In the ‘new normal’ of sharing online, lockdowns, cancellations, absent travel, self care is more important than ever.
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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!
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Approaching a producer or promoter is just one way of boosting your business and artistic opportunities.. But regardless of where you live, there ARE opportunities there - either existing or ones you can make yourself.
Get prepared and take some handy tips and tricks for making that approach as professional as possible.
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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!
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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.
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The 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.
I recently was interviewed on ABC Radio on my experience with weight loss, and how it has impacted my pereception of self and on my career in burlesque.
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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.
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There 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.
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A permanent place for the most frequently asked questions that I get from people looking to join or participate in a burlesque class or workshop.
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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.
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Props 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.
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Coming 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.
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What 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!
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Burlesque 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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One of the biggest requests for advice that I get is around building up confidence (for new performers) or getting the 'mojo' back (for more established performers that had a few knocks to their self-esteem).
I often think about cultivating 'resilience'. A super wanky phrase, perhaps. But it’s not always about building up bullet proof confidence. But about how you set yourself back up when you have a knock back or feel rejected.
Here are my take home tips for helping you get a bit more resilient to the knocks of life. Some tough love, but also some practical advice