Part two in my part series on ‘good’ burlesque classes.

This is part two in my part series on ‘good’ burlesque classes.

I’ll explore some qualities that I think teachers can engage with to make sure that they are really living up to their student’s expectations and developing the best atmosphere they can in class.

This isn’t coming from a place of thinking that my approach is ‘the best’. It’s just about what I think works well from a teaching perspective. I hope anyone that is planning on running classes or is already doing a lot of hard work in this space sees ideas that adds to what they are doing. It’s not about beating yourself up or reprimanding yourself.

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What to expect at your first burlesque class

Coming to your first burlesque class can be a bit daunting, right?

You book in through a vaguely anonymous booking system – maybe having seen a few photos or videos online.

If you aren’t coming with a friend, it can be a bit daunting to turn up for your first class.

Here are my hints and ideas about what you can expect - whether you’ve booked in for a full term or just a one off workshop. It’s not a set in stone post, but it might give anyone a bit nervous or daunted an idea of what they can expect

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Let's all give Postmodern Jukebox a rest, okay?

So this isn’t a shady blog post aimed at anyone that has performed to Postmodern Jukebox.

As someone who produces burlesque shows - and that tries to be pretty encouraging to anyone starting their performing journey - one of the biggest frustrations can be a total overwhelming number of acts set to Postmodern Jukebox. So read on for some of the issues I have found, and for some great alternatives.

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Picking yourself back up off the floor

There is never a quick fix solution when you are feeling a bit down about performing. But for my ten cents worth there are a few consistent things that I do if I feel down about performing or super stressed. These aren’t going to be the most ground breaking things you have ever heard - but if you need a starting point it’s not a bad launch pad. The most important thing is to remember that everyone feels down about their burlesque career at some point.

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Building up confidence and resilience - Practical tips

One of the biggest requests for advice that I get is around building up confidence (for new performers) or getting the 'mojo' back (for more established performers that had a few knocks to their self-esteem).

I often think about cultivating 'resilience'. A super wanky phrase, perhaps. But it’s not always about building up bullet proof confidence. But about how you set yourself back up when you have a knock back or feel rejected.

Here are my take home tips for helping you get a bit more resilient to the knocks of life. Some tough love, but also some practical advice

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How do I write a good bio and CV?

Writing an artist biography, introduction and CV can be a big struggle. When you have some time away from performing or teaching, it can be a good opportunity to take the time to build or revise these resources. If you are like me and it’s a really hated job - or you just don’t know where to start - I’ve pulled together some of the resources that have been helping me. Let me know how you go! .

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Burlesque Reading: The Hidden Gems

A couple of weeks ago I posted some weekend reading for burlesque performers and lovers alike. It was definitely like the ‘greatest hits’ of the burlesque book world. Or the stuff that you shouldn’t overlook.

Consider this entry the sequel to the original post. Where I cover some of the books that I think any burlesque buff should beg, borrow and steal - that might not be the best seller.

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