Getting to know…Evana De Lune!
She’s been part of the furniture for a while now, and who would have thunk it that we never properly “got to know her”?
Well, we finally sat down with the self-described Lizard Queen, the legendary Trundle Bed winner turned teacher, Evana De Lune.
Read our interview with the legendary Instagram influencer to see what inspires her, how she got to where she is, and what’s in store!
How did you first come into the world of Burlesque? What was it that drew you to the art form?
We deep dived to find this photo. This is from Evana’s solo debut at the Cherry Poppers Student Showcase in March 2018, taken by 3 Fates Media at the Princes Ballroom
I have been a dancer and artist all my life, however, I was too tall to be a ballerina or a gymnast. My mum had heard about the Moulin Rouge, and she thought it was a natural fit for me and the long legs I was growing into. She would go around supermarkets and tell everyone that I was going to dance for the Moulin Rouge when I was older (I was only 9 at the time, super inappropriate). I never ran away to Paris and my mother’s dreams for me never necessarily worked out. I took a break from dancing when I was 18 to go to university to study a Bachelor of Speech Pathology, and my mum ended up passing away that year too.
My mum was the person who introduced me to Maison Burlesque and is the reason why I am so at home in our studios. We went to a Mother's Day makeup session in 2015, where she perched an old picture of my grandma on our table. In the image, my grandma was riding her bike in her victory rolls, perfectly pinned in place; glamour runs in the family. I remember falling in love with the Peacock Studio and Poppy Cherry, who proudly showed off her custom pussycat suspender belt underneath her elegant vintage dress.
After losing my mum, I lost my passions for a few years. That was until I started dating a gorgeous stripper who reintroduced me to the beautiful art form and brought me back to Maison Burlesque! I did a workshop with Miss Alyssa Kitt, and that was it! I was hooked. I knew that this was what I wanted to do, and I would do absolutely anything to make that happen.
What is your favourite thing about being a burlesque performer?
Freedom! After being shoved at the back of every group routine growing up for being the tallest, I finally get to take centre stage and do whatever I want. Dancing has always been an escape for me. I get caught up in my head frequently, but there’s no room for self-doubt on stage. It’s an inexplainable feeling being so sure of myself and trusting in my passion and abilities for a brief 3-8 minutes on stage.
How would you describe your unique style? Has it always been like that?
I would say I’m hypnotic. Writing this, it feels pretentious calling myself that, but it’s what I do on stage. Fun fact, my father is a hypnotherapist and taught me much about what I know to engage people on stage. Whether it’s taking tantric breaths before stepping out to perform or focusing my intention when I lock eyes with an audience member, my ultimate goal is to captivate my audience.
Also, I’m a total Vamp. I like darker, edgier, sexier, more erotic styles if I get to choose what act I’m doing.
Evana De Lune captured by 42nd Street Photography for Maison Burlesque’s Vamp Studio
What's the funniest/craziest thing that has ever happened to you during a performance?
Honestly, I have had the privilege to perform with some of the weirdest, wackiest shows, including the wild underworld of sex parties. Melbourne has one of the kinkiest scenes of hilarious humans, and I’m lucky enough to be the visual foreplay at a lot of the events they host. I remember doing a dance on top of a bar where a group of scantily clad couples were sitting at. I dropped slowly down into a split and heard a lady audibly moan just a few centimetres from my crotch.
Who are your burlesque icons?
I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was inspired by Dita Von Teese, she was my teenage icon. Followed by Bettie Page.
After delving deep into the art form and finding my own style and tastes: Medianoche, Frankie Fictitious, Bryona Ashly, Raquel Reed, Zelia Rose, Clea De Velours, Jessabelle Thunder and Miss Miranda. And, of course, all the Melbourne legends that I am so lucky to work with frequently.
Where do you gain your inspiration from?
I’m a very visual person, things have to be aesthetically pleasing for me to pursue them. So I find my inspiration from scrolling on the ‘gram, flicking through vintage erotica, reading burlesque history books and pop culture, YouTubing foreign burlesque artists and going to shows! Attending burlesque shows as a patron isn’t something I get to do often, but when I do, I always go home with a spring in my step to create something new.
Have you faced any challenges in starting burlesque or developing your burlesque career?
My biggest challenge is my mental health, which I am incredibly vocal about. I’ve suffered from depression, insomnia and anxiety for over a decade. The only thing that tends to stand in my way is myself. Thankfully, I haven’t let it get in the way of me turning up to my job as a performer. For better or worse, I get up, put on my face and get the job done every single time. I have days where I wish I was curled up in a ball far away from performing and the stage, but I know that the happy Evana would want me to succeed and do what I love. Not succumbing to negative spiralling is extremely difficult, but thankfully I am one of the most professional depressives in the biz.
What advice do you have for new and emerging performers?
Go to as many shows as possible! If you’re learning to be a part of the scene, start by inserting yourself into it. Everyone loves the person who’s running around supporting the arts. It’s a great way to get noticed by producers! They appreciate that you’re willing to network and support them in more ways than just asking for stage time.
Go to as many classes as possible! All the teachers at any burlesque school are established performers with many connections and life experience. You never know what golden nugget of information you might be able to pick up along the way. It’s more than just choreography you’re learning at the end of the day.
Listen and learn backstage! Even as a seasoned performer, I constantly learn things from my peers. Backstage is generally when you get the opportunity to connect with other performers, but most of all, it’s a great time to pick up traits, habits and good tips from people who have had different experiences than you. For storage hacks, watch Iva Grande when she packs her bags after every show. Or talk to Miss Maple Rose about how every performer needs a pair of AB crystal rhinestone pasties “just in case”.
Always pack extra pastie tape/spirit gum, bobby pins, hairspray, earring backings, and safety pins - they’re a constantly forgotten item and everyone loves a person who saves the day.
Be kind to every single person you meet, whether you’re emerging or a headliner - decency and respect should be given to everyone! No matter if you’re flustered or having a crisis. Everything will be okay, so make sure those around you are also okay.
Research how to market yourself! There is no one way or right way, and with the online era of social media and constantly changing algorithms, you need to be on your toes about how to stand out as an artist.
It’s not a competition, there is room for every artist! Uplift each other always.
