Written by: Suzette Coquette
Edited by: Lady D
Clcik photos for photographer information
Full Names: Amber Ray
Age: 30
Currently Residing: NY
Currently Listening to: Warrior by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Suzette Coquette Reporting...
Not every performer makes such an impression that four years later you can still remember the first time you saw them on stage. Amber Ray is such a performer - she is a majestic force that stampedes across your memory and nestles in your heart waking up your inner spirit and inspiring you to become better at whatever passion beats deep within your heart.
She honors self expression through valiant example. It was 2004, and I was sitting on the floor of the now dearly departed burlesque spot, Riffiffi's. Every Thursday night legendary producers, Creamy Stevens and Little Brooklyn would bring together both established and new burlesque performers to titillate and excite their weekly audience at Starshine Burlesque. I was sitting on the floor because the House was packed, the air was electric and I had no idea it was only going to get better. That night Amber performed her white fan dance. It left me speechless and in awe. She inspired me to better myself as a performer, and I could only hope that one day I would be able to work with her.
Two years later, I had the honor of booking her at Sugar Shack Burlesque's monthly danceparty, Shaken and Stirred in the tiki lounge at Niagara. That endearing smile that first captivated me continued to mesmerize. And now, I'm honored to call her my friend. She is a force to be reckoned with and a friend to cherish. I learn from her every chance I get. When I was offered the opportunity to feature New York's most relevant, inspiring and creative performers, she was at the top of my list. As 2008 draws to a close and we are left to reflect on the goals we wish to set for ourselves in 2009...I offer you the brilliant inspiration of Miss Amber Ray.
Who is Amber Ray?A Creative Force of Nature. A Spirit who is loyal to people with courage and integrity. A workaholic, a dreamer and a warrior. The Goddess of Love and War...Aka Astarte.
How did you get started in Burlesque and how would you define burlesque?
As I grew up i was recognized as a drama queen and alternately a kid who had my head in the clouds during school. I've always had an overactive imagination. When I became an adult i was enthralled with the exploration of the feminine mystique and decided to become a stripper with the idea that it was about fishnets, rhinestones, furs and fancy gowns, only to find it was a cheaper experience than that. I always wanted to be a burlesque dancer and moved around the country a bit until i found a burlesque troupe in Philly. Peakaboo review was kind enough to involve me in their troupe and I was suddenly a Stripteaser, not just a stripper anymore. I'm obsessed with fashion, costumes and character metamorphosis, so I have dedicated my life to studying the different aspects of my creativity and how that makes itself expand and fit into the world around me. I would define Burlesque as creative striptease, infused with endless possibilities of inspiration regarding the feminine Mystique and the energies of it.
What inspires you?
I'm am obsessed with loving detail and a mastery in craft, specifically. I'm also extremely inspired by individuality.
I feel it is really important for people to develop their own character and I think it takes a lifetime to do it... we're never done. Things always inspire me. It has been a song, a color, a culture...the list goes on and on. I prefer not to limit myself on inspiration.
Define Beauty.
The expression of goodness...a mirror of God Or Goddess.
Do artists have a responsibility to their society? If so, what is it? If not, why not?
That's a tricky question. But I would say Yes, they do have a responsibility. If you have the gift and you're planning on sharing it, it should be in an effort to make the world a better place, in my opinion.
Even if the art will make people uneasy, its still creates a new thought process, opens your mind to more possibilities or stimulates you to think. Sometimes things that are political can stimulate the mind just as something whimsical and fantastical can, in another way. Art is like a mirror for the world to look into. To create a mirror for the public to look in is a divine action. I wish the streets were lined with colors and murals.
What do you feel your community is in need of and what do you feel your community has in abundance?
I think like all communities, we are in need of financial support and also an even better organization.
Everyone I know is scraping by to create because of monetary obligations and lack of support.
I know many countries in europe consider Art very important for culture and actually give money to people who are creating. America does nothing but cut the support for art and art programs, it seems. I'm not quite sure how to remedy this situation since our present concerns have urgently shifted to our economy and the actual basic needs of healthcare which are much more a priority of causes.
My community has an abundance of heart, creativity, drive and a basic support system characteristic of family. I love NYC So much. There are incredible people here, doing amazing things. Much like myself, I see them building their dreams in reality with every fiber of their being. It's like these people are unstoppable. I feel that way too. Against all odds, we do what we love and make it happen. If we can find a more solid way to pull our network together, I know we could really make it work for us in a lucrative sense. I am considering producing events regularly to pull my friends in for more work and play with a more structured plan for the future...which just brings us right back to the needs!
What principles of being do you think a person needs to live a full and satisfying life?Being honest, earnest, in touch with your livelihood and drive. One should also try to keep a balanced outlook and stay in touch with reality because there are going to be ups and downs. There has to be! Always try to be prepared. Let yourself be creative. Focus on being a problem solver. Try to be compassionate as much as possible.
What is essential for a good performance?
A strong stage presence and the ability to express yourself in an interesting way. I would like to say it's the costume or your moves but the most important thing is how you connect with your audience. I am not an expert on this but am seriously committed to the learning process and it keep coming back to my relationship with the audience.
What is the sexiest part of the human form?
A striking individuality.
If you were to put three things into a time capsule for future generations what would they be and why?
A newspaper from the day after Obama won the election, The book "The Last Lecture" By Randy Pausch, and an art piece of a Goddess...could be a photo, drawing, sculpture or painting. (More simply, the female form).
Define Success.
Living a life that tells a great and inspiring story!
Eagle or Panther?
PANTHER
Want to know about Miss Amber Ray? Check our one of her amazing performances (may not be suitable for youngins). You can also check her out at these sites:
www.amberray.net
www.myspace.com/amberrayc
www.amberray.etsy.com