Mila DeLuna’s mission statement is “To entertain, embrace, and empower through creation.”
Check, check and check. Mission accomplished, so far.
DeLuna is still a relative newcomer to the feature entertainer arena, but the Michigan native has already made a name for herself — one she hopes blows up at the EDI West at Bucks Cabaret on April 25-27.
ED spoke with DeLuna about her start as a feature entertainer, performing at the EDIs, and her current musical tastes. And don’t miss her personalized Spotify playlist, courtesy of StripJointsMusic.com!
ED: How long have you been a dancer in strip clubs? Where was the first club where you danced, and what was it like the first few times you went on stage in a club?
DELUNA: I first started dancing in strip clubs about five years ago at Heartbeats in Battle Creek, MI. I didn’t have much on stage when I started but that did not stop me from going hard (when I wasn’t too nervous). My love for shaking my ass has only since intensified.
My stage personality is a playful girl next door but she also might host satanic orgies. I’m bubbly and energetic but still slinky and devilish. It is a strong part of my genuine personality manifested into a show. — Mila DeLuna
ED: When did you decide to become a feature entertainer? Did anyone inspire you to pursue a career as a feature?
DELUNA: Heartbeats hosted a competition for prospective feature entertainers, I participated and won, which got my foot in the door. About a year later, I decided I loved it enough to continue to invest myself in my passions and take it seriously. Heartbeats always had a ton of features come through, and all of those ladies inspired me in a certain way, but especially Trinity Turner and Bambu Jessica. They’re both so sexy and theatrical!
ED: What is your favorite part of being a feature entertainer? How would you describe your “personality” as a feature, and what are some of your favorite shows?
DELUNA: Getting to perform all over, to go on stage and give a good show is honestly my favorite part of being a feature entertainer. But I also love getting to visit new places and meet new people at all the clubs. My stage personality is a playful girl next door but she also might host satanic orgies. I’m bubbly and energetic but still slinky and devilish. It is a strong part of my genuine personality manifested into a show. Dancing with my fire fans and on my fire lyra are my favorite show elements. My leather kitty act and pink burlesque-with-giant-champagne-glass finale are two of my favorite shows!
ED: You’ve competed in a couple of EDI contests so far. What are you most looking forward to about this year’s EDI contest?
DELUNA: The show I’m bringing this year is a concept I’ve wanted to do for a while, so I’m excited to finally give life to those ideas. I’m also just excited to be surrounded by the best in the industry!
ED: What are your favorite types of music to dance to? Conversely, what music do you listen to when you aren’t working a club?
DELUNA: My tastes are all over the place. I like dancing to both upbeat music and slower, sexy music. I like soul music but have never danced to it!
ED: If you could see a concert of any musician or band, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
DELUNA: CCR definitely. I love time traveling when I listen to them.
Here’s more about Mila DeLuna!
Where do you hail from: Michigan
How many years have you been dancing: 5 years
How many years have you featured: 3 years
Favorite type of music: Bluesy and/or electronic rock
Favorite recording artist: Marilyn Manson
Favorite song to dance to: “Will Do” by TV on the Radio
Favorite song to listen to: “Formation” by Beyonce
Favorite club manager: Nooo, I can’t choose
Favorite part of your work night: Being paid to provide an experience/show people are not expecting! That look on their faces of joy and surprise, and then they throw money at me. It’s beautiful.
Pet working peeve: Lotion wearers
Advice for new feature dancers: Figure out what makes you YOU as an entertainer and do it intentionally.
Don’t miss Mila DeLuna’s personalized Spotify playlist here, courtesy of Bob Chiappardi and StripJointsMusic!
