Syndee (CeCe) Costanzo -- Not Your Average Dancing Diva!
By Sandra Miller
San Diego Scene Magazine, December 2000
"Movement never lies....Dance should illuminate the landscape of the soul." As Martha Graham said, everything is there in a dancer's movement: her thoughts, feelings, dreams, and doubts. Her entire life history is expressed when she moves. Dance is the language of the soul spoken through movement. In the absence of words, a simple and mysterious communication is possible. Dance is movement poetry, which the audience receives visually and feels in their body. And there is no one who expresses the poetry of erotic dance better than Syndee Costanzo. If that name sounds somewhat familiar to karaoke enthusiasts, it's probably because you've seen her dancing at your favorite karaoke club. She's is also the daughter of two local celebrities, karaoke hostess, Gerrie Woo and Jack (Mr. Bongo) Costanzo! San Diego Scene recently chatted with Syndee about her amazing life as an erotic dancer, show-biz daughter, and charity volunteer.
SDS: Have you always been interested in dance?
CeCe: I can remember when I was 8 years old, I put on a pair of play high-heels and my aerobic body suit with leg warmers and tights. Then I'd make my dad play his bongos while I danced. I was also a true and loyal fan of Solid Gold! When Solid Gold was on nothing else mattered. I would dance in front of a big giant mirror in the living room while I watched the dancers.
SDS: Share something's about growing up as the child of two entertainers!
CeCe: Well, I remember going to the studio with my dad Jack Costanzo (AKA Mr. Bongo) and watching him play his bongos for the Budweiser commercials. I remember a lot of hotels, I loved that. I also loved going to night clubs during the day with my parents. I'd dance and do cartwheels all over the dance floor while my mom (Gerrie Woo - Singer and Karaoke Hostess) and dad rehearsed for their shows. Now I realize how much they've accomplished and why they were and still are loved by everyone.
SDS: Tell us something about your personal life......Where did you grow up?
CeCe: I was born in Long Beach, but I grew up in San Diego. I have a son J.C. who is 13. Not married yet but that's my goal -- to find my perfect match.
SDS: How did you start dancing professionally?
CeCe: When I was 17-21 years old I danced for local rap groups and then I started dancing for Hi-C who was well known in Los Angeles. In October 1992 a friend of mine brought up the fact that I could work at Pure Platinum and make some money doing what I loved to do, dance. I never thought about dancing at a strip club because, believe it or not, I didn't know anything about them. I never even thought about it, I guess I really didn't get out much. Well, I went and filled out an application and ended up dancing there for several years.
SDS: What are some of the challenges of working as an erotic dancer?
CeCe: It's a challenge for me to try to understand why many girls feel they need to drink or do drugs to do this job. I don't smoke, drink or do any drugs. It's not now and never will be an option in my life. There are a lot of women working with me that don't do drugs. They have families and go to school and have other jobs. I look up to them and I give them much credit for holding two jobs and going to school plus taking care of a family. As for other challenges, San Diego topless clubs are very conservative. Customer's can not touch and if they try then all we have to do is tell the doorman we want them to be warned or thrown out and its done. Everyone has their limits and draws their line on what they will permit. I won't tolerate rudeness or customers touching me. Another challenge is going to work instead of staying home and going to sleep. I'm not a night person so working 9:00 to 2:00 is a challenge.
SDS: Have you ever felt uncomfortable dancing?
CeCe: Nope. I've always loved dancing and always will, whether it is in a strip club, Go-Go bar or highly respected musical. I respect all dancers on all levels. I feel that a really great dancer makes the club, the club doesn't make her.
SDS: How do people in general react when they find out you are an erotic dancer?
CeCe: I've never had a bad reaction but I'm sure that some people judge me right off the bat when i tell them. They assume I do drugs and whatever else supposedly goes with the job.
SDS: You seem to be extremely ethical, self-secure and without personal compromise. Is this a requirement for a successful career as an erotic dancer?
CeCe: I'm not sure what you call a successful dancer. If you mean successful dancer as in making a lot of money, traveling to different cities, then no, I'm not a successful dancer. I'm not willing to go the whole nine yards with erotic dancing. I just use the club to do what I've always loved to do and that's dance. I don't party, go out with the girls after work or anything like that. I go to work and go home and live my very simple life. There's plenty of opportunity to get yourself in trouble and that's why it's so important that you know who you are and what you stand for before coming into a job like this. You draw a line and stick to it. I am successful in keeping it real for myself and having a good reputation for being a good entertainer and being clean (no drugs or alcohol.) But as far as making a lot of money, I'm not a successful "stripper". I'm not cut out for the game and I don't play the game and that's why I' m not rich yet.
SDS: You don't think you live an exotic life?
CeCe: Not at all. I go to the gym, work and home. Dancing is the most exotic, exciting part of my life.
SDS: What are your goals with dance?
CeCe: My goal with dance is to keep it MY way, under MY terms and to never let anyone change my style. After dancing at Pure Platinum for several years, I started working at "The Flame" in Hillcrest as a Go-Go dancer and I love it! I dance there a couple Saturdays of each month. It's a lot of fun!! I also dance at birthday parties, karaoke parties and will do private parties. I do bring my own security. One thing I make sure of is to let people know -- "what you see is what you get" --a dancer. Don't think because I'm behind closed doors that I'm all the sudden going to forget who I am and what I stand for. If you're looking for good dancing, good entertainment and someone reliable, then look no further, here I am! If you're looking for something with a little more skin and more XXX then keep looking.
SDS: Other goals?
CeCe: My number one goal is to keep my bills paid. Then to stay happy with who I am and what I believe. Then I'd like to win the lotto so I can do volunteer work. I'd like to volunteer for organizations that help women and kids get out of domestic violence relationships. I'd also like to work and even build rescue centers for the American Pit Bull Terriers.
SDS: By the way, do you ever sing karaoke?
CeCe: Oh no way!! My mom would never forgive me! As much as she can't stand to have to listen to off-key singers and then here I come?! I'll keep my night job.
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