body confidence

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Allegra Whispers account of how she came to join Luscious classes and how she continues to grow and flourish has truly humbled us here at Luscious HQ.  Get yourself a brew and enjoy this beautiful journey through burlesque.

Allegra whispers: A woman with dark shaved hair wearing a fringed bra and wolf costume

I signed up to Luscious Burlesque Beginners course in 2018. It has been one of the greatest things I’ve ever done. In all honesty, I got out of a toxic, abusive relationship a few years back and since then its been a journey to find myself and my confidence again. It left me feeling lost, alone, and with a lot of emotional baggage as well as an incredible amount of self-doubt, and a lot of issues with myself. 

Emily and Trixi really invest in each individual and you can clearly see Burlesque is their passion

However, getting out of it also left me with an exciting notion that I could do what I want, and an immense sense of freedom. I remember one-day thinking, I needed to find a creative outlet but also something to empower my femininity and sexuality. I happened to stumble across the Luscious Cabaret site and signed up to it on a whim and very last minute. Because why not?

Allegra Whispers with hands in the air shouting YES

Going into it I was very nervous, but Emily and Trixi were such inspirational women who really helped with every single silly question I had. The group was lovely, and I’ve made really great friends from it. 

There were some classes which I missed and thought to just give up on the whole thing, but seeing and experiencing how welcoming Emily, Trixi, and the rest of the class were just inspired me to see it through and carry on!

Since doing the Beginner and Advanced course I’ve performed in many cabarets, even a festival in Barcelona!

What I love about Luscious Cabaret itself and the courses is that it is, without a doubt, the most welcoming and accepting cabaret I have ever been to. Emily and Trixi really invest in each individual and you can clearly see Burlesque is their passion. They really care about teaching it and are always excited to help you. 

Since doing the Beginner and Advanced course I’ve performed in many cabarets, even a festival in Barcelona!  I teamed up with Bella Rose to produce the Luscious Take Over and it has been so exciting, as well as a  lot of admin, which Bella Rose has helped an incredible amount with. It has shown me a different side to burlesque which I’d like to continue to pursue. 

two women smiling. One in a red dress with flower in her blonde hair and the other in black with a shaved head. With the words Allegra Whispers (woman in black) & Bella Rose (the woman in red) takeover Luscious Cabaret Friday 2nd August at The Albany Great Portland St

Its been a year and a few months since my Burlesque Debut and I’m still very much learning a lot but I know that Luscious Cabaret will always be there to support me, and more importantly have unknowingly been a very important factor in my life, helping me become me again! 

Begin your own burlesque journey like Allegra Whispers by signing up to the next Luscious Burlesque Course which shall begin on Monday 16th September at the Academy Mews Studios in Camden.  Bookings can be made via our Beginners Burlesque Page Here

 

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As you may of seen Little Lady Luscious has handed over the reigns of Luscious Cabaret to two of her recent advance burlesque graduates Bella Rose & Allegra Whispers.  Every student’s burlesque journey is different so we asked them to tell us about theirs and whoa were we blown away by their stories.  We begin with Bella Rose …

Woman sat on chair holding a top hat over her head. Wear black gloves and black underwear with black fringing. Picture is in black and white

My first introduction to the world of Cabaret was pretty epic, as it was when I went to watch the Moulin Rouge. The lead dancer at the time had been taught by my Gran who runs her own dance school, so my family and I were lucky enough to go to Paris to watch her in all her showgirl glory. As an awkward 12-year-old I remember initially feeling a bit embarrassed about the number of boobs on show, but I soon got over this and became totally mesmerised by the costumes, showmanship and glamour.

I booked the burlesque beginners course at Luscious Cabaret before I could change my mind and can honestly say it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.

Fast forward a few years and I was sitting in a bar with fellow performer, Bootsy Bonafonte, who was my dance school buddy growing up. She was telling me how she’d started taking burlesque lessons with someone called Little Lady Luscious and that she thought I would really love it too. I remember thinking how awesome this was, but that there wasn’t a chance in hell I could be brave enough to put myself out there like that. A few months later I watched her perform at the Luscious Cabaret and was so incredibly proud of how she owned the stage and her body that I nearly signed up to the course there and then. Sadly, the next day I was dancing round my bedroom in my underwear (as you do), caught a glimpse of my body in the mirror and thought ‘who the hell would want to see that?’, so this idea was pushed firmly out of my mind.

