Chicago has a prolific and ever-evolving burlesque scene. In the past couple of years, tons of quality performers have appeared - and I've been fortunate to work with many of them. As you know, a sense of community within the art scene is very important to me, and to that end, every Friday, I will introduce you to a performer within the Chicago burlesque community that I admire. Enjoy!

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Chicago Burlesque: Spotlight on Sofi Minx
by Red Hot Annie

What I admire about Sofi Minx is her happiness and sense of humor both on and off stage. She's clearly very educated and intelligent, and almost bubbles excitement when she shares her joy. I love watching her acts because I'm still not sure what to expect - whether it's a set of songs that are all centered around the color pink or entertaining commentary on airport security - I'm always riveted!



RHA - Where are you from?
Born in the East (Hemisphere, that is.) Raised in the West. Educated in both. Chicago is my home.

RHA - When and how did you find out about burlesque?
My soul was doing burlesque in odd ways for years until my mind formally discovered it at the Siskel Film Center on June 29, 2009 when I saw "A Wink and A Smile" about Indigo Blue and the Seattle burlesque scene.

RHA - How would you describe your approach to burlesque?
The Comic Strip. That's what I perform on stage the .01% of the time I am there. But my approach to burlesque the rest of the time is as a state of mind: the truth of beauty and beauty of truth.

RHA - Are you a trained dancer?
Yes, but...so is anyone that can walk! My training just happens to be in that odd style where you stand like a duck and unnaturally suck in your stomach.

RHA - Who are some of your favorite local performers and why?
My favorites anywhere are those who understand that burlesque goes beyond looking stunning on stage. (I do not tolerate performers who put on a mask of pure ego as soon as they step into the real world.) I am your fan, Red Hot Annie, and that of all those I have had the joy of getting to know through you, because of the generosity with which you all live on stage and share backstage.

RHA - What are your goals in performing?
Enthusiasm--transmitting it and receiving it. Enthusiasm means 'the god within' in Greek. Burlesque is the dance of the gods of beauty, truth, and gratitude within all of those present at a performance. Reveal yourself. Let it out. Have fun!

RHA - You seem to have a joie de vivre and effervescence that is easy to see, even when you are not on stage. What in the world is your key to such happinesss?
The key is to be decidedly defiant against the extreme sadness that inevitably surrounds us by being consciously committed to reflecting all the good that you do see. Or...in other words...SMILE, DANCE, LAUGH!

RHA - What are some of your hobbies outside of burlesque?
Show up to life, live paying attention, write lots of it down, translate it, and talk about it. (All of which requires lots of eating, dancing, loving, and laughing.)

RHA - I understand you travel a lot - where have you been? Have you ever traveled to perform burlesque?
Costa Rica, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, Switzerland, and Taiwan. Many of these travels included performances, though not of burlesque, per se. I would like very much to expand the reach of burlesque. In a way, though, all countries have their versions of honoring the beauty of the body and spirit. For example, it was in the public baths of Japan that I became acutely aware of my desire to perform resistance against oppressive body-politics.

RHA - What's your favorite act to perform?
Whatever act I'm performing on a given night.

RHA - Most embarrassing moment on stage?
I don't get embarrassed on stage, I guess because I do enough of that off-stage when I open my mouth!

RHA - Have you ever had a wardrobe malfunction? What was it like?
My "malfunction" is my own forgetfulness. I'll intend to have two pairs of panties for the reveal and only bring one. Or, as in the last performance of 'Threat Level' at Exit, I forgot my pasties. So, I just relied on the "Inspected by USA" placard to provide coverage at the end! Improvisation, darling. There is no such thing as a malfunction...just the unplanned for...

RHA - Where's the best place for fans to find out more about you?
In person. Next best thing: www.sofiminx.wordpress.com

Photo Credits
Marcia Pereira, Pez



Find Out More about Other Chicago Burlesque Performers