I’m almost 50 years old and for all but maybe 11 years of it I’ve been overweight, obese, fat. It was most difficult during school years in which children without any filter will let you know as if you didn’t have a mirror. That affected child still lives in here somewhere as this body is a rollercoaster in every possible way.
I have friends in the community of pole, drag, burlesque, and other similar performance art and the Thicc Like Me event was put on by my very best friend so going was never a question. Inside of me, though—that hurt girl knew she had to come along.
Aurora is no stranger to me. I’ve been quite a few times as the South Broadway venue was walking distance prior to my recent move to homeownership and I am an avid supporter of NSFW entertainment. Sixteen performers from many cities beyond the STL came to our town for this event and not only did they show up, they sold out this space, added standing room only, and sold it out AGAIN.
The event was hosted by Bubbleluscious, who is a goddess of a woman and a fierce performer, and that aforementioned best friend Enchanted Rose was the producer. Being a friend through the hours and months of making this show had the tears flowing with pride for my bestie before the show even began.
Each performer brought something different and unique. There was stripping, burlesque, dancing, pole performing, lyra, two whips, and one hot and steamy pizza. There was humor and there was heart and soul. Bruises and thigh slapping, ass slapping, everything slapped and clapped as did the audience being so encouraging, so very validating.
Finally, that little girl inside of me wasn’t embarrassed, wasn’t ashamed, wasn’t friendless. I was, indeed, thicc like them and now wounds decades old are closing replaced with an acceptance of who I’ve always been and always will be.
This show would not have been possible without: Enchanted Rose, Bubbleluscious, Honey Pole Kisses, Dizzy Tunt, Isis the Entertainer, Hell Belle, Luxx Frankenstein, Dommy Mommy, Bella Biloxi, Kinky Kitty, Kaylin Cummins, Piper Paxtyn, The Aerial Crystal, Ru Bella, The Monstress, Persephone and headliner Ginger Snaps from Austin, TX, plus those who support performers of all abilities and sizes. ♥ | Diane Ruff
Check out future events at Aurora at aurorastl.com/tickets