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Archival Abby
Abby's Bio
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Domina Dante Posh
Strictly Stylish
I first spotted
Dante Posh modeling Lip Service fashions on a bar at Kitsch Inn a few
years back and I’ve been watching her ever since. From raver to club
kid to fashion model and designer, she always had style. Recently she’s
metamorphosed from casual player, dominating the Spanking Sideshow
Circus, to serious BDSM scenester, dominating worthy submissives.
Regardless of her milieu, Domina Posh does everything with a dash of
style. We sat down to talk about how far she’s come—and how fast!
ErosZine: Were there any indication of your future freakdom during your childhood?
Dante Posh: As a child I really enjoyed Halloween and being able to
temporarily make a metamorphosis from being little ole me to, say,
Strawberry Shortcake, Catwoman, the Jolly Green Giantess and the many
other characters that I took on for that holiday. I was a creative
little girl with big ideas and notions. I remember that I paid
attention to detail when it came down to my costumes, that I had to
have every detail met to a T. This philosophy, in some shape or
form, still carries on to this day, from how I deal in business to
other aspects of my personal life.
EZ: Tell us about your metamorphosis from raver kid to fetishist.
DP: Before moving to the New York area, I was more of a social being. I
was friends with ravers, preppie/frat rats, punks, urban rapper
wanna-bes, Goths, jocks, hippies, Rocky Horror Fans… I was too
scene-multifaceted to be labeled as a member of one particular group or
scene.
I lived in a suburban college town in Maryland. As we all know, as is
the case with many suburban college towns, there’s not really much to
do. By day, I was a college student, student radio personality and
support technician for an internet provider. But, by night, my
notoriety revolved around me throwing all-night and late night parties
every weekend at my apartment. Scratch that—almost every weekend, for
there were weekends where I indulged my need for the big lights and
sounds of New York City (where I used to go to shows at Coney Island
High, dine at DoJo on 8th Street, and, of course, shop!). If there was
a need to throw a party, I was the one that did it. And if I could
encourage people to wear costumes and such (which is one of my passions
I have in life, since childhood), it was even better of an event thrown
by me.
I have to laugh a bit, because some dominant tendencies came out during
this time of me throwing events at my place. I used to be very adamant
about everyone having respect for one another, especially when they
would gather together at my home. When one person spoke out of line, or
did something to upset the members of the party, I would make the
offender leave my apartment and sit in a special chair that was
referred to as the Penalty Box. Now, you may laugh, but there are
individuals out there that may read this story and nod their heads in
agreement, for they ended up sitting on that gold spray-painted chair
at least once and had to contemplate just exactly what they did to end
up where they were.
When I moved to New York City at 21, I became involved in many things
that caught my interest. During my time here in the area, I’ve been
involved in Rocky Horror (been involved in this since my time in
Maryland), did performance art and street performance, promoted parties
and nightlife events on-line, did chill rooms at local raves, hung out
at upscale clubs and parties, go-go danced at underground parties and
with a punk band, gotten involved with the NY art scene, twirled fire
baton with a marching band. And I enjoyed every moment of it. You only
receive one life, so you should live it to the fullest!
It was during my Rocky days that I experienced my first fetish club
experiences. There was a gentleman in the Rocky Floorshow Cast who used
to arrange paid gigs at fetish clubs in the city after the local show
was done for the evening. Mind you, I wasn’t able to play at the clubs
during those times; that would come years later, when I was invited to
attend a fetish birthday party that you, Editrix, were throwing for
Morpheus. It was at this party that I played in public for the first
time. I spanked a submissive man who had a sparkle in his eye to get
his ass spanked. I felt that he came to the right person. The funny
thing about that spanking was that it went on for so long. Main reason
why that was the case, besides the submissive’s will to endure such a
lengthy spanking, was the fact that for a number of years I played
tennis. I still do.
It’s quite amazing just how incestuous the fetish scene is with other
scenes. I knew people in the fetish scene before realizing that they
were affiliated with the fetish scene!!
EZ: You've made a rather speedy climb to the top of the NYC fetish scene. Tell us how that happened.
DP: I guess being at the right place at the right time. I don’t know,
truthfully, and I don’t dwell on it. What does matter is that I’m a
part of the scene and I enjoy it. I enjoy contributing what I can to
make the scene fun and beneficial for one and all who share this common
thread. I’m not the whole show, but I am indeed a part of it. If this
is what makes me “on top of the NYC fetish scene,” then fair enough.
