Personally I think Sue de Nim is fantastic! Took me a while to get my head round it though ^_^ I think if you're going to use it, use the variation with three words, as having 'Denim' as your surname makes the pun work much less well - you immediately think of the fabric and pronounce it like that, putting the emphasis in the wrong place and losing the pun (that's what was throwing me off ...)

I've never heard of anyone using a name similar to that, but there are ways of finding out. Google the name, including all the possible spelling variations you can think of, along with the word 'burlesque', and if nothing comes up then you're reasonably safe. Also searching the name on social networking sites like myspace might throw up results and people you should be aware of. Finally just asking people in the scene - as you've done here - should help, as if anyone has heard of a performer with the same name, they'll let you know.

The burlesque name register wasn't very widespread, I don't think - not very many performers seemed to use it. I know Amelie will be along any minute to say that joining Equity is the best way of protecting your burly name!

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