Hello all, utterly selfish thread I'm afraid but - I just came back from my first burlesque lesson, and I'd been looking forward to it sooo much, but...I sucked! I have no rhythm and not a clue what I was doing, and what I would really like is for people to tell me that they sucked too when they started! No, what I would like is any tips on how to get over being awkward and clumsy, and get on with being fabulous and unconcerned with how everyone is picking things up instantly. Surely I can't be the only one with 'stage fright'...

Hi Cherry
If it was only your first lesson, you honestly can't expect to be perfect on the first try. It takes time. Don't be so hard on yourself. Don't be discouraged. Had it been your hundred and first then I could see your problem. How about you practile a little at home in front of the mirror and then take a few more lessons and then update us on your progress. The other thing you could do is play up your weaknessess and be a funny burlesque performer. Either way, you won't 'suck' as you say.
Good luck!

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Mysti
If you can't be a SHINING example, be a horrible, horrible warning!
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hey cherry..

mysti is right - put on your favourite dress, some gloves and heels and blast your fav music get a drink and have another go - try being funny too. its hard when there are so many people around you to feel confident the first time !!!

x x x
red

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Thanks! One of the things I love the most about the whole burlesque thing is that it doesn't have to be 'sexy' in a defined way to be glamorous, so I think I will aim for playing on the humour-side and see how it goes. I found myself practicing in the shower this morning without really realising it, so burlesque is in me somewhere!

Funny is the route...

At our last gig at Teasemafia, I was in PVC thigh highs with a huge Darth Vader head and Dusky had on a latex Yoda mask! Busty rolled up in a fat suit, and the crowd loved it - so don't fret about having to be sexy!

I don't have great hand-eye co-ordination and find even when we chorepgraph routines it takes me a little longer than the others. It was the same in my classes. But be patient and practice and I'm sure you'll reap the benefits.

No one is going to be perfect from the outset - you didn't pass your driving test after one lesson did you?

I'm sure you'll rock the stage in no time!

L x

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It's a mini adventure

I actually stopped counting when I got to 50 driving lessons, but I pasted in the end and still loved driving - may be I should take that as a sign not to be too impatient...

Hi Cherry
I teach erotic dance and burlesque in Bristol. I always tell people on the first lesson that they are not expected to perfect anything on the first class. Perfection will come with practice over time, its perfectly normal to feel a bit awkward on the first lesson. I know it can be frustrating when you are aiming to do something that looks sexy but it just looks awkward. I think it can be more upsetting than if you went to a different type of dance class and didn't get it at first.

The people in your class who were picking it up quickly probably have done some kind of dance or performance too. It does not mean that you can't be any good, it will just take you a bit longer to get there so make sure you get in lots of practice at home. Good Luck X

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You could try tassel-twirling using soap-on-a-rope!

You keep at it Cherry, We need new people on the scene constantly - I've been performing in front of people proffesionally in various guises for the past 22 years, Don't be put off by falling a little at the 1st hurdle, most do have some nasty experiences to begin with. Find some great music and have fun, think about your favourite routines and ask yourself why you like them so much.
If you look like you are having the time of your life It will rub off on the audience.
Remember "Tits and Teeth Ladies"
Al x

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Bless you Cherry. You've taken the first step by attending a lesson. Thats a huge effort in itself and many others would be too shy to even consider attending.

The way I see it in all aspects of life - there will always be somebody better than you and there will always be somebody worse than you so just be happy where you are in the scheme of things and have fun.

Sounds like you've heaped loads of pressure on yourself but like the girls say you just need to lose your inhibitions and find your sexiness within. All women have a sexiness within and Burlesque is all about the tease in my eyes. Do as they say and put on your sexiest outfit, grab a glass of wine (or two), whack on some tunes and dance in the mirror - if you can click your fingers to a beat you have rhythm.

I took Salsa lessons once - I like to dance but I was so nervous I kept making mistakes and I was really conscious of everything I was doing and didn't want to step on any toes. I had never lead a woman in a dance before so it was awkward and strange but after a couple of lessons I gained confidence and relaxed and started enjoying the lessons more. That said I ditched the lessons after a while but I'm soon learning Jive as I like the 1940's which should be fun.

I'm babbling but I hope thats of some help.

Silver x

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