Hey, where are my sash and beer coozie? [Laughter]
It’s funny, I’ve been in the fetish scene now for a few years. I
receive a number of “Wow, you came out of nowhere” from admirers, but
they don’t know my history with the scene. I’ve helped out at a number
of fetish parties and events, from being a door bitch to displaying my
fashion designs (like at the Red Party and the Gormorrah Meet and Greet
2004), to participating as a model for fetish fashion designers for
events like The Baroness and Lip Service, to doing demos at private
fetish parties and camping events to hosting fetish dungeons at parties
to being an usherette for a erotic film festival. I enjoy the events I
participate in and attend; I enjoy the people. I respect those who
attend and play and allow themselves to fully engross themselves into
the theme and the fetish. I just wish that the NYC fetish scene were
more play oriented, as it is in Europe.
EZ: You've modeled for The Baroness. Are you a latex fetishist?
DP: Yes. As a person who has created and worn costume designs
consisting of plastic wrap and plastic and duct tape and loves wearing
shiny clothing, it could only be seen as inevitable that I would be
wearing latex.
I went to The Baroness’s shop for a fitting for her cocktail hour
presentation for TESFest 2004 and I felt like I had died and gone to
heaven. During that fitting I was able to try on a number of her
designs, and during my time at the shop I was thinking of one thing and
one thing only: how soon could I have my very own latex outfit! At the
end of the fashion presentation, I made an appointment with The
Baroness to discuss what I wanted. A few weeks later, I was the proud
owner of my first latex ensemble. I soon purchased another ensemble and
so on. Needless to say, I was addicted. I have a nice collection thus
far, with belts, stockings, gloves, garters, tops, skirts, dresses,
panties, bras, bodysuits, gowns, boots. Thin latex to thick rubber, I
have it and I love it. When I travel to Europe, it’s a given; I’m
shopping for more rubber goodness.
As you can tell, I really enjoy my latex. I enjoy lubing myself and
slipping the clothing on. I like the sensation that’s brought on by the
slightest touch. And being shined up…mmm. I will say this, my
latex fetish is indeed one of the best indulgences I could ever have as
an adult.
And, to answer the timely question: what came first, the latex fetish
or the pro-domme? The latex fetish came first. The whole
pro-domme/latex association wasn’t introduced to me until months after
becoming a pro. Remember, I was introduced to latex as a model. I will
say, it does disturb me a bit to see people think that latex is
strictly a domme necessity in her wardrobe. It’s not, nor should it be
treated as such. I know a few pro-dommes who detest wearing latex and
only own it to say that she has it in her wardrobe. I feel that this
type of attitude is very lame and I get so antsy when I’m around dommes
who think that way. Why should one invest in latex when they aren’t
into it? Just doesn’t make sense.
EZ: Besides latex, what are your personal fetishes?
DP: Vintage uniforms, seamed stockings, undergarments, glasses, gloves,
fur coats (both real and faux), boots, shoes, making men blush and
laughing!
EZ: You've been traveling a lot lately. What was your impression of the European fetish scene?
DP: You know, I adore being my own boss. I can’t deny myself vacation
time! Besides traveling statewide, I’ve also traveled to London, Berlin
and Toronto over the past year. My main goal for 2005 was to travel
more and visit my friends, now that I have more time and opportunity to
do so. I decided to also travel for fetish events. It has made my
travels a bit more interesting.
Going to Europe and participating in the fetish scene there was a
breath of much-needed fresh air in this fetishist’s body. The people I
met at the German Fetish Ball really blew my mind. They were very
passionate, serious and sincere about their play, their wardrobe,
everything. The attendees weren’t just attending an event, they were a
part of the event. They provided the fashion show before the designer’s
creations even hit the runway. People were playing all over the
place—at the bar, on the dance floor, even in the bathroom. I won’t
divulge exactly what action took place in the bathroom, but I will say
I was quite entertained.
EZ: You've also starred in a few fetish films. Tell us about those.
DP: The first film I was involved in was somewhat of a nightmare. The
talent ended up not showing up, and the sad part about that is the fact
that she called up minutes after the agreed call time and stated that
she “was on her way.” Right. I had to do the whole movie by myself.
Now, on one hand, being the ham that I am, I didn’t mind it. However, I
was quite annoyed to have this thrown on me at the last minute. But, I
trudged on because I am a professional. I will note, in the movie,
I was able to tear into the director for his incompetence of hiring
someone who would be so unprofessional.
