Today we’d like to introduce you to Carina Shero.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In late 2014, a couple of fat babes came together in Chicago via the internet to create something very special. A body/fat positive & intersectional space for people that had a dream of being on stage but had not had the chance due to societal constraints placed on fat people. We banded together to transform the way that society views fat bodies and the way that we view ourselves and against all odds – snapped Achilles’ tendon, ER visits, low funds, and no experience – we persisted and put on our very first burlesque show in a theater in Chicago and sold out and received a standing ovation. We were able to share with our audience the freedom and love we’d worked so hard to foster for our bodies and ourselves. Since the creation of our troupe, we have become a family and life would not be the same without this troupe @thefemmefatalesburlesque. We’re here to prove that you can dream BIG with all pun intended, no matter what society tells you-you can’t or shouldn’t do.
We’ve performed in different states on all kinds of stages and just finished a successful show run in August and September at Uptown Underground.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road.
We’ve had a plethora of obstacles – financial issues, health issues, our winter show run was during two snow storms and the whole city block of the theater we were set to perform on lost electricity and so on.
I can elaborate on more if needed.
(For our winter show run, I was conducting rehearsals over Skype from Denver where I was taking care of my dad for three months, who had a stem cells transplant & chemo).
Please tell us about The Femme FATales.
What sets us apart from other burlesque troupes is that we are exclusively plus size and celebrate our bodies just the way they are.
We’re most proud that we get to create a shift in how society perceives fat people and the way we perceive ourselves.
We’ve succeeded when audience members experience a transformation in how they view themselves and their body.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My dad was a musician in an orchestra at a huge theater in Germany and when I was little, I’d get to be backstage with the dancers and actors and watch them put on all their incredible costumes and makeup.
Contact Info:
- Email: tffatales@gmail.com
- Instagram: TheFemmeFATalesBurlesque
- Facebook: TheFemmeFATalesBurlesque
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.
