Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Mattson.
Andrea, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began dancing when I was 3 years old at an art school my mother taught at in Ohio. I haven’t stopped since. Currently, I perform as Gaea Lady, bringing my life, dance, and art experience together into intentional performances and workshops across the country, but based here in Chicago.
I moved to Chicago to study art at Columbia College Chicago, then the School of the Art Institute of Chicago – while dancing at Lou Conte, Giordano, and Joel Hall. I had always wanted to be a dancer. Always. Dance spilled from me easier than words. Dance was my metaphor for life, and my life was expressed through dance.
I fell out of dancing and into the art world’s constructs of concept & impact through a sprained ankle and an allergic reaction to an anti-inflammatory. I delved deeply into painting, papermaking, fabric dyeing, food, and artistic community organizing. It was glorious. I started dancing again with Bellydance, and remembered how movement moves my soul – I can’t live without it. It IS my art and my passion.
I began spinning fire, fusing my dance with fire props and manipulation, upon stumbling down the rabbit hole of the Burningman Chicago community. I organized the Full Moon Fire Jams for years and spun fire at every chance. I began picking up hoops and veils and other props to dance with …. and started performing around the city as people asked me to perform for their events and at their venues.
I fell easily into Burlesque performance at this point. My styles evoked a strong powerful femininity, and solo performance allowed me to fuse together artistic concept, handmade costuming, props of all sorts, and my technical dance training. I auditioned for the Kiss Kiss Cabaret and got in with my friend Kitty Oaks. I entered a burlesque competition at Untitled and won. I submitted to the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, got in, and won 2 trophies my first year.
Now, I’m following my dreams of greater artistic expression, more detailed and thought out concepts and costumes, larger props, and traveling across the continent to spread my unique magic and outlook on dance performance. I’m incredibly grateful to be based at my Eco Collective here in Chicago – grounded and ready for anything.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course, it hasn’t been a smooth road! Challenges make success all the sweeter. There have been many physical injuries to overcome. Self-doubt. Doubt of others. Financial instability….. But persevering because of passion makes the road interesting, to say the least.
Gaea Lady – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a professional performance artist: Gaea Lady. I specialize in large silk veil performance art with projections, fire dancing, and hula hoop dancing – creating impactful and fusion performances to mesmerize audiences. I am also known for my dance classes – grounding and expansive while teaching technique and larger movement concepts.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me is personal happiness – living my life of YES. I strive to be content with the art I create, with the classes I teach, and with the connections, I forge on and off the stage. When I feel the magic, I know that the life is flowing. And that for me is success.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2042 W 21st Street Chicago, IL 60608
- Website: www.gaealadychicago.com
- Phone: 4408976034
- Email: gaealady@gmail.com
- Instagram: @gaea_lady
- Facebook: Gaea Lady
- Twitter: @gaea_lady
Image Credit:
Greg Inda, Jason Kraynek, Philamonjaro, Greg Bell, Peter Serocki
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
