Sunday 2 March 2014

What's Burlesque all about?


You've heard about the growing trend, and you've seen the Burlesque Hens Night Package advertised at Hens Party Perth... Maybe you've seen films like Moulin Rouge and Burlesque and you're a little curious about how you can be a part of it? Join us on a glamorous journey, perfect for your hens party, birthday celebration, or next girl's night!

Where did Burlesque start?
Burlesque has existed in a range of forms for hundreds of years - with roots stemming from literary or political parody, Burlesque evolved during the Victorian era and over the years it slowly became associated more and more with the striptease performance we are familiar with today.
Your Hens Party Perth hostess will give you and your guests some fascinating information about Burlesque's roots, as well as some of its most popular stars today - including style icon Dita von Teese, the incredible Dirty Martini, and even Australia's own Imogen Kelly. Your hostess is a professional Burlesque artist herself - it's the perfect opportunity to ask her questions about what it's like to perform!

What's a Burlesque name?
Your hostess will discuss 'Burlesque names' with you and your guests. A performer's name is a vital part of establishing their onstage persona, which can be very different to their real-life personality! Burlesque is all about expressing yourself, telling a story, and teasing the audience - a saucy or funny Burlesque name can help establish what kind of performer you are, whether it be cheeky, flirty, sexy, funny, or just plain tantalising. You and your guests may choose your own Burlesque names for the night - you might just be surprised at what you come up with!

What are some Burlesque essentials?
The bride-to-be or birthday girl will receive a special gift bag filled with some of the essential props and accessories needed to be a burlesque starlet for the night! Don't worry though, your guests won't miss out.. during the dance lesson portion of your Burlesque Hens Night Package, your guests will receive their very own Burlesque prop to use!
Things like feather boas, lacey garters and luxurious gloves all help to make you and your guests feel extra glamorous as you shake and shimmy your way through a classic bump'n'grind routine - complete with sexy vintage music!
You may want to add to the glamorous atmosphere with your own props and decorations - things like shimmering pearl necklaces (you can cheat with some affordable options from your local discount store!), glamorous feather headpieces or fascinators (maybe even white for the bride-to-be!), fishnet stockings, frilly tutus or knickers, and of course glittering sequins!

If you're having your party at a private home, why not decorate the space with more feather boas, luxurious lace (you can pick some up at a fabric store, or even an op shop), glitter and sequins, or even posters of vintage burlesque stars and pin-ups!

What should we wear?
Your hostess will provide some props and accessories for you and your guests to wear while dancing, but you can always team them up with your own costume! Why not wear some sexy fishnet stockings and heels? Hot tip - heels with ankle straps can give that extra bit of support while you dance! Many guests like to get in the vintage glamor feel with frilly tutus or skirts - even frilly knickers or bloomers are great to dance in! You can purchase affordable vintage-style corsets from lingerie stores - plastic boned corsets are very flexible and easy to dance in.
If you're not so sure you'd like to dress up that way, why not try a cute vintage dress or 1950's circle skirt and fitted blouse? You can team your outfit up with vintage hair (there are plenty of online tutorials for styles like pin and victory curls, as well as cat-eye eyeliner), plus, you may even get to hear styling tips and tricks first hand from your hostess!

What music should we choose?
You are required to provide a stereo for your hostess to use during the evening - she'll bring along a playlist packed full of classic bump'n'grind tunes, however before or after your party package, you may choose to play your own vintage-inspired tunes! Browse iTunes for some vintage inspiration, or choose cheeky classics from Cab Calloway or Henry Mancini, or maybe even something more soulful like Peggy Lee's Fever

What sort of moves will we learn?
All Hens Party Perth packages are suitable for complete beginners - whether you've never tried Burlesque before, or even if you've never even danced at all! You'll learn an easy bump'n'grind routine (you can always ask us for something trickier!) incoporating all sorts classic moves, including everything from the essential 'burlesque walk', to the shimmy and the glove peel!
Burlesque dancing is relatively low-impact, so it's suitable for all sorts of ages and body types - it's a fun chance to experiment with expressing your sensuality and emotion, so you can be as theatrical and dramatic as you like!

Who is this party package suitable for?
Not only is Burlesque dancing fun and achievable for all sorts of body types, but this package is suitable for a range of ages too!
The Burlesque Hens Night Package is a great option for those who want to have a cheeky or sexy night with friends, but who don't want to go as sexy as the Boudoir (Lapdance) Package (which is restricted to 18+). It's also a good option for those who have a few guests who aren't yet 18, or even guests who are older but still want to have some cheeky fun! Burlesque is sexy, but not so sexy that you can't include your younger or older relatives and friends.

I love Burlesque! Where can I find out more?
There is growing interest in Burlesque all throughout Australia, and Perth is no exception! Hens Party Perth's hostesses don't just host hens nights, they regularly perform at shows around Perth, and some even teach lessons in Burlesque!
You can catch Burlesque events regularly around Perth, and our friends at Lady Velvet Cabaret even offer short and long classes in Burlesque dancing and Pinup modelling! You can join a six-week Pinup Bootcamp course or the Burlesque Starlet course (Starlet graduates are eligible for the Advanced Burlesque class!). Lady Velvet Cabaret also runs ongoing classes in Cabaret or Modern Burlesque, for those who are interested in a more modern style of dance (think sexy group choreography like the Pussycat Dolls!).
At the end of your course, you can even choose to participate in a Graduation Show - a real life cabaret show!

How can I book my Burlesque Hens Party?
It's simple! Email us today at info@henspartyperth.com.au, or fill in an easy contact form on our website. Scroll down to find information such as cost, requirements and terms & conditions!

We can't wait to join you at your special celebration - whether it's a girls night, birthday party, or hens celebration! Contact us today to find out more about the Burlesque package, or any other Hens Party Perth packages that interest you!