Paisley Peach’s burlesque career began by accident, but it quickly became a defining feature of her life. Now the Boulder fixture is leaving it behind with a farewell to the stage and a celebration of the community that has been a major part of her personal growth for nearly a decade.
“Burlesque has pushed me toward more radical expression and made me feel great in my body,” says Paisley Peach, who asked not to be identified by her real name. “Growing up, I felt ashamed of my sexuality and was uncomfortable wearing risque clothing. Women are often shamed for their bodies as they grow up, so it was refreshing to be in a place where I was celebrated.”
Known for her blend of punk rock and horror aesthetics, the 32-year-old dancer has been a vibrant presence in the local performing arts scene since 2017. Those in the know will recognize her as the ringleader of the Pretty in Punk series at Boulder’s Junkyard Social Club, a raucous mix of live punk bands with burlesque and drag performers that has been a regular feature of the community since its launch last summer.
Paisley Peach says the monthly showcase — which comes to an end with a final show Aug. 10 — was about more than smashing her favorite artforms together. It was also about carving a space where everyone feels welcome.
“I’m a queer person, so I’m all about promoting queer safe spaces for hangouts and music,” she says. “It was incredible to see so much joy that came out of something that I worked so hard to facilitate.”
Fast learner
Paisley Peach’s foray into the world of burlesque began after moving to Colorado from Los Angeles in 2012. She wanted a change and had never lived in cold weather. Her father, who attended CU in the 1970s, pitched Boulder as “a really cool, artsy town” that seemed in line with her interests and sensibility.
“I applied to two schools: one in Paris, and CU Boulder, and got accepted to both,” she says. “Something about Boulder drew me in; I had never been to Colorado before, but I accepted my offer. I remember driving into the state from Los Angeles and seeing the Flatirons, which looked like a postcard, and being overjoyed.”
Her artistic journey took off from there. Despite having only seen one burlesque performance in her life, she auditioned with a local troupe in 2017 and never looked back.
“I have always loved dancing,” Paisley Peach says. “One of my friends suggested that I start a professional career as a go-go dancer or something. So I thought about it, and then a week later, a friend told me there were auditions, so I went, even though I had no prior experience.”
She continued to hone her craft, drawing inspiration from iconic performers like Dita Von Teese and Gwen Stefani, blending classic burlesque with a punk-rock edge. This fusion quickly became her signature look.
“Paisley allowed me to embody this hyper-feminine character who exudes spunkiness, authenticity and creativity,” she says. “My normal life is very different from Paisley’s.”
By day, she is a freelance writer who offers a suite of communications services. But it’s the nighttime hours that have given her life over these past seven years. That’s been especially true since last July’s launch of the Pretty in Punk series, her first solo production. The idea for the concept originated from her desire to recreate the punk scene she had known growing up in Los Angeles, which she felt Boulder lacked.
“I just wanted to see a punk burlesque show with live music. I also love drag, so I wanted to invite drag into the picture because often the two worlds are separate,” she says. “Seeing people come together for these shows every month and enjoy what I created was incredibly fulfilling.”
Final bow
Paisley Peach enjoyed producing Pretty in Punk, but she was ready for a change. Each show cost around $1,300 of her own money, which she was responsible for covering if they did not sell enough tickets. Running the event was also time intensive, and her future plans call for more flexibility.
“I am leaving in September to backpack around the world for almost a year, and I am thinking about settling down and starting a family with my partner after that,” she says. “ I’m 32 now, so who knows? Maybe I’ll get back into it again someday.”
Paisley Peach’s last show promises to be a fitting farewell with an eclectic mix of 13 acts, including the return of her drag persona, Dick Liqueur. Now she is preparing for her final bow, one last chance to connect with her audience and celebrate the vibrant community that welcomed her all those years ago.
“It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for all the support and love from the community,” she says. “This final show is not just an end, but a celebration of everything we’ve built together.”
_________________
ON STAGE: Pretty in Punk: The Final Show. 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug.10, Junkyard Social Club, 2525 Frontier Ave., Suite A, Boulder. $20