HomeTech info

How to Become a Burlesque Star

Becoming a burlesque star takes time, dedication, and a lot of self promotion. However, if your heart is set on burlesque, that passion will shine through on stage. Teach yourself some basic moves and enroll in a class or professional...
Part 1 of 3:

Learning Basic Moves

  1. How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 1How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 1
    Try a basic leg slap. To do a leg slap, stand in a relaxed pose with your legs about hip length a part. Bring out your right hand and right leg at the same time, bending your arm slightly at the elbow and pointing your fingers away from your body. Turn your head to the right as well. Then, give your leg a light slap and turn your head forward at the same time.[1]
    1. This move can be used between dance moves or as a way to start off a dance routine.
  2. How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 2How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 2
    Practice walking while rolling your hips and hands. When you walk on stage, you should engage your hips and arms. While walking, deliberately sway your hips side to side in a gentle, rolling motion. Matching the rhythm of your hips, twist your wrists slightly so your hands make a light, dancing motion at your side.[2]
    1. This takes some practice, so try it in front of a mirror at first. Make sure you're not over-gesticulating with your hands, which can look dramatic. Keep your movements light and sensual.
    2. It can help to watch images of burlesque dancers online to get a sense of the right movements.
  3. How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 3How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 3
    Do a glove peel. Many burlesque dancers wear gloves. Sensually peeling off your gloves is a great move to add to your routine. To do a glove peel, use gloves that reach your elbows. Loosen the base of the glove with one hand and then bite the tip of the glove's index finger. Gently pull on the finger of the glove with your mouth while extending your hand away from the body until the glove slips off.[3]
    1. Dancers do different things with their gloves depending on their routine. You can toss the glove aside or toss it to another dancer if you're doing a show with someone else.
  4. How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 4How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 4
    Perform the bump and grind. Spread your legs apart. Bump your hip to the left and then to the right. While you do this, rotate your hips in circles for added movement.[4]
    1. For added sexuality, you can gently move your hands across your body while you engage in this move.
  5. How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 5How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 5
    Teach yourself a stocking roll. For this move, wear knee-high stockings. Sit in a chair and stretch one leg out in front of you. Slowly move your hand down your leg until you reach your shoe and then remove it. Then, starting at the top of your stocking, gently roll it down your leg until you reach your toes. Use a cane, or similar prop, to slowly pry the stocking off of your foot.[5]
    1. As with the glove move, it's up to you to decide what to do with your shoe and stockings after removing them.
  6. How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 6How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 6
    Seek out professional training. You can teach yourself a lot of the basics via practicing at home. However, classes can be an invaluable experience and teach you more complex moves. They can also be a great networking opportunity. Search online for burlesque studios in your area and see what kind of classes and certification programs they offer.[6]
    1. If your area doesn't offer burlesque classes, try general dance classes to improve your overall skills.
Part 2 of 3:

