Julie Atlas Muz © Leland Bobbé

Julie Atlas Muz is one of the most influential neo-burlesque performers anywhere and her model of performance has greatly shaped it’s resurgence in recent years. Through the power of dance and performance art, she tells stories that are beautiful, political and emotional with a major dose of irreverence. She uses humor, positive sexuality and glamour to address serious topics in a playful manner.

My challenge in this portrait was to use the silk fans in a way that didn’t dominate the photograph. Even though keeping those fans looking good was a physical challenge, Julie was able to still give me a great expression.

A quote from Julie:

“A friend of mine invited me to start doing burlesque at the KGB bar on 4th Street between 2nd and 3rd in a show called The Red Vixen Cabaret in 1997. I was always naked anyway in experimental theater and loved many aspects of it. In experimental theater you rehearse for 6 months for 2 free shows in a church. In burlesque i could perform once or twice a week at that time and I could get my ya ya’s out.”