HELP DISABLED PERFORMER'S DREAM COME TRUE

Performing at the world-famous Burlesque Hall of Fame festival would be a dream-come-true for Anna. Help make it come true!

Anna has been invited to perform in the Burlesque Hall Of Fame Movers, Shakers and Innovators Showcase in Las Vegas on June 1, 2023. Wow! This is the Olympics for burlesque performers, it’s the most famous, prestigious burlesque event in the world. Performing at the BHOF would be a dream come true for Anna and she is thrilled to have this chance.

"My name is Anna Smith Higgs, I am disabled and a burlesque performer – most people do not say those words in the same sentence,” acknowledges Anna. It has been a long struggle but Anna has found her way from wheelchair to the stage.

Taking her act to Vegas would be a dream come true for Anna. “For me as a disabled performer, ... that would be the crowning jewel… I want as many people to see my act as possible because it raises awareness that strokes don't just happen to older people. They can happen to anybody and everybody,” says Anna.

In 2004, Anna suffered a devastating stroke at the age of 24, one month after giving birth to her son. The stroke left her with a paralyzed right arm, partial sight in both eyes and she was told she would never walk again. Through sheer determination she proved the doctors wrong. After her stroke, Anna was severely depressed for two years, but finally decided life was for living, got out of bed and started trying new things. Anna discovered burlesque, it changed her life and she has never looked back.

Red Spoke Films is featuring Anna in the new documentary LEARNING TO BE NAKED-Empowerment Through Burlesque. https://www.learningtobenaked.com. Our film crew will be following Anna’s experience in Las Vegas. All donors will receive thanks in the film credits and a link to preview the film.

Anna’s moving performance illustrates her personal story and educates audiences about strokes. “I’m here to make a difference. I want to change the way people think about the disabled,” explains Anna. "Disability doesn't mean done with life."

It's a long trip from London to Vegas, and a costly one. Anna's Mum is her aide and provides essential help with the tasks of daily living, and with all aspects of her performance such as hair, makeup, and costume. "I couldn't do it without her, my Mum helps me with everything and she is my eyes as well," explains Anna.

Vegas Trip Expenses:

Anna's airline ticket - $1, 578.75 (already donated by Red Spoke Films)

TOTAL GOAL: $3,960.25

*If we should be so lucky to exceed our goal, the funds will be used to pay for the camera crew in Las Vegas and for post production costs of the film.

THANK YOU

Any contributions you can make will be greatly appreciated. Even a simple share will help so much! Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Susan Wolf and Machiel Amorison, the Filmmaking team of Red Spoke Films

LEARNING TO BE NAKED is the latest international collaboration by the filmmaking team of Machiel Amorison and Susan Wolf. Their previous documentary, MATA HARI THE NAKED SPY, unravels the story of WWI's most notorious spy. It premiered at the Santa Fe Film Festival, won the audience award at the Tiburon Film Festival, was broadcast on PBS UK and can now be seen on Amazon Prime and other streaming platforms.

With Machiel based in Amsterdam and Susan in the SF Bay Area, their co-productions are enriched by different cultural perspectives and are possible thanks to technology.