Words by Ferri Maya with additions by Suzy LaFosse | Photography by Mia Maraschino

This week, we decided to interview our Rock ‘n’ Roll Goddess, Ferri Maya! Ferri has been teaching at Sky Sirens for almost a year, and teaches inclusive, safe and positive classes to those wanting to learn musicality, technique and character. We thought it was time to sit down with Ferri and talk about her performance style, some advice she gives her students and what she gets up to in her down time!

What’s your favourite thing about Burlesque?

I love being able to create and perform from my heart. I love that Burlesque has allowed me to travel and meet amazing souls from around the world.

Ferri’s signature style ‘Burlyrock’ is all about Rock N' Roll attitude! With hot rock n’roll routines, attitude and red lipstick Ferri teaches everyone from beginners to advanced dancers. She helps her students to unleash their rock’n’roll showbabe while building their dance confidence and strengthening techniques.

If you could give your students one piece of advice, what would it be?

Never stop learning and always remain humble and yourself. 

Ferri has also written a great blog post on the importance of being mentored throughout your career and her own experiences with her mentor. You can find it here.

How do you spend your time when you’re not dancing? 

Roller skating, trying to cook, going for a walk, hanging with my cat Midnight, reading, shopping and watching loads of Friends.

Did you know that the character of Chandler’s Father, in Friends, is in an all male Burlesque Troupe! Burlesque is all around.

What’s your Sun/Moon/Rising?

I’m a Libra with a Gemini rising and Aries moon.

Libra’s are know for being highly sociable and outgoing which makes them very exciting to be around. We think this describes Ferri perfectly!

Tell us two truths and a lie (without saying which is which)

I was offered to be a jockey

I have a snake

I played a sport for Victoria 

If you haven’t met Ferri yet you can find her teaching a variety of Burlesque classes including Burly Rock and our Bend and Lap chair dance class. Her students love her upbeat attitude and focus on technique!