Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherry Bomb.
Hi Sherry, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a burlesque performer, customer, and producer here in Austin, TX, with my troupe, the Bat City Bombshells, which has been a significant part of my burlesque career. My story started in 2009 when I was living in the 21st St. Co-op, and I stumbled upon my friend Jonny and a group of women chatting and working on some dance numbers in our common room. At that time, I’d never heard of burlesque, but I was starting to dabble in corset-making and costuming, so when I learned about burlesque, it was a defining moment of uncertainty. It felt like a cosmic alignment of creative outlets, sparking a profound passion that resonated instantly, leading me to realize this was where I belonged. I started immersing myself in this art form and attending our Monday night rehearsals; we met every Monday night. The Bat City Bombshells has continued to inspire and motivate me, propelling my growth as a performer, customer, and teacher. Over the years, I’ve graced stages at festivals and shows nationwide, sharing my expertise by teaching costuming classes at the Austin Academy of Burlesque and Burlycon, an annual burlesque social and educational convention in Seattle. I earned a livelihood for a few years through full-time performances and costuming. However, as life often dictates, circumstances changed and required me to shift my priorities. I had to recalibrate my professional trajectory, scaling back on costuming commissions and reentering the “muggle” workforce. Despite these changes, my passion for performance and crafting visually stunning stage pieces remains as vibrant as ever.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being part of such a large and ever-evolving troupe isn’t without its struggles and bumps in the road. We’ve experienced the ebb and flow of members, departing amicably and facing more difficult transitions. However, our unwavering commitment to core values has been instrumental in sustaining the troupe’s resilience. Adapting to the changing performance scene in Austin has presented its obstacles. Venues have come and gone, and finding spaces that align with the unique requirements of a burlesque show has been a rare find. Our current venues, Come and Take it Live and Kick Butt Coffee, have been invaluable allies. Their unwavering support for us and the local performance community has been crucial to our success. This journey has honed my skills as a communicator and mediator and taught me the art of giving and receiving feedback graciously. Despite the bumps along the road, the troupe and I persist, fueled by a collective dedication to our art and each other.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a burlesque performer, stage presence is significant, but my costuming and sewing skills set my performance apart. Everything I wear on stage is meticulously crafted, and I always try to incorporate some surprise element. Burlesque costuming combines design, engineering, and a touch of creativity. My ability to blend these elements means I rarely compromise on my vision when developing an act. Having worked as a full-time customer, I’ve crafted custom costumes for performers across Austin and for renowned burlesque legends Marinka and Tiffany Carter. A significant highlight in my journey was when my creations adorned the biggest burlesque stage at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender in Las Vegas during the Queen Title competition in 2015. It was a moment of immense pride to witness my costumes featured on the legendary figures with whom I collaborated.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share?
Being inherently introverted, I surprisingly appreciated the pandemic era and the silver linings it offered during such a challenging time. It was the first time in a decade that I had no commitments beyond my primary job, allowing me to shift my focus entirely to myself, home, animals, and an ever-expanding plant collection that seemed to be the raison d’etre for most people at the time. It was a rare opportunity to hit pause, and I barely even touched my sewing machine for over a year. This time, I offered a rare opportunity for introspection, evaluating whether my pursuits were driven by routine or genuine passion. Some people came back to performing; others chose different paths. Sometimes, I genuinely questioned if the desire to perform resonated with me, but then, of course, it takes that one spark of inspiration to remind you why you love it. Moreover, I take immense pride in the resilience of the Bat City Bombshells throughout the pandemic. While we took a break initially, we adapted by producing virtual shows and emerged stronger from the hiatus. Welcoming new members and infused with renewed enthusiasm, the troupe demonstrated incredible resilience, inspiring us to elevate our productions and performances.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sherrybomb.com
- Instagram: @sherry.bomb
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherrybombburlesque/
- Youtube: @SherryBombburlesque
Image Credits
Photo #1 is photastic0, Photos #2 & 3 are Patrick Rusk
