Angela Ryan, one of many nation fetish acts performing at Taboo 3 this Saturday, describes her adventures in the world of alternative modeling.
Creative Loafing: How did you become a Fetish/pinup model and a burlesque performer?
Angela Ryan: I modeled a little professionally as a child and my mother constantly had a camera in my face. After I got through those gawky teenage years I picked it back up. When I was 20 I was asked by a friend who was a photographer to model for him. It sparked an interest in me since I was so familiar with posing as a child. I decided to pursue it further and was approached by photographers all over the country to work with them. I started doing burlesque to further my creative outlets. I ended up quitting my retail and cocktailing jobs to travel. I have been modeling and performing full time ever since. It started out as just fun but I have been lucky enough to make a career out of it!
CL: What is your average work day like?
AR: Honestly, I sit around a lot. A big part of the job is done at home online editing photos, promoting, answering emails, etc. Photo shoots require me to sit around while I get my hair and makeup done which takes an average of 2 hours per look only to shoot for 15 minutes and start all over again. When I perform I am usually back stage most of the night getting ready, especially if I am doing more than one number.
CL: What is the most common misconception about your profession?
AR: Most people think that models in general are stupid or sluts or divas. I don't consider myself any of the above. I'm probably nothing like you think I would be.
CL: What was your most embarrassing moment on stage?
AR: I had a really horrible show a few years ago, in Tampa no less, where everything went wrong. The music didn't start correctly, a prop fell over, my bra strap broke, and the piece de resistance, my shoe broke and I fell on my face not once but twice! I still look back and laugh about it. That was the first time I met my boyfriend, Curse Mackey, so at least something good came out of it!
CL: Is your family supportive of your craft?
AR: They were a little unsure at first, but since I have been able to make a career out of it their minds have changed. My mom, sister and grandma have all been to my shows. I hear them bragging to their friends about me and that means a lot!
CL: What does success look like for you? How long do you plan on working in this industry?
AR: I think every model's dream is to be in Vogue! Being a household name would be awesome, but as long as I create some imagery that moves people I feel successful. I plan on staying in some aspect of the industry for as long as I can, be it styling, makeup, teaching, marketing or promotions. I recently got into the design angle with the Angela Ryan Signature Necklace by Heart Sized Crush.
CL: Tell us about your relationship with Dean guitars.
AR: I have been an official Dean Girl since 2007! They are a bad ass company with some amazing guitars played by the best in the biz! You can see me representing them at the NAMM Convention in Anaheim in January!
CL: You list karaoke as one of your hobbies. Have you ever considered incorporating karaoke into your act?
AR: That has already happened! I toured with FluffGirl Burlesque back in 2005 and sang in one of my numbers. It was my first attempt and I had no idea what I was doing! It was a lot of work! I sing for performances less frequently these days. Mostly just for fun now.
CL: If we saw you at a karaoke bar, what song would you being singing?
AR: You just might catch me singing at Caliente Nudist Resort! I love that place! I have a few standards including "Love is a Battlefield," "Time after Time," and various Patsy Cline and Madonna tunes.
CL: What can we expect of your performance at Taboo 3?
AR: Burlesque with a fetish twist! I try to blend traditional with modern and always keep it kinky and unexpected! My choreographer Eric Hall works diligently with me on challenging myself technically and creatively and pushing boundaries! I will be doing a number with the beautiful Idelsy too!
CL: Where can we find more of you?
For more information on Taboo 3 check out taboomasquerade.com. To see more than 13,000 photos of Angela Ryan from the last four years, visit AngelaRyan.com. You can also friend her on MySpace myspace.com/AngelaRyan and follower her on Twitter at twitter.com/AngelaRyan
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