You are never going to be perfect..... Stop waiting for it!

You (or to be specific your burlesque act) is never going to be perfect. Stop waiting for it - Grace Cherry

I say this to my burlesque students frequently, as they start taking steps towards a burlesque performance.

But it’s a true statement for any performer - regardless of where you are in your career.

It is really tempting when you are creating new work to want the vision in your head to be seen on stage.

And I admit I’m guilty of the expression ‘better done than perfect’ - and sometimes I am sure that some more attention to detail and refinement could serve me better.

However, I am really conscious that in performance the biggest issue for many of us is getting an act on stage and feeling the response.

For me, any burlesque performance is always a conversation with the audience. They provide instant feedback to you. Instant connection. Instant creativity, joy and a host of feelings.

And you need that engagement to understand sometimes what works - and what doesn’t.

You also need time for the act to percolate; to test it in front of other audiences; to understand why things work in one space and not in others.

But if you are waiting for that pefect moment. You are also waiting on the perfect response. And in my opinion neither of those things can happen.

On stage, despite your best efforts, it’s highly likely you will trip, stumble, catch your costume, have something pop too soon (or not pop at all).

And however much you hone and work on your craft, you cannot control an audience - and their reaction may not be what you want or expect. Both good and bad.

For me, every moment has got to be progress over perfection. Every step is a step towards achieving your vision. It’s never perfect, but you can enjoy all those moments and embrace all the learnings on the way.

And it’s all, and should all be, in service of just developing your craft as a performer.