Miss Rosetta Rodeo: The self made burlesque dancer.

Community and personal experiences 

Me and Rosetta used to live together and they were actually the reason I ended up moving to Manchester, we originally met on Instagram when I was very early on in my career. I was still messaging random models trying to grow my portfolio, Rosetta was one of the people who responded. It turns out we only lived one street over from each other at the time, we went down to the woods and shot together for hours in an old vintage gown I found in a charity shop. A few years down the line circumstances brought us together and we ended up living together in Manchester for two years. Even though we've grown apart a little, I'll always be massively appreciative of Rosetta for kick starting my new life. 

 Similar to me, Rosetta was only just starting their career when we lived together, balancing their craft and their 9-5 career, as an outsider burlesque has always seemed like a competitive industry I asked Rosetta what her experiences have been like so far in such a ruthless scene:

“People have been doing this a long time, and so it can be quite difficult as a newbie, to get anywhere without being part of a collective. It's quite difficult in terms of money, because a lot of the classes are quite expensive, which is partly why I organise my own classes. I wanted to make it accessible for more people, especially to people of all genders and all backgrounds. And it can be quite like straight white women dominated; which can be a little bit daunting for people trying to get into it, especially if they're trying to go down a more alternative route.”

Going into the scene as a newbie, did you find the space particularly intimidating?

“I suppose, partly because of my personality, I used to find it intimidating. But everybody is super lovely once you get to know them. I tend to hang out with more of the queer crowd, so my type of Burlesque is a lot more drag focus, which means that I tend to be the only burlesque performer at the drag shows that I perform at, which can sometimes feel a little bit like lonely, I guess, especially because I'm doing something so different to what everybody else does.”

Cross over with the queer community

Just going back to what you said about hanging around with a queer crowd. Have you not experienced a lot of crossover between the queer community and the burlesque community?

“Massively. Overlapped, especially with the type of Burlesque that I do. And I'm not so much a classic burlesque performer, I try to incorporate that, but I more go down the Neo burlesque and character work route. My work gets linked to drag shows quite easily, which obviously is a massive part of the queer community, and that's where I really feel like I've found home. It just feels great to have that, as a community and a space that I feel safe in.

I was welcomed, with open arms. It's sometimes a little bit difficult to find a place, especially because I'm technically a plus size performer, so I struggle with that a little bit. I don't really class myself as just a regular, classic burlesque performer, which when I was starting out, that's what I felt like I had to be, especially with the inaccessible aspect to it. I couldn't afford to go to these, 90 pound, two day sessions and I don't drive either. I did apply for a plus size show, and then the email that I received back was that I didn't fit the criteria, which is kind of disappointing. It feels like I'm still trying to find my place, which is quite sad in some ways. I think it should be open to everyone, and that there shouldn't be, these places that are labeled as inclusive, and then it turns out that they're not. The places that I've found that I do work with consistently are absolutely beautiful and make me feel very welcomed and safe like I say, that's great.”

Performance safety 

What spaces and communities would you recommend for newcomers?

“Even though I'm not part of sirens (@sirensasylumfitness on instagram,) the shows that Lily puts on at the Fitzgerald are beautiful and so inclusive and so fun and I always feel so safe. I think that that's the big thing. It's something that's so vulnerable. And I have performed in spaces before where that safety hasn't been there, and so it's nice to have that with them. Same with glitterfye (@glitterfyepresents.) They're a drag show that puts on shows at lock 91, for alternative performers, mostly drag, to be able to have a space to practice in like a show setting. And they've been really great. I've worked with them a few times. Now I'm going on to perform with them and Wigan next month, so that'll be lovely.”

Goals, aspirations, passion and survival

Where do you see Rosetta in a few years' time? Do you have any specific plans for your future?

“So I'm looking at putting on my own shows. I'm looking for a venue and for other people to work with. And producing wasn't ever something that I massively thought I'd want, but now I'm at the point where I've got quite a big range of acts that I would really love to continue performing, and it'll give me the freedom to do that, and also to be able to showcase other creatives in Manchester that maybe don't have that space to perform it. And I know how hard it is to even get your first gig when you first bust in the door. My first ever show was with So La Flair (@solaflairtheatre,)  which is an amazing feminist theater group, but I think without them, I wouldn't have known what to do or how to start. So yeah, I want to go more into that side of things and also carry on with my classes and my courses, and massively, just want to be involved in the community in general. And, you know, being able to have access to everything from making costumes for people and giving people a space to perform in as well, I think is a big deal.”

Online image

Certain industries because of their competitiveness become toxic within themselves, having no personal experience within burlesque I wondered if infighting often happened. Rosetta talked about class and money, and how there was an obvious divide between those who had money when starting out in the industry and those who didn't.

“Yeah, yeah. I think that that can be really difficult to manage as well, though, it can sometimes feel like you look at other performers online, I'm sure it's probably not just with burlesque, but I think because everything is so sparkly and shiny and perfect all the time, it can be a little bit hard sometimes to, differentiate that from real life, especially when a lot of my gigs, I'm getting ready in a toilet cubicle, it's not as glamorous as everybody thinks it is, and as it looks online.

But yeah, I think coming from a family that didn't have a lot I've had to work very hard to do what I do, and I just want to make it a bit more accessible for people. Everybody says “you have to spend this much to start off, and, you know, you have to be in a position where you can easily just drop, like, 200 pounds on a new bit of costume.” And I can't do that. So why would I recommend that to anybody else? I think people need to talk about that a bit more.”

Final thoughts and reflections

What would you say to somebody starting out in your role? Do you have any words of advice for those wanting to jump into your field? 

“A big, big question. I think it would just be to be kind to yourself. In my first few performances, I looked back at the pictures and hated them. But now when I look, I'm so proud of how far I've come, and I think I just enjoy it. Take it as it is, and take your growth as it is, and see where you go from there. It's not the be all and end all. Booking gigs and working with specific people, you'll figure out where you fit, and there's no rush for that perfection.”

If you want to see more of Rosetta follow her online to see her upcoming projects make sure you follow @miss_rosetta_rodeo on Instagram!