1. That wasn’t my best performance or best workshop /class

In this age of social media especially I think we focus so much on the best and looking perfect and amazing.

I wish in this day and age we were more comfortable in things like having and sharing our ‘off days’.

We all have taught classes and the choreography flew out of our heads.

I have definitely had times when the structure of the class was not enough (maybe you crammed too much in, or didn’t plan enough).

It’s important to say this, and to normalise that this happens. And I think it is important to share back to students when you might have mucked up - self awareness is really helpful and it means the student doesn’t go away thinking that they were the problem!

And we can share that sometimes we might not have perfectly landed a performance.

Know that in the grand scheme of things it probably doesn’t matter if you have had an off night. Being consistent and showing up is ten times more important than perfection.

2. The art of saying no

It’s okay to turn down gigs and I think it’s okay to say so.

There are many reasons I say no:

The money isn’t right
The values of the organisation or client don’t meet mine
I get a ‘witch’ vibe
The venue doesn’t feel safe or there is not the right security
I’m overloaded

It’s okay to turn somerhing down. This took me ages to learn, because I am of the mindset that if you say no you won’t get asked again. But something I have to reconcile is that nothing is worth your mental wellbeing.

3. I am taking a break

I wish we also acknowledged- for all performers and artists- that taking breaks is fine and necessary.

Just because we are performers, it is okay to put an out of office on your email and messenger. It’s not abnormal to need a rest day, a holiday… or event a permanent exit and career change.

We have to acknowledge that as physical performed adequate rest is really important.

These are my views on things we need to normalise saying more in burlesque so that as performers we have a sustainable practice. What would you add to the list?

Grace Cherry

Owner, Miss Kitty’s Meow

3 Things We Need to Normalise in Burlesque