A note from Holliedazzle
In 2011, I was lucky enough to meet a burlesque performer and producer named Mia Malone. Mia was producing a show at Ground Zero called Dr. Farrago’s Burlesque Theater. This show had been going for close to a decade, and featured a wide range of different performers and entertainers. It was a place where many of our current-day leaders in the Minneapolis burlesque scene “cut their teeth” and got their start, myself included. Under her kind and generous guidance, I developed my first act, “The Holliedazzle Christmas,” and debuted it on December 7, 2012. Without Mia’s dedication to mentoring performers, providing performance opportunities, and honestly, just giving people a chance to try something new, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
In February 2017, the world lost Mia. I know that as the years pass, memories fade, and though her influence on the scene is still present, there are many performers coming up that don’t know who she was. A light as bright as Mia does not deserve to fade away.
To honor her memory, and in the spirit of continuing the work she did, in partnership with The Rose Academy of Burlesque, I’m proud to announce the launch of the Mia Malone Memorial Scholarship. Any students brand new to burlesque or drag who identify as part of a marginalized community will be eligible to apply for this scholarship. Once a session, The Rose Academy will post an application link via a Squarespace form, and all applications submitted will be entered into a drawing for a fully-funded session of Group Performance Level One class at The Rose Academy. No essays, no judging—the application questions will be limited to information required to contact the winner and register them for classes.
I will also offer the winner of the scholarship a one-on-one rhinestoning lesson; and if the student wishes, I will assist them with blinging out their student showcase costume.
I look forward to honoring my burlesque mama’s memory, and helping other performers find their way into our community.
