Today we’d like to introduce you to Ursula Undress.
Ursula, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started doing burlesque about 11 years ago when I moved into the city. I was a new mom and knew no one. So, being new and coming from a theater performance background, I was looking for new friends and for something I could do that was for me. It was then when I found my new business partner, Talloolah Love, was hosting a monthly meet up group for burlesque performers and for those who love the genre. I went and I was hooked!
After taking classes she and her then-partner Katherine Lashe were teaching, I sort of exploded in my first year. I got to perform on the stages of The New Orleans Burlesque Festival, the Americana Burlesque & Sideshow Festival in Asheville, NC, The Texas Burlesque Festival, the Alabama Burlesque Fest, The Dallas Burlesque Festival, Smoky Mountain Burlesque Festival, and was a runner-up in 2010’s Viva Las Vegas 13 Burlesque Competition. I studied Festivals and Conventions and used that knowledge to help launch the Southern Fried Burlesque Festival here in Atlanta.
After several years of performing and immersing myself professionally and seeing some problematic business practices, I founded the Atlanta Burlesque Alliance to help out with how burlesque as a business was viewed and led. Co-leaders were added to round out our voices – ones who were experienced, respected, and also produced shows. We based our mission on “The Four Agreements” – with our ethical vision coming from a good, solid place so that venues and corporations would start to take us more seriously both as artists and businesses.
It was after all of this that I was asked to start a school by someone outside of our community. It was a scary thing to do, and there were many struggles, but what started then is standing strong today as Metropolitan Studios/The Atlanta School of Burlesque. It was from there that I found an amazing group of people who wanted to collaborate and work in groups, and that is how The Candybox Revue started. That has all grown to be a viable business that I could not run without Talloolah and Roula Roulette. There are other members that do so much work to keep us all in order – there is no time to list everyone and everything!
I spend my time producing shows, choreographing group numbers, and heading up The Candybox Revue, all while still being a mom and having a full-time muggle job. I am still co-creative director, and instructor of The Atlanta School of Burlesque – housed inside Metropolitan. I teach sensual dance workouts to stay in shape and to stay close to who I am when the other hats are all off.
The past couple of years, I started moving my focus into being more of a spiritual leader and performer of age. Being in my mid-forties, I am a strong advocate for body, sex, and age positivity. I still perform, choreograph, and love to teach. I am currently finishing my training with The Wild Woman Project and regularly lead full moon circles at Metropolitan Studios.
Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely NOT! Trying to change the ideas in this city around what Burlesque is, how it is viewed, how we performers are seen, and how it can be used politically has taken years. The general public doesn’t understand what it teaches people, what they can learn about themselves, their bodies, and their spirit. It took years, but the public is coming around. We now perform burlesque regularly for Her HRC, Atlanta Pride, and other non-profits.
The business of having a brick-and-mortar is also tough, but we still manage to keep the lights on and music flowing. Community groups are starting to use our space as a home and safe haven for meetings, which helps a lot in so many ways – including the energy that the studios have.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
The elevator pitch? Metropolitan Studios is an art and movement studio space that is both modular and beautiful in the heart of East Atlanta Village. Intimate and affordable, it is perfect for small craft classes, workshops, movement classes, meetings, and more. We are also available for studio rental for those holding rehearsals and auditions. And of course, we are also the proud home of The Atlanta School of Burlesque’s classes and workshops and Candybox Revue!
We wanted to be an artistic haven of sorts. Our mission was set around identifying the importance of artistic self-expression, representation of marginalized communities, and the need for an inclusive and safe space for individuals and groups. We love celebrating diverse artists, makers, and political movers and shakers! I am proud of all of this. I am proud that it is clear what we stand for and that our voice becomes stronger every year.
I am also proud of my personal accomplishments and growth as an artist in the midst of all of this. That I could still be known as a sensual, relevant performer after so many years continues to blow my mind.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I always recommend getting started in burlesque! This is why I teach the business aspects of the craft. The more quality performers and producers out there, the wider our audience grows and understand what it is we do and how much hard work and sweat goes into it. Atlanta is so diverse! There is a place for everyone in this artistry!
Pricing:
- Private Classes $40 per person
- Performance Rate Starts at $100e
Contact Info:
- Address: 1259 Metropolitan Ave. NE
Atlanta, GA 30316 - Website: http://ursulaundress.com
- Email: undress.ursula@gmail.com
- Instagram: @UrsulaUndress
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UrsulaUndressOfficial/
- Twitter: @UrsulaUndress
- Other: www.metrostudioseav.com
Image Credit:
Charles Bailey Photography, LA Photagraphie
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