Developing a burlesque solo - with Delilah Moon

Enjoy another post in my ongoing series of exceptionally sporadic posts - catching up with performers who are embarking on the Act Development Course.

Most recently, I was able to catch up with Delilah Moon who will be making a burlesque solo performance on 24 and 25 July at the Moonah Arts Centre after many months of hard work. I know this is something that Delilah had been planning and dreaming about for sometime, and it was great to hear her speak to developing that ‘spark’:

I have always loved Burlesque and finally took the plunge to enrol back in 2023.  I had hoped Burlesque would help me rediscover the parts of me that I had lost over the years, and it has!  I always wanted to perform.

Delilah has been on stage in many of the group routines at the Miss Kitty’s Meow Burlesque Showcases in the past few years, so her face might be familiar to you. But she added that creating a solo has given her so much more freedom and flexibility in the way to express an act.  

Photo of Delilah Moon by Luke Hurst

Now here comes the part where I ask performers to give their best tips or advice to anyone thinking about breaking into that solo debut. Think of it as your quick fire round and getting that rapid advice from a performer getting a solo together for the first time:

What has been the biggest challenge getting your solo together? 

Time management and believing in myself.

What have you learnt about developing your solo?

Choreograph pauses and breaths, you'll need them! And go to ALL the workshops! 

What advice would you give to someone else wanting to transition into the solo performance space? 

Try everything, see what fits, book studio space, video everything, use the parts that make you feel good! It doesn't have to be perfect - the crowd love you before you even step out there! 

What are you most excited about for your upcoming performance?

The backstage shenanigans - and igniting that spark on stage!