My 'go-to' burlesque poses that are super easy!
In this week’s burlesque class we played the game that I call ‘Sexy Statues”.
Remember in school you might have played that game statues? Where you run and have to stop suddenly? ( I know it was the 90s….it was a simpler time to be entertained).
In class I like to shuffle some tunes and encourage students to practice moving from a few poses. Why? Because your entrance and exit are so important in setting the tone in burlesque. It’s shifting the audience gaze to you, commanding the attention of the crowd and sharing the energy that you want to create.
I 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.
Have a practice mirroring these three poses (below). Put on your favourite playlist and go!
The “Champagne Flute”
Feet are posed with either ankles squeezed together or a slight staggered stance. Arms overhead to mirror the look of a champagne flute. Make sure you drop your shoulders away from your ears!
2. The “I’m heading out that way” pose
Turn your supporting leg out slightly and lean a bit of weight in that direction. One hand goes on your hip or waist - the other pointing at your adoring fans!
3. My version of the “Wonder Woman” pose
Knees are squeezed together with feet spaced close together or in a slight staggered stance (as per the Champagne flute). But this time your hands are both on your hips or waist in a 'take no prisoners' vibe.