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It was at the Cock, but in those months I danced everywhere: the Ritz, G Lounge, Easternbloc, Sugarland. I was intimidated by the idea, but I just went for it and became pretty popular. I was moving to Europe for a few months, and needed to make some extra cash for my trip. I started gogo dancing about three years ago. Where and when did you start gogo dancing? And, I guess, why? It was also the first live drag show I’d ever seen. The first gay club I went to was the only 18+ place I heard about, and that was Escuelita. I was always coming into the city to go out. I guess as a New Jerseyite, you were probably exploring NYC nightlife pretty early on? I was about 15 when I finally started to acknowledge I was “different.”ĭid you have to hide this from your family? How old were you when you were comfortable with, and understanding of, your sexuality? I would lock myself in my room, listen to music and color or draw, or just do something creative. I was a loner growing up: always social and friendly, but preferred to do things alone.
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I grew up just outside the city, in Jersey City. Where are you from, by the way? What kind of a kid were you, and what were your early interests? I always just say I work in nightlife and give them a rundown: performer, producer, party host, promoter and occasional gogo boy. How would you describe your profession to someone you just met? It was made by Hana Quist and it was comfy-ish. I just saw a shot of your look for that night: Ravishing! Who made that, and was it, um, comfortable? Yeah, it’s like your all-around family, and you’re all happy to see each other. When you’re in a big gathering of Brooklyn nightlife like that, what does the energy in the room feel like? Is it a big family? An acid commune? Hogwarts?ĭefinitely Hogwarts! just kidding. Thotyssey: Hi Rify! Congratulations on the Best Burlesque Show BNA you receivedįor your monthly party Straight Acting Sunday! Strange, because it’s not really a burlesque show per se, but cool for the acknowledgement, right? He talks with Thotyssey about the glamour, the fashionz, and the science of having a good time. Recent Brooklyn Nightlife Award winner Rify Royalty knows that life is a party, and parties are work.