As a 40 year old performer and teacher I am here to say you are never too old to start burlesque!
I am not sure why there is a myth that burlesque is only for the young or those with ‘perfect’ bodies- but this couldn't be further from the truth.
Read MoreSo recently I washed my feather boa, I had a few moments of ‘ have I ruined $500 worth of feathers’…. But then I trusted the process and went with the steps.
Read MoreWhen we talk about performers and pay rates, one of the common issues that comes up is around the size of venues. Basically it’s the maths of - small venue + fewer bums on seats = not paying the performers adequate and award rates. So lets talk about the things we have control over that can make our events more financially sustianable.
Read MoreThings that every burlesque teacher wants you to know....
Read MoreThere are always lots of discussions online about how much burlesque performers should charge and what industry rates look like.
I’ll be the first to jump up and down and say that just because you are new, doesn’t mean you don’t get paid.
Read MoreI have worked in this space for long enough now, to say that taking a gig that doesn’t pay the award will NEVER pay off….Turn down the opportunities that don’t pay appropriately. Know your worth and don’t be afraid to state it.
Read MoreRead MoreYou (or to be specific your burlesque act) is never going to be perfect. Stop waiting for it - Grace Cherry
Let’s change that to - I’m not good at that, yet”. Or to “I just haven’t learnt how to do that….yet”
Read MoreAs I write this post, our feather fan dancing course has become super popular and has booked out a good 5 weeks in advance. If you would like an extra course, answer the poll and let’s see where we go!
Read More“….I don’t know if I shattered some illusions with my students by letting them know that this is only piece of the many facets of artist administration they are likely to encounter - even as an amateur or emerging artist”
Read MoreDon’t know where to start in figuring out how to charge for a burlesque performance? Not sure about how to explain your current fee structure? I use the Live Performance Award to help explain to producers and potential gigs my fees.
Read MoreIt’s always good – especially at the start of a new year or new course – to have some ideas to keep you motivated and engaged - especially as you get more confident as a burlesque student@
Read MoreYou wouldn’t wake up and run a 5km race. So don’t expect yourself to be able to dance every step right out of the gate.
I am part way through teaching a new series of burlesque courses, ranging from the traditional classic style through to some pinup and neo burlesque styles.
Every time I get underway and see a new and amazing group of students coming in the door, I am always reminded at how hard people can be on themselves.
Read MoreIn this day and age, I thought we would have started getting better about this.
Maybe this observation is a damming reflection that straight men still hold too much sway in producing events, and holding power structures in our industry.
Or it might just be a lack of knowledge in a sector of the arts that is running everything from slick corporate partnerships, to festival touring productions to local, grassroots shows an activities.
In my time, I have definitely seem too many shows that just never seem to reference to fees up front. And quite frankly it sucks.
Read MoreA few years ago, I did the generous public service activity of suggesting some great gift giving ideas for burlesque babes to help any loved ones during the holiday season (or this can be dropped into an inbox of course as a massive hint).
Things change, and although there are some items on my post from a few years ago that I think still cut it, I thought an update was in order.
Read More“I love all the different styles of burlesque and the opportunity and excuse it gives you to be anyone you want” - Ms Chevious
Read MoreStill, some parts stay the same, their peculiar and darkly funny way of storytelling and his preoccupation with purple.
Expect to be unexpectedly turned on by a myriad of creatures and their weird and wonderful stories.
Read MorePeachy Vendetta is a playful provocateur, always ready to upend expectations with a wink and a smirk. As a physically challenged troublemaker, she shrugs off the rules, turning every performance into a cheeky mix of rebellion and raw flair. A proud queer femme fatale, Peachy isn’t here to inspire—she’s here to tease, tempt, and leave you wondering how she makes being unapologetically herself look so damn fun.
Read More“She is flirty and fun with a touch of class.
She will be flicking her hair and toasting a glass.
She is Bubbly and bespoke, lust she will evoke.
She is expensive champagne you will want over again.” - Lily Le Blanc
Read MoreI definitely get asked about posing the body, and how you can make a dazzling impression.
Firstly, it’s all about the attitude. It doesn’t matter what pose or stance you take - you have to ‘attack’ it with the same level of delusional confidence of a certain presidential candidate.
And of course your burlesque alter ego and style is going to dictate a lot about the way you want to present yourself.
However, I always have some ‘go to’ positions that I share that make me feel pretty confident and comfortable on stage.
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