Making her mark on the burlesque scene with her classic striptease performances and pinup looks, Ginger Valentine brings sexy back with a vengeance. Recently, winning the crown, Queen of Burlesque, at the New Orleans Burlesque Festival, this vivacious mover-shaker is not slowing down. I sat down with Ms. Valentine recently at the Belmont Hotel with photographer Jarrod Fresquez to learn more about the sultry bombshell.

Valentine started out as a ballerina, but was always attracted to the Striptease. “There is something liberating about being a stripper” says Valentine of her vocation. Valentine danced with a local burlesque-inspired dance troupe before becoming a soloist in 2008. Initially, she worked as a freelance commercial writer to make ends meet. “When you find your true calling, everything falls into place” remarked Valentine on meeting business partner Missy Lisa and taking on performing full time. Together they produce the Ruby Revue and the Dallas Burlesque Festival as well as run the Ruby Room Studio offering burlesque classes to the public.

Burlesque changes you. It changes the way you walk, the way you sit, the way you stand, and more importantly, the way you feel as a woman. It gets you in touch with that part of you that is all woman. There is empowerment here. Not the kind of bra-burning empowerment, but the virile, sexy sort where you celebrate that part of you that makes you women. Taking Valentine’s class at the Ruby Room Studio, Bumps & Grinds, is sure to help you channel your inner sexy stripper and transforms your body along the way. Another practice that helps calm Valentine’s nerves while performing with the Ruby Revue or at a big competition is yoga. The breathing techniques help her slow everything down in order to focus on her performance. “Pharmaceuticals of the brain are the best kind” says Valentine of the benefits of yoga.

Inspired by the 50′s and 60′s strippers of yesteryear, Valentine, puts a modern twist on an old profession. She takes an athletic approach to her training that includes, eating well and exercising often. She holds 3 to 4 classes a week at the Ruby Room Studio and practices regularly with the Ruby Revue. The well executed burlesque numbers come from hours of practice and a must if you want to be a Ruby Revue performer. “We believe in putting in the work for our fans” says Valentine of the troops work ethic.

“I’d dedicate my life to tits and ass” remarked Valentine when asked what would you do if you won Queen of Burlesque at the New Orleans Burlesque Festival. Her candor is refreshing in the world of sequins and pasties. Feminine, poised, sexy, and intelligent all come to mind when I think of Ginger Valentine. She approaches performance with the same tenacity she does in living, to be her personal best. “Keep it positive, keep your ego in check, and remember a sense of humor” advises Valentine. This sexy bombshell is a stellar performer you definitely don’t want to miss.

Classes with Ginger Valentine at The Ruby Room Studio:

INTRO TO BURLESQUE w Ginger Valentine | Monday 7:30p & Thursday 6:30p
BALLET BASICS w Ginger Valentine | Wednesday 6:30p
BUMPS & GRINDS w Ginger Valentine | Wednesday 7:30p
STRIPTEASE TECHNIQUE w Ginger Valentine | Wednesday 8:30p
MORE INFORMATION HERE: Ruby Room Studio Schedule

Next Performance with the Ruby Revue in Houston at The House of Blues: Back to School Special – Houston Edition Friday, October 8th at 9:30pm

Follow Ginger on Twitter: @Ginger_Lee

Like Ginger on Facebook: Ginger Valentine

All photographs by Jarrod Fresquez