more vibrant our art becomes. Plus, who doesn’t want a lineup that feels like the queerest Avengers ever assembled?

7. What would you say to those in the LGBTQ+ community who feel unsure about entering the burlesque scene or expressing their identity through performance? 

It can feel intimidating, but burlesque and cabaret is an art form that actively wants you to be exactly who you are, no edits, no filters. Your story, your identity, is your superpower. If anyone tells you otherwise, they don’t understand  burlesque and how political it really is

8. What’s something about you, either onstage or off, that might surprise your fans or followers?

Believe it or not, I’m actually very shy, both offstage and that quietness can sometimes be misread as a diva attitude or arrogance. It’s not because I think I’m above anyone, more likely I’m mentally checking my spark plugs and socially awkward. 

9. Looking back on your journey so far, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self when you were just stepping into the world of burlesque and variety performance?

Stop worrying about being “too much.” You are too much, and that’s your secret weapon. Also, start stretching now, your knees will thank you later.

10. What’s next for Lou Safire? Are there any dream projects, collaborations, or ideas on the horizon you’re excited to bring to life?

I’ve got a couple of brand-new act ideas simmering in the cauldron, plus a special collab with my friend who is usually “star boy”  for my Camille 2000 tribute. When I’m in London or Europe. On top of that, I’d love to teach more workshops across the UK and Europe. 

This or That

• Fire tassels or Feather Fans:  Fans

• Whip or Flogger:  whip

• Audience Gasp or Standing Ovation: Gasp

• After Party Chaos or Post Show Pizza in Pjs: a quiet wine bar 

• Corset or Chest Harness: Harness

• Lip Sync Battle or Striptease Duel: Striptease duel

  
  

  

  
  

  

  
  

  

  
  
  
  
  
  

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