Today we’d like to introduce you to Mount Saint Helen.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
While most of my personal and professional life has been centered around fine arts and graphic design, I’ve always been interested in the performing arts. Although I took dance classes and participated in a couple of plays when I was in school, performing was never something I took seriously, and becoming a burlesque performer was not something I had ever imagined.
It all started in 2020 at the East Atlanta Strut, where I came across a big teal house on Metropolitan Ave. I had no idea a dance studio existed in my neighborhood, or that it would have such a significant impact on my life.
I started attending a drop-in class called Sexify, which aims to increase body awareness and empower through sensual movement. I felt extremely awkward and shy during those initial classes, but I was at a point in my life where I felt “stuck” and needed a change and a challenge. So, I pushed myself to keep going.
Metropolitan Studios also offers academy classes through the Atlanta School of Burlesque, so the next logical step for me was to enroll in one of those series. In these classes, you learn a group choreography routine and get the opportunity to perform in a student showcase at the end of each semester. In the weeks leading up to my first showcase, I had a lot of apprehension and fear about performing, constantly worrying about everything that could go wrong. But I got through it, and it was exhilarating.
After spending a couple of years taking a wide range of classes at Metropolitan Studios with exceptional instructors, I decided to apply to join The Candybox Revue ensemble burlesque troupe. Since 2023, I have been a full-time member of this award-winning troupe, where I continue to learn and grow as a person and as a burlesque performer alongside my remarkably talented and fabulous troupe mates.
Not only has this journey led me to discover a love for performing and to reclaim my passion for dance, but it’s also introduced me to lifelong friends and family I never knew I needed.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest challenge has been getting out of my own way and not letting fear of judgment or rejection dictate my pursuits. I’ve always lived comfortably in the background, avoiding the spotlight because I believed it was the safer choice. However, performing has pushed me to confront all aspects of myself—my vulnerabilities, imperfections, and insecurities—and to embrace them. Dancing has made me feel expansive, revealing endless possibilities and helping me appreciate my unique qualities while discovering new strengths I never knew I possessed. With encouragement and support from my community, I have learned to take up space and live beyond my comfort zone.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
One of the great aspects of burlesque is the freedom to be whoever you want and tell any story you choose, whether it’s sexy, funny, scary, serious, classical, or anything in between. You’re not confined to a single character or persona. While I have explored many of these identities, I’ve primarily focused on comedic acts during my career as a burlesque performer so far. However, I am eager to challenge myself by exploring different themes and pushing my limits.
Being a burlesque performer involves much more than just the performance night, when the audience sees the “finished product.” In fact, I wouldn’t even say that is the most significant part. It’s about the entire process leading up to the show: spending hours choreographing and rehearsing your act, creating props and costumes, dedicating countless hours to rhinestoning EVERYTHING, and leaving a glitter trail wherever you go. For me, that is the best part of the experience.
I have had the opportunity to perform at various conventions and burlesque festivals, including Dragon Con Burlesque in Atlanta, GA, Ghoulesque at Frolicon in Atlanta, GA, the Show-Me Burlesque and Vaudeville Festival in St. Louis, MO, the Land of the Sky Burlesque Festival in Asheville, NC, and the RVA Burlesque Festival in Richmond, VA. In January 2026, I will be traveling to Oklahoma City, OK, to perform at WEIRDlesque Fest with my duet partner and best friend, Platinum Pussycat. This will mark our first duet performance at a festival, and we are incredibly excited about it!
I have also been fortunate enough to perform at several venues throughout the city, such as Metropolitan Studios, Actor’s Express, 7 Stages Theatre, and Pullman Yards.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
The black-and-white photo was taken by photographer Paul Sebastian and selected as one of The Best of Boudoir 2024 by AIBP, the Association of International Boudoir Photographers. It was printed in an art book published by Floricolor and displayed at their showcase at WPPI, the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International conference in Las Vegas.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mount.saint.helen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mount.saint.helen
Image Credits
Leopard Print Coat in Chair – Paul Sebastian Beetlejuice – The Boom Boom Room Chair Act – Megan Kibby Panel Skirt Action Shot – Rhonda Sebastian B&W Photo – Paul Sebastian Side Profile in Black Dress – Paul Sebastian Crying Egg In Front of a Skillet – JC Barger Hair Pull – Rhonda Sebastian
