Tag / danger arts

I’m excited about the fire whip, the grinder girl, the precision bullwhip cracking, the balloon swallow, the stilt stunts, the knife throwing, tap dance and flag dance, too.  But you know what excites me most about this video?  I’ve been learning Final Cut Pro X and this is the first project I edited in it!

“She had to re-light her breasts several times during the act, which the audience enjoyed but she found ‘cheesy.’ The second time, she used something a little stronger: lighter fluid.”

Bloomberg Business Week features my burlesque danger arts in their Odd Jobs profile in the 4/17/12 issue.  And if you want to get all the secret trials and tips of a danger artist, this is the only place I’ll share them without requiring killing you for this secret information afterwards.  Read the full article at your own risk, here.

Photo Courtesy Michael Melwani

What a seriously cool gig dancing HiHat’s choreography on The Voice truly was! It was a 7 day rehearsal/performance process spread out over 10 days time and although being up in stilts for long hours can definitely be inflammatory on the body, the process itself couldn’t have been more professional or more fun. HiHat has a sweet, but business-like manner and our rehearsals were all so efficient. Sometimes you feel like you are waiting around and waiting around on set – not under HiHat’s direction! I was used when I was called and that felt so respectful and straight pro. I really appreciate when others demand I be at the top of my game in order to work with them on theirs.

Because The Voice is a competition show, I couldn’t talk about the details of our performance AT ALL before the airing, which means I couldn’t tell friends which numbers I was in or how I looked. I’m so proud of my mom and dad actually recognizing me in my incognito brown wig dancing with Cheesa. You’ll see that I actually got more camera time in Cheesa’s number than in my stilt girl with Jamar number, but no one knew I was me! Haha. Here’s a clip of the incognito brown wig disco number:

Disco dancing to Cheesa’s “Don’t Leave Me This Way” on NBC’s The Voice in my brown wig disguise:

The “sexy stilt girls with guitars” got more press than some of the contestants on the show that nite! All that inflammation was worth it (haha) because the final of our stilt number really POPPED in an unforgettable way. And I love rock and roll, so pretending to be a bad ass bass player really made me feel cool.

Sexy stilt girls with guitars to Jamar’s “Are You Gonna Go My Way” on NBC’s The Voice:

Now you’ve seen me perform with this exact same crew of girls before.  It seems that even in Los Angeles, the largest film/tv industry in the world, performers like us girls are still EXTREMELY RARE.  After all, we are female, trained pro dancers, in all the performers’ unions AND do some crazy specialties!  The last time we were together as a group was spinning fire on Glee’s Super Bowl episode, “The Sylvester Shuffle”.  I love these women.  We have a lot in common.  And we kick ASS.  If you want a radical specialty, you know where to find us.

I’m living the waste-free lifestyle at home. Over time I have reduced my desire for new products, refined my recycling methods, transitioned to human-powered or solar-powered appliances, and experimented with alternative automobile fuels and non-auto transportation. Life is so much simpler now that those systems have become second nature. And there is something deeply satisfying knowing that my two-person household tosses only five gallons of actual garbage per month into a landfill.

When I was on tour in STOMP for years, my waste creation was even less.  Mostly because waste-free living doesn’t happen at the trash or recycling bin, it happens at the checkout counter. On tour, you only have a suitcase for years of storage, and the accumulation of stuff you have to lug around is low priority. You say ‘no’ to purchases all the time, and that ‘no’ at the checkout counter is ultimately what makes the biggest difference in final waste output.

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, the longer people take care of themselves through waste-free living or the raw vegan diet, the more energy they have available for taking care of a world outside of their personal green safety zone.

On tour with STOMP, eventually I was satisfied with my personal consumption patterns, but lo and behold, my performance every night, breaking broomsticks, trashing metal garbage cans, ripping apart newspapers—all in the name of music!—was overwhelmingly wasteful. I asked the stage manager what our company did in each city with that waste and he disclosed that we recycled all the metal garbage cans and ‘if there were available facilities’ (a rarity) we recycled the newspaper and drinking water bottles, too. The broken brooms got tossed.