 

The turning point for me was getting married… random timing I know! As a self-confessed organisation freak, I’d spent months planning every detail of our wedding so knew I was going to have to get a hobby to fill the ‘wedmin’ void. After a few whatsapps to Bootsy from my honeymoon lounger, I booked the burlesque beginners course at Luscious Cabaret before I could change my mind and can honestly say it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.

Woman with blonde hair posing with arm above her head wearing only nipple tassels and large pants

I remember my first lesson like it was yesterday. Donning bright lipstick, a polka dot head scarf and red Jimmy Choos (my wedding shoes), I rocked up to Academy Mews Studio having no idea what to expect. I was then greeted by Emily – AKA Little Lady Luscious – who was so incredibly welcoming and lovely, then I was strutting around the studio like Beyoncé before I knew it, wondering why I hadn’t done this sooner. Over the next few weeks I learned the basics of burlesque, created a stage name (after a drunken brainstorm with my husband) and a routine that I would soon be performing in front of a live audience. As a small-boobed, big-bummed girl I was incredibly self-conscious about my body and had no intentions of doing a full strip, maybe a sexy dance at best. However, after some encouraging words from LLL, a bit of Dutch courage and an incredibly supportive audience, I found myself standing in front of a cheering crowd, sporting red star nipple tassels (and not much else), feeling more alive and fabulous than I had ever felt before.

I feel proud of what I’ve achieved and think to myself,

‘wow you really owned it then.’

My first performance was in November 2017 and I haven’t really stopped since. After taking more lessons, including the Luscious Cabaret Advanced course earlier this year, I’m now performing regularly across London and have been chosen to perform in both the Bristol and Glasgow Burlesque Festivals, which I’m super excited about.

 

For me burlesque is not just about the buzz of performing, it’s about being part of an amazing community and empowering others to feel good about themselves. I’ve met some incredibly inspiring people, made some awesome friends and generally feel so lucky to be part of something so inclusive, creative and special.

 

It’s also really helped me with my body confidence. I used to genuinely hate my bum but have been told by a lot of people it’s one of my best assets on stage, so have learnt to embrace it, along with my other imperfections. Likewise, I look at photos from past shoots and shows and instead of immediately picking faults, I feel proud of what I’ve achieved and think to myself, ‘wow you really owned it then.’

Bella Rose with her bum to camera and hands above her head running her fingers through her hair

My latest adventure is co-producing the next Luscious Cabaret with my burlesque sister Allegra Whispers. We’ve cast some of the best up-and-coming burlesque and cabaret performers across London and have had a lot of fun along the way. The show is on Friday 2ndAugust at The Albany, Great Portland Street and tickets are only £5 if booked in advance. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/luscious-takeover-tickets-62321002797

Bella Rose dressed in Red and Allegra Whispers dressed in black sat on a bar with the words Luscious Cabaret Friday 2nd August across it

So, to wrap up, if anyone is thinking about giving burlesque a go… DO IT!! It’s genuinely the best thing I’ve ever done, and I couldn’t imagine my life without it.  Also, come to our show… it’s going to be awesome 😉x

Bella Rose posing with one arm in the air holding a cowboy and hat. One hand on hip, wearing red pants and red nipple tassels

If Bella Rose has inspired you to give burlesque a go, head on over to our burlesque beginners burlesque page … https://lusciouscabaret.com/beginners-burlesque/

 

 

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When this application fell into our inbox we got quite hot and bothered while watching the video.  It was both educational and hilarious and an overall perfect fit for Luscious Cabaret.  We are thrilled to have Moon Dragon joining us on Friday 5th July and we think you will be too.  Read on to find out who inspires her and get a sneak peek of what to expect from her act on Friday!

