“…remember your students are the bedrock of your business. Your biggest cheerleaders and supporters. If you can build that relationship in those longer periods of time, I think that it builds your business awareness overall.”
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Have you ever been to a burlesque show? See them pop up and get a bit curious?
I definitely think there are some misconceptions or ideas about what a show involves and who goes that can be thoroughly debunked. In a totally, unscientific lack of evidence way.
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“I didn't commit to performing at the beginning. Honestly, I was just concerned about getting through my first class, then my first term. I set myself small goals, finally getting through my first group performance. Solo performing felt like the next step for me.”
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Catch up with emerging performer Symphony Jay as she prepares for her solo debut!
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“I’ve had to be strong and positive in my thinking and remind myself that I have every right to embrace my body and my sassy traits and to let these shine through in my solo.”
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Did you know that I have a great burlesque playlist curated for you?
Songs of burlesque can be super varied. It’s a raunchy, seductive performance style - but definitely with a rowdy and comedic twist at times.
I love using different songs in my warmups, practice work - right through to performance routines.
I heart the Rockette’s. If I was 10 feet taller, the right proportions and had actual dance ability that’s what I’d want to do with my life!
But seriously, a super professional team they have compiled some of the BEST backstage etiquette rules I’ve seen.
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Boobies come in all shapes, sizes. And so does our comfort level about how much of our breast we want covered (or not).
When I started performing I did make a lot of pasties because I was less comfortable revealing my skin. So I started making my own so that I could make quite large ones that covered more surface area.
Equally I know the reverse is true. Some of us only want small ones. Or maybe you just can’t find exactly what you want - or want to save yourself a bit of money and just have a crack at crafting a pair,
Here are some great resources on making your own titty tassels or pasties.
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The question, “where do you get your feather fans” is one I hear pretty frequently. And I know with a couple of fan dancing courses on the horizon that some people might be keen to pick up a pair (or maybe put it on their holiday wish list!).
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The audience needs to be only one component of measurement in burlesque. You can take some tips so that you don’t consistently measure your worth based on one show or one person’s feedback. It’s important to work in your own values and to set proper goals and opportunities.
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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:
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“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
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As 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.
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Approaching 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.
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A 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.
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There 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.
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These 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.
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Props 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.
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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