Tips to become a burlesque artist

How it began!
I was at one of the first burlesque parties in Amsterdam. I didn’t know anything about burlesque I just really liked the flyer. But as soon as I walked in the place I was sold! Everyone was beautifully dressed in 1950 style, gorgeous strong girls where performing and the music was uplifting. From that moment on I knew I wanted to be a burlesque performer! I went looking for the producer and I told him my intentions right away and that he had to help me. He started laughing and told me that there it was impossible for a 16 year old girl to start a carrier as a burlesque performer. I didn’t saw the problem and keep confining him to help me. We exchanged email addresses. A few days later our house telephone ring, It was Marco, the burlesque producer. I was a little in shock because I couldn’t remember giving hem my phone numbers. But than he told me that has friends had a baby around 16 years ago and named her Fay! And yes that was me! From that moment he started helping me getting into the very small burlesque scene in Amsterdam. And my parent’s where fine with it because that trusted him. Of course I had to wait till I was 18 to legally preform so I had some time to prepare myself.

How I started
After I got introduced to burlesque I did a lot of things to get ready to start my own burlesque carrier. These are also the tips I would give to anyone wanting to start a carrier as a performer.

-Go watch a lot of shows
Don’t only go to burlesque shows, also go to theatre plays, opera, dance performances etc.

-Ready about the history of burlesque
Start learning as much as you can about burlesque, this will also help you develop your own style.

-Take burlesque lessons and/or workshops
Look for a burlesque school or place to take workshops. Raisalila in Amsterdam and Club Burlesque in Antwerp offer really good lessons. Besides learning burlesque you will meet likeminded people.

-Find your own signature style in burlesque.
There are so many different burlesque styles. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
I’m specialised in classic burlesque. but there is so much more to do!

-Use you special skill.
Can you already sing, tapdance or have an other skill? Use it at burlesque!

-Start as a stage kitten
a stage kitten is someone who prepares the stage for the next performer and cleans it again after. Its a great way to learn about performing and you will meet burlesque artist in your community. I also worked as a stage kitten when I just started!

-Invest in your costumes
With investment I mean money and especially time! Make your own costumes or buy something you can adjust to your own style. Make it standout!

-Don’t expect a very high payment when you’re just starting
At most events there are special fees for beginners and headliners.

-Have fun!!!!
The most important is that you have fun and feel confident