We are now less than one month away from the big burlesque day!! What an exciting and scary thought!!!
As the journey into burlesque continues, the four of us of Theatre Inamorata decided to hire a burlesque coach to give us an introductory lesson into the world of burlesque. This, in retrospect, was a very, very smart idea. Here is the main thing that I learned: I have a LOT to learn!!
It was a fabulous session, starting off with some history, tips, and basics to planning a routine. We then got on our feet, and geared up in our feather boas and high heels, and we started to learn some basic walks. It was at this point, as I was watching myself prance effortfully in the crack between the dance mirrors, that I realized I have had very few instances in my life where I took myself seriously when I was trying to be "sexy." I started to feel that this could be a little bit more difficult than I thought. As I tried to emulate the amazing ease and skill of our sexy instructor, I had a little trouble not tripping over my own high-heeled feet. After a few more tries, I looked a little bit graceful, and slightly stylish, but I think it would be a stretch to say in the sexy realm.
So what is so different between the sexy ladies that I have had the pleasure of watching, and me? First, I think talent is definitely important, so that means taking the time to really learn the moves, and practice, practice, practice. Second, I'd say playing the part, really committing to the character I'm playing, and choosing a scenario that allows me to DO something (since nothing makes me more nervous, as an actor, than being on stage without knowing what to do). Lastly, and most importantly, CONFIDENCE! I think it is clear that this is the main hurdle I'm dealing with here. I am very good at making fun of myself, at playing at sexy, knowing it is a joke, but I need to practice having confidence that I am sexy. That I can be sexy, and it doesn't have to be a joke.
So, as my next weekly goal, leading up to this exciting event, I need to practice feeling confident, and sexy. I don't know exactly how I'm going to accomplish this yet, but I will come up with a few ideas. I'll report back, of course.
The rest of the lesson was hilarious as we all attempted to fling various pieces of clothing sexily throughout the room, and learned little tricks of the trade along the way. I think I have a knack for shoe flinging, so y'all better watch out!
In terms of progress on the body image front, I hit one little snag: at the lesson I learned that using garter belts may be a little bit too difficult at this virginal point of my burlesquing... which ruined my little plan of covering up the one part of my body I am nervous about showing- my stomach. It is pretty funny to me that I would rather show my boobs, my butt, and more... before I would ever think of showing my stomach. I guess we all have our thing! In my head, I thought that I could cleverly hide my belly by wearing a high-wasted garter belt, and just not take it off. Foiled! After a consoling chat with one of my lovely company members, I was given a choice: I can either find some clever way to hide that belly that I am so embarrassed by, or I can show it proudly as part of the beautiful woman I am. I am really hoping I can brave it enough to accomplish number two. I was also told to do a little strip tease for myself... and no laughing... so that's what I am about to do! Wish me luck!
Love and kindness all.
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