Luscious Cabaret, Moon Dragon, Friday 5th July
How long have you been performing and what inspired you to get started? 
I’ve been performing for a little over a year, but started classes nearly 3 years ago. I’d been interested in burlesque for a while but at that moment in time I needed to do something for me – I’d got a bit lost and I needed a space where I could find myself again. Not only did I find myself but I also found Moon Dragon along the way.
Image of Moon Dragon smiling
What do you love most about performing?
I love the whole process of developing my own concept into a performance so that others can hear my stories.
Who inspires you as a performer?
My burlesque mama is Tempest Rose and I get inspiration from her and a lot of my House of Burlesque family. Outside of the family it has to be the wonderful Trixi Tassels.
What has been your most memorable moment on stage? 
Probably my first performance as a 10 year old playing Widow Twankee in my primary school pantomime. There were so many lines to learn but I loved it.
I’d got a bit lost and I needed a space where I could find myself again
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Luscious Cabaret stage without giving too much away can you tell us a little bit about your act?
‘Changes’ is an act about that time in a woman’s life when it could so easily feel like it’s all falling apart. But is it?? Developed as an educational act for the House of Burlesque Fresh Sex Education Special, this performance combines some of the positives and negatives of menopause, aiming to break the taboo and raise awareness about the topic whilst also delivering a health education message about safer sex.
Are you now inspired to join us on Friday for the Luscious fun times at The Albany Great Portland St?  Book your tickets here for London’s most welcoming cabaret!

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Now this is one Lady we have been trying to get to the Luscious Cabaret since around 2017!  And she won’t be alone, she will be joined by Honest John.  This is both an inspiring and uplifting piece of cabaret and we can’t wait to bring it to you our Luscious audience …

Luscious Cabaret, Lady Blue Phoenix, Friday 5th July

 

How long have you been performing and what inspired you to get started? 
I have been performing now for 3 years. I have to say that I was at first inspired by a show I saw in my local area of Southend on sea, but was further inspired by Violet Blaze when she was a guest judge at Burlesque Idol. Her confidence and presence wowed me and just overall made me realise that everyone no matter what is beautiful. I went to a few more shows and overall what hooked me was how unique and individual the performers where in the industry and how there were accepted. 
 
What do you love most about performing?
Being able to tell a mini story that tells the audience a bit about me. Each time I perform I feel as though I am showing the audience the world through my eyes and they get to gain a perspective that they might not be familiar with. That with each foot step, reveal, or facial expression I connect to them and they to me and get to understand more about the world as I see it. 

Her confidence and presence wowed me and just overall made me realise that everyone no matter what is beautiful.

 
Who inspires you as a performer?
I have a few people who inspire me. Rubyyy Jones for their fierceness, mentor ship, friendship and sisterhood  and her acts make you think and challenge the audience views on lots of things. L’amour Le Monde for her stunning drag acts and her journey with burlesque that she tells with her burlesque act breath of life. Onyx Fatale for her acts that blend comedy and dance together and those that are just amazing hip hop dances that are out of this world. 
I feel as though I am showing the audience the world through my eyes
 
What has been your most memorable moment on stage?
Prior to burlesque I hadn’t really done anything on stage, but my most memorable time on stage would be the moment I actually had my first violin solo. I was scared, but when I got over that fear and played it was such an exhilarating experience for me.I honestly used to be scared to go on stage, but this moment helped me get over this fear and burlesque has just helped me even more by building my confidence on and off stage. 
Lady Blue Phoenix and Honest John
 
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Luscious Cabaret stage without giving too much away can you tell us a little bit about your act?
Columbia is a double act that presents a scathing political satire of the current state of the USA.  
Are you ready for some inspiring acts coming your way this Friday?  We are all good and ready for Friday Funtimes at Luscious Cabaret.  Go ahead and book your tickets to London’s most welcoming cabaret!

