Be Fabulous!

Be proud of me!

So I am three weeks into Burlesque and I... Love... It!

I love it love it love it. I love the things we do, the clothes, the music and – most importantly – I love the way it makes me feel!

I have my body hang ups like anybody. In fact I have quite a lot. My main one is my stomach, it’s so wobbly and pudgy – I’ve always hated it. Of course it doesn’t end there.... my arms are flabby... my bum’s not toned enough... I could go on for hours.

But who cares!

You might remember I wrote a blog post a couple of weeks ago where I talked about the fact that I scuttled off to my first Burlesque class in tights, shorts and a t-shirt?

Well last night I finally managed to summon all my bravery.

I went to class in short shorts.... no tights.... and a Basque!!

I have never been more nervous! And that includes the time I signed up to do my first gig as Connie Francis with only 4 days prep. I slunk into class wrapped in my biggest, chunkiest cardigan wondering if I’d ever manage to get brave enough to take it off.

Before facing the great strip I decided to tackle one of the other challenges I had set myself, which was to attempt to befriend someone else in the class. I quickly cornered one unsuspecting lady who was looking especially fabulous in black corset and frilly knickers. Luckily for me it turned out she was a seasoned pro who had been attending Burlesque classes for over a year.

“You’re so brave!” I said admiringly.

“You just have to let go of your hang ups,” she shrugged. “It doesn’t really matter does it? We’re all girls. Just go with it!”

She then proceeded to explain to me why it’s important to wear big industrial strength knickers underneath your frilly pants when you perform, otherwise you show a little too much.... *gulp*.

Still her words were enough to prise me out of my thick layers. One deep breath later and I was stood in my skimpy clothes ready to start the class. But – as always – once the music started I was off and there was no stopping me! I pouted, strutted and flicked my way through the next fun, fabulous hour. After one class of Burlesque I feel confident, uplifted and beautiful.

So, for all your red lipstick lovelies out there I have a challenge.

I want you to go and get on your sexiest undies, put on a bit of lippy, brush your hair and spray on some perfume. (This goes for you men out there too... you know you want to!)

Then pick a song. In our class we’re dancing to Venus Was Her Name by Shocking Blue http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a5AICDKs7g but other good songs include I Just Wanna Make Love To You by Etta James, Fever by Peggy Lee, Candy Man by Christina Aguilera or Love That Man by Caro Emerald but really it can be anything you enjoy wiggling to.

Close the blinds turn on the music and for the next few minutes wiggle your tush like your life depends on it! You may feel silly at first but trust me – it’s worth it. You don’t have to just wiggle; you can shimmy or pop it like Beyonce or even high kick. The most important thing is that no matter what, you own it.

And remember this one thing.

You Are Beautiful.

Not just in a sappy Christina Aguilera “words won’t bring you down” kind of way but also in an awesome, bright lipstick, high kick dancing, shimmying kind of a way. You are amazing and fabulous and you can own the hell out of whatever you want.

If you can be half as joyful as this girl I commend you

It really doesn't matter what shape or size you are. Whether you're as confident as The Hoff or as socially awkward as a hedgehog in a balloon factory.

You are fabulous.

And don't ever let anybody - not even yourself - tell you any different.

Mrs P

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