Interview with Audria Larsen

Entertainment come in different forms and hoop dancing is one such form that can keep you entertained. Hoop dancing is a form of storytelling dance that incorporates various hoops that are used as props to create static and dynamic shapes and formations and symbols that are a part of the storytelling process. This time we bring you an entrepreneur and an entertainer that has been present at various festivals and events in Grand Rapids. Meet Audria Larsen, an independent burlesque dancer, a hoop professional, producer and variety artist that goes with her stage name ‘Vivacious Miss Audacious’.
Audria has a spunky energy and a natural drive to dance which makes her a treat to watch when she takes the centerstage. She is passionate about hula hoop and she turned her passion into a career by founding Audacious Hoops, a hula hoop company that highlights the hoop dance and brings it forward in her home state. Audria is a great entertainer, friendly and outgoing which makes her the center of attraction wherever she goes and performs. She has extensively toured across the United States. She made headlines with her show across Australia with the renowned Pretty Things Peepshow and she even created news for her shows in Toronto.
Audria is the first modern variety performers blending pair hooping with burlesque creating her unique brand identity across the state of Michigan and the United States.

FarándulaMag: How did you get the name Vivacious Miss Audacious?
Audria: When showbiz came into my life I needed a stage name. A friend hit on “Audacious,” which was so perfect because it describes my life outlook and personality perfectly. It’s also similar to my given name. I added Vivacious Miss and the rest is history.

FarándulaMag: Tell us about what you do:
Audria: I’m a self employed producer and entertainer. Hula hooping is one of my passions. I run Audacious Hoops, a hula hoop company, where I teach classes, hand make hoops, perform and offer youth programs.

Audria Larsen – Photo courtesy of Epiglotic Photographic.

FarándulaMag: How did you get introduced to the world of hooping/ dancing?
Audria: I’ve been hooping since I was a child. When I ended up discovering avant garde and variety performance I brought hooping into the mix. The dancing came after as a natural progression.

FarándulaMag: What inspires you to dance?
Audria: I have always loved to move my body. I feel it comes within as a natural drive.

FarándulaMag: What do you like better – performing or teaching?
Audria: I love both equally. Both are greatly rewarding and offer rich experiences.

FarándulaMag: What is one flow event that you’re especially excited to take part in this year?
Audria: I’m currently performing in London, which will be hard to top this year!

FarándulaMag: Do you have a set schedule for practicing that you try to stick to?
Audria: I perform so often that usually I rehearse when warming up for a gig or working on a new act. My schedule is always in flux!

FarándulaMag: If you could go back in time, what advice and lessons learned would you had given your “younger self”?
Audria: Confidence is often a learned thing. I find myself to be a confident person which wasn’t always the case when I was younger. “Fake it ‘till you make it” really works in that regard.

FarándulaMag: If you could give advice for aspiring younger dancers, what did you discover about the industry that you would want others to know about?
Audria: Know your worth. Especially if you are seeking to become a professional. Often new performers undercut others in the industry. Don’t be afraid to ask for appropriate pay and to negotiate. It’s helps us all to elevate our industry.

FarándulaMag: What was the most memorable experience you have had at a festival/ event?
Audria: I’ve performed at so many places, that’s a tough one. Fire hooping during a downpour for a private party is definitely on the list!

FarándulaMag: Do you have anything you would like to plug?
Audria: Audacious Hoops has a lot of events throughout the summer, check out
www.audacioushoops.com for details.

Photo courtesy of Epiglotic Photographic.