Burlesque
N

ow I’m

no

_By Fiona
Virgin

Mary

but

kirkcaldy
on

the

way
to my first ever burlesque class I get
Bonanza_
a major attack of nerves! Being a newbie Jill from Polestars has been teaching
to burlesque I have to confess I have no Burlesque in Edinburgh for the past few
idea what to expect. Will there be a big turn years, one of her aims is to change people’s
out? What exactly will I have to do? Most attitudes towards burlesque classes. She
importantly will I have to get my kit off? said: “Our whole aim was to make it more
Luckily the answer to the first question is yes acceptable to woman. It’s a great alternative
and last question’s answer is no, my teacher way to keep fit and a really good way of
of the night Jill, explains that nerves are toning your legs, tum and bum because
completely normal. “Attitudes towards the it’s all about posture and controlling your
first class vary, sometimes you get a bunch movements.”
of girls in who are very wary and unsure
about what’s going to happen. Then other The class tonight is a two hour taster session
times you can get a hen party who really go that lets you try a little bit of everything from “It’s all about building your confidence, and
for it.” walks to winks and from posture to poses. coming out of yourself. “Most women who
come will have hang-ups about themselves
and burlesque is all about embracing what
you do have and celebrating your body!”
What strikes me is the vast range of girls that
turn up, there’s a real mix of ages and sizes. This emphasis on embracing your
Jill said: “That’s the great thing about it, it’s individuality seems to be what attracts most
for everybody! I see woman of all shapes, women to the classes. All the way through
sizes and backgrounds. You could be size we are encouraged to play up what we feel
8-88 or ages 18-108. I’ve had grannies comfortable with and to find ways of using
coming in and shaking their booty.” burlesque to express ourselves. “Burlesque
is getting more popular as there’s so much
So after a quick warm-up, we all change into pressure on women,” says Jill “In this day
our heels, some dress up, Madonna comes and age you get magazines shoved at you
on the C.D player and we’re ready to go! with images of perfect women who are all
airbrushed and tweaked. It’s everywhere and
The first thing we learn is basic movements. it’s unreal! The best part about burlesque is
I’m not much of a dancer (at least not when learning what is unique about you and that
I’m sober) so it’s a relief to find that it’s you don’t have to conform.
mainly shimmies, cheeky little hip drops and
learning how to dip slowly to the floor whilst “There’s more to being a woman and being
still looking sexy. Great for working out your sexy than fake tan and eyelashes and that
thighs by the way! can be seen through movement.”
Jill sets the tone for the night by encouraging In the second hour we put what we’ve
us to relax and have a laugh with each learned into a routine to the sound of Etta
other: “You get the chance to wear some James’s “I just wanna make love to you”. By
glamorous clothes, like heels, and have a now the inner-showgirl had kicked in and we
bit of a shimmy and a laugh. It’s all a bit of were ready to show off our moves; we were
fun and no one expects you to do something even up for adding props to our moves! By
you don’t want to do.” then end of it my thighs were aching but I’ve
never had so much fun at a dance class.
After that we cover posture, facial
expressions and how to strut the stage! It’s strange to think that ten years ago this
Since burlesque movements are very over would have been considered risqué. Madison
Scotcampus is still looking for talented writers, photographers,
the top and tongue-in-cheek it’s impossible Rose, who runs Edinburgh burlesque club
illustrators and stylists to join the editorial team.
to stay serious and soon we are blowing Fanteaseya, says, “I think 10 years ago there

Betty-Boop style kisses and winking to was a lack of information, no one really knew
We are especially looking for music reviewers, interviewers, film specialists,
each other! Since all your movements are what it was and would shy away from it. I
columnists and all other creative types, so if you think you’ve got what it takes and
big and noticeable it’s a great way of pulling think people like Dita Von Teese have really
you want to kick-start your journalistic career get in touch with our editor Jade at
you out of your comfort zone. Many of the made it a household name.”
jade@scotcampus.com with a few ideas and a bit about yourself.
girls there said they were at the class to
gain confidence. Jill believes this is because Her co-organiser Calopie Cooch added:
www.scotcampus.com
burlesque is very empowering: “The girls have taken burlesque over!”
The Good Life_24_
www.scotcampus.com
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