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Queen Aubrey Jean has been on our radar for a wee while.  We have finally managed to coax her away from her grocery store and educate you all in the ways veganism and aubergines.  We can guarantee you will love this act as much as we did when we first saw it.  Grab your greens and book yourself a ticket to the most welcoming cabaret in town.  Read on to find out how Aubrey came to life and discover her most memorable moment on stage …
Aubrey Jean at Luscious Cabaret Friday 5th July
How long have you been performing and what inspired you to get started? 
I have been performing in am-dram since the age of four. I moved to London to go to dance school and then on to drama school and live amongst the excitement and buzz and artistic world of the city and to pursue a performing career. I was inspired to perform because I was quite a shy introverted chap growing up and this was a way of expressing myself and getting myself out there. Once on stage I caught the acting bug and now I can’t stop! In terms of what inspired me to do drag I love Drag Race, and watched it from season 1. I guess it kind of gave me permission and I saw how fun it could be, and it reminded me of my four year old self who’d dress up like Geri Halliwell and dance on the coffee table for my Grandma whilst she did her crossword in the paper. I’d suppressed him a little and it’s time he came out and made a comeback as something fabulous – voila! Aubrey Jean was born! Performing in Netflix’s ‘The Alienist’ last year as a boy prostitute in feminine clothing also made me think if I can do it on screen the next step is to get on stage and REALLY do it – so I did! With The Art of Drag course. Do it! Best course ever!
What do you love most about performing?
Making people laugh and smile. Best feeling ever. The feeling of being accepted too, that people are genuinely enjoying your performance and interested in your funny little sketch and what you have to say, and the enjoyment you feel in entertaining people and bringing them some joy and happiness. The uplifting buzz it gives you when you’re out there on stage and you catch the sparkle in people’s eyes from their smiling faces and you know you’re on the ice and the audience are right there with you going along for the ride! ‘ONCE MORE UNTO THE BREACH DEAR FRIENDS!’

Aubrey Jean is the worlds first Vegan Drag Superstar! With a passion for the eggplant and saving the environment one humpback whale at a time

Who inspires you as a performer?
Madonna. I know some people aren’t keen but I love her staying power, she’s intelligent, she’s artistic, her finger is on the pulse. She’s fearless, I love her ‘you say I can’t do it but I’ll do it anyway and succeed’ attitude. And she does. Hyacinth Bucket because she reminds me of my Grandma. My Grandma. Violet Chacki – her aesthetic and her level of drag and insane beauty. Pina Bausch – Tanztheater Wuppertal, Shangela, Courtney Act, The Spice Girls, Lady Gaga, Bette Midler in Hocus Pocus, Meryl Streep as Madeleine Ashton in Death Becomes Her.
Picture of Meryl Streep in Death Becomes her
What has been your most memorable moment on stage? 
Probably dancing on a table in a brothel in nothing but ostrich feathers in front of Luke Evans. That was pretty memorable. And it’s when I thought to myself I want to seriously do Drag.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Luscious Cabaret stage without giving too much away can you tell us a little bit about your act?
Aubrey Jean is the worlds first Vegan Drag Superstar! With a passion for the eggplant and saving the environment one humpback whale at a time, she’s abandoned her Organic Greengrocery store and has wheelbarrowed herself into the heart of London to spread her message of Veganism to the queers all over the world!
So milk your oats and pour yourself a glass of Cinzano, pack your rice cakes and for the love of God don’t forget your nut butter! Aubrey‘s here and she’s ready to party – ITS TIME TO GO VEGAN BITCHEZ!
And book you tickets to Luscious Cabaret this Friday!

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After performing her drag stand-up at Luscious Cabaret back in April, Ms Larissa Thorne decided to give burlesque a spin. She went ahead and signed up for the Luscious Burlesque Course and is soo excited to present Raven Divine to cabaret world.  This sexy and sultry minx will be getting you all hot under the collar on Friday night.

Ravine Divine, Luscious Cabaret Friday 5th July

It’s been a joy to teach Raven Divine.  The whole class had shoe envy through out the course.  Seriously when she comes on stage on Friday check out the gorgeous boots that will be on display!  Not only has she been a divine student she is a divine person too.  Read on to find out more …

Have you ever been on stage before?
I’ve performed in drag on the Luscious Cabaret stage, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, Comedy Pub and Two Brewers. However, I was fully dressed at the end of those performances. Overdressed even.
Oh, and I was in panto as a teenager. Peter Pan. I was a Lost Boy called Slightly Soiled. It could have been a prediction…

By Day security Manager by Night drag queen and burlesque artisite

Are you excited about getting on to the Luscious Cabaret Stage?
Somewhere between excited and terrified!

