Don't go broke for your burlesque career

I have been working on an Act Development course at the moment. One of the most common questions and discussions I will have with the emerging performers is about the how and the what of spending, buying and making costumes.

 I think one of the big challenges – either starting out in burlesque or if burlesque is more of a secondary income stream- is that you can get swept up in the Instagram world of burlesque.

 You see these beautifully crafted images and intricate costumes. It is really easy and natural to want that for yourself.

Dita Von Teese didn’t begin performing in couture

would remind anyone starting out of, is that the Queen of Burlesque, Dita von Teese, did not start out with these couture level costumes that you see now.

 (I mean those Bob Mackie outfits, right?)

 I look at early photos and footage of her from the 90s and it’s very different.

  She still had that clear branding and identity, and was exceptionally polished.

But it was different to what you would see now.

 So proof, if proof be needed, that we all begin somewhere.

 Work within your own budget

My advice for emerging performers is that you need to work within your budget, and to make peace with that

 Don’t spend your savings or take a personal loan out for a bunch of Swarovski crystals or a costume that wildly exceeds your income.

 I can feel the eye-rolls from here. But I want to also state that an amazing costume does not make you a better performer.  Nor will it translate immediately into more bookings.

 And there are heaps of ways that you can look incredible, but at a price point appropriate for you.

The best feeling is to end your financial year in the black, rather than in financial strain.

 So spend within you means. 

Grace Cherry by Neil Buonaccorsi

Setting a realistic budget

If you are doing a show per month -which is pretty reasonable for a newer performer  - it’s likely that your profit (not revenue) is in the realms of $100 or $150.

 Project that profit over the course of 12 months and you get more of a sense of what a smart investment in costumes would be.

 And that you might not want to invest all your profits as a performer into a costume. There are so many other things that can help you improve: mentorships, dance classes, attending live performances …..

 Not to mention that you might just want to focus on compensating yourself for your time.

Don’t financially stress yourself to the eyeballs for the sake of a nice picture on Instagram.

- Grace Cherry x

Owner, Miss Kitty’s Meow