hi everybody!

I've been into burlesque for a while, and i've taken decided to become a performer rather than just and admirer.

One big problem being that i've had big problems with my body image for a while. I'm only 5 foot, and i've around a size 12/14, i do have rather large boobs, which can be a asset, but the rest of me feels not so good. plus, i'm very skint and can't afford corsets and costumes- assides making a few cheap things.

but i have some great ideas for some shows, and i think that this would be a brillent thing for me to do...

help?

thanks!

I don't really have any ground to stand on this as I'm new myself but in my eyes burlesque is for everyone, all shapes and sizes. If you feel gorgeous (as I believe it should make you feel among other things) then that's what matters, the audience (who every they may be) should see that too.
The links in the "cheap corsets" thread were really helpful for me (as it's partly why I started looking into burlesque).
I hope that one day I can start to learn burlesque and I'm only 5'4 and a size 16-18! However I know how you feel, I've personally had a hard struggle to "like" myself and I'm still not fully there.

Just go for it! Take a leap of faith and enjoy yourself.

Hi,
One of the reasons I started looking on this site was because I had seen burlesque performers of a rather voluptuous nature and I thought "I'm curvy, perhaps this will help me feel better". I agree with the previous thread that burlesque is for everyone and I think that, no matter whay your size, you are beautiful.
Good luck with developing this new craft - I'm sure you will be wonderful - and if you ever come to Southampton I will come and support you.

Of course women come in all shapes and sizes just look at the recent Dove adverts (which, I think are brilliant )

I'm at the other end of the spectrum, I don't have any boobs! I'm an A cup and I constantly worry about them being too small but at the same time I have nice shapely hips and damn good legs.

As much as we'd love to have it all..nobody does, it's just all about finding your best features and being proud of them, because they are yours afterall!

You can guarantee nobody else in the world has a body like yours, and that deserves something!

On another note, whenever you look at a person, a woman or a man, and you think "wow she's stunning/ has nice hair/ amazing smile" chances are she/ he isn't going to realize it. It's because we never look at ourselves in the same way as an outsider. We tend to pick the negatives out and overlook the positives.

Which is bad, very very bad.

I wish you the best of luck with your dancing my love!

All the best,
Lady Stardust.

what sort of dance would be the best to take lessons in to start? I'm on such a low income, i really can't afford to pay my bills, let alone buy corsets, but i do have a free local authority gym membership, and they do have a small amount of dance classes available.

Watch some videos on YouTube of other performers and dancers... Go to your local thrift store and pick up some goodies. If you have any craftiness in you at all I'm sure you'll come up with some lovely creations... Corsets can be pricey but keep your eye out for old orthopedic supports, girdles or support undergarments: a little bit-o-dye and some new craft-bin ribbon can make it look like a top notch corset. Dance as much as you can, and call around. Many studios offer a trial class, that way at least you can get a sense for different dance styles that might interest you. The internet is probably one of the most localized sources now, and I purchase many inexpensive dance instruction DVDs on ebay. Keep your eyes peeled and I'm sure you'll come up with something stunning.

Oh, and curvaceous women can shimmy more effectively than thimbelinas. Don't feel self-conscious.

Personally speaking, belly dancing.

For me I went for a number of reasons - It looked quite fun, in a makes-you-smile-and-giggle sort of way; I'd always wanted to move like that; gives you quite a good body awareness in learning to wiggle assorted bits; and there are reasonably-priced classes all over the place. There's probably one in a community centre/church hall near you. I had to throw in the towel because a change in my work means I don't get home from work in time, but will gladly take it up again.

Body image/self esteem is, unfortunately, something only you can help yourself with. However just remember, you don't always have to be ecstatically happy with what you've got. There's something about you that you like, which is a plus, more than most. Concentrate on that. Just, for now, aim to be 'at peace' with the hand you've been dealt and move on from there. Loads of us have our demons, it's just a case of finding our own way to put them back in their box. At the end of the day, it's not what you've got, but how you wiggle it

No matter how much people can tell you 'you're lovely!', I know full well that it can be had to believe. Hey, for what it's worth, it's all relative, and I dream of being a 12-14! I don't think I was a 12-14 since I was about 12 or 14.... If I ever get down to a 16-18 I'll be very pleased indeed.

And as for cheap corsets, ebay is your friend. I can't afford my taste in corsets either, so have to crank down my expectations a little for now, but have a good dig on ebay.

All the best, I'd be interested to know how you get on. :WAVE: