The stripper formerly known as Bree Madonna

In August of 2014, Bree Madonna, “The Vocal Vixen” had her debut. I had been interested in burlesque, stripping, Playboy centerfolds, and sex work my entire life. Trauma, internalized fat-phobia, body dysmorphia, and growing up in the Bible Belt always made this growing passion a thing to be ashamed of. But that didn’t mean I wasn’t practicing glove peels and bend-and-snaps behind closed doors in the sanctuary of my bedroom.

During the final round of my battle with my lifelong eating disorder, I got the opportunity to pose nude for a figure drawing class. This night would change my life forever. Seeing my naked body depicted as art, in such a loving and respectful way lit a fire under me. In less than six months, I was lacing my first corset and taking the stage. Having studied classical singing for several years (I have a Bachelor’s in Music from Old Dominion University), I decided my first routine would be a rousing rendition of the Habanera aria from Bizet’s Carmen. As I finished on the high note, the crowd leaped to their feet! They wouldn’t stop cheering!! My eyes filled with tears as I felt a freedom I never knew existed. I knew I wanted to do this again and again, as often as I could!

Over the next three years, I would be invited on several tours up and down the East Coast, and one national tour for Burlesque is Coming; A Burlesque Tribute to the Works of George R. R. Martin at the height of Game of Thrones Mania. This tour was written up on EntertainmentWeekly.com, Playboy.com, and several other web publications.

After returning from tour, I began teaching The Art of the Tease, and this was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever known. After every performance, every gig, every class, someone would tell me how I was helping them love their own body— how seeing me, in all my chubby, nearly naked glory, shakin’ what my Goddess gave me, was making a difference.

After three successful years, I decided to take a long break from burlesque, to pursue music, writing, and podcasting, but I never shook the longing to be back up there bumpin’ and grindin’. Lately, I’ve been inspired to dream bigger. Maybe I can have it all! But this time, as with all my other creations, this time, I’ll just be Britt.