Perfect 10s – Trixie Minx

How did you get started in burlesque?

I used to be a ballerina until an ankle injury paired with a nasty eating disorder ended any chance towards a career as a professional ballet dancer. I moved to New Orleans in 2001 and soon after got involved with an ethnic dance group. This group opened my eyes to the idea of performing dance in a form that wasn’t ballet, a novel concept at the time. I met several wonderful people in town who all suggested I get involved in burlesque; however I wasn’t interested in burlesque at all. I had seen a couple burlesque shows but they seemed like just a bunch of cute girls taking off their clothes. There was nothing wrong but there also wasn’t much production, costuming, themes, etc… involved in what I saw. In 2005 I went to Paris and saw the Moulin Rouge & Crazy Horse. I had no idea a “naked” show could be so entertaining and theatrical until that moment. As soon as I returned to NOLA I auditioned for a troupe and started performing burlesque but the shows were missing the theatrics I saw in France. I was planning on quitting when my husband suggested I try doing my own show. It started off as more of a bet, a way to actually perform in a format I wanted to do, and ended up as the start of my life as Trixie Minx.

Any pre-show rituals?

I always do a “cootchie crunch” before going on stage. It is basically a hands in type cheer that evolved from a bad inside joke. Sounds gross but is surprisingly effective for ensuring a great performance.

What’s the craziest thing that’s ever happened to you? Onstage, that is…

Jeez, that’s a hard one to answer. Crazy stuff happens on stage all the time so it is really more normal than bizarre. I wouldn’t call this crazy but it is pretty awesome; while we were performing at the Joy Theater The New Orleans Bingo Show stopped midway through the set to sing me Happy Birthday. It was a total surprise and the best present ever to have a full band of your friends, the audience, and even a couple rockstars backstage all singing to you.

The costumes you wear onstage can be pretty elaborate. What’s your favorite thing to wear offstage?

I love wearing 1950s style dresses and heels, it’s sorta my unofficial uniform when I’m not working.

If you were to have a signature cocktail, what would it be?

One of the mixologists at the Royal Sonesta, Jamie Burton, created two drinks based on me last year. Jamie is amazing and has bartended at almost every Burlesque Ballroom over the past 3 years. The Trixie-Tini is sweet and embodies everything feminine, while the Little Minx is spicy with hints of cinnamon. I can’t remember how to make the Little Minx but here is the recipe for the Trixie-tini:
1 1/4 part vanilla vodka
1/2 part lemon juice
2 strawberries pureed
simple syrup to taste
top with champagne

What’s on your nightstand?

I actually just got rid of my nightstand because I kept bumping into it every time I was getting in and out of bed; I can dance for days but can’t seem to coordinate walking when I’m sleepy. However I used to keep my phone, ear buds, whatever book I was reading, and a drink on it, nothing too glamourous.

If you weren’t a performer, what would you like to do?

Before I was a burlesque dancer I was a ballerina turned Pilates instructor. I really like working with people and how they move their bodies. I teach occasionally and will probably go back to it at some point in the future. I also would really love to teach ballet to kids again; it’s incredibly rewarding. However every now and then I get the itch to be a tour bus driver. I love driving long distances, it’s a beautiful way to see the U.S.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I hate writing the number 9. I’ve been told I have excellent penmanship but for some reason no one can decipher the number 9 when I write it. It’s terribly frustrating so I go out of my way to try not to write it.

What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?

Cheese! Given the opportunity I will consume more than any human should.

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?

I’ve been lucky to enjoy all of my jobs but I have had some really strange gigs. I was once hired to be a “head” of lettuce; I had to paint my face green and sit under a table with just a hole for my head to pop through. I also was a water heater for a convention once, I literally walked around handing out pamphlets in an elaborately decorated garbage can. Both weren’t bad jobs but definitely weird.