I first met Bette at one of Himitsu’s Kink 101 evenings through a mutual friend. We had similar interests, namely things like wax, zap and slap. Then when Mya Tension started to offer kinky Burlesque classes I mentioned to Bette that I was thinking of signing up and Bette quickly signed up too.
Our first ever class was in the dungeon at Himmies and as we listened to all but a few of those in attendance talk about their previous dance experience it quickly became apparent that we were going to be the odd ones out. Not that we weren’t welcomed but we kind of didn’t have that clear understanding of dance teacher and student have in regards to discipline. Our regular spot at classes quickly became known as The Naughty Corner (something which has carried through to our home page).
The first shows were at Himmies and through a combination of work travel and Covid I didn’t get to perform until Perth Fringe in early 2023.
Bette having already had some experience at the Himmies shows had already started to come out of her shell. But it’s fair to say, the more (sold out) shows we did at Fringe the more her confidence grew.
Cut forward to December 2023 and another two sold out shows at Connections Club here in Perth, Bette took the stage with her own choreographed duo.
A far cry from where we were just over 12 months prior and with Perth Fringe just getting underway I wanted to catch up with her and see how much things have changed and what Fringe 2024 has in store for Bette Noir.
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Hey Bette, so you are just about to do your 2nd Perth Fringe and not only are you doing a group routine, but you get to debut your first duo there too. Excited? Nervous?
“Oh wow not at all right now to be honest. I'm sure nerves will present itself closer to fringe but Rn I'm actually OK.
I'm super proud of my solo/duo, and the vision I had really did come alive in exactly in the way it was supposed to.
I was blown away with how the act was received at the shows in December and having a partner like Silver Predilection has just been a dream.
Planning to make any changes to it for Fringe?
“No, I do however have a 'part 2' in the works but that will hopefully be performed at a event later in the year. But you will have to follow my socials for more info about that!”
For those who didn’t get to see it at Connie’s but are coming to the Fringe Licentious show, what is the routine about?
“This routine is ultimately a love story, a journey of discovery. cloistered hearts awaken to find love, lust and pleasure in all things naughty!”
Ha, I’ll put your socials at the end of the piece. What tips do you have for anyone thinking of developing their own solo?
“Hahaha I really don't know if I should be giving advice on this as I've only done one so far but if I can give any advise it is to jump in with both feet! Give it your all and work your butt off! You won't be sorry!
Oh and practice practice practice!! Then when you think you have it down... ... practice some more!
But after all that hard work is done, have fun and believe in yourself! You've got this!”
I know I’ve got quite a few stand out moments from last years Fringe but what would you say were yours?
“Of course it was all amazing but the thing that stood out the most for me was Mya. She produced the most amazing show under the biggest time crunch. But not once did she let anything fluster her, she took everything with such grace and humility. Treating everyone with the utmost respect.
It didn't matter if you were a headliner with a huge social media following or a newbie starting out in her first group routine like me, she made you feel wanted, special and 100% an equal part of the show.
I'm so so proud to be apart of Licentious and to be able to call all of the cast my family.”