MY GLAMOROUS LIFE
Dita Von Teese talks to WHO on the eve of her tour.
NNaughty-but-nice burlesque queen Dita Von Teese doesn’t believe in dressing down. Whether on stage or in the supermarket, the 45-year-old style icon is never without her trademark ruby lipstick. “Full ‘Dita drag’ attracts a lot of attention, so I don’t always do it,” laughs the striptease artist, dancer, designer, fashionista, author, HIV/AIDS activist and businesswoman. “But I can’t really remember a time when I went out without red lipstick and sunglasses.” Von Teese—born Michigan farm girl Heather Sweet—was always fascinated by the Golden Age of Cinema and aims to re-create its glamour in her refined yet risqué stage shows. On the eve of her latest Australian tour, Von Teese tells WHO’S Jenny Brown about the art of the tease and how it’s made her a modern-day feminist pin-up.
What does it take to be a great burlesque artist? I’m just a dishwater blonde from a farming town, I had to turn myself into a bird of paradise! Sometimes it’s the people who have to work a little harder who succeed at burlesque. Cheerleader blonde-model types don’t necessarily have the wit and vivacity required. You don’t have to be a great dancer, but you do need a wonderful personality.
Did you ever dream of this life?
I never dared to think burlesque would have the kind of resurgence it’s having. I was aware some stars like Gypsy Rose Lee had mainstream careers but I didn’t think it could ever happen again. Burlesque always had an underground feel to it. Now it’s kind of become a global, modern, alternative feminist movement, which is really meaningful to me.
Was nudity ever a problem for you?
I grew up in ballet and learned very quickly that modesty is not an option in show business!
How different is “burlesque Dita” from at-home Dita?
What you see on stage is a very glamorous version of who I am. It’s not like someone just dropped in and found me in the bath! On stage I have lighting, flattering costumes, high heels, body makeup, a lot of things, so it’s not like authentic, raw nudity.
Do you ever dress down?
When I go to work out in the morning I choose clothes that are still elegant but comfortable—capri pants, a simple loose sweater, ballet flats and a swipe of red lipstick. I don’t always wear full-face makeup.
Has your family backed your career?
When I started performing burlesque in 1992, it wasn’t a thing and my family didn’t always support me. But over time various little triumphs, like getting the cover of Playboy magazine, changed my profession and gave me legitimacy with them.
How do you stay in shape?
I think it’s moderation really. I exercise about three times a week and I’m a pretty sensible eater. I used to do a lot of Pilates, but these days I’ve started working out with Crossfit. It has really helped to change things up a little.
How about diet?
I’m a part-time vegan, because keeping my dairy intake down keeps my energy up. I eat meat maybe two or three times a week. My vice would be crunchy, salty things, and cookies occasionally. It’s not about how food makes me look, eating clean makes me notice how much better I feel.
Do you see yourself as a role model?
With this show, I feel really good about casting amazing, wonderful, talented people who represent so many different types of beauty with regard to body shape, age, ethnicity and gender.
“Modesty is not an option in show business”
I definitely look for diversity.
Will you ever hang up your heels and stash your sequins?
For a while I thought I should retire, but a lot of people said it was important to stand up for what I believe in. I have always looked to women older than me to set an example of sensuality and beauty in older life, and it’s important to set an example myself.
What are your hopes for the future?
For politics to get set straight and for some of the ugliness to go away. I find a lot of it disturbing, like the fact that our administration is allowing people to refuse to serve LGBTI people. I feel that is not the American way. People have become extremely audacious in their hate. I have an album coming out on Valentine’s Day with Sébastien Tellier, who is very famous in France. It has never been my dream to be a singer— I’m not a singer—but I’m honoured to be asked to perform on this record. And, of course, there’s my lingerie collection, so I will possibly do some in-store appearances in Australia.
Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions?
I always want to do more, growing the businesses. I really want to move towards a makeup collection that would give me longevity, and there are a couple of TV projects … I’m slowly chipping away. I like to keep busy. ‘The Art of the Teese’, Dita’s brand new variety show, is touring Australia from Feb. 15. Tickets are now on sale.