‘It helped me rebuild myself’
PRISCILLA SILCOCK, 45, lives in North London and founded the World Burlesque Academy app after dancing restored her self-esteem.
‘Exercise can turn your life around; I know from personal experience. Growing up in Australia, I had a conservative, religious upbringing. Naturally outgoing, for years I felt like I just didn’t fit. I loved singing and dancing, but my confidence took a beating when a DJ I admired was brutally critical of my songs.
When I was threatened with redundancy, it was the final straw. In 1999, I had a nervous breakdown and had to spend two weeks in a mental institution. When it was time to leave, I felt vulnerable, fatigued, with no idea of how I was going to rebuild myself.
Then one night in 2001, I was having dinner in a restaurant and watched a belly-dancer. She looked incredible, and so in touch with herself and her body. Just like I wanted to be. I enrolled in her class, and threw myself into the sensuality and joy of dance. I enjoyed it so much that when I moved to London in 2003, the first thing I did was find a belly-dancing class.
Back then, I’d never even heard of burlesque, so when a friend took me to a show in 2005, it took my breath away. Opulent, decadent, it was like walking into a film. I knew I had to join.
I threw caution to the wind, bought myself a costume and signed up to be part of a show under an alter-ego, Sapphira. It was terrifying but thrilling and no doubt the biggest rush I’d ever felt. It was such a celebration of womanhood and femininity, I wanted to spread that feeling of fabulousness. So I started teaching it in gyms, then studios and then online.
It is amazing what a difference burlesque can make. Not only is it a good workout, it’s so empowering. Even just for practise, I recommend women wear a small heel and lipstick, something to get them in the right frame of mind. You can see their confidence climbing through the class.
That’s why I introduced World Burlesque Day, on 26 April. With all of the sequins, sassiness and sexiness that burlesque offers, while it might not transform your weight, it will definitely transform your life.’
✢ worldburlesqueacademy.com