What's it like to prepare for your first solo burlesque performance?

I have so many new students and emerging performers in my life (which is fantastic!). But it’s definitely been awhile since I first trotted a shaky stiletto onto the stage. And I know it’s something so many people are curious about - what it takes to get up onstage on your own. Particularly for students that come to classes or perform as a group.

So I sat down (metaphorically) with Natty Prospect, an emerging burlesque artist about to make her stage debut at the November edition of Burlesque After Dark!

I chatted with Natty about her debut performance and what the audience can expect to see. She told me that her act is a “little bit seduction, a little bit showgirl, and a little bit raunch. I wanted it to introduce me as a soloist and give everyone a bit of an idea of what I am about. “

I’ve been fortunate enough to have hat Natty in my classes for the past few years. And it’s been a big growth from that first nervous step in the door to this point (fun fact - her husband booked her first term as a Christmas present!). Natty agreed that this was a big step up and said that she was “ just super excited to be doing my first solo! I have been talking about it for two years, but seriously planning all year. I have never done my own choreography before so I have worked very hard and I'm eager to share!”

It’s a pretty daunting step and Natty commented that getting “…up the courage to apply for this performance (was challenging). I have been planning and working hard on it, but when it came to the crunch my self doubt nearly got the better of me. I'm glad I overcame it though. I am so excited to get up there and entertain”

I know that for me and other students it is a big thrill to see how someone steps out of the group routines they do in class and start to see their own ideas and style take place. I think this can be really inspiring as a teacher and interesting to see what really resonates with each person. But I know from experience that students also really love seeing each other shine - so it’s a really great feeling to see them have that support for each other.

Natty commented that being “backstage with the Cherry Daiquiris is so supportive. I have been going to classes for almost 3 years and the group of women that come along never fail to inspire me. Everyone bands together to help each other with makeup, costumes, and most importantly nerves! Its like the complete opposite of the bitchy women group tropes”

That amazing feeling and connection that they seem to have I think was really confirmed for me when Natty mentioned that one of her highlights this year and big sources of inspiration was seeing Shaan Valentine perform. She told me that a big highlight was “…watching Shaan Valentine win Miss Burlesque Tasmania I was so inspired by the work the artists put in, but when Shaan won I leapt to my feet in excitement. So well deserved. “

Make sure you come and catch Natty’s debut performance at Burlesque After Dark on Saturday 23 November at Moonah Arts Centre.

You can follow her on social media here and keep track of her next steps!