We recently welcomed Catherine Chartrand, better known by her burlesque stage name Mademoiselle C, for a special Social Gal Interview.
A model, dancer and burlesque performer, Catherine has worked alongside Scarlett James at the Montreal Burlesque Festival each year, bringing glamour, confidence and artistry to the stage.
During our conversation, she opened up about her journey and what it truly meant to be a burlesque performer, from the creativity and discipline behind each performance to the confidence, freedom and self-expression at the heart of the art form.
1. What’s the hardest part about being a burlesque model?
“Being a burlesque performer is mostly fun, but putting yourself out there is not always easy. Talent is one thing, but you need to know how to present yourself and be professional. Being good and pretty on stage is not enough to get you contracts. One more thing I find the hardest as a burlesque performer is the patriarchy we live in. Our art is more than undressing ourselves. It is an act of feminism, showing our vulnerability one piece of costume at a time. People need to make less assumptions and be more educated about the art of burlesque.”
2. Why is it important to perform in burlesque shows?
“Whether it’s a painting or an on stage performance, art is meant to make you feel something. By having a stage presence, I am leading the crowd’s emotions. My job is to send a message to them with my energy, body and facial expression. I want them to remember me and how they felt while watching me perform.”
3. Who are you inspired by to become part of burlesque shows with fashion?
“Many icons inspired me as a performer such as Audrey Hepburn, Elvis Presley, Carmen Miranda, Brigitte Bardot, Rita Hayworth, Marilyn Monroe and many many more. They all made history gracefully and, for some, with a bit of provocation, which is exactly MademoiselleC.’s mantra. To be that lady, but to shake things up! I might not be as big as they were, but doing burlesque is my way of making a difference in my community.”
4. Do you take part in theater?
“I used to, when I was in high school. I wanted to become an actress, but I realized quickly that I wanted to build my own character and have my own storyline.”
