In our ongoing Q&A series –“The Candy Gram“– we ask the same quirky questions of burlesque’s various performers. If you want to be added to the mix, drop us a line at kellydinardo AT gmail DOT com. Today, say hello to Tucson’s Stormy Leigh.
What is your hometown?
Tucson, Arizona.
How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
As a little girl I always enjoyed playing dress-up with a collection of vintage 50’s and eccentric 60′ era clothing my mom gave me. I think that must have stirred something in me! When burlesque came to Tucson in 2006 I had to give it a try, even though the thought of being nearly naked in a room full of strangers absolutely terrified me.
How many pairs of pasties do you own?
Probably close to twenty pair, including a few pair of ass tassels. I’ve coated them all in rhinestones and many of them also have hand-strung beaded tassels. They’re truly boob (and butt) jewelry!
What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
Zorba the Greek by Herb Alpert
I’ll Have What She’s Having by The Millionaire
La Cucaracha by Manual Rivera and His Orchestra
What three items could you not live without as a performer?
False eyelashes, a sparkly costume, and my pasties.
Who had the biggest influence on your career?
My influences are all over the map! Comedians such as Benny Hill, Carol Burnett, Gilda Radner, Lucille Ball, and Bob Newhart are probably my biggest influences though. Then there were the countless musicals and old movies my dad and I watched together when I was little, with stars such as Cyd Charrise, Mae West, Fred Astaire, Carol Channing, Liza Minnelli, Gene Kelley, Ann Miller… I could go on and on! Also, all my fellow Black Cherry Burlesque troupe members, past and present have been, and continue to be an incredible inspiration to me as well.
Who is your favorite burly queen?
Past: Ricci Cortez. Present: Dirty Martini.
What is your favorite item of clothing?
Burlesque: My gold bra and hip wrap coated with pearl beads and mini tassels from my Greek Statue costume. Daily wear: Jeans, a t-shirt, and practical shoes.
What’s the last movie you saw?
The 40-Year-Old Virgin, again! I like to put that one on while I cook dinner/sort laundry/be domestic around the house.
What’s on your must-see-TV list?
I don’t watch TV like I used to but still take time to catch David Letterman every now and then.
What book is on your nightstand?
Pretty Things by Liz Goldwyn. I really love this book.
If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
Someday I’d love to visit Italy and Greece, it would thrill me to no end to be able to see the Roman Colosseum and the Greek Temples in person.
If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
Time/space travel in a Delorean just like in Back to the Future! Imagine the possibilities… Getting to truly experience what life was like in simpler times, witnessing historic events, playing winning lottery numbers, ha ha…
–Kelly DiNardo, The Candy Pitch, 12.10.10