Meet Alex Valdez | Burlesque performer, emcee and producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Valdez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Hands down, the people I get to work with. I get to work with some of the most amazing and talented performers. I always tell them that people do not come to my show to see me, they come to see them. Nobody gets ready for Stripped saying, “I can’t wait to see Mr. Valdez.” They sit in those seats to watch the amazing performers that grace the stage every month.
 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been a burlesque performer for 15 years. I was one of the 8 original burlesque performers in Colorado Springs as Peaks and Pasties alongside Lola Spitfire, Ruby Sparkle, Kami Sutra, Gezelle ZeBelle, BeBe Bario, Sensuella, and Boopsie. They used me as a prop for the longest time until they asked me to start performing.

There were many ups and downs along the way. We had the cops called on us for our very first show because people didn’t think what we were doing was legal.

In September of 2020 I launched my own show Stripped: A Valdez Production. I set out to create a show that our city had not really seen yet. I wanted to build an authentically inclusive show. I set out with the mindset that everyone deserves to be seen. That being said, we are known for our focus on body positivity and highlighting both BIPOC and queer performers. I made sure that when it came to our promotional materials, you wouldn’t see the same 4 people on them over and over again. Everyone should be seen. Period.

This credo has given us a reputation of diversity and inclusion all over the state of Colorado. I am extremely proud that when people ask about what are the most diverse and inclusive shows in Colorado, our name is included in that conversation. That has also been reflected in our nomination (and hopefully by the time this runs, our win) for Best Burlesque Show at the Colorado DIVA awards.

We did have some challenges with this show along the way. We had some venue owner issues and my decision to not relocate my show at the time was not a popular one. I stood strong in the idea that the best way for me to create a safe space was to be on the front lines, in that space and making it one. Some people didn’t agree with that idea and that was totally their right and I have nothing but respect for those people. I did what I always do, and I trusted my gut.

The biggest lesson I have learned at this point is to stay true to who I am. I was involved with people that turned me in to a person that I didn’t want to be. So I left that situation. I recognized that my behavior at the time was not reflective of the person I wanted to be. So I humbled myself, made ammends with people I hurt, and moved on. Again, some people were not very supportive of that, but you’re not going to please everyone, and people will always have something to say.

I want my brand to be known for letting people be unapologetically themselves and to stand in their own power. Whether it be on my stage, or in my dance class that I teach. I want people to feel seen, empowered, and to know that they are safe and that they are wanted. I want my audiences to come to a show and find a family they didn’t know they needed.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In Colorado Springs we would definitely hit up:

Triple Nickel Tavern/Frisky’s to catch Stripped or my brunch show The Naughty Nooner Burlesque Brunch
The Wagon Wheel for some of the best drag shows you’ll see
Paravacini’s for the best Italian food you’ll ever have
The Painted Mines

We would head to Denver for:
Clocktower Cabaret
Where ever Crimson Burlesque is
Liquor Pie for Badass Burlesque
Hopefully a concert at Red Rocks

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this to every performer that has ever touched my stage, to every person that has ever sat in the audience, my brother, my parents and to my late nephew Christopher.

Website: https://vdez83.wixsite.com/strippedburlesque

Instagram: @IAmMrValdez

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vdez83 or https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089602511641

Other: TikTok: @IAmMrValdez

Image Credits
Broken Glass Photography Soundsnap Photography Anaughty Mis Adam Bouska Rick Priest