Will this “Twirling Gender Terrorist of Brooklyn” sit on the Pantheon throne this weekend? Let’s find out with CheetahPrint! [Cover photo: @mcpphoto.png]
Thotyssey: Hi CheetahPrint, happy fall! How was your Halloween?
CheetahPrint: Happy Fall, and what’s the tea!? I had an amazing Halloween, as crazy as it was. This spooky season, I threw my wig in the race for a multi-week competition, Pantheon… so in between getting over a cold the week before Halloween, preparing three acts for Pantheon Sunday and reserving time to celebrate with friends, I was also finding space to be grateful for how much life I’m living right now.
More on Pantheon in a bit! How might you describe your drag to folks today, as far as the looks and numbers you like to serve?
I always like to say that CheetahPrint Is the Twirling Gender Terrorist of Brooklyn! I’m a hypnotic visual treat on stage, and versatile storyteller. The idea of my namesake means a lot of things to me, but a big tenant and kind of challenge is for CheetahPrint freedom in versatility… almost like Roger the Alien. There is a common thread between any CheetahPrint appearance, however: 1) There will be complete storytelling in the “illusion” I’m appearing as… is she a glamorous elvish girl, is she a sad sad clown, is she even a she!? and 2) The number I’m serving will be about the you and me in this space, and at this time.
My background lends itself to high energy diva tracks, so that I can more seamlessly weave my physicality and stunts into a number. However that’s not always the theme of the show or story being told. Irregardless though, it’s built into the DNA of what Project CheetahPrint is: to facilitate an exchanging of energy, whatever the number may be!
I joked a little with your sis Cheetah Quila a while back regarding your similar names… have you ever done some sort of cheetah themed show together?
Ah! We have not… but hopefully someday, we should! Although it may be too much fierceness for one show, lol.
Can you tell us a bit more about that background? Where are you from originally, and how did your path to drag begin?
I’m from beautiful California, originally–specifically the Bay Area. Growing up, I moved a ton and had a lot of diverse experiences that shaped me as a person. A part of that experience being when I started attending school, it became clear that there was a more homogeneous experience my peers were having. I hadn’t known what drag was formally, but I grew up beating a face and making tucked-and-tied bed sheet exstravagravanzas. Being in this new community acted as a mirror in that. Although it felt isolating at first, it later made me realize many things about myself.
I loved painting and dancing and sewing and performing, and so much more. I found myself a community that would soon be real family. Upon being accepted to college in New York I made the move, ready to embrace all of me! I remember my friends being like, “You basically already do drag. Girl, go get paid.” But really, wanting to find like-minded individuals made me want to make that jump.
What’s the best part about doing in drag in NYC in your opinion, and what’s the biggest challenge?
The best part about doing drag in NYC is definitely the community, art and culture of it all… and shoutouts to Brooklyn again. I think it’s so rewarding being surrounded by people, who in all their differences and walks of life are engaging the mutual and proverbial practice of show and tell. Even the same small bar open set has so much love, intention and passion and artistry.
The biggest challenge–which, no shade, is only a challenge if you subscribe to a specific circuit of NYC drag–can be the closed-doored-ness of some spaces. Although legacy and history are important, it is sometimes discouraging to feel excluded from some spaces–not based on merit or lived experience, but preconceived judgmentalism and “yes man” or “yes queen” tyranny.
You’ve made it to the Pantheon finale, which goes down this coming Sunday at Icon in Astoria! How has the whole experience been for you, how are you finalists all getting along, and what has been a personal highlight for you? Or any cringe moments, lol?
The whole experience has truly been the most fun I’ve had in a while. Everyone is giving it on stage and truly supporting each other backstage, while displaying a ton of grace and respect for one another. Its been so heartwarming, in between the chaos.
My personal highlight is actually upcoming. I’m gonna win this Sunday, and I have chills about it now… having the dramatic irony of knowing how hard I’m about to slay.
And my cringe moment actually happened this semi-finale week. As aforementioned, I was very ill this past week… which of course is a big week. I knew I could only prepare so much, so I ensured the duo-prong was tight. But in doing so, I kind of left myself out to hang. Just definitely not option A for Solos, lol. I did plan on using my immunity if I had to though, which I’m so glad for because the week preparing was hell. Very excited to redeem that, lol.
Have a great finale! What else is coming up for you?
Lots of random stuff coming up! I’m always posting where I’ll be next, and accepting commissions!
Great! Lastly: what’s your most essential item in your drag bag?
Most essential is hard… ugh! Top five has to be spray adhesive, mint, body spray, tiny fan with *drumroll* a silly little shake-and-go wig as thee most essential. You never know when you’ll need her, but you will!
Thanks, Cheetah!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for CheetahPrint’s upcoming appearances, and follow them on Instagram.
