NATIONAL TREASURE: Darla Beauregarde

Combining honky tonk with a little whiskey, and definitely a whole lot of funny, this week’s National Treasure is Darla Beauregarde from the gorgeous Arkansas. A burlesque performer with the Honky Tonk Hussies, this dark-haired beauty loves kittens and cookies with equal fervor, and challenges social expectations on the regular. “I feel (sometimes unknowingly) I challenge social norms just by being myself,” Darla tells Red Hots Burlesque. “I stay true to myself on stage, taking my weaknesses and turning them into opportunities to entertain my audience. For example, I am not a trained or naturally skilled dancer. HOWEVER, I embrace my flaws and DO ME.” Also a pin-up model, Darla infuses all of her burlesque performances with lightheartedness and laughter. She tells us, “The one thing that sets me apart would probably be what I focus on during every performance: Is my audience entertained and having FUN?! It is so important to me that the audience understands what I am trying to convey and that they are having the time of their lives! Now, not to say that other performers don’t focus on that as well — but I feel it is my obligation to put on a good show.”

WHAT TO SEE IN ARKANSAS: “If you haven’t been to Arkansas, you should visit at least once in your life. I know what you’re thinking… ‘Arkansas? What is in Arkansas? A bunch of rednecks callin’ pigs, sayin’ ‘y’all’, and gettin’ drunk on Uncle Pappy’s moonshine.’ Somewhere that is probably happening as we speak. However, Arkansas is one of the most beautiful places I have ever lived. There are over fifty amazing parks throughout the state. One place I tell everyone to visit is Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs. If you’re looking for a local waterin’ hole, my favorite spot is The Legendary White Water Tavern in the heart of Little Rock.”

(photo by Erin Pierce)