Despite being on one of the industry’s most well-established feature entertainers and a former ED’s Overall Entertainer of the Year nominee, Lisa Licious can still remember how nerve-wracking it was the first time she got called up to the stage at The Candy Bar in Richmond, Virginia.
“I danced to Britney Spears’s ‘I’m A Slave 4 U’ and wore this bomb ass purple leopard print two-piece outfit,” says Lisa “I remember loving coordinating the costume with the music. It was scary on stage but also fun and it definitely helped me come out of my shell — and clothes!”
ED Magazine spoke with Lisa — on behalf of StripJointsMusic.com and our monthly Spotify series — about coming out of her clothes since that fateful night at The Candy Bar, and how it’s led to an impressive career as a touring showgirl entertainer. And don’t miss Lisa’s personalized Spotify playlist, courtesy of Bob Chiappardi and StripJointsMusic.com!
ED: What made you decide to become a feature entertainer in the first place? How did your career as a feature begin, and did anyone inspire you to take your career to the next level?
LISA: I started doing local competitions. My first one was at The Candy Bar where I started. I won my very first contest ever there. I loved the whole process of creating a show and then performing it.
Winning it was even more exciting. I then entered into a larger competition in my hometown at a club called Pure Pleasure. They were having their annual Entertainer of the Year competition and I knew I wanted to create and compete again. I did and I won again. I did so with the help of Rachelle Laree. She has been there since Day 1, even when I competed in my first competition. I reached out to her because not only were we friends but she was a touring feature that possessed all the knowledge for shows!! I would bounce my ideas off her and she would give me her expert advice.
After winning my second competition, she put me through to all of her agents and I was touring within six months!! Rachelle always inspired me with her stage presence and drive. I always looked up to her for going so far in our industry and for helping others.
ED: You are a previous EDI competitor and winner of the EDI’s Showgirl Division, and you’re back with us again this year, which is great! What do you look forward to most about being part of the EDI contest?
LISA: I love seeing all the girls perform in person and getting to know all of my fellow features. We all love featuring and creating shows and showing the world what we do. It’s nice to be among like-minded women.
I also love the whole process leading up to and during the competition. It’s definitely some blood, sweat, and tears. I love bringing my shows out for my industry to see.
“I love being able to travel and see the United States and other countries. I love meeting new people and seeing how different clubs are across the nation. I love the opportunities that I have been gifted. I got to perform for Ozzy Osbourne’s 70th birthday party, at his house! How f’n cool is that?!” – Lisa Licious
ED: How would you describe your “personality” as an entertainer and what are some of your favorite “shows”?
LISA: I’d say I’m on the energetic funny side. I really do love taking on the role of my character that I play on stage and giving it some personality. I love, love, love laughing and want to portray that through my shows.
My favorite show would have to be my Star Wars show, which I actually won the 2015 EDI East Showgirl division with. I play C3PO and have a remote-controlled R2D2; R2D2 is usually a pain in the ass to deal with so he makes the show even funnier because he has a mind of his own.
I do a bull/matador show which is pretty self-explanatory and, of course, funny. My alien show is pretty cool with all of its green LED lights.
The Time Machine Show — which I performed when I was nominated Entertainer of the Year — will always be a huge favorite.
And, last but not least, I love performing the puppet shows that Dakota Skye passed down to me. They always have a way of making the crowd erupt in laughter, which makes me laugh. Laughter really is the best medicine … besides tits and ass!
ED: What do you enjoy most about touring as a feature entertainer? Do you have some favorite cities that you enjoy visiting?
LISA: I love being able to travel and see the United States and other countries. I love meeting new people and seeing how different clubs are across the nation. I love the opportunities that I have been gifted.
I got to perform for Ozzy Osbourne’s 70th birthday party, at his house! How f’n cool is that? Dreams I didn’t even know I had have come true for me.
Some of my favorite cities are Louisville, Phoenix, and West Palm Beach.
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?
LISA: I love rock, country, house, rap, classic rock … shit I’ll dance to it all! Whatever goes with my show and has a bit of hype to it — I’m no slow dancer.
I listen to all types outside of work too. I keep my Sirius radio in my car on Hip Hop Nation and occasionally change it to Hair Nation or Ozzy’s Boneyard!
ED: If you could see a concert of any musician or band, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
LISA: Elvis Presley! The legend, when he was young and super ‘effin hot!
Here’s more about Lisa Licious, courtesy of StripJointsMusic.com!
Where do you hail from (born and raised): King William, Virginia
How many years have you been dancing: 19 baby, and, yes, I still got it.
How many years have you featured: 9 years
Favorite type of music: I like too many to name one, but House, rock and hip-hop!
Favorite recording artist: Cardi B, right now
Favorite song to dance to: “Kickstart My Heart” by Mötley Crüe
Favorite song to listen to: “Wish Wish” by Cardi B
Favorite club manager: RoseMarie LaPeter (Springfield, PaperMoon)
Favorite DJ or industry pro: Anthony Binger Bellao; because he’s funny and I love his rescue dog, Royal.
Favorite part of your work night: Being on stage!
Pet working peeve: If the clubs allow smoking inside
Advice for new feature dancers: Learn as much as you can from the veteran features. Ask for advice. Enter the contests and go to EXPO! Always be friendly and smile 🙂
Check out Lisa Licious’s personalized Spotify playlist right here, courtesy of StripJointsMusic.com!
