Burlesque Mythbuster

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.

 I’m not flexible enough or fit enough

 You don’t need to be fit or flexible to do burlesque. It’s a fun class, with dance and movement. But let’s be real. It’s not getting you ready for the Moulin Rouge or the Vegas stage.

We incorporate gentle stretching as part of our warmup and cool down. But there isn’t an expectation that you touch your toes/do the splits/do a high kick.  

The classes are not high impact or at a high intensity from a cardio or a strength perspective. Any class that may be more challenging (for example a Chair Dance or Floor Play class) will be advertised appropriately.

I’m also big on everyone trusting their bodies. So there are always some modifications on offer for you if I share a stretch that is too deep or not appropriate for your body.  Similarly, even more intense classes like chair dancing I will always offer some modifications that can dial back a movement.

 I’m not coordinated

Let’s work on that! Often when we learn as adults we lack a bit of confidence.  Sometimes we’ve been told as a younger person that we aren’t a natural dancer. Or that we have two ‘left feet’.  

This isn’t true.  Everyone learns at a difference pace and through different teaching techniques. It’s my job to pace the class around everyone.  Try not to compare yourself to anyone else in class. And remember that the focus is on having fun and learning something together – it’s not a competition, it’s not a race and there is no expectation from me (or from any other student) that you are perfect.

Think of it this way. If you wanted to start jogging or running your first effort probably wouldn’t be a marathon.  You might only get a few hundred metres.  Dancing is just the same. It’s building up step by step. 

I’m too old

There is no such thing!

I believe everyone has the right to learn and work in their own body at any age.  Burlesque is about the art and craft of striptease. There is sexual and sensual movement involved.  All adults have a right to have a sexual relationship and to be a sexual being. You don’t need to de sexualise yourself just because you hit an age milestone.

PLUS so many amazing performers keep on dancing at all ages of life: Dita Von Teese is the most famous burlesque dancer of this day and age, and she is into her 40s. We have industry legends that keep getting better and perform consistently. Look up videos of these icons like Tempest Storm (sadly recently passed), April March, Stephanie Blake, Catherine D’Lish, Coby Yee.

 I’m overweight /underweight/not curvy enough/too skinny

This is the most common challenge or barrier to learning that many people will message me about.

People’s comments on their bodies will vary from concerns that they are:  

·         Overweight

·         Underweight

·         Have no ‘curves or breasts

·         Feeling alienated from their body

·         Feeling scared about looking in the mirror

·         Feeling different about their body from experiences around gender, childbirth, menopause, injuries, illnesses

·         Feeling general low self esteem

I HEAR ALL OF THIS.

I could write an essay about our toxic diet culture, and the perceptions this makes us have on our body.  The fact that we often define ourselves in very strict parameters about our attractiveness or worth in relation to our size.

I’ll leave that for another day.

·         Know that I will not be judging you on your appearance.

·         Know that other than serious injury or illness, there is little to prevent you from participating (and even then let me know and let’s work around and modify stuff for you!)

·         Know that I do not have students in my classes that would judge you or any of their peers on their appearance.

I cannot promise that burlesque will miraculously make you feel differently or with more acceptance about your body.

I try (recognising that I am imperfect and a product of a diet culture society myself!) to offer an environment that is focused on body acceptance.

I am not female /identify as another gender /non binary

I welcome everyone into my classes and work hard to make sure the environment is safe for all genders.

I have found some solutions so my enrolment forms can let you share your preferred pronouns (not compulsory of course!)  If I -or anyone in class- misgenders you, please let me know. This could be in person or via an e-mail or message on social media.

I don’t know anyone/what if no one talks to me

Yes you might not know anyone. Turning up on your own is a bit daunting. But you will definitely be introduced to people during your term or your workshop. I can’t promise you will be best friends with everyone (and you might not want to be!). But you will gradually get to learn names and feel less awkward.

Plus I have a closed Facebook group just for my students so you can message each other outside of classes. I like to post icebreakers and questions there so I can help you get to know each other.

What has scared you about joining a burlesque class? What was your biggest misconception before you started?