And then I went deeper: what about these massive theatrical lights raging all day for load-in and during the performance? What about the cross-continent flights our entire cast and crew were jumping on every other week? Were they ‘worth it’ just because we were making art? I didn’t consider a tea at Starbucks worth the paper cup. I do really value art and entertainment as more vital to community enrichment than drinking another chai latte, but where does one draw the line?  And being just one person, how effective could I be at greening my entire workplace anyway?

The more people involved in a system, the longer it takes to change. We know on a personal level how difficult it is to remember to place those reusable grocery bags back in our cars after we’ve unpacked them in the kitchen. It takes a few weeks to make it a habit. The change, I admit, is awkward. But I am a human, one of a species with massive self-awareness and the ability to build skyscrapers, cure infections and design a better iPhone. Remembering the reusable grocery bags really isn’t such a big deal when you think about it that way.

So here I am in Los Angeles, in an awkward career transition myself, from live stage performance (touring, concert dance, theatre) to film and television. And, oh, my aching green heart! Film and television’s bigger budgets beget bigger waste! It’s almost enough to make an environmental pioneer throw in the towel— watching entire dumpsters get filled with unopened boxes of donuts and half-drunk water bottles at a production wrap. And watching entire carpets, tarps or living plants get tossed because they can’t be stored immediately or used in the next shot.

The machine is massive in Hollywood and, because there are so many people working on the production line, it will take a long time to change. But as soon as one person in the production office, one actor on set, or one prop master speaks up, then the change begins. And it has begun, thanks to individuals effectively changing their personal lives and finding they have the energy to be available for caring for the world outside their personal green safety zone.

Jack Dagger and I performed our knife-throwing duet on the Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien.  Before leaving set, I thanked the talent executive, JP Buck, for not offering individual plastic bottled water. He knew exactly what I was talking about and we discussed the Tonight Show‘s green initiatives out loud in front of all the guests and production crew. JP said that they offered water in the five-gallon dispensers and people working on the show refilled their bottles. In a machine as big as the Tonight Show at Universal Studios, people drink a lot of water, so this initiative really does have an environmental impact.

He then offered that the production office recycles paper. And believe me, there is a lot of paperwork in a production office. It really does matter. I thanked him out loud for being part of a company that has adopted these green efforts on set, and for being educated and able to discuss them.

In the future, I hope to see the costume department incorporate soap nuts for their laundering. I hope to see the hair department using cruelty-free, biodegradable hairsprays and gels. And I hope that the production assistants serve coffee pre-brewed in air pots rather than those single-serving, peel-away containers. In any case, in the green community, it is important to recognize the efforts companies are making and say it out loud.

When I see the infrastructure of the television and film industry incorporating environmental practices, I know it is only a matter of time before that translates to every person in the workplace and every viewer in the world. I’m placing my bet on the entertainment industry being a key player in the popularization of the green movement. And I am happy to say I am one of the people who has taken responsibility for my personal actions—joyously, patiently and with positivity—in helping to change my workplace.

I was asked recently if I’m concerned about the cosmetics and hair products used on set as a professional actress/model/dancer whom also happens to be a health advocate, vegan and environmentalist.  My answer is simply:  of course!  I spend a lot of time and energy researching the highest quality natural and cruelty-free  products in my personal life, so you know that sort of care oozes out into my professional life, too.

In case you don’t know, when a performer gets hired, their job is to know their material and have their personal shit together so they can deliver AND be a pleasure to work with (that’s how I see it, at least).  We arrive on set and are whisked off to the Make Up, Hair and Wardrobe departments so those artists can do their magic, too.  The first important thing for a concerned performer to remember is that the make up, hair and wardrobe crew are, like you, hired because they are good at their jobs.  They have their reasons for using the products and fabrics they use and you should remember that they deserve the utmost respect at all times.

That being said, you, as the performer, deserve the same respect and it is absolutely okay to ask what is in the products that will be placed against your skin or in your hair.  It is your body after all – you are not a dress up doll or a talking head robot, but a real human being who has to live with your skin and hair and ethical choices after this gig is wrapped.  It’s absolutely okay to ask questions.  Esspecially when it comes from that place of mutual respect for the others’ professionalism in the craft.

