Hi Andromada
I am a size 20/22 too (depending on shop
) and although not performing yet - I'm going to.
I heartily recommend getting 'heavily into burlesque' just because it will make you feel wonderful.
It's not to do with size with burlesque, it's truly how you work it. If you're a big lass with tons of confidence the audience will love you just as much a smaller-framed lass who has confidence. Confidence is sexy and what I've seen of burlesque audiences on the whole is that they want performers to succeed and are behind them with whoops, cheers etc. (you still get the odd bitchy comments from some nasty people in the audience whether you're big, small, short, tall, black, white, blonde, brunette, redhead, male, female etc - these are in the minority, but you do have to ask yourself whether you are confident in yourself to handle these small minded people).
So is there a market for larger performers? Yes, if you have sparkle, wit, confidence, sexy appeal, creativity.....and most of these will grow as you perform more too.
Here's some more inspiration for you, seeing as you say you've only seen small sized performers:
Vava Vunderbust on youtube
Dirty Martini's Spider Web routine
Big Mama Red 'Boobs'