... confessions of a Burlesque Queen

Dearest Reader,

Before I begin, a word of thanks for the welcome I've received here at Thoughts, what a warm introduction to the world of blogging!

I set out my stall yesterday; but to refresh the memories of those short of attention span, or to provide a brief précis to new readers, I perform as a Burlesque dancer, and I have recently left my full time job in a bid for fame and fortune.

Now, to address a question I have been asked a lot of late, in the chance you too are wondering, dear reader, why bother? Why burlesque? Why do I love being a stripper?

This is not an easy question to answer. Burlesque resonates deep within me. To articulate for you exactly why I love burly Q is like asking me why I love to eat or laugh. I can, however, give you some very firm answers as to what I definitely don't do it for.

I do not strip for the money!

Some girls may strip for the money, and I am not going to moralise about it. If that's what you do, then bully for you. Burlesque however is not, for me, about the money. For a start I have spent far more on costumes, props, underwear, make up, hair styling, travelling to and from clubs, and going to Burlesque shows for fun than I have ever made performing. Would I love to make a living from performing? Sure, but money is not what motivates. I am just not that kind of stripper, dear reader.

Burlesque is not about sex!

Okay, if I'm honest, it's a little bit about sex. But the audiences of most burly Q shows are a blend of male, female, gay and straight, so by my reckoning, there is probably around 75% of your audience, who because of gender and sexual preference would not choose to sleep with you. When I watch a great Burlesque performer, I enjoy her performance, but I don't want to sleep with her. Burlesque is sexy in a Carry On, seaside post card, kind of way. Saucy, fun, and risqué. But not about sleaze or porn.

Stripping does not mean I'm easy!

Trust me, dear reader, there is nothing easy about yours truly. Ask Mr G – who I am proud to say I have been committed to for twelve years, and married to for six. We have a normal monogamous relationship, no cheating, no swinging, no weird, kinky predilections (or at least none that I'll share with you on this forum!) A normal marriage. Trust me, dear reader, this girl is all look, no touch!

Stripping does not mean I'm stupid!

I'm not. Enough said.

I do not strip to satisfy some inner urge to be loved!

Am I a show off? Sure. Do I love to hear a cheering, whistling crowd? Absolutely. Do I get a thrill receiving compliments about my performance? Gosh, yes. Do I strip to fill some deep seated insecurity? Please! I am loved. In fact I am adored; by Mr G, my wonderful friends, and fabulous family. I am comfortable with me, dear reader. That's not to say I don't have the occasional crisis about my wobbly thighs, double chin, or fat butt. I may be well adjusted, but I am after all a woman!

So why do I strip?

I love burlesque. I love the cabaret, the welcome, the open minded people, and the quirky and unusual. I love dressing up, silk stockings, corsets, dolly hats, and pencil skirts. I love the celebration of the sensuality of the female form, regardless of age or size. I love that size 24 is as sexy as size 6, and that 65 is as sexy as 16. I love being among equals, the acceptance, the embrace of freaks, geeks, weirdos, gay, straight, bi, Drag Queens, Drag Kings, housewives, or accountants. I love fun, music, dancing, performance. I love to be the centre of attention, in the spotlight, and I love that in a few minutes it'll be someone else's turn to take centre stage, and my turn to cheer. I have never heard someone booed at a burly Q show, but I know many who have been hoarse from cheering at one for days afterwards.

Burlesque resonates deep within me, dear reader. It is calling me home. I have known no greater fear, excitement, buzz, or thrill than performing.

Dear reader, I strip, because I love to.

Until next time, adieux,

Vienna xxx