Giggle while you wiggle at fun burlesque dance classes

‘When you’ve had a bad day, there’s nothing a feather boa can’t fix’

THERE are quotes to live by, and one of my favourites, even if I never recall it when it matters most, is: “Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.” – Ernest Hemingway.

Which is partly why I ended up at a burlesque dance class the other night, but luckily there isn’t enough Jack Daniel’s in the world to have made me agree to one day perform on stage. The topic did come up, but I know my limits.

We were at one of the Harlem Shakes burlesque nights at Mercury Lounge, presented by Va Va Voom Entertainment every second and last Thursday of the month. These performances take place on the same nights as the Bluestown Sessions upstairs at Mercury Live, and have developed a very pleasant symbiotic relationship.

The music begins at about 9pm, and when they take a break, you go downstairs for the first burlesque show. Then back up for more music, followed by the second burlesque set. Finish with a blues nightcap. The R40 cover charge gets you into both events.

On top of that, you might be lucky enough to get a double helping of the inimitable Tony Shine aka Tony Two Dogs. Tony is a superb singer, champion drinker, fabulous teller of stories, which you are never sure are true or not but always hilarious, and all-round nutter.

Tony has recently been roped in to MC the Harlem Shakes events, so he introduces the dancers.

Every show is different, with different dancers and different routines. Burlesque is not stripping. Yes, most of the dancers will remove items of clothing, but it’s not about that “big reveal”. By definition “burlesque is a literary, dramatic or musical work intended to cause laughter by caricaturing the manner or spirit of serious works, or by ludicrous treatment of their subjects. The word derives from the Italian burlesco, which, in turn, is derived from the Italian burla –a joke, ridicule or mockery.” (Wikipedia)

Or as Starr Disastar, of Black Orchid Burlesque, says: “It means taking the piss. It’s not about revealing, but about choosing what you conceal.”

That doesn’t mean it isn’t sexy, and learning how to do it can be empowering as you embrace your femininity. It’s also fun, and gives you a bit of a cardio workout without you realising it.

Classes are on Monday evenings, for an hour. It’s R450 for the first month. After that it’s R250 a month, whether you go once or every week.

“It’s burlesque 101,” says Starr, one of the most experienced and well-known burlesque dancers in the country.

“We don’t force anyone out of their comfort zone, and offer a safe space to learn. When you’ve had a bad day, there’s nothing a feather boa can’t fix, and at these classes you can giggle while you wiggle.”

But check your ego at the door, warns Starr. “You cannot take burlesque seriously. It’s supposed to be fun and humorous.”

● Harlem Shakes Burlesque every second and last Thursday of the month at Mercury Lounge, 43 De Villiers Street, Zonnebloem. Call 021 465 2106. This week is a showcase of all- new performers. Visit www.facebook.com/HarlemShakesBurlesque. For information about the classes, e-mail classes@blackorchidburlesque.com

PICTURE: ARMAND HOUGH YOUR CHOICE: ‘It’s about choosing what you want to conceal,’ says burlesque dancer Starr Disastar.