Z:
Do you remember the very first time you danced on stage?
W:
I'm having a tough time remembering the first time I danced on stage. It was so long ago. [laughs]

Z:
What was it like?
W:
The first place that I worked was actually a peep show, which for obvious reasons didn't last long. I had some strange notion that it would be safer, when in reality it was just really strange. After that, I did bachelor parties for a while. I think parties are a little tamer in Chicago than they are in Los Angeles. Actually, a lot tamer. [laughs]

When I finally started working in clubs, I remember being really nervous and shy. I wasn't used to being around so many other women and I had heard a lot of dancer folklore about really mean, drug-addicted women stealing your clothes and peeing in your shoes. Wasn't I surprised when, on my first night, there were actually girls who worked there that were nice to me!

Z:
What type of music do you like to dance to?
W:
When I'm working, I usually dance to... well, I don't really stick to one... or even a few genres of music. I like a little bit of rock... a little bit of mellow-ish dance... a few odd classics. Lately I've been really into Massive Attack, Marilyn Manson, Roni Size and some soundtracks. I mostly stay within the "alternative" banner, but I've been known to pull out some Elvis, Nina Simone and in a rarer moment, Foghat.

Z:
What type of music do you listen to at home?
W:
At home my tastes are even more eclectic than at work. I've been indulging in alot of old big band swing-ish jazz and blues, a bunch of old rockabilly and country, a smattering of cheesy, like Velveeta, lounge music and, of course, those rock/alternative staples. I listen to alot of late night KCRW too, so I'm usually not quite sure what I'm hearing.

Z:
What's the strangest thing that happened to you at a club?
W:
This is a tough one. There are so many. The winner is... maybe, the time I danced for the boy that grew up down the street from me. [laughs] No, that's not the winner, but it did happen.

Here's one. One beautiful, shining afternoon I went to work and wasn't on the floor for 5 minutes, this kind of twitchy fellow came up and asked me for a dance. I'm just about ready to start and he starts fiddling with his zipper. Now, in my silly blonde head I'm thinking that I've got a run-of-the-mill whip-it-out kind of guy here. So imagine my surprise when he pulls out a crack pipe and lights it up! Keep in mind, you can't even smoke cigarettes in that club. The story ends with the silly little blond girl screeching unintelligibly and having a good long laugh.

If your looking for something juicier, you might just have to ask me off the record.

Z:
Got any pet peeves?
W:
Oh sure, I think everyone does. Crack-smoking would probably be one of them. [laughs]

Z:
What do you like to do in your spare time?
W:
I tend to stay pretty busy. I spend a good amount of time making costumes for work or playing around with one of my vintage cars. I also like the beach, roadtrips, museums and movies. There are always so many things to do, especially in Southern California. When I don't feel like leaving the house, there is always my computer and Z-chat. I also love taking baths... warm, fuzzy, long bubble baths. The bathroom is my favorite room in the house.

Z:
Do you wear costumes at work?
W:
I do make a lot of costumes for work. I usually stick to standard dancer wear because the Ball is pretty casual, but for holidays, I get a little more creative. Halloween is a personal favorite. This year I did a little cowgirl number... and a sexy nurse too. Costumes are so much fun.

Z:
Tell me more about your vintage cars.
W:
Love them. One of the best things about moving here from Chicago is that you can have old cars without fear of having them destroyed by snow and salt. My driveway is getting very full. I have 3 pre-65 cars. Well actually, a Mopar convertible, a Chevy truck and a Ford. Also a newer German car. I do some of my own work on the older cars and the new one goes straight to the mechanic.

Z:
I hear you have a few dogs. Tell me about them.
W:
I have three great dogs that I treat like children. I've learned so much about people from my dogs. They are each so different, and spoiled, too. One is a Chihauhau/Pomeranian mix. She is in charge of all things lap dog. Her sister is a big dumb Pit Bull, who's domain is looking tough and acting silly. Last but not least is the grumpy old patriarch of the fuzzy empire, a Border Collie who is too smart for his own good. His mission? To rid the world of all motorcycles and make trash collection obsolete. And now that I've carried on like an aunt that pinches your cheeks... [laughs]

Z:
I heard you've traveled a bit too. Where have you been to?
W:
I love traveling. When I was living in Chicago, I would run away from the cold almost every winter. Australia is great because the seasons are opposite ours. I was in Melbourne for a month. I've also been to Montreal and all over the US. The wonderful thing about dancing is that you can travel and work at the same time. I really want to go to Europe next.

Z:
What type of guys or gals are you attracted to?
W:
Hmm, let's see. I don't think there is a real stereotype of men that I'm interested in, but there are a few qualities that help. Intelligent, fun-loving and interesting is definitely a good start. Aesthetics aren't as important to me in men as personality is. I tend to stay away from really loud types. And women. Well, they have to be all of that and beautiful too.

Z:
Do you have any favorite movies or TV shows?
W:
Movies... I'm not really interested in the latest big release and I usually avoid sitcoms. Lifetime channel terrifies me. The only show I watch on a regular basis is South Park. I love classic movies ala "Chinatown" and "Sunset Boulevard". Animation is a favorite too. David Lynch and John Waters are definitely a staple in my film diet. I don't see a lot of movies as new releases, because I wait until they are in the big, old theaters to see them. It's so much more fun than the newer mini-theaters. I just saw "Dark City" and "The Big Lubowski" last night. I loved "Dark City". It was one of the most beautiful films I've seen in a long time.

Z:
Well thanks for letting us get to know you a little.
W:
Thanks for having me.