Burlesque Tips From Katija

Polestars head teacher and burlesque performer, Katja Gardiner, has some fabulous tips for making your burlesque class or performance the best it can be! Whether you are performing your burlesque dance for your partner at home, to a whole group of people or even in your burlesque classes, these tips will help you look good and feel great.

• Hold your posture! I call this a Duck: Stand tall, think like you have a string at the top of your head and someone is pulling up from it. Suck your belly in, arch your back, stick your bum and chest out. Basically, highlight all your lovely womanly curves! You will practice your posture in your burlesque lessons.
• Never hide your curves, no matter what size or shape you may be. Be proud of your body and don't be afraid to show it off!! This is one of the most important rules of burlesque dancing.
• Facial expressions are very important; you can be moody, sultry, cutie, naughty, prim and proper.... Just don't forget your role for one second! Polestars burlesque tasters go through facial expressions in your very first burlesque lesson.
• Eye contact is extremely important, so make it and hold it!
• Always point your toes: It makes your legs look longer and leaner and also makes your moves look more finished.
• Burlesque costumes and props are really important in creating the atmosphere and in making you feel like sex on legs, so don't be afraid in experimenting with different things and investing some money on them. (Or even better, get your partner to treat you!) Props like fans and crops are used in the burlesque courses.
• Always improvise if something goes wrong or you forget a move. This is very important for the intermediate burlesque course as the audience will be there to watch and learn burlesque from you! 
• Be as cheeky as possible!!