I am a 22-year old student in pursuit of an artistic career. Its looking like some kind of solo-performance. My training is in Theater but I mostly am active in Chicago as a burlesque dancer and singer-songwriter under the name Uma Bloo.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm finishing up my undergrad at Columbia College and so I'm trying to keep on the path of stimulation and the best way to do that I've found is by travel. I love meeting new people, hearing their stories and perspective ideas.

Interests

• theater
• music festivals
• wine
• beer
• music
• improv
• burlesque
• livemusic
• creative writing

Music, Movies, and Books

WELL lately...

I'm reading my way through a collection of Roald Dahl's adult stories (highly recommend one before bed every night)- "A Lamb to Slaughter" is my favorite so far. In fact, I think I prefer short stories to long form writing. They're like handshakes in that way- even the limp ones are kind of interesting. I've recently finished Italo Calvino's "If On a Winter's Night..." which makes me want to puke in the face of its brilliant. I'm simply not worthy!

I haven't made nearly enough time for film, but some favorite are the Godfather (very original, I know) and Katy Perry: Part of Me (thats very serious).

The bottom of my most recent playlist features: Bobby Vinton, Elmore James, Pretenders, Crosby Stills & Nash, Jim Reeves, Patsy Cline, The Frigtnrs, Fiona Apple, baaskaT, Solange, LCD Soundsystem, Wand, Nick Drake, St. Vincent, Talking Heads, Sun Ra, King Krule, Fleetwood Mac (obviously), Mazzy Star, Foxygen, DIIV, Nas, Lesley Gore

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Amazing is a daunting word, but once I scaled the side of a small castle in Wales. I think that sentence is hilarious because it screams "study abroad" but it was a crazy time! I was fourteen, my first experience overseas. I was scared of heights but prevailed, somehow- I think I was braver then than I am now.

Teach, Learn, Share

I play guitar and have been at the burlesque game for three years, so if either of those skills are of interest I love passing on tips and such things.
This is rather specific but I don't have phone anxiety. If you've been putting off making an appoitment with a place that doesn't schedule through a website, I can offer help in that department.
I like to collect little tricks and skills, so anything that a host would want to share I'd probably be interested in. Though, specifically, I am trying (lazily) to learn French. If anyone wanted to help me with the accent I'd be thrilled!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm a quiet person to share a space with- I'm clean and usually try and stay out of the way. I'm a person who values their space, so I have the respect the same for others.
Other than that I'm quite enthusiastic and like finding things to do; I find its more fun when there's other people to process experiences, so anything I end up doing I welcome partners.

I also tend to leave books I like with others- it keeps my carrying load light and I think books are the best gifts.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Czech Republic, England, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Switzerland, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Czech Republic, United States