The question, “where do you get your feather fans” is one I hear pretty frequently. And I know with a couple of fan dancing courses on the horizon that some people might be keen to pick up a pair (or maybe put it on their holiday wish list!).
Read MoreThe audience needs to be only one component of measurement in burlesque. You can take some tips so that you don’t consistently measure your worth based on one show or one person’s feedback. It’s important to work in your own values and to set proper goals and opportunities.
Read MoreThe things I wish I knew when I started performing. I wish I knew a lot of what I know now.
The $5 shows. The shows that 3 people turned up to. The outdoor performances where the wind below me away. They did all teach me some invaluable lessons. I wish I had some of this expertise – but I wouldn’t take back some of those opportunities.
If you don’t want to experience the outback burlesque experiences, please benefit from some of my learnings:
Read MoreIf you don't have anything nice to say, come and sit with Olive.
She is dark, salty, and will break your tooth if you are unlucky.
She enjoys long baths in fine vodka, and isn't afraid to get dirty.
She might be an acquired taste. Because not everybody likes olives - but don't worry, she doesn't like you either - Olive Allure
Read MoreAs I write this, I’m in the middle of my act development course – coaching several emerging performers towards a first time on stage (or spending some time trying to dedicate and improve their craft).
These are tips I have given to ever single artist that has taken 1-1 lessons with me. Ideas that I think can help you up your performance a notch or two.
Read MoreRead More“There’s never going to be the perfect time to debut your first solo. You can spend so much time being wrapped up in your head trying to perfect it, that you put off performing. Don’t do this. Just get out on stage and give it a go! Also, don’t go chasing perfection, there is no such thing” - Velvet Butterfly
In the ‘new normal’ of sharing online, lockdowns, cancellations, absent travel, self care is more important than ever.
Read MoreAs I write this draft, Southern Tasmania has entered it’s first snap, ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown since the first stage of the COVID pandemic hit our shores in 2020.
But it got me out of my normal safety net, of my regular yoga schedule, and my gym routine. And reminded me of some of the great tools I have been able to access since the pandemic.
Here are my favourite channels!
Read MoreI was so thrilled to recently host a fan dancing workshop with some amazing students. It’s one of my favourite styles of burlesque performance and holds a soft spot in my heart. I have included some videos of performers that I think show the art and craft so well and so elegantly - things we can all learn from!
Read MoreI focus on body acceptance over body positivity in my classes and in my practice. What’s the big difference? Do I even care? It might not make a big difference to you or to your experience if you engage with me online or in a face-to-face class or show. But for me its enabled a strong shift away from the emphasis on looks and body over all else.
Read MoreThe best resources I’ve found on crafting your own burlesque fans - all in one handy spot!
A big challenge (and opportunity) as a burlesque instructor, is to make the class a great space for the students.
I think one of the jobs we can do as teachers to help our students is to make sure we break the ice for them.
I often have a few ‘go tos’ to help facilitate introductions and encourage students to get to know each other.
Here are some of my techniques and tips that I use to break the ice in class.
This is part two in my part series on ‘good’ burlesque classes.
I’ll explore some qualities that I think teachers can engage with to make sure that they are really living up to their student’s expectations and developing the best atmosphere they can in class.
This isn’t coming from a place of thinking that my approach is ‘the best’. It’s just about what I think works well from a teaching perspective. I hope anyone that is planning on running classes or is already doing a lot of hard work in this space sees ideas that adds to what they are doing. It’s not about beating yourself up or reprimanding yourself.
Read MoreThere isn’t anything fool proof that can tell you whether you will love or hate a particular burlesque class or teacher. This post is designed to help you investigate the elements that might help you make the best decision for yourself.
Read MoreProps are used in burlesque for so many reasons.
To add drama or create visual splendor to a routine.
To have something to work and play off.
To add extravagance or that extra ‘gimmick’ to you routine.
Read MoreComing to your first burlesque class can be a bit daunting, right?
You book in through a vaguely anonymous booking system – maybe having seen a few photos or videos online.
If you aren’t coming with a friend, it can be a bit daunting to turn up for your first class.
Here are my hints and ideas about what you can expect - whether you’ve booked in for a full term or just a one off workshop. It’s not a set in stone post, but it might give anyone a bit nervous or daunted an idea of what they can expect
So this isn’t a shady blog post aimed at anyone that has performed to Postmodern Jukebox.
As someone who produces burlesque shows - and that tries to be pretty encouraging to anyone starting their performing journey - one of the biggest frustrations can be a total overwhelming number of acts set to Postmodern Jukebox. So read on for some of the issues I have found, and for some great alternatives.
There is never a quick fix solution when you are feeling a bit down about performing. But for my ten cents worth there are a few consistent things that I do if I feel down about performing or super stressed. These aren’t going to be the most ground breaking things you have ever heard - but if you need a starting point it’s not a bad launch pad. The most important thing is to remember that everyone feels down about their burlesque career at some point.
Read MoreWhat to give the burlesque babe that has everything? Whatever your price range, I’ve got you covered in this great holiday gift guide! And I’d love people to share their favourite stores or ideas in the comments!
Read MoreBurlesque and payment is always doing the rounds as a hot topic. There are always times where we regret decisions (almost instantly) when you go against your gut and perform at events that feel substandard or where you don’t feel valued....be it creatively or financially.
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