I recently reposted an older blog about buying gifts in the holiday season for a burlesque performer. But I know for a lot of us this period is fast approaching - so what about those last minute gift ideas?? I’m talking that panic two or three days before gift giving kicks in and you think “crap, what do I buy this person”. Here’s my best tips!
Read MoreBeing 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 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 More“The last time I did a dance solo I was 14 years old, my routine didn't go as planned & I was in tears after. I would like to show my 14 year old self that it doesn't matter if you muck up, enjoy it & be confident in yourself.” - Amia Sparkles
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 MoreApproaching 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.
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.
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.
Read MoreThis 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 MoreA 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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