I was really interested in doing a story on Studio L’ Amour, a burlesque dancing studio opened by Michelle L’Amour. She is a true act with feisty moves and a sweet personality. Before interviewing her, I had no clue how big she was until after I started editing the piece. I was looking on youtube for her performance since all I got to see was her teaching her students. I like getting in the mood of the character I reported on before I beginning editing. It always makes me a better editor and more descriptive writer. Michelle told me she performed all over the world from Europe to the States. She even appeared on America’s Got Talent, where judge David Hasselhoff got really into her dancing. I remember dragging my friend Poli to the studio. Carrying around 30 pounds of equipment, where the bag is heavier than the camera is a pain. I needed help and I suggest bring someone with you at all times when you go shoot an interview, especially if it’s late at night in an area you’ve never been before. The studio was located in the West Loop, I had to take a taxi back and fourth since we couldn’t find the bus stop. This story for Metrominutes was actually not the idea I had in mind. I pitched a story about new ways to boost your exercise routine instead of the old, jaded “Hey, I got to run on the treadmill for 2 hours” thing. But after it was turned down even though it wasn’t at first (My teacher is really forgetful sometimes) I decided to do a profile piece. The previous week I went to a Swing Dancing place, but since my first idea was rejected I used that footage and interviews for the Columbia Chronicle. I’ll post the story on that soon.
