I'm pretty sure this is far from uncommon. I'd reached a point where I was solid in making a desicion but I'm struggling to stick with it. Things at work mean that I'm getting on great and am being lined up for some really great stuff, but there are a few people that this isn't going down well with. Unfortunately there is one that I trusted enough to tell about burlesque who is very capable of being spiteful. Because of the job I do it could be used against me if pics etc emerge at any point. I wanted to close down everything online and stop performing purely for protection, but I had some new routines lined up and every box I open around the house is filled with burly things.

I can't see much of a way to get gigs without promoting myself, and I know that really it's better for me to just be in the audience than on stage, but I'm missing it already!

I know everyone has tough decisions to make on this scene, does anyone have advice. Or cuddles?

Sad Dolly

xxx

lots of feathery cuddles here......could u not advertise on anther burly friends site, and just state CV and videos/photo's available upon request,
or have ure site under mascarade, so no one can prove its you......what i would do is change my character so she is a mysterious one, eg mask of zorro,phantom of the opera kinda person, so that your true identity isnt revealed.

i dont really know what else to say hun bu *HUGS*

That's certainally food for thought, I like it a lot. Thank You

I think it would be a terrible shame to give up, but I can understand where you are coming from. My work would very much frown upon it! However I would do masquerade burlesque, rather than giving it up completely.

Dolly you are a great performer i loved the act u did last year and i was delighted that you agreed to do my show this year, i know its easy for me to say but i hope you dont give up burlesque, and that you are not influenced by narrowed minded/spitefull ppl that dont understand burlesque.

It really depends on how much you like your 'real job' I know a couple of burlesquers who've been sacked from their day job for performing and say its the best things that ever happened to them, I also know some that have quit because their day jobs are important to them and burlesque is just a bit of fun. You really need to decide where your priorities lie.

masqurade burlesque is hard, as personally I think the top performers are those with very expressive faces, the minute you cover your face you make everything ten times harder for yourself.

hope you come to a decison that makes you happy

CF
x

Thank you all very much.

I do think I'll be experimenting with the masquerade idea, true enough that facial expressions can make a routine so possilbly very elaborate make-up etc.

Cherry Fox everything you say is true, It'd break my heart to loose my job but I feel as though I'm addicted to burlesque - there is just nothing quite like it.

Briar you're a darling. Big hugs.

Feeling more hopeful.

xxxxx

aw dolly, im sad to hear that youre considering giving up as i think youre a fantastic performer. still remember you well amongst many burlesquers i've seen perform over the past few years, and it was quite a while ago i saw you!

maybe people at your work would be more understanding if you did non-stripping burlesque, like the chantilly belles who are brilliant. although thats a big modification to make to existing acts when your work may (hopefully) never even find out, OR if they did, would still find the thought of burlesque distasteful even with no removal of clothing.

keep us updated with your decision if you can, hope you find a way to keep both sides of your life balanced

Out of interest, what is your job? Are you 100% sure your burlesque performaces threaten it? If you are then I'm with the masquerade idea. If not, maybe a quiet word with your boss would be appreciated so he/she knows about it? Even though you love your job I don't think you should have to give up on something you're so passionate about.

Hi

I am really sorry to hear about your situation. Obviously you know your job and your boss best and therefore you need to decide whether it would be possible to have a word with your boss without upsetting the apple cart but I know a friend of mine who works in a school was also worried about people seeing her pictures on facebook etc, she arranged a formal meeting with the head and explained exactly what it was she did. She was careful not to use the word Burlesque too frequently, instead describing it as caberet, comic dance etc, she also explained that it was a character she was playing under a stage name. The head was very supportive (even though she is usually a bit of a dragon) and said that as long it was clear she was playing a part, it was fine.

I really hope you are able to find a ballance. Good luck.