Secret Diary of Clan Glitter Kiss March Edition

Burlesque Weekend in Newcastle with Trixie Blue.

My Glitter Kiss Studios romance all started around 5 years ago when one of my friends had started classes there and talked me into it.  She'd been trying for a while to be fair but I had a very fixed idea in my head of what burlesque was, and more crucially to me, what burlesque performers looked like.  And I was utterly convinced that I did not fit the mould.  But she showed me some of the moves and I had always enjoyed dancing so I thought "what the hell, might as well give it a go!".  

I can't remember much about my first routine, more about how welcoming Elle and the rest of the class was to a total newbie.  The routines are great and Elle breaks them down into easily learnable sections, I've pulled off moves I never thought I'd be able to (yet somehow trying to walk all slow and sexy in heels throws me every time, lol) and when you see and feel it all come together, the music, the moves, the sassitude, it feels brilliant! The studio ladies are such a supportive bunch, we all lift each other up if we've had a bad day, and cheer and whoop for each other in performances - it's just a fabulous atmosphere. 

And I mentioned performances!  When I started the, idea of performing wasn't on my radar. The idea would have terrified me if it had been on my radar. And choreographing my own routine? Hell no, I'm not creative enough for that, I have trouble trying to remember Elle's choreo never mind coming up with my own, that's a daft idea and I refer you to the earlier "hell, no!" 

Buuuuuuut, I have performed.  And a few of those have been solos.......at the Edinburgh Fringe no less - It's pretty much the only cool thing about me, I will keep beating this drum forever! 

Aaaaaaand with the guidance of Elle in her "Moment in Time" course, I created my own routine and I can't lie, I'm quite proud of it!  Although I still struggle to remember the moves.

So I've been well and truly out my comfort zone, which I would never have done if it wasn't for the encouragement and self-belief that Elle fosters in the studio.  I must also highlight the friendships that the studio has brought me, the chats before the dancing gets underway, the nights out to cheer on fellow burlesque shows, even a weekend away for some workshops - all started with those first steps into the studio.

I get it if you're reluctant to try burlesque, or you're not sure what to expect. I was you, I had the same concerns. I don't want to downplay us because I think we're a fabulous group, but we're not professionals and no-one is kicking about looking like Dita, at least not for a class - wait till you see a show - we simply have a great time, learning fabulous routines and who knows, you might find yourself on a stage at some point ;)

Give it a go, you know you want to!

Lizzie la Beau 

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