Ivory
FESTIVAL DIRECTOR & BOARD CHAIR
Ivory is a Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist. A graduate of Randolph College for the Performing Arts she leads a storied career as a singer, actor, dancer, model, and body-positive and disability advocate. An archer, axe thrower and firebreather, Ivory boasts a bag of tricks which is sure to wow any crowd!
Ivory has graced stages across North America, the UK and the Caribbean, appeared in print media such as the Toronto Star, Toronto Sun, Globe & Mail and National Post, as well as appearing on numerous National and International TV Networks. A staunch believer in body positivity, Ivory spreads the "body love gospel" through her myriad art forms. Since being crowned Miss Canada Plus 2007, Ivory has continued her activism as a Plus Sized Entertainer and advocate for over 16 years, pushing for change with her intersectional feminism, body positivity, queer advocacy and outspoken message of love at all costs. 2016 marked the year that Ivory triumphantly returned to burlesque, after dabbling in it during college from 2003-2006. Her renewed passion for this art has found her bumping and grinding her way across the stage, calling on her singing, acting and dance background to create eye popping, jaw dropping acts that contain heart, soul and an incredible message of body positivity and self love.
She has performed at numerous burlesque festivals, venues and productions across Canada, the United States and the UK, headlining the Midwest Nerdlesque Festival, appearing as a Feature Performer for the Toronto Burlesque Festival, the Capital Burlesque Expo, FIERCE! International Queer Performance Festival and the Calgary Burlesque Festival.
Ever the multitasker, Ivory brings 20+ years of administrative knowledge to her role with the Toronto Burlesque Festival, as an experienced Director, Executive and Creative Mind. She envisions a festival which cultivates, supports and celebrates Burlesque as an art form, and seeks to bridge the gap between Burlesque as a Cabaret Art and Burlesque as a Fine Art form.
A founding member of the Succulent Six, Canada's team of Curvy Super SHEroes fighting to reclaim their right to feel empowered at any size (check out their TV show on CBC GEM and on YOUTUBE) and a proud member of Les Femmes Fatales, Canada's premiere burlesque troupe for Women of Colour.