 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| Nu Entertainment Productions Nu Magazine |
| The Gypsy Gyrls are a diverse group of women with so many different skills and talents. Together, we are so much more than any of us could be on our own. We have strong messages about love, individuality, empowerment, sexuality, self confidence, and the bonds of friendship. It's a wonderful thing to be a part of. |
| Page 16 |
| Are you subscribed to this FREE online magazine? Don't miss next month's issue! Join our mailing list now. |
For more info - CLICK HERE
| STEPHAINE (Gypsy Skye) - I've always been a really big dreamer. When I was about 9 years old, my best friend and I started writing and distributing our own neighborhood newsletter. With my fathers video camera, my siblings, cousins, and I would make and remake funny commercials and soap operas scenes and spend hours watching them and laughing. I authored my first fiction book when I was in the fourth grade. I began my obsession with photography as a model on the end of my uncle's camera and then as a photographer with my first Polaroid when I was around 11. I started singing at age 12 after my parents bought me a karaoke machine for my birthday. I sang at school functions and talent shows and competed in a few pageants. I didn't know it at the time but I was a budding entrepreneur. |
| I've never been able to contain my talents and passions into one job category. Creating Gypsy Gyrl Media this year gave me an outlet for photography and writing, but the performer part of me was still feeling stifled. I had been throwing ideas around individually with my friends about performing and which direction I should take. Recently I considered auditioning for bands and making my own CD. I started taking steps toward doing something with music. The idea of putting together a Burlesque Troupe came up one night in a discussion and after mentioning it to several of my friends, we had manifested a 6 woman troupe with 3 special guests! Our first show appears to have been a success so our minds are now reeling with ideas for the next show. |
| DIAN PAPACOSTAS (Mistress D) - Has been a respected and talented singer her entire life. She began performing in pageants at the age of 3, traveling to such places as The Poconos and Niagara Falls. People were consistently amazed at her vocal talents at such an early age. She continued to model and perform at local talent showcases throughout her adolescent years, culminating in her landing the lead role of Catherine in her high schools' rendition of "Pippin". It was after high school that Dina blossomed into the talented performer that she is. At the age of 22, Dina won Connecticut's 1998 National Singing Championship and traveled to Nashville,TN where the final competition was hosted by Dick Clark. At the same age, Dina participated in the Miss Newington Pageant, as well as performing on the Talent Showcase for Nutmeg Television. These events proved to be fulfilling for her, as they were local events and gave her recognition and confidence. However, Dina wanted to take her career to the next level, and in 1999, she was invited to Houston,TX to perform in a nationally televised singing competition, where she again wowed a large audience with her powerful and soulful vocals. Later in 1999, Dina joined the cover band "RumpShaker", and recorded material in the studio for the first time. |
| In 2001, Dina performed at the world famous Apollo Theater during amateur night, where she blew the tough crowd away with an amazing rendition of Deborah Cox's "Nobody's Supposed To Be Here" and placed in the finals. In 2002, Dina joined another band called "Fine Grind", a cover band based in Massachusetts, until the band broke up in 2003. In 2003, Dina won 1st place in the Berlin Fair talent competition, and in 2004, she went on to form a cover band called "Karma" and also joined the cover band "Guilty as Charged". Later that same year, Dina traveled to Washington D.C., to audition for American Idol. Although she would be disappointed in not being picked, redemption came in 2005 when she won the Connecticut Idol competition. Shortly after this win, she did a radio commercial on KISS 95.7 to promote season 2 of the Connecticut Idol competition. Since winning the title of CT Idol, she was invited as one of the guest judges to the finals of the newly CT Mega Star competition sponsored by KISS 95.7. This accomplishment made her a hot commodity, with local bands lining up to have her as their singer. After many learning experiences with several bands, Dina seemed to finally find the right fit in 2005 with the band "Lick", which was nominated best cover band by the Hartford Advocate in 2005 and 2006. "Lick" has become wildly popular since Dina's arrival, and she herself was nominated Best Female Vocalist in 2005 and 2006. "Lick" has performed countless shows over the years in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and most recently in July 2007, they headlined the Hartford Block Party, performing for thousands of people. "Lick" also won a local band contest sponsored by radio 106.9 WCCC, where they wrote a jingle for the popular "Picozzi In the Afternoon" radio show. In May of 2006, Dina was honored to sing the national anthem at the New Britain Rock Cats baseball stadium. During her amazing musical career, Dina also completed her Bachelor of Science in Human Services at Springfield College in 2005. Dina has proven herself time and again as a rare talent; a singer with broad musical influences and flexible style. Most importantly, Dina has never been afraid to fail, and she continues to reach for the top of the music world with a powerful voice, warm personality, and a commitment to being a great entertainer. |
| JODIE BECHARD (Lady Scarlett) – began performing at the age of 2 with a wooden spoon and the intro to 'Blue Suede Shoes'…Professional experience includes national touring productions of Lerner & Loewe's 'Brigadoon', 'Camelot' and Kopit & Yeston's 'Phantom'. She has performed at regional theatres around the country in various roles and has worked as an extra with HBO Productions and Columbia Pictures. Some favorite roles include Patsy Cline / 'Always, Patsy Cline', Fraulein Kost / 'Cabaret' and Esther Smith / 'Meet Me in St. Louis'. She has attended The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, NY (where she was graciously excused for auditioning, which is not allowed) and The Hartford Conservatory of Music and Dance, CT (which caught her shy of graduating by taking her 1st professional job with a regional theatre). She is enormously talented, MODEST and the mother of two small angels with hellish intent. |
| SAPPHIRE and RUBY are thrilled to be a part of Gypsy Gyrls Burlesque. They have enjoyed dancing and entertaining since they were toddlers. Although most of their formal training was in their earlier years, they certainly know how to draw an audience while dancing at clubs. Because they are identical twins, their movements are very fluid. They showcase belly dancing in the show which allows them to bring a strong sexual energy to their dance movements. Sapphire feels that burlesque is empowering as it gives women of all different heights, shapes, and ages confidence and sexiness! Ruby is excited about catering to and performing for such a diverse, open minded, and mature audience. |
| IVY LYNN (Madam Ivy) - I have alter-ego issues... My friends would describe me as free-spirited and open-minded. I definitely live for the day and have been determined to fulfill all my fantasies in the next 5 years. The most recent one was becoming a Burlesque performer. I loved expressing my sexuality and creativity for an audience. My most important occupation is being a mom. My family gives me so much love and laughter. I have also been nurturing my passion for photography for 25 years with over 7 years professional photography experience. I received formal training at Northeastern University in Boston and Arizona State University in Tempe. I specialize in portraiture and my subjects of choice are beautiful women and bands. Living in Colorado for 11yrs gave me the opportunity to capture the wonder of the Rocky Mountains. The West always called to me and I have realized that my soul feels most comfortable there. However I am very adaptable. I have always been drawn to subcultures in society. This is what brought me to learn about and experience Burlesque. After shooting shows I would always feel so liberated and excited about being a woman. I knew some day I would have the confidence to be on stage. I appreciate the connections I feel in social situations and welcome any healing that fate brings my way. Whether I'm shooting a new-born baby, a wedding or a hard core band I treat everyone the way I wish to be treated~like a star! |