Establishing Your Style

  1. How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 7How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 7
    Pick a name to fit your personality. Most burlesque dancers have a fun, original name. To make your name unique, think about your personality. What makes you unique and how can you incorporate it in a fun, burlesque name? Most dancers use an unconventional first and last name for a stage name.
    1. Try fun combinations of words. For example, you could use a color, a city, an animal, or even a body part. Old-fashioned names often have a burlesque touch. If you're on the curvier side, you could call yourself Curvy Bette.
    2. Google your name before using it professionally to make sure it's not already in use by an established dancer in your area. Make sure to google your name, followed by the words "burlesque dancer."
  2. How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 8How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 8
    Choose a seductive outfit. A corset is a must for any burlesque dancer, as it accentuates curves. This is best worn with a fitted skirt, like a pencil-skirt. You can also get a corset with a built-in skirt. Pair this with knee-high stockings and boots for a classic, sexy burlesque look.[7]
    1. Add some of your own personality via accessories. If you love old-fashioned hats, try wearing a vintage fedora, for example.
    2. Flashy jewelry can also be great, like sequin earrings and necklaces.
  3. How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 9How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 9
    Apply heavy makeup. Burlesque dancers traditionally wear bright red lipstick with heavy blush, eyeshadow, mascara, and eyeliner. Smoky eyes, with cat eyes drawn on with eyeliner, can really give you a sexy Burlesque look.[8]
    1. It can help to look up burlesque makeup tutorials online for inspiration.
    2. While red is a traditional burlesque color, there's nothing wrong with experimenting a little to make your look unique. If pink is your favorite color, you could try pink eyeshadow and lipstick.
  4. How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 10How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 10
    Study burlesque dancers you admire. The best way to build your personality is by seeking quality role models. Go to local burlesque shows and check out the local talent. If you love a dancer's style, look them up online. Check out their social media presence, especially things like YouTube, to see how they show off their personality on stage.[9]
    1. If you catch a dancer after a show, they may be willing to meet up with you to discuss your career goals. You can also try reaching out via e-mail or social media. Many burlesque dancers started out small and had to ask for help along the way.
  5. How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 11How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 11
    Incorporate your own personality. Think about how you see yourself and how you can incorporate that into your dance moves, stage persona, and look. Adding fun twists to the classic burlesque look and dance moves by adding in a touch of individual flare.
    1. For example, maybe you're on the quirky side. You could wear a bright green wig for shows and add an unusual accessory like lightning bolt earrings.
    2. If your sense of humor is vital to your personality, show that off on stage. Crack jokes with the audience between sets and, if you screw up, learn to laugh it off.
Part 3 of 3:

Finding Professional Work

  1. How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 12How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 12
    Work backstage at a burlesque club. You may not be able to start work as a dancer right away, but you can make connections working backstage. See if you can find a job working in makeup or wardrobe, or even just serving drinks. You can use this opportunity to get close to managers and dancers so you can later talk to them about performing yourself.[10]
  2. How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 13How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 13
    Look for openings at clubs. Clubs often book dancers who are independently managed or contracted. However, look out for postings seeking out dancers at local burlesque clubs. You can also look online, via sites like Craigslist, for postings looking for dancers.
    1. You may need to do an audition or send in footage of yourself dancing, however. Find a friend who's tech-savvy to help you make a video or record a short sampling of your moves using a webcam.
  3. How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 14How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 14
    Learn from other dancers. Everyone starts somewhere and most burlesque dancers learned from those higher up in their field. Forge friendships with dancers you meet at clubs and ask them for advice on how to break into the field.[11]
    1. You should also stay in touch with people like club managers and agents for networking purposes.
  4. How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 15How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 15
    Set up a website. As most burlesque dancers work for themselves, it's important you set up a website you can pass along to managers for bookings. You can use a free platform, like WordPress, to set up a professional website that includes your contact information and clips of your performances. You should also have an About Me section that explains your personality and philosophy as a burlesque dancer.
    1. If you need inspiration, look at the websites of your favorite dancers to find ideas for a unique set up.
  5. How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 16How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 16
    Hand out business cards. You can get business cards printed at a local print shop or order them from online distributors. It's important to pass out business cards after every performance, which directs potential clients to your website. You can also leave out stacks of business cards at clubs, if it's permitted by the manager.
  6. How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 17How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 17
    Book your own gigs. Most burlesque dancers book their own gigs. Gigs can be booked if someone contacts you via your website. You can also reach out to managers to let them know you're looking for performances. Clubs that are actively seeking new talent, or taking auditions for upcoming shows, may welcome new dancers.[12]
  7. How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 18How to Become a Burlesque Star Picture 18
    Don't be afraid to ask for help. Breaking into the world of burlesque can be intimidating, but many dancers find it to be a supportive community. Never be afraid to seek advice from other performers and professionals in your field. Every burlesque star started where you are. Most people are invested in enriching the community with new talent.[13]
5 ★ | 1 Vote
sourceresearch

You should read it

Tech info