Rubi K. Rose: Award-Winning Burlesque Dancer

Rubi K. Rose has always been a showgirl. Even when she wasn’t an award-winning burlesque dancer, she still carried the essence of one. From living room dancing to track star running, she’s always known how to take center stage. So, when burlesque came into her life, it’s no surprise she naturally excelled at it.

“I’ve always loved the spotlight,” Rose says. “Stage fright has never been a problem for me.” And her burlesque performances emulate that confidence clearly. Her dances, costumes and aura are all curated to evoke confidence and sensuality. “My main alter ego is commanding and makes you question your sexuality.” But that’s not all she wants from the crowd. She wants them to enjoy themselves thoroughly and will sometimes adapt her persona to the audience’s energy that night. “If I ever feel like that bold, sexual character is too much for the room — I’ll switch it up,” says Rose. “I’d rather you enjoy the moment.”

Rose has always been good at reading the room and knowing how to brush off others’ opinions of her. Throughout her life, she’s either been the only Black or Queer person in the room. “I’ve always been exposed,” Rose says. “Being able to perform is taking that control back. I’ll perform the way I want to be perceived.” And that she does. By creating her own costumes, dance routines and characters, she’s showing who is in control and owning her narrative. Her inspiration is derived from lyrics from songs she loves; if a lyric stands out to her, she can easily imagine the outfit or the glamour of her performance — creating something uniquely hers and powerful. 

Power and confidence have always carried Rose in every action of hers, including carrying her to burlesque. What simply started out as just a plea to get her out of her boredom, she quickly gained a mentor for burlesque dancing. “I saw it as a sport,” Rose says. “I can learn how to wear heels and dance in them, and I’m gonna do it and go all out.” Under her mentorship, Rose gained the momentum to perform, so much so that she wanted to instill that same drive in others. Rose is currently mentoring students one-on-one (she’s mentored five students so far) and truly believes anyone can do burlesque. “Burlesque is for any body, literally any physical body,” says Rose. “If you have a body, you can do it.” Rose emphasizes that no matter your shape, your physique, your endurance level, anyone can do burlesque; it is not limited to one body type or gender. She encourages all to try and uncover another side of themselves – or to just have a good workout.

Rose not only dances and mentors (she’s a busy gal!), but she also owns a production company. Founded and created with her partner T. Lou Rose, Noir Rose Productions is an all-Black, Queer-led production company. They made history back in February for Utah’s first all-Black burlesque show, when they debuted Black in Bloom. They continue to put on performances and have big things coming for Noir Rose Productions — but she won’t reveal a thing now. “You gotta keep your eyes peeled,” Rose says. And that we will.

So, what is next for Rose? Tour. 

“I want to go on tour and do out-of-state productions,” Rose says. She is currently planning to take her burlesque across the country and is ready to perform nationally. She also plans to continue her mentoring and to create dancing pop-ups across Utah.

Follow Rubi K. Rose on Instagram at @xoxo_rubik and @noir.rose.productions for more.

Read more Bold and Beautiful:
Bold & Beautiful: Poison Grace – SLUG Magazine
Bold & Beautiful: Baby Gorgeous – SLUG Magazine

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