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Meet Pat Elle
Burlesque performer Pat Elle has been taking the world by storm since stepping onto the scene three years ago. Whether its her politically charged acts or her passion for sharing her Indian heritage, Pat Elle's performances are full of surprises that promise to make the audience's brain tick.
In this episode of The Sassy Show host Bethany Burgoyne asks Pat Elle about developing herself within the scene as a self-taught performer, and how embracing individuality and being authentic on stage helped her step into her sassy side on a daily basis. We hear Pat discuss her motivation of sharing her culture as a British-Indian performer and how, when deciding to perform, Pat Elle set the intention "to make people of my culture and South Asian heritage proud of how their culture is being portrayed". Tune in to listen and scroll down to see Pat Elle's portraits specially crafted by photographer Joana Lirio
Authenticity & Community
Since starting performing, Pat Elle has been able to truly step into her uniqueness - nipple tassles and all. But she reflects on how "embracing your individuality is so hard. We're always taught not to do it until we reach a certain level of 'fuck it'". Releasing that pressure to conform is something Pat Elle reflects on as taking time and maturity. But her advice for how to reach that place is by finding your golden thread or northern star of who you are.
Embracing your individuality is so hard. We're always taught not to do it until we reach a certain level of 'fuck it'!
For Pat she explains how "Burlesque gave me that avenue to embrace who I am and people have sometimes not liked that or shun away from it. But I found my people". Crediting the amazing community that support her on and off stage is something that Pat explains as being hugely encouraging and an important aspect of her growth.
Mastering An Act
Pat is known for her provocative and somewhat political acts which push the limits of what Burlesque can often be boxed into. From her Priti Patel/Boris Johnson inspired Femdom act to her Bollywood performances, Pat discusses how the process is not an easy one. "It's taken time to find my unique style and story telling approach. By embracing my heritage and personal experiences has helped me carve out a niche that resonates authentically with audiences".
It's not just about stripping, we all know the clothes are going to come off but what's happening in between - how do you tell a story, teach, educate people.
Being able to tap into her own sensuality and sexuality has helped her craft acts that come from a genuine place. Reminding us how "it's not just about stripping, we all know the clothes are going to come off but what's happening in between - how do you tell a story, teach, educate people". This importance on the substance of Pat Elle's work is something that makes her stand out, bringing conversations into the world of entertainment that historically get over looked.
Exploring Kink
An overlap in Pat's life is her involvement in the kink scene, something she connected with our Sassy host Bethany over. Pat expresses the gratitude she has for there being acceptance and specific spaces/parties for people to explore. When talking about her journey into the sex-positive community, Pat credits Burlesque as being her gateway into the world of parties catering for BDSM and fetish, explaining how "I don't think I ever would have done [kink parties], I don't think I would have had the confidence without Burlesque".
I've discovered a new side of me that comes out every day - a kinky, sexy, sensual side.
In doing so Pat tells us how "I've discovered a new side of me that comes out every day - a kinky, sexy, sensual side." Her advice for others who may be curious about their kinky side is "to find your own niche. Mine would be that I'm a sensual Domme, taking inspiration from tradition BDSM and making it my own".
Inclusivity Within Burlesque
For Pat Elle, an ongoing issue since she made her way into Burlesque has been that very few clothing and lingerie companies catering for her body size. This has led to her having to custom make underwear sets and items of clothing for her acts. Alongside this, another struggle has been the lack of inclusivity within the scene. Pat tells us how "Honouring my integrity has been a steep learning curve" in relationship to discrimination and aspects of racism that Pat experiences."I never, ever thought I'd come across [racism] in my career or life but unfortunately it has happened and occurred". This is something that's made Pat deepen her attachment to the golden thread of who she is and why she's doing what she's doing.
I drew inspiration from the likes of Lilly SnatchDragon and Sadie Sinner who've been the pillars of British Cabaret and the pioneers of POC within the community
Pat reminds us how "Its fine to not accept jobs that have treated you unfairly and it's fine to not entertain those conversations". During these times she tells us how "I drew inspiration from the likes of Lilly SnatchDragon and Sadie Sinner who've been the pillars of British Cabaret and they've been the pioneers of POC" within the community. These leaders are who Pat Elle credits for helping her be who she is on stage, explaining how "I have to carry that same integrity and honour to help other POC's really harness their heritage and showcase themselves on stage."
It's with conviction that we see Pat Elle continue to carve her own unique path within the Burlesque scene, encouraging a sense of empowerment and sensual exploration along the way. There is nothing quite like the energy that Pat puts out - a sassy combination of dominance, joyfulness, and deliberate cheekiness leaving audiences hungry for more.
Be sure to check out Pat Elle's work on IG @pat__elle
Entertaining and captivating audiences is what she now lives and breathes for. Known as the Mistress of Spices, and guaranteed to send your pulse racing! Pat Elle takes inspiration from risqué Bollywood and Arabic movements, her style oozes Bollywood glamour with a touch of British cheek. Just like a good Bombay Mix, Pat’s the perfect combination of sweet and spicy.
Interview by The Sassy Show founder Bethany Burgoyne @bxsassy2
Podcast Tracklist:
Choli Ke Peeche - Alka Yagnik & Ila Arun
Chhoti Si Aasha - A.R. Rahman Minmini
Billy Rani - Pritam, Anand Raj Anand & Richa Sharma
Piya Tu Ab To Aaja - Asha Bhosle & R.D. Burman
Khalasi (Coke Studio Charat) - Aditya Gadhvi & Achint
Mere Sapnon Ki Rani - Kishore Kumar