Laura Reijling
Pirate: Mary Read
Embodied by: Laura Reijling (performing artist)
When people see me up on stage, twirling my pasties, they find it hard to believe that I have fears and insecurities. But I do! I just don’t let them stop me. Growing up, I was much more of a ‘good girl’; trying to fit in, giving in to my fears. Then, one day, out of the blue, I signed up for a dance audition. Which was pretty crazy, because I had never danced before! I didn’t get the job, but I found my passion. I woke up my inner pirate that day.
I loved playing pirate Mary Read. Yes, it was cold and windy on the beach, but being a fan of the Wim Hof method, I embraced the elements to get into my role. And Marlies really helped me to release my inner power. Both Marlies and Mary are so strong and inspirational! I also really related to the way Mary Read continuously crossed gender boundaries. I have done the same thing in my performances, and it is incredibly empowering to explore both your masculine and feminine side.
A few weeks ago, I created and performed my first solo burlesque show. Was I scared? Of course! But channeling my inner pirate, I went straight into that fear. And as I was stripping, shedding my clothes and inhibitions, I felt so much support from the women in the audience. It was glorious! I believe each woman is gorgeous in her own way, no matter what color or size. The pirate shoot was a celebration of that diversity. Just being there that day with all these different women, you could feel the raw, female power. And I am so proud to be part of a project that shows you how beautiful the world can be when women lift each other up.
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