As sexy Chris Harder stood on the stage at “Off Key Tikki,” almost naked, with lights eminating from certain of his body parts (use your imagination), the audience roared wildly. The women threw themselves at him, the gay men couldn’t take their eyes off of him and the straight men wished that they were gay.
At first glance Chris appears almost shy, but when he gets on that stage, it’s a whole other story. His act is filled with fun, excitment and lust. His costumes, for the brief moment that he wears them, are glittery and eye catching. His dancing is both adorable and sexy at the same time. There was not a person in the venue whose attention he didn’t catch, including the staff, who left their stations and the bar to get a closer look. And what they saw… well…
Chris, what exactly is it that you do as an entertainer?
I would say I am a boylesque performer. And what that means is I do male burlesque, but I kind of create these striptese shows that are part striptese but also very theatrical. I incorporate equal amounts and add in humor.
How and why did you begin to do boylesque?
Well, I got into it because I originally came to New York to become an actor, and I was doing this really horrible children’s touring show, and when that was over I was really broke and I got a go-go job ramdomly. From there I just started getting more go-go dancing gigs, and I kind of stumbled into this burlesque world. I was just kind of doing it on the side. I was waiting… doing random jobs, but the more I did it, the more I really liked it, and I just starting getting more work for it. I started to put my time and energy into it, and now I am the stripper that I am today.
Where are you from originally?
Originally I’m from North Dakota.
What was it like growing up in North Dakota?
It’s cold, and it’s very flat. No one can probally tell you where it is on a map, and I don’t even know if I can. My family is still there; I visit from time to time. It was a good place to grow up and a good place to leave.
What did you want to be growing up in North Dakota?
Well, you know, when I was a little kid I wanted to be a cop, and then for a while I wanted to be a minister. So, I think my life has changed quite a bit since then. You know, I couldn’t be happier. People always seem to think that strippers “made a wrong turn somewhere.” I’m really happy with the lifestyle that I have, and I’ve met so many great people doing the work that I do.
What does the future hold for you?
I don’t know, because five years ago I thought I’d be on Broadway. I hope to have my own house somewhere, and I’d really like to win the “Mr. Exotic World” competition, and I’d like to have a book out.
So can you sing and dance also?
You know, I don’t sing. I was never a singer. I was always more or less an actor who moved well, and I became a stripper with a good gimmick.
Do you have a place where people can see you perfom regulary?
Sure. Every Tuesday I work at Westgay; it’s at the “West Way,” which is the club out in the West Village. I also work in this burlesque house called The Slipper Room on the Lower East Side.
Are you single?
I am single. I am singling and mingling.
Where can you be found on social media?
My facebook is just Chris Harder, and my website is chrisharderfilms.com.
And that’s where they will find your blog?
Yep, that’s the blog.
All of Chris Harder’s appearances are on his website, so make sure you check him out. He will be performing at “Off Key Tikki” (31 Baker Place, Patchogue, NY) on August 12 and August 26 at 6 p.m.
