Catch up with Amia Sparkles - Creating your first burlesque solo
Earlier this week I shared some work that I had been doing through my Act Development Course. It was amazing to hear from Velvet Butterfly, and her advice on how to build up your stage persona and build up that solo number.
Velvet has had some solo stage time before, but for one of my other students - Amia Sparkles - the solo journey has been brand new.
When I heard about her progress and her reflectiosn on developing a solo, I was actually super suprised to hear that she found burlesque through coming to one of our shows!
I think like a lot of us Amia had heard of Dita Von Teese and started her burlesque journey through that great gateway drug. As she puts it, “ I knew of Dita von Teese with her Burlesque & lingerie label. I moved to Hobart and I attended my first Burlesque show, Burlesque After Dark (BAD) & that night I told my friends, I want to do that! “
Photo: Sassy Boudoir
The confidence to start performing right off the bat doesn’t come naturally to all of us.
” …I was keen to perform from the start but I felt I needed to build up my confidence first. It had been many years since I had danced in front of an audience. I had danced growing up & dancing always makes me happy”
I think this is a super important point, because a lot of us need that stage confidence - sometimes through a class or another opportunity - before we go out on our own.
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
I think if you looked at the photos of Amia or if you saw her on stage in her student performances, you wouldn’t know that she had to build up her confidence.
She left some amazing tips that I want to share with newer performers or anyone creating a solo for the first time.
Videoing yourself and seeking feedback really helps!
Have your creative vision in mind and then seek feedback and support from mentors & friends.
Following other Burlesque performers on Instagram is inspiring.
Definitely some great tips there that I would recommend to anyone!
You can follow Amia Sparkles and her journey on Instagram at @amia_sparkles
See Amia Sparkles on stage at Burlesque Graduation Showcase
Saturday 20 November
Peacock Theatre, Salamanca Arts Centre.
Doors open 6pm | Tickets $30 - $40