Show & Tell: Meet Brandy Lee

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Q: Besides dancing in "V," you’re a magician’s assistant.

A: I think that, because I’m 5-(foot)-2, I’m, like, the perfect magician’s height (laughs).

Q: Because you can sneak in and out of boxes so quickly?

A: Right (laughs). And, also, you have to be like a ballerina to do the illusions, because they have to be executed gracefully and timing is so important.

Q: Did you study ballet as a kid?

A: Actually, my mother is a showgirl. She (danced) in Vegas, and I wanted to be like her. … My grandparents owned a dance studio, and my mom said that when I was 3, I used to cry to let me be in ballet class.

Q: It sounds like show business is in your blood.

A: My grandmother was a burlesque dancer on Broadway and my grandfather was a producer of burlesque on Broadway. … My mother toured with Ann Corio as a burlesque dancer. … It really was like when you know your calling early on. I’ve never done anything else in my life.

Q: When did you start performing?

A: My first paid, professional Equity show was when I was 4 years old. My sister and I were both in "The King and I."

Q: But you wanted to be a showgirl like your mom.

A: It was something about the glitz of it and the colors. I just loved it. My goal in high school was: I’m gonna be a showgirl in Atlantic City one day. Then I ended up in Atlantic City for five years right out of high school.

Q: In addition to dancing, you started working with magicians. Was the transition difficult?

A: Actually it was nice. As a dancer, we’re working our asses off and we get no recognition. … But all of a sudden, I’m in a (magic show) and I’m on billboards, and I’m not working as hard. I’m sitting in a box! (Laughs)

Q: You also produced your own burlesque show here.

A: I thought, "My family would like this, and you can’t pass this up." And the show was really good. … It was a traditional, true burlesque show. I didn’t want to do another nudie show.

Q: Your mom danced in "Folies Bergere" and so did you. What was that like?

A: I remember the moment I took the stage at the Tropicana. … I stood in the middle of this giant stage and felt a chill come over my body, like, "My mother danced on this stage and, here I am, dancing on this stage." To me, that was the best feeling ever.