Burlesque! Say it and what comes to mind? Sexy seductress? Sweltering misty underground clubs? A beautiful, powerful woman? A dirty stripper? Teacake decided to brave it, order some sexy lingerie online and head to her first ever Burlesque lesson in Shanghai to undress the mystique of this historical, magical phenomenon.
Wow Teacake! You’re hotting it up!
Sure am. In my mind I’m going to be confident. Strong. Busting my moves from the word go…but this 3 hour class has me acting like a mouse being hunted down by a seriously lethal tiger….to begin with at least…
How does it all kick off?
It’s a gentle, soothing start. We all share with each other what we think burlesque actually is and there sure are some interesting answers: ‘a journey’, ‘a chance to be confident with your sexuality’, ‘an art in teasing’, ‘being beautiful’, ‘being in control’. Fantastic answers. For me, burlesque is a chance to change from being ‘cute’ like a fluffy Korean k-pop girl into a wild, sexy, dangerous vixen that is going to whip your ass furiously. Meow.
Naughty! What do you learn first?
With our silky clear tights on we got our juices flowing with a simple foot warm up, moving up and down on the spot with our toes and grinding our hips from side to side. We learn how to bump and rotate that ass, make powerful eye contact, walk like a million dollars, shake our asses faster than a rumbling washing machine and shimmy our shoulders like we’re shooting bullets faster than those fembots in Austin Powers.
Then teacake starts to get a little uncomfortable…
Burlesque oozes sexuality and sensuality. I’m a little shy…so goddamn British. If I ever invite a guy over to my house to get jiggy with it, we have to drink a cup of tea first. It’s just polite. However, here I am, having to slowly connect with my inner goddess with all these other women and I’m starting to freak out. Aaaaaargh…
You can do it teacake!
After a quick break and throwing water down my throat, I’m determined to put my game face on and crush this timid inner creature. I’m here to be empowered! I am beautiful! Let’s turn up the heat!
Let’s striptease!
The wonderful thing about this class is there’s no nudity. Women of all shapes and sizes with various levels of confidence are trying their best here and you can try what you want, what your inner fox wants to do. We learn how to take off gloves, stockings and shirts in a way that would send beautiful tingles down anyone’s spine, the hairs on your arms stand with pure excitement, the anticipation in you reaching bursting point!
Phew! It’s getting hot in here!
It sure is and before we all know it, we’re delving into a box of amazing props: feather boas, beautiful frilly, showy underwear, isis wings, feathery floating fans as big as a peacock fully stretched to its maximum. We are changing from timid caterpillars into the most voluptuous, confident butterflies you’ve ever seen! Huzzah!
And to top it all off?
We bite the bullet, get into groups and put on our own burlesque show! The creativity, individuality and originality is just beautiful, inspiring and deliciously sexy! I decide to put my fresh new hot skills to the test in my group and seductively take off my jacket. Who knew undoing your buttons could be so titillating?
I leave the dance studio in my heels (that never happens! I’m a converse girl!) and I’m a completely new woman, strutting down the street shaking my ass like a glamour girl. I’m already signed up for the next 2 classes. Travel can take you into crazy new places and this is the start of a brand new Teacake!
How can I get in on this?
Teacake learnt burlesque with the one and only Anna Fur Laxis.
You can sign up for the classes by emailing Anna Fur Laxis directly at [email protected]. Don’t be dismayed if the classes are full when you go to sign up. They are proving to be very popular and more are definitely on the table to be scheduled! You will get in soon enough. Go forth and be sexy!
This is so awesome, I have always wanted to go to a Burlesque show, but I do not think I could ever be in one! Props to you (:
Thank you! It’s totally worth trying, even if you never do it again…these kind of things can push you a little and reveal hidden talents haha!
Oh if I was 20 years younger! You REALLY look like you were having fun!
Trust me, it’s never too late to start!
Wow! I hope I am not too late and can still join, at 67!!! Always wanted to do this!
You can do it Carol! 67 is a perfect age :D
Waaaay! You’ll be at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival next! Ping pongs next?!… Ha! Cute post.
Ping Pongs?! Gemma you saucy minx!
I am all about trying new things when traveling. It has gotten me into quite a few situations perhaps, but at least we’re living life. Kudos to you!
I’m all about pushing yourself whilst travelling and seeing what you’re capable of. It definitely is about living life and living it to the fullest!
I’m rather shy as well. I don’t think I would have been able to do it. Good for you! :)
That’s OK Lesley! I believe we should all try new things but never push ourselves to the point where we’re not having fun anymore or it’s just too much. If you change your mind though, let me know!
Looks like a lot of fun! I would have never imagined that you could take a burlesque class!
This looks like a very glam, fun class. Good for you letting go of your timid inner self and bringing out the seductress! I’d definitely be up for going to something like this and learning how to walk with confidence and shake my booty hehe. Great post
I love girl power and women being able to see how amazing they really are! This is the perfect opportunity to find your inner strength :)
That looks so fun!!! I didn’t even know you could take lessons, I love the idea of trying new things slightly out of the comfort zone!!
I didn’t know that a class for burlesque ever existed but I would love to try it, it sounds so much fun!
I love that you are empowering yourself and feel beautiful! You look absolutely gorgeous in that rocking outfit, and you go girl! Shake that thang!
Oh good golly… I’ve been DYING to try burlesque. You look like you had so much fun!! This is my first visit to your blog. I must say, I think we’d get along swimmingly!! You have a new fan!
This looks like so much fun! I would totally give it a try. I like things that make me step out of my comfort zone. Best of luck to ya!
I love pushing my comfort zones; though, this would be a really tough one for me! Cheers to you for embracing your inner beauty and bringing that fierce animal out on stage, haha. You so fit the role!! :)
woah! I would be wayyyy to shy for this!!