Ta-da! Before I knew it, my 10 year burlesque anniversary came and went! Thanks to Facebook memories, I was reminded I made my solo burlesque debut 10 years ago (give or take a day).
Of course my time in burlesque started much earlier, 4 years earlier in 2008 (or was is 2007?!). I discovered burlesque and became an avid fan and audience member at shows across Sydney.
Today I started thinking about the differences between then and now. So much has changed and yet so much is still the same. At the time I did a 4 week course with Sydney Icon Danica Lee. And from there I developed my first burlesque act, a Sing ‘n’ Strip! My first performance was at a staple of the scene, The Peel. I had been going to the Peel since it’s inception, so it was fabulous to make my debut there.
These days it’s far more common to be able to attend classes at a Burlesque School. In fact it’s more common to participate in group classes, work up to group performances, and then after a time, move on to solo performances. There’s nothing to say you can’t go straight to solo like I did – it’s just less common.
It’s probably less common because Burlesque Schools are now very common and accessible. Back in 2008 – 2012 performers taught in side rooms at pole dance and other dance schools, but there weren’t dedicated schools. It’s amazing to see so many schools across Australia bringing new people to the scene.
It’s also fantastic that so much more history is accessible as are performers and influences from around the world. There are plenty more differences, and lots of stories to share. I’ll have to make sure to start sharing them more often – stay tuned!
Achievements in the last 10 years
I also got thinking about all the things I have achieved in the last 10 years. It’s also International Tiara Day (24 May) so I’m just going to indulge for a moment!
Co-Producer Hot n Fresh Burlesque, Wollongong – 2021
Producer Burlesque Muse Showcase – 2021
National Director of Burlesque Muse (formerly Burlesque Idol) – 2021
NSW State Finalist in Mx Burlesque Australia (formerly Miss Burlesque) – 2015, 2018, & 2020
Master of Tasselsoff and Master of Singing – BurlyPics Australia – 2020
Co-Producer of Burlesque Muse (formerly Burlesque Idol) Darwin – 2020
Producer of DIY BurlesKoala competition – 2019 & 2020
Miss Deeds and Runner Up – Australian Burlesque Beauty – 2019
Golden Stripper and Golden Hustler 1st Runner Up – Golden Legends Champion Challenge – 2019
Winner – Australian Burlesque Beauty – 2018
#Community Award Winner – Sydney Burlesque Gala #MyAwards – 2018
Duchess of Festival – New Zealand Burlesque Festival – 2018
Became Owner of Muse School of Burlesque (formerly Risque Bizniz)
Best Classic – Burlesque Muse (formerly Burlesque Idol) – 2016
Co-Produced 5 Secret Hideaway Shows – 2015
Runner Up – Burlesque Muse (formerly Burlesque Idol) – 2014, 2015, & 2016
Debut at The Peel, 23 May 2012.
