Years active: I have been a performer since 2004, and have done burlesque since 2011.

When did you first get into burlesque, what was the inspiration?

I actually got into burlesque by accident! In 2011 I was asked to perform a feature slot at Bad!Slam!No!Biscuit! at the Phoenix bar. I wanted to do something a bit different to straight spoken word, something that incorporated the training I had done in physical theatre. At the time I had a few ideas kicking around my head. One was reading bad love poetry, moving more into stalkerish insanity as I went; another involved bursting balloons full of popcorn; and the last was based off a funny memory I had – a friend of mine was eating fast food and complaining about how disgusting he was, so I just kept singing "Beautiful" at him again and again. I mashed all those thoughts together in a Frankenstein's monster of an act. I wasn't originally too happy with the results, but it was well-received enough that I felt there was something there. After another few feature spots with the poetry slam, with a cabaret show and with the circus I suddenly had a name – Sparkles – and had honed my performances into a clownish neo-burlesque act. My first official burlesque performance was in October 2012 with Comic/Strip. From there I was asked to join the Sass and Tease Collective, and took the time to further develop Sparkles, but also develop the less comic, more introspective and more sexy character Virginia Fizz.

Do you have a day job as well?

I do! I work as an Excited Particle with Questacon. Our team performs character-based science shows, talks and puppet shows daily, as well as delivering programs for kids under six and assisting with entertainment for Questacon activities such as SciNight. I love it.

Are you specifically a burlesque dancer?

No, I am not! My training is actually in acting, and more specifically physical theatre, having completed an internship with Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre in 2009, as well as travelling to both Slovenia and Japan to further study physical acting. Burlesque is now a huge part of my life and performance repertoire, but I am first and foremost an actor, so as well as burlesque I perform in theatre shows, as a roving stilt walker, character or mime, as a Particle, and in the occasional short film.

How do you prepare for a gig?

I prepare for a gig best when I give myself plenty of time. I start mentally preparing for a gig days before I do it. I walk around listening to the tracks I will be performing to, mentally marking out what I am doing, where and when. On the day of a gig I try to finish work early and take time to get my kit together, checking and double checking I have everything I need. I do my hair and makeup and pull faces in the mirror to get into character. I walk around my house jumping and stretching and warming up my body. Just before going onstage I take the time to breathe, focus my energy and mentally greet the audience.

What's your favorite post gig past-time?

I like having a drink and chatting to people for a short time after a gig, especially if I have friends attending. But after that? A shower, a glass of wine and video games.

Who are your burlesque heroes?

I love the weird and bizarre burlesque, so definitely Finucane and Smith. Their shows really explore the weird and dark, and are funny and scary and violent and sexy all at once. They really opened my eyes to the possibility that burlesque can be so, so much more than we all expect when we hear the word.

For similar reasons I am also a big fan of Betty Grumble.

What would you be doing if you weren't a burlesque dancer?

Possibly cleaning my house, washing my clothes or getting a decent night's sleep ... Ha ha ha ha no, I'd still be performing. I would just have to find another style of performance that allows me to create work that combines my love of physical theatre, dance, comedy, sex, and the human body.

What was the last gift you gave someone?

Christmas presents! The best one I gave was a custom-built light saber which can light up seven different colours.

What would we find in your fridge right now?

Leftover tuna mornay, a bag of carrots, and more bottles of hot sauce than could be considered normal or healthy.

Where can we catch your next performance?

I will be a part of the opening the Multicultural Fringe on the 13^thReplayRefugeeHeart

I'll be doing my thing as Virginia Fizz as a part of the Canberra Multicultural Fringe Festival's Fringelicious burlesque night at Smith's Alternative on February 14. There is a bunch of diverse acts by talented people so I'm really excited to be a part of it.

You might also see me in the day on the 14^th doing some roving commedia dell'arte at the Canberra Multicultural Children's Festival.

Max Brenner or KoKo Black?

I prefer coffee, so Lonsdale St Roasters!