Who says girls with curves can’t steal the show? After checking out the gorgeous and womanly curves of Seattle Burlesque star Dessi De Vine, all you’ll be able to say is “Wow!”

How long have you been a burlesque dancer?

I have been a Burlesque performer in the Pacific Northwest since 2007. I have been performing on stage in various forms for over 15 years.

I was inspired by my grandmother who was a performer in her day. After seeking a creative outlet I was inspired to reconnect with the Burlesque world by a dear friend of mine. I dove in head first! Remembering movements my grandmother had taught me and researching what I could at the time, Dessi De Vine was born! There wasn’t many opportunities at the time in my end of town so I started a Troupe, Brass Knuckle Burlesque. We had a short run, and then I decided to focus my efforts on being an individual performer.

I was always the tall girl. I was clumsy as I grew into my body. I do remember wanting to be more like the magazines, but my family was always there to remind me that I was beautiful the way god made me. Confidence has always brought me through stereotypes. As I move through life I have been blessed to meet more and more people who appreciate my body type, and other women who are just like me. A winding road is always more exciting then a flat straight away.

How did you accept your curves?
I made a decision to love myself. All of me. No matter what I have been through my body is my temple. Every bump, bruise and scar is a part of my story and I am proud of all of it. I don’t look like anyone else, because the creator has blessed each and everyone of us with a unique blueprint. I can be a healthy individual and not be a size 2. I am not what the number on my dress says, I am an intelligent woman who has a curvaceous body. I am only human and I have days when I doubt myself. When that happens, I look at myself in mirror and I verbally tell myself 10 positive things.

I embraced Burlesque because it is an art form that celebrates the woman’s body. We are mapped to be curvy. Bottom line. Science will tell you that. Burlesque is a community of performers that embraces all body types. It is a community of performers that encourages and supports one another. We share, we teach, we cheer each other on! When I am on stage I am alive! I want to share with the world every curve through movement, creativity and personality. Without my round hips, thick thighs, full breasts..I wouldnt be me, and I really like me! Burlesque gives me an opportunity to share Dessi De Vine, in a creative setting.

Check out Dessi De Vine on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002367780386 and http://www.dessidevine.com/