The things I wish I knew when I started performing. I wish I knew a lot of what I know now.
The $5 shows. The shows that 3 people turned up to. The outdoor performances where the wind below me away. They did all teach me some invaluable lessons. I wish I had some of this expertise – but I wouldn’t take back some of those opportunities.
If you don’t want to experience the outback burlesque experiences, please benefit from some of my learnings:
Read More“The last time I did a dance solo I was 14 years old, my routine didn't go as planned & I was in tears after. I would like to show my 14 year old self that it doesn't matter if you muck up, enjoy it & be confident in yourself.” - Amia Sparkles
Read MoreAs I write this, I’m in the middle of my act development course – coaching several emerging performers towards a first time on stage (or spending some time trying to dedicate and improve their craft).
These are tips I have given to ever single artist that has taken 1-1 lessons with me. Ideas that I think can help you up your performance a notch or two.
Read MoreApproaching a producer or promoter is just one way of boosting your business and artistic opportunities.. But regardless of where you live, there ARE opportunities there - either existing or ones you can make yourself.
Get prepared and take some handy tips and tricks for making that approach as professional as possible.
Read MoreA big challenge (and opportunity) as a burlesque instructor, is to make the class a great space for the students.
I think one of the jobs we can do as teachers to help our students is to make sure we break the ice for them.
I often have a few ‘go tos’ to help facilitate introductions and encourage students to get to know each other.
Here are some of my techniques and tips that I use to break the ice in class.
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.
Read MoreThere isn’t anything fool proof that can tell you whether you will love or hate a particular burlesque class or teacher. This post is designed to help you investigate the elements that might help you make the best decision for yourself.
Read MoreThese must be the most common questions and comments I get from potential students about coming into their first class or workshop. There’s sometimes so many misconceptions about burlesque that I think are worth addressing - especially if you had thought about coming along but had those little fears in the back of your mind.
Read MoreProps are used in burlesque for so many reasons.
To add drama or create visual splendor to a routine.
To have something to work and play off.
To add extravagance or that extra ‘gimmick’ to you routine.
Read MoreComing 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
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.
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.
Read MoreWhat to give the burlesque babe that has everything? Whatever your price range, I’ve got you covered in this great holiday gift guide! And I’d love people to share their favourite stores or ideas in the comments!
Read MoreBurlesque and payment is always doing the rounds as a hot topic. There are always times where we regret decisions (almost instantly) when you go against your gut and perform at events that feel substandard or where you don’t feel valued....be it creatively or financially.
Read MoreOne 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
So you are dipping your toe into performing? Perhaps you have just got started in the burlesque industry - or it’s something to think about. I don’t think you need to spend a fortune to get cracking. Here’s some tips and advice about how you can best manage your time and $$$ when you start out.
Read MoreWhile I love a good movie, it’s sometimes nice to delve more info the burlesque archives and understand more about the history. And if you are starting your burlesque journey, it’s also super important to understand where you fit in its rich history. Here are some of my picks of the documentaries out there.
Read MoreWriting 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! .
Read MoreLike every other person on the planet. I’ve been obsessed with the 30 day playlist challenge that Zoe Sugg’s (Zoella) posted on Twitter. Read on for the results - and for links to my amazing playlist!
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