Nine to Five and More ....

Burlesque has routes in the Victorian era and originally was a risqué dance style designed to mock established upper-class conventions.

By the 1950s Hollywood was in on the act, with movies like Striporama (1953) and Varietease (1954) delivering wild set pieces featuring show girls, strip teases and exotic dance routines.

The style, where ladies typically learn provocative dance routines whilst wearing revealing clothing, sequins and feather boas, is now making a comeback and is a unique way of getting fit, to say the least!

Look up the definition of 'Burlesque' and you'll find something similar to 'a stage act, sometimes involves striptease!'

We caught up with Charlotte to find out more about the burgeoning burlesque scene in the three counties…

"The actual word does mean 'a mockery of the arts' and yes there is an element of striptease" explained Charlotte, "But it is very much 'tongue-in-cheek' and it's much more 1950's seaside postcard sauciness rather than anything erotic.

"It's sexy - but at the same time it's all good fun!"

As the popularity of burlesque increases, so do the audiences, "Burlesque is becoming more and more popular with audiences which are much made up of just as many women as men.  Certainly no one is made to feel embarrassed or humiliated" said Charlotte.

So who can go along?

"It's a strictly 'ladies only' event,  but other than that - anyone is welcome to come along" said Charlotte.  "If any ladies wants to give burlesque a try for it's exercise benefits that's fine; if they want an 'ego boost' and want to go away feeling sexy then that's fine too! 

"There maybe some ladies out there who just want to give their partner their very own burlesque show at home!

Listen to Charlotte's tips for the perfect burlesque dance here:

Fancy giving it a try?

Charlotte will be holding her Burlesque Academy session on Saturday 18th April, 2009, at The Walsworth Community Centre in Hitchin, starting at 4.00pm until 7.00pm. 

The session will include burlesque dance tuition, refreshments served by naughty waitresses and the opportunity to buy some 'accessories' if you enjoy the experience enough to try it at home!

Anyone going along should wear heels (apparently it's easier!) and either a skirt or dress - trousers don't have the same effect!!  Feather boas and fishnet tights are welcome but optional…

Tickets can be obtained in advance by contacting Charlotte on: 07899 730 843