If you are a series regular or film lead, you are going to be on set a longer period of time and have the opportunity to get to know your Make Up/Hair/Wardrobe departments personally.  In my experience, when you all know each other, everyone takes your concerns into consideration.  Most higher budget make up artists will have OODLES of products to choose from, so look through!  Mineral make ups are surely a part of their kit at this point and maybe some other surprising stuff.  If it’s a lower budget production, then bring your own kit.  In either case, they are cool people who want you to feel happy, healthy and beautiful on camera – that’s what they do!  So treat people with respect, respect yourself, get to know each other and be patient and flexible.  I’m personally always impressed.

(Except for that one time with the high budget fashion modeling gig where the make up artist seemed like too many photographers had insulted her work during her long career and she was stuck in her ways, refused to use any brushes I brought and threw a snobby fit.  That’s not normal, performers.  She had a horrible attitude.  The more professional make up/hair artists are generally genuinely grateful to do what they do for a living and have enthusiasm to continue learning about the next newest product, cruelty-free alternative or natural option.  You can really tell the difference in artistry through their open mindedness to their own craft.  It’s like offering a sculptor a brand new clay – a true artist will want to work with it and see what they can do.  The jaded artist will say, “I can’t possibly use that clay,” before they even try it and never grow as an artist again.  I feel sorry for bad attitudes – fortunately, it’s not common.)

Unfortunately, when you are a day player or shooting shorter duration gigs, you don’t have the chance to get to know your Make Up/Hair departments and I suggest a fine combination of two things: again, brining your own kit and also a healthy amount of flexibility.  Sometimes, you might bring your own foundation and hair gel and make up remover, but socially, for what ever reason, you had to use products you know had formaldehyde (like mascara) in them.  Try to remain a pleasure to work with (that’s your job) by remembering that your body is so healthy that it will detox 2 days of exposure to this chemical amazingly quickly.  Also remember that consciousness-wise, sometimes just having the conversation and speaking the words does important work and might inspire new perspectives after your work there is done.  Keep your attitude high.  I know it can be trying to care, but it really is worth it and people respect you for it.

Respect yourself.  I say ‘know what is essential’ and bring it with you.  For me, the brush cleaners that make up artists use makes my eyes instantly blood shot and watery.  No one wants me to look like I have hay fever on camera!  So I bring a very nice, clean set of my own, cruelty-free brushes.

Since my eyes are so sensitive, I actually find it essential to request using my own mascara, eyeliner and unless it’s mineral make up, my own shadow.  There are a few brands of make up I can not have anywhere near my skin, for some reason and one is Mac and the other is Smash Box.  I don’t know what they both use in their cream eye shadows, but it’s like hot asphalt fumes to my eyes and sensitive membranes.  Mac is no good for any bit of my skin, actually.  Instant break outs means low-quality chemical-based ingredients.  I know Mac is supposed to be good, but my skin and eyes can’t be fooled with marketing.

I used to start the conversation with “I’m really sensitive (or I’m “allergic”).  Can we use some of my products?”  And again, no one wants your eyes all red and skin all blotchy, so that goes over well.  But the catch is, you MUST have excellent alternatives.  I have a high quality make up kit with more stuff than I ever personally use.  I want my make up artist to feel inspired to see new products and have great stuff to choose from, so I bring options.

Now that I’ve worked with many make up/hair artists multiple times, am doing longer duration gigs and am well-known as the healthy, raw chick on set, I don’t really lie and say “allergic”, I just respectfully say, “I like to use cruelty-free, organic products and yes, I am very sensitive, would you consider using my brushes and some essentials from my kit?”  People are cool!  And there’s always some meaningful conversation that goes down when I’m in the chair.  I really appreciate people sharing that space with me.

Like I said, I bring my personal essentials: brushes, eye liners, mascaras and black shadow.  Next tier is 100% silica high definition powder, vegan lip-glosses and quickly becoming vital is this new brand of organic, raw vegan food-based foundation – it’s like wearing high-quality moisturizer more than a cosmetic.

