1) Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and background.
I am a professional dancer, I do everything from Irish step to ballroom to Bollywood to belly dance. I am currently performing belly dance at two dinner shows in Orlando.
2) How long have you been costuming? What kinds of experiences have you had?
I don't really do much sewing myself, but I am constantly coming up with ideas for costumes. When I wear a costume, I like to truly experience the role. A few years ago I wore Rose's pink and lavender gown from Titanic and went to the Titanic Exhibition. They let me walk down the staircase replica from the ship and pose in many of the roped off areas which normally isn't allowed. I've also dressed as my two favorite Star Trek characters, Dr. Beverly Crusher and Councelor Deanna Troi. My next project will probably be either Padme's white costume or Arwyn from Lord of the Rings.
3) What's your earliest memory of seeing Return of the Jedi?
I was about 8 years old. My mother didn't allow me to see many movies, but she let me see this one in the theater. I remember I was so amazed by the characters and fantasy world that was created. I had never seen anything like that before. I remember being enthralled with Princess Leia as soon as I saw her.
4) When did you get your first "metal bikini" and what drove you to it?
I had it made for me by Darcienne last year for Halloween. I came up with an idea for my belly dance show that I could be Slave Leia, since it looked like a belly dance costume. I ended up doing a full dance routine as first Darth Vader, then Leia. It was quite a hit and I am going to try and offer to do it at come upcoming conventions. I choreographed the dance and mixed the music myself using quotes from the movies.
5) What is your favorite memory of appearing as Slave Leia?
Well, I have two opposite extremes. The first time I wore it "out" was to Pleasure Island in Disney World on Halloween. Disney was not happy with it and quietly asked me to leave, which really angered me because they promote the movie in their MGM theme park. But I ended up making up for it at MegaCon 2006 this year. Everyone loved it. I didn't even get in the door for nearly 45 minutes, so many people were taking pictures. When I finally got in, both Mira Furlan and Marina Sirtis noticed me and said I looked absolutely fantastic. Marina Sirtis said to me, "You really have the perfect body to pull that off." And she signed her autograph to me to "Leia". When celebrities are amazed by your costume and actually ask you to come to their table, it is one of the best feelings in the world. I even showed Marina a few belly dance moves!
6) If you danced for Jabba the Hutt, what song would you dance to and why?
I would probably do the Zar trance dance from the Middle East that drives out evil spirits.
7) Any final words?
Being Slave Leia at a sci fi convention was one of the best experiences of my life, the people were so nice and intelligent, I made lots of new friends and I can't wait to do it again!
Thanks Amira! |