The second film was of a medical session I conducted in Berlin. Studio
Avalon produced the flick and they allowed me to decide what type of
film I wanted to make. The studio provided my “patient” co-star and I
provided the sarcastic sadist nurse! I was very impressed with how
my “patient” prepared for our session. He was so sweet and nervous
about meeting me; he presented me with a beautiful rose and was very
eager to have himself in my hands. He even went to night classes to
refresh his English. I was quite flattered. I was also pleased to
see that he was, uh, well endowed. With all this said, I was feeling a
bit guilty about what I was going to do with him during the filming,
for I was planning on catheterization, electrical play, nipple/cock and
ball torture, enemas, water sports, suction play, abrasion play, needle
play. I was going to go all out. I decided to remove the abrasion and
needle play from the menu but the poor guy went through a lot. He had
such a big smile on his face at the end of the filming, though. You can
view this clip via the Studio Avalon site.
I enjoy being filmed during actual sessions. They are just so much more
real for me, more intimate. You get to see how the submissive is
actually reacting to your treatment. You get to see the passion. And,
most importantly, you get to see how I am responding to the treatment
I’m administering. I’m looking forward to doing more films in the
future, especially with groups like Studio Avalon in Berlin. I’m also
looking forward to producing my own films here in the states.
EZ: Do you work at a house or do you freelance?
DP: I’m a freelancer, or, as they say in the scene, an independent. I
used to work at a commercial dungeon in Manhattan. I appreciated the
time I spent there, the Ladies I worked with and, overall, the
experience of working in a commercial establishment. But it was quite
obvious that working there wasn’t compliant with my lifestyle. So,
after consulting with trusted Dominants and friends, and doing a little
research and work, I decided the best option for me was to terminate my
relationship with the establishment and go on my own. To mark the
occasion, in June, I threw a “graduation” party to mark my Independent
status.
The decision to work on my own was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Not just for myself, but for my submissives, who I now can session with
based on my terms and conditions. To do a session, for instance,
without being interrupted a 10-minute warning call, or have a
discussion with my client about his needs freely without a second party
being involved, is a definite plus.
EZ: What is your specialty?
DP: My specialty is to smile, be pretty and to be entertained by my
submissives [laughs]. Seriously, I would say that my specialties are
medical play, percussion play and humiliation. But I also feel that
other aspects of BDSM/fetish play can be intertwined.
EZ: What's your favorite form of play?
DP: I enjoy getting into very invasive medical play (sounds, catheters,
enemas, electrical play, fisting), percussion play (spanking,
whippings, paddling, canings, kicking, slapping, etc.), humiliation
scenes, water sports, bondage and mummification. Also, since I do have
a fetish for costuming and uniforms, I really enjoy incorporating role
play into my sessions. The other types of play I get into are listed on
my site [Danteposh.com].
EZ: Is there anything you won’t do in session?
DP: I don’t smoke, switch, or involve animals in my sessions. Just a huge no-no.
EZ: You also design clothing. How do the two worlds coincide for you?
DP: I want to state an obvious fact: I LOVE FASHION! I design
costuming, fashion as art, art installations and custom fashions. I
also do styling for shoots, including my own. This is a lifetime hobby
that has risen to a professional level recently.
Among other fabrics and materials that I use in my designs, I work with
PVC and vinyl. In my wardrobe, most of my PVC fetish ensembles are
original designs by me. I hold pride in this fact, for most of my
designs are very edgy and very authentic; they really express the
person I am and the style I like.
I tend to be really selective in what I purchase when it comes to
leather/latex fetish wear. I shy away from wearing off-the-rack items.
I attribute this to my desire for uniqueness and the fact that with my
body type—tall, long arms and legs, very slim—I usually have to have
everything custom made for me. I desire fetish wear that is made just
for me, the same feeling I provide to my design clients, that lusty
feeling of knowing the item is being made for me is only for me. I have
high standards in what I purchase. Thus far, designs by The Baroness, Germany’s Body Cult, and LA’s Shocking The House really appease to my desires.
EZ: What's in the (near) future for Dante Posh?
DP: Well, if we’re speaking about the upcoming two months, I’m
traveling to London for Skin Two’s Rubber Ball and Berlin for fetish
fun and other proclivities. In November, I’ll be a special guest at DomCon Atlanta,
which I am sure will be quite a great event. By the end of November,
I’m hoping to have my website re-launched as a pay site, where one
doesn’t have to go far to check out my exploits
In the upcoming, say, five years, I’m hoping to make more movies, model
for more designers, travel, to do more designing—hopefully with a latex
designer—and to do more rocking and rolling! I’m also hoping that I
will be on the verge of doing something really big in NY, like opening
a club that would be open to the fetish and the underground art
scenes.
EZ: That all sounds fantastic, Ms. Posh! And our readers can follow your exploits on your web site.
[Written Sept. 2005]
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