Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenn Freeman.
Jenn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It feels as if I have always been dancing. My earliest memories are those of preparing for performances with my mom. Pressing hair. Folding costumes. I started dancing as a way for me to tire my “tiny behind out” as my mother would say. I always “bouncing around the house. ” In dance, I found a companion, a tool. a refuge.
Po’Chop was birthed after being introduced to burlesque by Jeez Loueez and Olive Juice. Damn near shoved on stage, My first performance was to a very small audience. Thank the Lorde. I debuted under the name Champagne Mystic… lol. I later performed as Jenny Sais Quoi and through the rumble of some of Chicago’s dirtiest dive bars birthed Po’Chop!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I wanna meet the person who answers no to this. I think part of “adulthood” is learning that life is just gonna be a struggle. I suppose unless you are a white, able-bodied, cisgendered, straight, male then the struggle isn’t something you know.
I’ve struggled with identity. More so attempting to navigate who I am within structures not set up to support such action. I think performing burlesque, my style of burlesque. political + satire + black culture + history + modern dance + an irreverent energy. Lends itself to struggle. I fight the notion that I am an entertainer. So with that means that I struggle with being hired to entertain.
Presenting work within the context of nightlife has taught me the importance of intention as to what spaces and conditions I am placing my black queer body in.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about It’s Po’Chop Muthafucka! – what should we know?
I, or rather, we. Po’Chop + Jenn Freeman are a performance artist. Our work ranges in duration and is seen in a variety of spaces and context from bars to black box theatres. We out here. Po’Chop is known for being a bad ass muthafucka! Jenn Freeman is known for being a homebody.
While you’ve might’ve caught Po’Chop on the Netflix show Easy or in Jamila Woods’ music videos Holy + LSD. Together we use burlesque as a tool to encourage self-love and awareness not just through performance but also through burlesque classes.
I am proud of my continued ability to make my own path. To define success on my own terms. From being awarded grants to being apart of an act that opened for Elton John, I find myself most proud in the quietest of moments like facing a fear, learning to better care/love myself and others, or using my voice to amplify another’s.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Jeez Loueez: Friend, Mentor. Performance and general life Inspiration: Creator of Jeezy’s Juke Joint. Recipient of so many awards. She is the reason I started performing burlesque. Reminds me of daily to push beyond my own limit. she is a pillar of the community.
Audre Lorde: Discovering her work + life has greatly impacted who I am and how I view the world.
Chicago Dancemakers Forum + Links Hall: Amazing institutions that have played a huge part in cultivating and supporting not just my work but introducing me to Chicago’s dance community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.itspochop.com
- Email: itspochop@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itspochop/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itspochop/?ref=bookmarks
Image Credit:
Greg Inda Photography, Sainteven Photographer, Philip Harder, Insomniac Studio, VAM Studio
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.
