Behind the Curtain: A Dancer's Journey on Bourbon Street

My journey began long ago, growing up in the 70s with a single mom who was very religious. By the age of 9, I was already a latchkey kid who took myself to and from school. I never really fit in with groups or gangs and have always been a bit of a loner with only a few close friends.
 
As a teenager, things took a dark turn when the Sunday school teacher at my mom's church molested me. I knew I couldn't let that happen again, so I made the difficult decision to leave home at just 14 to start my own life. With a fake ID, I ended up in New Orleans, where I discovered Big Daddy's. I lived upstairs and worked there for over 20 years, enjoying the freedom, magic, and beauty of the city.
 
But then, Hurricane Katrina hit, and everything changed. My life was turned upside down, and I had to face everything I had left behind at 14. There was nowhere to run this time, and I knew I had to deal with everything all at once. It wasn't easy, but I did a lot of inner work to find myself again.
 
Despite struggling with PTSD and anxiety, I persevered. I put myself through college and taught myself everything I know. I didn't receive any help, and in fact, every door was slammed in my face. But I didn't let that stop me from achieving my goals.
 
One thing that has always bothered me is the way society, including my family, looks down on dancers. It has become my mission to not only shed light on what it was like to be a dancer on Bourbon Street for 20 plus years but to prove to my family that I am more than just a dancer on a pole.
 
I created a documentary about my experiences and interviewed my friends from Big Daddy's, but as I was creating the film, I realized that most of our pictures were lost in Katrina. I made the decision to rebuild the club in virtual reality to use in the film. It took me two years, but I did it. I turned my story and experiences into a 7-part book series, determined to keep the memory and strength of the women of 522 Bourbon Street alive.
 
Despite what others may think or say, I am proud of my life, and I will never let the strength and beauty of the women I know die. I may not be the best filmmaker or writer, but I do it because there's something inside me that won't let me stop. I love New Orleans, and I love to create magic, and that's why I joined this community – to share my heart and my story.
 
I am proud to say that even in my 50s, I am still able to do what I love most - sharing the magic of Bourbon Street in New Orleans and celebrating the power of strong women. Through my creative works, including books, poetry, and a documentary, I am preserving the stories and experiences of the women of Bourbon Street and ensuring that they are never forgotten. By celebrating their strength and resilience, I am inspiring others to recognize and appreciate the power of women in all aspects of life. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my heart and my story with others, and I am committed to continuing to create magic and celebrate the incredible women of Bourbon Street for as long as I live.