Creating a burlesque solo - with Asteria Nyx
Asteria Nyx was born. Inspired by Greek Goddesses, rock chicks and 80’s big hair - she’s one fearless woman!
Enjoy another post in my ongoing series of exceptionally sporadic posts - catching up with performers who are embarking on the Act Development Course.
This year, I’ve been able to offer this course in two parts of the year, with performers being able to choose to work to a solo performance at our mid year or end of year Burlesque Showcase.
Each of the performers undertaking the course have about 4 -5 months to workshop an act from start to stage!
This week, I caught up with Asteria Nyx. Asteria is a pretty seasoned dancer, fitness instructor and performer. She has jumped back into the solo journey feet first - having first stepped on stage in her solo debut last November!
I’ve loved dancing all my life and tried many styles of dance throughout the years, but never burlesque. It was time. I had the most amazing experience last year at the end of the year Showcase, where I performed my debut solo.
Having been a pretty experienced performer, Asteria has said that burlesque is a style she has been drawn to, “ it’s bold, sexy and brave. I wanted to create a persona that symbolises all those things, and, Asteria Nyx was born. Inspired by Greek Goddesses, rock chicks and 80’s big hair - she’s one fearless woman!”
I agree with Asteria, that even if you have dance or theatre experience there is something completely different about performing burlesque.
“ I enjoy the creative freedom you have with solo work and I am very excited to showcase another piece that inspires me and fires me up.
“The solo process is very freeing, which is awesome. The biggest thing I’ve learnt throughout the rehearsal period is to try everything – it might work! Whether it be choreography or a particular dance sequence you had in mind, physically dance/step it out and see what it looks like and feels like in your body.”
Photo: Asteria Nyx
I asked all the performers to think about what advice or tips they might give to anyone else starting out a solo performance. Asteria said “choose a costume or outfit you feel absolutely incredible in! Being on stage is exciting, but can be pretty nerve-racking, so choosing the perfect sexy, but comfortable outfit is key.
If you are a performer thinking about transitioning into the solo space, I say go for it!
Trust your gut and create something you are passionate about. Grace is wonderful and has created the most amazing, supportive space for us all to have fun, be bold and share our love for dance.”
See Asteria onstage
Want to come and see Asteria Nyx onstage? Make sure you check out our next show!