I was happy with my facial expressions and feedback from the audience and from my video was that the "Sass" came out which was one of the areas I was most worried about. - Ash the Queen of SASS
Read More
Have you ever been to a burlesque show? See them pop up and get a bit curious?
I definitely think there are some misconceptions or ideas about what a show involves and who goes that can be thoroughly debunked. In a totally, unscientific lack of evidence way.
Read More
“I didn't commit to performing at the beginning. Honestly, I was just concerned about getting through my first class, then my first term. I set myself small goals, finally getting through my first group performance. Solo performing felt like the next step for me.”
Read More
Catch up with emerging performer Symphony Jay as she prepares for her solo debut!
Read More
“I’ve had to be strong and positive in my thinking and remind myself that I have every right to embrace my body and my sassy traits and to let these shine through in my solo.”
Read More
Did you know that I have a great burlesque playlist curated for you?
Songs of burlesque can be super varied. It’s a raunchy, seductive performance style - but definitely with a rowdy and comedic twist at times.
I love using different songs in my warmups, practice work - right through to performance routines.
I heart the Rockette’s. If I was 10 feet taller, the right proportions and had actual dance ability that’s what I’d want to do with my life!
But seriously, a super professional team they have compiled some of the BEST backstage etiquette rules I’ve seen.
Read More
A lot of my anxiety at the moment in my life centres around my self image. I am constantly a work in progress, and having to challenge those learned behaviours.
To say that I needed to hear some wisdom when I loaded YouTube for my workout the other day is an understatement.
I love Sydney’s Channel for the movement it offers - but mostly for its absence of diet culture. If you struggle in the holidays then I share this sentiment with you and hope it helps you reframe your brain too.
Read More
Boobies come in all shapes, sizes. And so does our comfort level about how much of our breast we want covered (or not).
When I started performing I did make a lot of pasties because I was less comfortable revealing my skin. So I started making my own so that I could make quite large ones that covered more surface area.
Equally I know the reverse is true. Some of us only want small ones. Or maybe you just can’t find exactly what you want - or want to save yourself a bit of money and just have a crack at crafting a pair,
Here are some great resources on making your own titty tassels or pasties.
Read More
Being a dancing eisteddfod baby, I'm also really conscious of the damage heels can wreck on your feet and your posture.
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 More
The 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 More
The 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 More
If 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 More
As 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 More
Read 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 More
As 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 More
I 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 More
I 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 More