Strip Teese - Dita Von Teese talks frankly about vanity, corsets and children

The stunning Dita Von Teese is seen by many as queen of the art of burlesque. Championing curves, red lipstick and stockings, she symbolises sex without the sleaze, glamour without grossness. When women look at her they don't tend to think, The hussy!; instead it's more, "Wish I could look like that!" Dita has just married Marilyn Manson (the heavily made-up leader of the American controversial rock band of that name) and the pair look set to be one of the most iconic celebrity couples of the century. Here, Dita opened up to prying questions about her work, her personal life and her future…

It almost seems to have comenaturally to you, to hark back to the deliciously female era of the burlesque. Why?
I've loved the 1930s and '40s since I was a little girl... I was enamoured by the films from those eras. I loved the film 'Gypsy' with Natalie Wood! I really discovered burlesque and began entertaining the idea of becoming a stripper when I was about 18 or so, while perusing vintage pin-up magazines. The models were mostly burlesque performers.

Your life passion is advocating glamour, every minute of every day. But do you really never slob out in tracksuit pants and a baggy T-shirt? Or even just some jeans?
No. I like to cuddle up in my cashmere robe when I want to be comfortable. I don't have any jeans, and tracksuits would be for wearing at pilates classes only! A girl has to keep in shape!

Does your work make you horny or does it just feel like work when you’re on a shoot or doing a show?
It doesn't feel like work... but I'm not getting sexually 'hot' either. I'm like any other performer in that sense. I'm thinking about the music cues, my dancing, staying in my light, the strip, and not falling out of my Martini glass. If I were just up there getting turned on, it would be a whole different kind of show, and it would look like amateur night. On the other hand, if it were 'just work' I am sure I would look miserable.

Does your husband, Marilyn, ever have possessive moments when he wishe your body wasn’t out there on show?
Never.

What advice would you give to a woman who fancies doing a little striptease for her partner?
Have good lighting, good lingerie with lots of layers, and dance to music you love, and move naturally to. Practice in the mirror, or videotape yourself.