Will you please tell me and my Curve Inspire readers your name, troupe or
city you work in, and facebook or web link?
My name is Dahlia Ste Cyr.  I perform in Seattle, Washington.   You can find
me at http://www.facebook.com/dahlia.ste.cyr.

How long have you been a burlesque dancer? What got you into the world of Burlesque?
I have been performing burlesque since August 2010. In July of 2009, I had proximal gastric bypass surgery. At the time, I
weighed approximately 230 pounds.  I was unhappy with my body.  I often wish
that I had discovered burlesque sooner, as I might have made peace with my
body without needing surgery.  After surgery, I was exploring options for
exercise, and found the Bump and Grind Dance Class at Miss Indigo Blue’s
Academy of Burlesque in Seattle.  I signed up for the classes and fell in
love with it.

After a few months of taking those classes, I decided to sign
up for the Burlesque 101 workshop.  That was among the best decisions I have
ever made.  Performing on stage gave me a sense of joy that I have rarely
felt.  I love entertaining the audience, and know I am doing my small part
to give them an evening of enjoyable entertainment.

How did having curves affect you growing up?
Growing up, I always thought I was fat, even though I wasn’t.  I was
constantly dieting, and trying to be a smaller size.  About the only part of
my body I was ever able to love were my breasts.  I am fortunate that I
still love them.

How did you accept you curves?
Learning to accept my curves has been an ongoing process.  There are still
parts of my body that I don’t like, but being on stage has been a tremendous
help.  I can now say that I love most parts of my body and that I am able to
accept the rest of them as they are.

How do your curves help you in your career?
Accepting my body as is has been a huge part of my performances.  If I can
go up on stage and be okay with my body as it is, I provide an invitation
for other women to accept their bodies as they are.  I truly believe that
all women are beautiful,  regardless of size or shape.  I am a strong
believer in the health-at-any-size movement.   I think most women would be
happier if they embraced their curves and started celebrating their bodies.