“I love a good story” - Guest Feature: Leia La Voix
Los Angeles-based burlesque performer, Leia La Voix performed in our Under the Sea Speakeasy in 2023.
In this interview, you’ll learn all about Leia as a performer, from how she got her name and her first performance, to what she’s known for, and what she’s working on now!
Leia La Voix licks a gold necklace with her name, bathed in pink and green light. Photo by Holly Lynch
Leia La Voix, The Nerdy, Dirty Space Princess - Early Burlesque Career
Who doesn’t love an origin story? Learn how Leia became the Nerdy, Dirty Space Princess we’ve all come to know and love…
How did you come up with your name?
Named for my favorite Rebel Princess-turned-General + the French translation of an old nickname (“the voice”).
How did you come up with your tagline?
It’s a play on my penchant for Nerdlesque as well as further paying tribute to General (née Princess) Leia with a little fun rhyme thrown in for good measure.
What originally drew you to burlesque?
I always loved looking at pictures of both classic and modern performers. I’m a writer by nature and profession and I love a good story. Burlesque for me is another form of storytelling and an especially fun one at that.
What was your first-ever burlesque act?
A librarian-themed act to Bjork’s “It’s Oh So Quiet”.
Leia La Voix has brown hair half down, half up in 2 buns in a blue top and brown corset, smiling at the camera.
Leia’s work and Inspirations
How would you describe your aesthetic and the concepts/stories you explore in your performances?
Nerdlesque is my signature and weirdness is my passion. I love building acts around cult films, goth and alternative music, and general themes of the odd, bizarre, and unique. I also infuse messaging around mental health, wellness, and emotional wellbeing into my acts.
Who and What are Your Biggest Inspirations?
Lili VonSchtupp is my burlesque Mama and, second only to my darling spouse, Captain Androgyny, my biggest cheerleader. Both Captain and Lili are two of my biggest inspirations. As far as other performers from other mediums…Peaches, Dave Gahan, Sheree Rose and Bob Flanagan, and Ron Athey.
What Inspires Your Acts? Walk Us Through Your Burlesque Act Creation Process
Usually it starts with the concept and then I’ll find music to suit the story I wish to tell. From there, I add costuming and choreography and adjust as needed.
What 3 Burlesque Acts are You Best Known For?
“Kaylee in Pink” — A tribute to my favorite Firefly mechanic and a Nerdlesque dream that I’ve been honing over the years. Playing on the episode ‘Shindig’ and set to the music of the Psychedelic Furs, the journey and story I tell is one of self-acceptance, strength, and confidence.
“Tears of a Clownfish” — David Attenborough nature documentary meets Smokey Robinson meets Pagliacci. A tribute to my Pisces predisposition and a message of encouraging mental wellness and self-care.
“Love in an Elevator” — Debuted at WTF-lesque’s ‘F*ck Your Fears’ show, this act is a Twilight Zone-style homage to my since-childhood fear of elevators set to a delightful medley of the music of Oingo Boingo, No Doubt, and Aerosmith. It also involves a most awesome freestanding elevator door facade prop built by amazing Emcee and fabricator, Charles Eights.
Leia La Voix poses for a selfie with a Star Wars ship in light pink overalls.
What do you hope to add to the art of burlesque and that audiences take away from your work?
I want to make people think, dream, and wonder. If I get them all hot and bothered in the process, even better.
What’s something you’re working on now that you’re excited about?
Anything and everything is possible. Stay tuned for more!
Where can readers learn more about you and keep up with your work?
Instagram: @leialavoix
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GothGirlSingsTheBlues
Writing and creative portfolio: https://linktr.ee/debkavis
What current performers are inspiring you now?
@androgynart, @goddessegyptblaqueknyle, @missmillymarie, @tasalghul
Leia La Voix’s Burlesque Bio
Leia La Voix has been entertaining audiences around SoCal since 2014 with her unique brand of Neo-Classic Burlesque and Nerdlesque. She made her festival debut at the 2023 Great Burlesque Exposition and is a proud producer of LA’s first and only Oingo Boingo burlesque tribute show Flesh N’ Boingo.
