Tried and tested: burlesque lessons
A week later the focus is on the striptease. “Never hide your curves”, Katja reminds us, “no matter what size or shape you may be. Be proud of your body and don’t be afraid to show it off! This is one of the most important rules of burlesque dancing.”
Then we talk through different items of clothing, tops, blouses, skirts and bras and how to take them off most seductively. Today’s routine is a lap/chair dance ‘for our partners’ as Katja tells us with a wink. I’m cheating slightly by wearing two bras on top of each other so I don’t have to bear it all as I take the top one off. I’m getting there though. After the lesson, as I walk to the bus stop, I feel two feet taller and walk with a special bounce in my step.
Week three and it’s time for the military routine. Some of my fellow students have donned Forties uniform jackets and military caps to get into the mood of things. This week’s routine is all tongue-in-cheek as we march around, mock salute our audience and seductively dance waving our riding crops. Needless to say, I’m loving this one.
It’s the final week and the dreaded nipple tassel routine. Everyone meets up a bit earlier to have a few cocktails before class and to do our showgirl inspired make-up and hair. Sequins, corsets and fishnet tights are out in force. As we gradually learn the routine to Mariliyn Monroe’s ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’, I suddenly start feeling like a proper stripteuse. Taking off my bra and twirling the nipple tassels at the grand finale (it’s amazing what one can do with ones boobs!) is a whole less scary than I’d thought, and we all do the routine from start to finish three times cause it’s just so much fun.
I might not be the next Dita but the attitude behind burlesque – be glamorous and be proud of what you’ve got – is something I will take to heart. I’ve found my few hours as a professional peeler empowering, a celebration of my femininity and anything but seedy. Watch out world, bullet bras and suspender belts will be on the daily menu for me from now on.
To book a four week burlesque course with Polestars click here. Courses are available in all the major UK cities and the beginners course costs £100, with 4×2 hour classes.
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Category: Events, Vintage news
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It sounds like a laugh!! Glad you had fun!
Sounds amazing! Do the intermediate course! x
I was the lady with the list of things to do after becoming 40! It was an amazing course and I thoroughly recomend anyone who has got into a rut to do it. I have quite tight hamstrings and burlesque requires quite a lot of flexibility but I have managed to adapt some of the moves and it’s great to have the chance to dress up and have a laugh with the girls!
Nikki Bocker sur le feu French translation (Knickers on fire!)