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Burlesque Beauty
So what d’you fancy: “American Peek-a-boo”; “Saucy Parisian”; “fetish” or “seductive elegance”?
Not sure what I’m talking about? These are all variations of the latest craze to sweep the nation – Burlesque
I quite literally stumbled across a burlesque demonstration at this year’s “Vitality Show” and felt that I had found the “missing link”. My “raison d’etre” as an Image and Style coach is to help women to appreciate their gorgeous-ness, play to their strengths and feel fantastic.
It can be a bit of an uphill battle sometimes. Burlesque does my job for me and is just perfect for us “curvy girls”. It requires that you stick out bosom and bottom (no problem) whilst the tummy is held in by a “take your breath away” corset (great). After 5 minutes of stroking our legs (making them appear longer and thinner), pouting like naughty school girls and rotating our hips, any body-image concerns had just melted away…
What it is: a humorous theatrical entertainment involving parody and sometimes grotesque exaggeration. It has become associated with a variety show in which striptease is the main attraction.
Background info: Originated in 20th century America and used by working class performers as a way of mocking the Upper classes.
Famous Burlesque performer – present day: Dita Von-Teese
Famous Burlesque performer – past: Gypsy Rose Lee
Purpose: it’s all about celebrating your shape and size, whatever that may be – the curvier the better.
Benefits: improved self-confidence and perceptions of body image
The best bit: it allows you to play to your strengths and feel empowered…and you MUST wear high heels!!
Golden Rule: “thou shalt not disguise but always accentuate” (your body that is).
Dress code: accessories such as brooches, fans, veiled pill-box hats, waist-cinching belts or corsets, fishnet stockings, frilly knickers (?), cute platform shoes, bows and sequins.
Make-up: pale complexion (no fake tan please), ruby-red lips (exaggerate the Cupid’s bow), black eyeliner with a 40’s flick and, of course, false sparkly eye lashes.
Burlesque has created a mini storm from some who say it is “degrading”. I feel that it is supremely empowering. It’s all about saying “I’m gorgeous and sexy and you can have me but only if you are worthy”.
My short experience went far deeper than any kind of formal coaching ever could. I felt positive, energized, free, sexy, attractive, confident…and yet NOTHING had changed. I had merely moved my body in such a way to invoke all of these powerful feelings. I hardly dare imagine what an hour’s worth might do for me!
So c’mon girls – get those nipple tassels twirling and give it some attitude…
Let’s just call it “personal development”!
About the author
Name: Katherine Blyth
Email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Website: http://www.katherineb.com
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