i’ll be returning to my home town. nestled in the bible belt. poplar bluff, mo. to perform for the first time since my adolescence. they requested a bio and an image to promote my performance. this is the image, taken from show-me burlesque festival 2016 by carrie meyer/insomniac studios. below is the short bio i sent to them.
i have answered to many names. you know me as jennifer harris dailey. since leaving poplar bluff. i’ve studied many dance forms. from modern and african to what i now do as my profession, burlesque. i am known across this country as po’chop. the meat so sweet even vegetarians want to take a bite. i have won grants,received numerous standing ovations, traveled from new orleans and new york. to st. louis and atlanta. i have taught and encouraged folks to celebrate their light. and though many know me only as po’chop. my name is now jennifer freeman. i still carry the person you created in my chest. my work is a direct reflection of the love given from my family and community nestled in poplar bluff. there are no words to express my excitement and deep honor that comes with returning to poplar bluff to dance and share. i will be performing a unique style that blends modern dance, african and hip hop to tell a story of struggle and victory. this is the aspect of christmas that has resonated within me. the coming of light found in a distant star, in the midst of great darkness.
