For our first People of GigSalad spotlight, we’re introducing Harley Harpurr, a burlesque performer in Los Angeles, CA. What began as a simple love for dance slowly grew into something bigger, leading her to a world where confidence, creativity, and self-expression could all coexist. Harley opens up about discovering her passion for burlesque and how GigSalad has supported her journey.
Becoming a burlesque performer
Before the stage and spotlight, Harley Harpurr was a quiet kid growing up in the desert, looking for something that felt like her own. Dance gave her a place to express herself and start building confidence in a way nothing else had before.
Building confidence through dance
Harley Harpurr grew up in Yucca Valley near Joshua Tree, California. At the time, there wasn’t much happening in the area. “What we did most of the time was go to Walmart and hang out,” said Harley.
“As a kid growing up in the desert, I would say I was a little more shy than I am now.” With her mom’s support of creativity, she was looking for a creative outlet. “I always loved dancing, but I just didn’t really understand counts or anything like that. I then auditioned for the high school dance team when I was a freshman.”
That leap into dance marked the start of something much bigger. What began as an activity soon became a lifeline for self-expression. “As I started getting more involved with dance, I realized how important it was for me,” Harley explains. “I realized that my whole life had been shy, and I didn’t really use my voice. I really didn’t take up space.”
Dance became a way to reconnect with herself and build confidence. “…dancing really helped me get into my body and just come to love myself and be confident in myself in ways I never thought possible,” she said. And just when that confidence started to take shape, a new inspiration entered the scene. “But then I watched the movie Burlesque, and I was so inspired by it that I started to look online for burlesque troupes in Los Angeles.”
Finding freedom in burlesque
A moment of inspiration turned into a full-fledged passion as Harley stepped into the world of burlesque. “When I perform burlesque, I feel this sense of freedom. My spirit is free. I can do whatever the hell I want,” she said.
On stage, Harley embraces transformation. “I can play any persona, any character,” she says. “It’s not me. It is me, but it’s not.” That balance — between character and self — is what makes burlesque so magnetic, both for the performer and the audience. “The audience loves it. They love to see when other people are feeling confident and beautiful in their own skin.”
But behind the glitter and glamour, Harley’s journey carries a deeper emotional weight. “At the time when I was discovering myself through the art of burlesque, I was going through a really difficult time,” she shares. “My mom passed away. She passed away from multiple myeloma… and it was one of the hardest things I ever went through in my life.”
In the midst of that grief, something powerful emerged: a renewed sense of purpose and permission to fully embrace who she is. “But at the same time, it gave me freedom to be me and to do whatever I wanted to do in my life,” Harley says. “I am just so grateful that she taught me that. And that I’m here today doing what I love.”
Using GigSalad
Harley Harpurr has been a member of GigSalad since 2016, using the platform to connect with clients more easily while maintaining a sense of security. Harley shares how it’s played a meaningful role in booking, growing as a performer, and sharing her work.
GigSalad: What do you love about GigSalad?
Harley Harpurr: What I love about GigSalad is the safe communication. Being a burlesque dancer, sometimes you give out your phone number or email, and you never know what their real intentions are. I love that everything is monitored on GigSalad.
GS: What does it mean to do what you love on GigSalad?
HH: To do what I love through GigSalad means the world to me. The art of burlesque is hard to advertise; it’s hard to get clients as it is, and the site makes it so easy for me to reach out to these people.
GS: How has the platform helped you grow as an artist?
HH: GigSalad has helped me grow as an artist to reach out to clients that I normally wouldn’t be able to reach out to, such as higher-end clients, and that has helped me tremendously and inspired me to really up my game, make sure my photos are on point, and make sure I have great video quality. And I meet amazing people.
GS: How is it different from other booking sites?
HH: GigSalad is different from other booking sites because they’re more polished. I’ve tried other booking sites, and they just did not work out. With what I do, I need to make sure I have a good booking site that’s reliable, that has great communication, and that’s safe.
GS: How does GigSalad support you?
HH: GigSalad supports me through effortless communication and, most importantly, safety. I know we were really touching on that, but it’s true.
GS: Why should an event planner use GigSalad?
HH: An event planner should use GigSalad because they can book me. 😉
✨ Looking for more inspiration and tips? Check out last month’s member spotlight with Taylor Swift Impersonator Allie Thayer.
Harley’s story is one of growth, resilience, and learning to step fully into who she is, both on and off the stage. What started as a search for confidence has turned into a career built on connection, creativity, and courage. With the help of GigSalad, she’s been able to reach new clients, elevate her craft, and continue doing what she loves. 💃
Matt Holland is a Customer Happiness Agent at GigSalad. With 10+ years of experience performing as a jazz drummer, he has gained insights into the life of a gigging musician as well as what makes an event go off without a hitch. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, cooking, and watching the newest TV shows with his wife.