Meet Anita Salsita | Founder and Owner of Vivalesque LLC

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

Hi Anita, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I was born and raised in Laredo, a small town in Texas. In the summer of 2021, I moved to Denver, just as the pandemic was winding down. Shortly after my move, I faced a medical emergency that required surgery to remove a lobe from my lung, leaving me with multiple scars. During my recovery, I spent countless hours bedridden, passing the time with Netflix and social media. One day, I came across an Instagram post about a burlesque school run by a performer at The Clocktower Cabaret, and I decided to sign up on a whim. After weeks of being confined to bed, I was desperate for something—anything—to look forward to. As I delved into the history of burlesque and explored the local scene in Denver, I quickly realized that these performers embodied the essence of body acceptance.

After completing the six-week burlesque course, I was ready for my first showcase performance at The Clocktower, with an audience filled with family and friends. Once the school ended, I decided to apply to various production companies to continue performing. As a brand-new burlesque dancer, I didn’t have high expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised by how many shows I was cast in. However, that momentum didn’t last. About a year into my work as a dancer, I noticed there were fewer shows being produced. So, I ultimately decided that if opportunities weren’t available, I would have to create them myself.

I shared my goal of becoming a show producer with one of my close friends in the show business, Talia Tucker L’Whore. Talia has been very active in Denver’s drag scene, and graciously offered a position shadowing them and learning how they produce their shows and manage their business. Six months of training later, I had a strong push from Talia and my dance instructor, Marquette Carrington, “You’re ready, it’s time”. The next day I began registration for Vivalesque, LLC.

I reached out to local businesses across Denver to find a venue for my first show, and HQ Underground was the first to respond right away. When I announced that I was looking for performers to join Vivalesque, I received an overwhelming amount of interest from dancers all over the city. Our first show was a resounding success, and I’m deeply grateful to HQ Underground for providing us with a platform to share our art. I’m thrilled to have our next show lined up at Middleman during the second weekend of August, featuring a stellar cast of performers. With Vivalesque, I’m hopeful we’ll continue to create more opportunities for performers in Denver and beyond.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets you apart from others?
Vivalesque stands out by focusing on understanding each venue’s unique atmosphere and aligning performances to enhance it. By visiting venues personally and learning about their market and goals, we ensure that our shows complement the existing vibe. Whether a venue has a mellow ambiance or a lively energy, performances are tailored to fit seamlessly. Additionally, recognizing that every performer has a niche style helps match their talents with the right venues, providing opportunities for diverse performers to thrive in settings that suit their unique styles.

Lessons I’ve Learned along the way:
1. One key lesson I’ve learned is that “a trained dancer is a hired dancer.” This insight from mentors like Marquette Carrington has taught me that ongoing training is crucial, even as a producer. By constantly improving my skills, I not only set a high standard for myself but also ensure that I lead by example, motivating those who perform for my company to excel.
2. I’ve also come to understand the importance of navigating local regulations, which extend beyond city laws. Each county can have specific rules for burlesque and entertainment, such as dress codes or restrictions on audience interaction. Being aware of these nuances is essential for smooth operations and compliance.
3. Another lesson is the financial aspect of running a business. To fund the creation of my LLC, I saved earnings from performances as a burlesque dancer and kept detailed receipts. This approach helps with budgeting and ensures accurate tracking of expenses for tax purposes, potentially allowing for deductions or reimbursements.
4. Building a supportive network has been another crucial lesson. Taking the time to personally thank everyone in the audience has significantly strengthened my support base. This genuine engagement fosters loyalty, encourages repeat attendance, and has been instrumental in the growth of my business.

What are you most proud of?
I’m incredibly proud of how this vision has come to life, creating more opportunities for performers in our community. Recognizing the need for more spaces where local talent could shine, I took action to fill that gap. As a result, I’ve helped introduce burlesque to venues that had never hosted it before, with the hope that the success of these shows will inspire other businesses to consider doing the same.

It’s also deeply rewarding to be able to pay performers more than I initially anticipated. This has been a significant milestone for me, as it ensures that the talent is not only recognized but also fairly compensated for their artistry and hard work.