I use macadamia nut oil to remove my eye liner, gentle oils to ease away my foundation, a clay-based exfoliant twice/week, rose water spritz after a bath to tighten things and pomegranate/rose-hip oil for moisturizer.  I cut my dreadlocks so recently, I don’t really know what products I would need or can support in terms of hair.  I’m still learning about shampoo and stuff myself here.

And finally, I’ve known of several actors whom won’t wear fur or leather as part of their costumes.  Fortunatley, there are great looking replacements for those things.  Eating is usually a case-by-case situation, but I’ve felt super supported by the craft service and catering departments and have learned that if you are to be a long duration regular hire on set, the earlier you can let people know you are a raw vegan, the easier it is for them to help you out.  If you are a short duration hire, then bring your positive attitude and your alternatives.

Remember that nothing is worth being a jerk about – that’s not part of anybody’s job description, so no matter who you are on set, if you are being a jerk, I think you’re doing a bad job.  The more you respect others’ ways of living, the more respect for your lifestyle is reciprocated.

Check out some related links:

Cosmetic Safety Database

Live Studio Audience

True Hollywood Make Up: How To Moisten Mineral Foundation

Most Dangerous Woman In Hollywood Wears Cruelty-Free Cosmetics

RMS Beauty (organic, raw make up)

Alima Pure Cosmetics (clean, loose mineral make ups)

Aveda (killer company on all levels – right down to the packaging)

Rawnessa (really raw skin care out of Los Angeles)

You know the really handsome Asian actor from Heros and Hawaii Five-0? So James Kyson Lee contacts me on my FB Page to ask if I’d perform a role in his upcoming short film, The Ride. I’m of course down, but get this – the director of the film is my long time friend, Dave Schwepp of Dreamsequences, whom I’ve shot many a photograph with, including a few samples below. Now I am totally stoked! This Hollyworld is becoming smaller and deliciously smaller. Please enjoy our performances in The Ride:

photography by Dreamsequences

Sometimes people ask me if it can be done. If one can actually be a professional athlete on a plant based diet.  The truth is, I can’t imagine how one could on any other diet.  I imagine bogging my system down with slow digesting animal products or lifeless over cooked foods and I think to myself how much my performance would suffer.  In fact, if I eat a cooked vegan meal or two on a weekend, my balance is off in my yoga class on Monday and I’m just kinda tired in general until my body finishes digesting the heavy meal.  I THRIVE as a vegetarian (vegan/raw food) professional dancer and danger artist and consider it the OPTIMAL lifestyle because I am serious about my physicality and physique.

I get asked that question all the time.  But rarely do I get asked the question this tv segment asked me.  Supreme Master TV‘s “Vegetarian Elite” series profiled me as, well, an elite vegetarian (wow!) and asked me some pretty thought provoking questions on spirituality and art.  And my favorite was a question I’ve never been asked before:  does the raw vegan diet make me a better actor?  Watch our segment to see my surprised, impromptu answer:

The Avalon was packed for DJ Christopher Lawrence’s birthday bash and I brought in the cake with sparks. All photos by Locotorphotography.

Add snake handling to my list of danger arts! I play the snake handling burlesque dancer on NBC’s Friends With Benefits “Benefit of Forgetting” episode.

The 1st AD on the new series calls me directly, “We’re looking for something really weird and I figured I’d call you first,” he said. I played a recurring guest star on the Comedy Central series Secret Girlfriend, directed by Ross Novie, the 1st AD now calling me. In Secret Girlfriend I played the “lesbian burlesque dancer who beats up boys”, so I was flattered that Ross would call me for something even more specialty. He wanted a “goth burlesque dancer who handles snakes” this time. Well, guess what? I’m cool with snakes, just ask the Princess Guardian of my Hollywood apartment:

The gorgeous 5′ Burmese Corn Snake on set was handled with love – I am so glad they found me to be her companion that day. She certainly stole the scene from myself and the lead actors. What a learning experience every day on set can be.

Wanna see a raw vegan chick athlete’s 6 pack while she grinds sparks off her chastity belt?