Burlesque Dancing
Discover the Dita von Teese in you with this imaginative yet increasingly popular method of getting fit.
If you are feeling like fitness needs to get a bit sexy and your love life could do with a boost, then finding a burlesque class could be the next step for you. Burlesque is the new pole dancing, with the added benefit that it isn’t quite so athletic and a wider range of women are going in for it.
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| Burlesque dancer in costume |
Burlesque Beginnings
Burlesque dancing is a rapidly evolving genre, with classes springing up from various providers and trainers. However, the original burlesque dancing harks back to the 1840s, when showgirls on stage would wear corsets, high heels and very little else, and dance provocatively for the male audience. It has recently become popular as the former Mrs Marilyn Manson, aka Dita von Teese, has become a bit of a fashion icon in the States and West, and imitators like Immodesty Blaize have been doing the same thing here in the UK. Pussycat Dolls, the girl band, were originally a burlesque group.
Class Act
“I encourage women who come to the class to wear heels and sexy clothes,” says Katja Gardiner, who runs burlesque classes for Polestars. “It’s not essential but getting dressed for the occasion will make you feel in the mood to learn. Over four weeks, we teach different routines, all about looking sexy, confident, flirtatious and feminine. At the end of a class, you will feel like you’ve worked your core muscles, glutes (bum muscles) and legs, as balancing in heels and moving in controlled ways will make you sweaty. We do provide props such as crops, feather fans and nipple tassels for those attending; most women who come find it really good fun, and go out laughing, as they’ve pushed their boundaries. “
“My approach is really about building inner confidence,” says Gwendoline Lamour, a trained actor who performs high-end burlesque shows for celebrities like Elton John. “My classes really focus on learning how to project your sexiness, how to use your body to control how you are feeling and how you are perceived, as well as learning techniques that are used in burlesque, like taking off gloves sexily.”
Props and Clothing
Check with the class provider as to what will be provided and what to bring along – most are fine with yoga clothes and pumps, although some suggest bringing your own high heels, stockings and basques. Props like feathers, whips etc... are usually available. You’ll feel a bit sore in your legs the next day, if working for the first time in high heels, but apart from that, it should be an experience to remember positively. Who knows, your new showgirl persona could be just raring to go…
polestars.net run 4 week classes around the UK.
gwendolinelamour.com runs evening event classes in central London.
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