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Ever fancied trying burlesque?

It was big fans and feather boas galore when Closer Online went to check out burlesque classes at the Covent Garden Gym. We were invited by Burlesque Baby, the UK's first burlesque school, the founder of which, Sharon K, is pictured to the right.

Closer's mission was to investigate the health benefits of this theatrical form. Essentially, we wanted to see the effect of burlesque on a woman’s mental and physical wellbeing.

But first, what comes to mind when you think of burlesque? Famous burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese? The Pussycat Dolls? A striptease? Or to please a lucky somebody in bed perhaps?

These were some of the associations the participants in the class had with this art form.

So what exactly is burlesque?As the teacher of the class Slinky Sparkles said: “In burlesque you have the freedom to parody, strip, dance, pose and perform in anyway you feel confident and comfortable.”

In addition, every burlesque dancer develops her own persona – some routines involve the performer being more character-based while others focus on sexy sophistication.

Upon entering the first class, we were greeted by Slinky, an MA student, dancer and teacher whose incredibly toned bod told us that burlesque was gonna be good for sculpting those muscles: 

             David Shepherd                              InaGlo Photography

The first step taught was the burlesque walk which is exaggerated steps forward, utilising a lot of movement from the hips. This aids in toning your legs especially as heels are worn. Burlesque also encourages good posture which helps to tone the abs, while the heavy fans used give the arms a workout. But you'd probably need to team it with cardiovascular exercise for a full workout.

As for mental wellbeing, it seems that burlesque classes do wonders for women’s confidence. The ladies in the class revelled in their femininity, learning cheeky moves using gloves and stockings, and pulling fifties pin-up girl poses.

At the end of each class, participants performed a burlesque routine which was always met with encouraging whooping and cheering from their classmates. In the last lesson, there was some topless action where women of different ages got involved. The best thing was that there was no pressure to take your top/bra off so you could just get those nipple tassels whirling with a T-shirt on.
 
It was lovely to see women get into character, with one lady even making up a stage name for herself. Dixie Divine knows who she is!

Commenting on the health benefits of burlesque, the founder of Burlesque Baby Sharon K said: "Learning the skill of burlesque and the physicality of burlesque goes hand in hand with a better body image and body confidence.

"As you get to know your body more it reconnects you with your femininity, leaving you fitter and feeling gorgeous in your own skin."

Meanwhile, Slinky revealed how she felt performing to audiences: “If you choose to perform a striptease, the emphasis is on the tease rather than the strip and you should always leave your audience wanting more!

“Modern burlesque audiences tend to be around 80% female. Males attending burlesque shows tend to be brought along by their girlfriends, although I'm sure they don't mind once the curtain goes up and they see what it's all about!”

All that’s left to say now is, get your stockings on and check out Burlesque Baby for a girly giggle and plenty of health benefits!

Head to http://www.burlesquebaby.com/   to book your classes, bespoke workshops and hens parties - available throughout the UK.