Why did I choose the name Vivalesque?
The name “Vivalesque” was chosen to reflect both my personal background and the essence of my work. My stage name, Anita Salsita, playfully acknowledges my Mexican roots. In Spanish, “-ita” conveys smallness or affection, and I used it to express my love for my culture. This is fitting since I’m just under 5’1″.
When choosing a name for my company, I wanted it to reflect my stage persona. “Viva!” is a word of celebration, while “lesque” is drawn from “burlesque,” the art form I love. Together, Vivalesque not only captures the essence of my performances but also ties back to my Latin roots. As a special touch, “Viva” and “Lesque” start with V and L, which are the initials of my legal name, adding a personal connection to the brand I’m building.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d start by grabbing coffee at local favorites like Pablo’s Coffee, Novo, or Huckleberry Roasters. For a taste of local flavor, I’d visit The Cookery at Myrtle Hill for a meal and then enjoy dessert at D Bar. A visit to the Denver Botanic Gardens is a must; I love it so much that I’ve bought an annual pass for the second year in a row. I’d also explore local breweries and bars, such as Fiction Beer Company for trivia, Middleman for a lively hangout, and Station 26 for board games like Villainous. With the warm weather, a picnic at Washington Park with friends sounds perfect. For evening activities, I’d take a class or enjoy a pole dancing session at Hard Candy Dance Studio. We could catch a show at Denver Underground Comedy or, if there’s a burlesque performance hosted by Alabastard Productions at Lions Lair, that would be a great choice too.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Talia Tucker L’Whore:
Talia Tucker L’Whore, a standout local drag queen, was the first person I shared my vision with. Over coffee shop meetings, she generously shared her experiences as a performer and producer, making herself available to answer my questions at any time of day with complete honesty. She firmly believes that viewing fellow performers as collaborators rather than competition fosters greater opportunities for everyone in the community. Talia saw potential in me and took a chance by letting me shadow her for about six months. During this time, I learned firsthand how she ran shows, managed the production process, and handled any challenges. She was open about her own mistakes, providing invaluable lessons. Not only is she one of Denver’s top drag performers, but I’m also honored to call her my friend.

Hard Candy Dance Studio and Owner: Marquette Carrington:
Hard Candy Dance Studio is a Black woman-owned business led by Marquette Carrington, who exemplifies unwavering support and dedication. Her studio is renowned for offering top-notch training while welcoming individuals of all genders, backgrounds, and body types. Marquette provides a safe space where dance becomes both a vulnerable and empowering experience. Her commitment goes beyond words; when I approached her with the idea of starting my own company, she generously shared her knowledge and answered every question, regardless of the time of day. Marquette has attended every show I’ve hosted, demonstrating her genuine belief in and support for every dancer who walks through her studio doors. She is a true advocate for her community and a remarkable mentor.

Middleman (Cocktail Bar):
Middleman, owned by Jareb Parker, was one of the first bars to enthusiastically embrace the idea of featuring a new and local burlesque company. Despite not having any data or previous show results to share, Jareb took a chance on us without hesitation, driven by his genuine excitement for bringing something fresh and different to his venue. He approached the partnership with a positive attitude, reassuring me that whether we sold 5 or 10 tickets, we’d still have a fantastic time. Jareb’s commitment to the local community and his awareness of the financial realities faced by the neighborhood have been pivotal to Middleman’s success. His support and community-focused outlook are exactly why the venue thrives. Thanks to the overwhelming success of our first show, Vivalesque is excited to host another event at Middleman on Halloween night, Thursday, October 31st.

HQ Underground:
Scott Happel, who runs HQ Underground, was the first venue to respond when I started my business, and it was here that I hosted my inaugural show on August 3rd. His approach to managing the venue has made it incredibly easy for producers and artists to host events. Scott’s support and commitment to facilitating a smooth experience have played a key role in making HQ Underground a welcoming and efficient space for performances.

Instagram: @Vivalesque (company account) – @AnitaSalsita (performer account)

Facebook: Anita Salsita: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093538433479

Other: For booking inquiries or performer inquiries my email is: info.anitasalsita@gmail.com

Image Credits
Hthr The Photographer
Callie Mitchell Photography
Emerald Boes Photography
Ganz Savery Photographer
D20 Photography