Teaser

Sometimes all you need is a spotlight, the right music and the annonymity of a dark room full of strangers.

I never thought of myself as much of a performer. In small groups, I enjoy holding court with stories and jokes. I can carry a tune within a larger chorus. In the shower, I am the best singer alive. But beyond that?

Recently I decided (read: was persuaded) to take a weekend workshop with Burlesque Downtown Underground, a local burlesque troupe. After a few intensive hours of instruction, the goal was to perform a full song show in front of an audience. Ummm...

I am a huge fan of the art of burlesque: the coquettish tease, overt sexuality tinged with humor and a slight edge of silly. The performance itself has a long and studied history, was frequently frowned up as is anything that invovles the tantelizing appeal of women, but has evolved into an amazing performance. To watch, yes. To do?

I picked my song, finalized my outfit, choreographed my signature moves and waited. Up and until the final show, I wasn't completely sure I could do it.

And then .... I did.

Complete immersion was required. I teased for an audience of one, despite the room of faces. I found the movement of the song and swayed with it. I focused on the slide of my hands, the pull of cloth from my skin or the tickle of curls against my bare shoulders. I did not reveal more than I was comfortable sharing. I luxuriated in the praise and applause. It was amazing.

It revived a level of feminity in myself that is lost in the day-to-day drudge of work, laundry, bills, bath time, tussels over eating vegetables... It also reinforced the belief in me that every woman has a bit of fan dancer living inside of her.