How different is your day job from burlesque?
By day I’m a security manager. By night, drag queen and now burlesque artiste. Poles apart! I have been practicing my shimmies at work though.

Larissa Thorne looking at the audience asking for agreementWhat did you enjoy most about the Luscious Burlesque Course?
Little Lady Luscious and Trixi Tassels are so warm and supportive! I feel my creativity has been nurtured. And the other students have been great!

Come along to London’s most welcoming cabaret this Friday and show the lovely Raven Divine some Luscious love with whoops, cheers and plenty foot stamping.

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Aah the lovely Gigi Vin Rouge, a recent graduate from the Luscious Burlesque Course, was recommending the course to a friend and in the process decided to do the course a second time. This time re – working her first routine into something more daring, with an extra bit of razzle dazzle and a few giggles for the lovers of 90’s music.

“Do you want the short, simple answer, or the much more complicated one that will play out like a therapy session?”

It’s been quite the journey for Gigi, slowly but surely she’s been stepping from the back of the classroom towards the front.  We’ve loved having her in class, she brings both joy and honesty to each session. The new version of her act is brilliant, she decided to challenge herself this term and we can see an amazing cabaret character blossoming.   We are most looking forward to her having her “fuck it!” moment on stage.  Read on to find out the difference between her day job and the burlesque life and her very honest and beautiful review of the Luscious Burlesque Course …
Picture of Gigi with Luscious Cabaret Friday 5th July
Have you ever been on stage before?
Before my Luscious debut a couple of months ago, the only thing I’d done recently is write and perform in the teachers’ panto at school! It was an altogether more clothed and less sweary performance.
Are you excited about getting on to the Luscious Cabaret stage?
Excited. Hmm. It’s hard to pinpoint an exact emotion. Definitely nervous, yes, probably a bit excited. Slightly repressing the fact that it is going to happen. I’m looking forward to the night as a whole though. The audience, the energy, the buzz of being part of something so special.
How different is your day job from burlesque?
I’m a SEN teacher, so at first glance, totally different. In actuality, there are a lot of similarities. I spend a significant portion of my day performing, trying to engage people and making them laugh. As yet, none of my burlesque experiences have involved separating squabbling children, interactive white boards or spending hours by the photocopier, though, they are both glitter heavy professions.
Gigi on Stage showing off her record collection
What did you enjoy most about the Luscious Burlesque Course?
Do you want the short, simple answer, or the much more complicated one that will play out like a therapy session? I’ll give you both.

The simple answer is that I enjoyed the people and the atmosphere. I go out a lot in London, and I’ve never felt so welcomed into an event as I have been at Luscious Cabaret. It’s warm, inclusive and so, so much fun, as are all of the people involved <3

“do you know what, fuck it! I’m still going to get on stage and dance and take of my clothes. And I will do it to fucking cheers!”

The longer, more rambling answer is that I haven’t always enjoyed the course, but what I have gained from it is utterly immeasurable. As a chubby/plus size (pick whatever synonym you like that doesn’t make you cringe or cry) person, I have had the constant, repeated message that my body is wrong, disgusting and worthless, that it should be hidden and something to be ashamed of. And I have spent my life believing this to my core. And I still believe it, but, do you know what, fuck it! I’m still going to get on stage and dance and take of my clothes. And I will do it to fucking cheers!

Picture Quote: This has been on of the best experiences ever

And hopefully, if I continue to celebrate my body, at some time in the future, the shame will be lessened. So, I haven’t always enjoyed the course. I’ve avoided the mirror at all cost, but I’m still doing it and each week is slightly easier than the last. I’ll keep going, and I’ll enjoy the wonderful people, the creativity and the buzz of the live show. Lots of love Luscious. This has been one of the best experiences ever. 
Gigi Posing at the end of her routine showing off her body to the crowd
Are you ready to cheer on the wonderful Gigi Vin Rouge?  Come along to Luscious Cabaret this Friday to whoop, cheer, and show the incredible human that is Gigi Vin Rouge some Luscious love.