A Burlesque Workshop that's worth giving a twirl....

Ladies enjoying themselves at the Burlesque Academy.

By popular demand, there will be another Beginner's Burlesque Academy workshop at DANCE BY DESIGN STUDIOS, Blyth House, 130 Hordern Road, Wolverhampton WV6 OHS. It will take place on 28th November 2010, starting at 10 am and lasting all day until approximately 5pm with an hour's break for lunch.

This intensive day-long course is aimed at beginners who have little or no experience in Burlesque, but in my opinion it could also be a useful refresher for ladies wanting to brush up their technique.

You will be expertly taught by professional dance instructor Miss Maggie Palmer, a.k.a Divine Destiny who will teach you the basics of walking, posing, posture and some choreographed routines in vintage and modern styles. The basics of "peeling" and "teasing" are also covered so you will be able to go home and give hubby a demo!

Although there are elements of striptease included in this course, no nudity is required, so your blushes are spared. You will need to bring some items with you, but you will be advised of this when you pre-book your place.

Miss Maggie Palmer teaching at the Burlesque Academy

I would highly recommend this course, although only a day long, burlesque is well worth a try just for a fun day out or it can be a life enhancing experience for those ladies wishing to learn more and take it further. (Like me) I wouldn't have dreamed I would be doing this two years ago. It is a real confidence boost and can also provide a toning workout, very good for the legs, back and abdominal muscles.

So, why not get a little glamour in your life, if only just for one day and try this marvellous course?

Cost for the day - £20

For details and essential pre-booking please ring Maggie Palmer on 07881 538780

Workouts, Choreography and Glitter!

This week is an endless round of workouts, living room choreography and glitter! I am at the apex of a strict training programme to be in good shape and ready for my burlesque debut at "Roxy's Rendezvous" in August. The show has a Kylie theme to it, and I've chosen a lesser known song to perform to, but I will let you wait and see what it is! My pasties are ready,self made of course -which I am also keeping under wraps until the big night. Well you need to keep some things to yourself, don't you?

I went to my usual aerobics class last night and maybe this is too much info, but I could wring out my top when I got back! I did wear a terrific sports bra though. I've recommended it before, but the new model is much easier to put on and remove with an extra set of hooks having been added. The shock absorber bra, in black with white edging. You will not budge in this bra, even in a super-energetic workout!

I'm also testing deodorants, as I've yet to find one that ticks all my boxes - so my results will appear here soon.

The living room choreography isn't an ideal situation as I'm rehearsing with veil fans and my decor is not exactly minimalistic! I manage okay with the sofa pushed back anyway. I think though, a visit to my local dance studio might be benficial as I've only a month left. The routine is written out as a script, as I find that the easiest way to work, as I have been taught by my burlesque teacher and mentor, Divine Destiny.

The other problem is, there's glitter everywhere, although I feel as though I've only used a small amount! How does it get into my husband's dinner and stuck to his back?

Ooops.....That's just an occcupational hazard, I guess!

Welcome to my new location!

Hello, my name is Miss Helene Bach. I am a burlesque designer and aspiring performer. I started making pasties and tassels for other performers and was quite happy doing this until I started attending burlesque classes. I hope you enjoy following my experiences as I enter the world of burlesque onstage!
This is the last post I made earlier this year on my myspace blog. I now resolve to continue blogging and I look forward to hearing your comments and sharing experiences.
Visit my website to see my designs: http://www.helenebachburlesquestyle.co.uk/

The gloves are off!

Week three of the burlesque course is upon us and I’ve learned two new routines which taught me some “peeling” techniques. The glove routine, which was started the previous week, was completed. I love the cheesecake style of burlesque! I think it’s going to suit my character if I ever get the bottle to give it a proper go!

The gloves came off no problem this week, and I was delighted to start learning a “coat” routine, which to be honest made more sense once the music was playing. Very slow paced but so effective! Really, any woman could enjoy doing burlesque classes, I keep saying it, but it is such fun!

It’s been yet another pulverising week for me what with two core fitness classes besides burlesque- and a meeting about a respectable day job. I don’t mind confessing that this weekend I feel well and truly knackered!
What can Helene Bach recommend this week? Hmm… what about Radox salts? Sounds good to me!

I’ve tried and tested the “Shock absorber” range of sports bras and come across a really firm control one recently, it looks like a crop top with a bra attached inside it - a feat of engineering, but so effective when that aerobics routine really kicks off. You will not budge in this bra! They wash well and dry quite quickly even over a radiator which is always a bonus.
Speaking of bras, this week I will be learning how to remove a bra the burlesque way. No doubt this will be incorporated into a routine which I’m really looking forward to. Now this is PROPER burlesque, every week adds a little bit more to our armoury of technique. Thing is though, us beginners will look like a load of superheroes gone wrong with bras over the top of our clothes to spare the modesty of the shyer ladies. No wonder there are a lot of dog walkers outside Dance by design! see http://www.burlesque.triplemdanceacademy.co.uk/

Since posting this, I have completed course 1 and 2 in burlesque classes, also some improver's classes. I have been very busy making tassels and pasties for other performers and I am also getting ready to make my stage debut at "Roxy's Rendezvous" in Southampton in August.