Burlesque performing. It’s not for everyone! When students come up into our studio, sometimes getting onstage is the furthest thing on their mind.
Read More“…remember your students are the bedrock of your business. Your biggest cheerleaders and supporters. If you can build that relationship in those longer periods of time, I think that it builds your business awareness overall.”
Read MoreI 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 MoreHave 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 MoreCatch 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 MoreDid 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 MoreA 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 MoreBoobies 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 MoreI 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