Top 10 Luscious moments from 2019

on December 20, 2019December 21, 2019

Welcome to our top 10 cabaret moments of 2019!

Well hello there, Little Lady Luscious here! As 2019 draws to a close I’m reflecting upon what an awesome year we have had here at Luscious Cabaret. This time last year I was unsure if Luscious Cabaret and classes would continue. In typical Luscious style I pulled up my stockings and dug my heels in, with the help of the awesome Glory Pearl we got to work on turning things around.

When looking back on what I have achieved since setting up Luscious I remembered what it is I love about this fabulous world of cabaret and burlesque. The joy of watching my wonderful students grow and blossom on stage. Finding a fabulous new act and seeing the audience love that act as much as I did when I first saw it. As a result of this rediscovery Luscious has had a fantastic year of shows and classes. I have you, our luscious audience, to thank along with the fabulous luscious family who work hard behind the scenes to keep this crazy little cabaret community going.

Here are my top 10 Luscious Cabaret moments of 2019.

10) An opening celebration

The opening of 2019 brought with it the 10 year anniversary of my first performance as Little Miss in New Zealand. In the February show I brought together my favourite performers, students and of course my Dad Admiral John …

Three pictures on the left bald boylesque performer dressed as rugby player with his hands in his pants. Top Right burlesque performer in a giant teacup with teaspoon. Bottom right singer dress in a an admiral's outfit with a ukulele — Vince Moon, Stormina Teacup and Admiral John

9) The Luscious Burlesque Night

My favourite shows of the year are always the Luscious Burlesque Nights. It’s wonderful to see our students blossom on stage. Each show has so many highlights but here’s just a few that stuck out in my mind …

The Tinder act – In the rehearsal on the run up to the show Trixi Tassels and I had no idea what our students had planned. We were blown away in the rehearsal and the routine on the night went down an absolute storm and was the perfect way to end the Luscious Burlesque Night.

Pussy in Boots – This photo encapsulates all things luscious, friendship and fun. All three woman had done the beginners and advance classes together and it was a joy to watch them have fun and embrace each other at the end of their act. Allegra Whispers and Bella Rose have gone on to create Bella Whispers Cabaret. Go check them out!

The Burly Babe reveal – In November the burly babe introduced his parents to burlesque but didn’t tell them he’d be in the show. The Burly photographer caught the moment of his reveal perfectly in this picture.

Shadelicious – A partnership made in heaven. The gorgeous Kozalicious and the sensual Shade Dean partnered up for a hilarious duet. This moment captures beautifully the joy of their heist success.

If our beautiful students have inspired you to take a course in burlesque check out our Burlesque Classes & Workshop Page

8) Gigi Vin Rouge

Now this lady gets a special mention as it was this time last year she had attended her first Luscious show and in 2019 she has become a member of the Luscious family (we’re not letting go of you). You will find her on the door when you come to Luscious Cabaret and propping up the bar after the show. This year she took the beginners and advance burlesque course and smashed both. Our particular favourite moment was the quote she gave us in her blog.

“DO YOU KNOW WHAT, FUCK IT! I’M STILL GOING TO GET ON STAGE AND DANCE AND TAKE OFf MY CLOTHES. AND I WILL DO IT TO FUCKING CHEERS!”

Read the full Blog Here

And next year with the beautiful Divina Curves she’ll be taking over Luscious Cabaret!

7) Luscious Cabaret and politics

This isn’t something we normally advertise at Luscious. I founded Luscious Cabaret and all things luscious as a place to have fun and forget what is going on in the world outside. But three Luscious Cabaret’s clashed with political moments and well it was rude not too …

Diva Regina and Brexit. Each scheduled date for brexit saw Diva Regina on our stage, giving her unique take on what the fuck was going on in British politics.

Lolly Jones and Theresa May The announcement we’d all been predicting since she became prime minister. Theresa May decided to step down as leader of the conservative party and on that same day was the June instalment of Luscious Cabaret. As a result we put it to the vote and you voted for a Theresa May act and Lolly Jones stepped in and gave us all a leaving speech to remember!

6) Lynn Ruth Miller

Inspiration in burlesque comes in many forms. When Lynn Ruth Miller walked on to the Luscious Cabaret stage she took our audience by storm. Taking up burlesque in her 70’s she’s still going strong in her 80’s! Following her act almost everyone came up to me to tell me how much they loved her and how she had inspired them. We are now desperate for a Lynn & Admiral John duo act

5) DJ Tom

Tom has been with Luscious since 2012 (the shy one by the sound desk). We love this human being and this year they began to keep the party going after Luscious Cabaret. There has been dance off’s and a lot of lets get ready to rumble! Damn you Tom for knowing my achilles heel!

4) Darth the Disco Dancer

After spending three weeks crystaling my Darth Vader helmet I unleashed it to the world back in October in a disco dancing bonanza. To say it was fun is an understatement it was the most fun I’d had on stage in a long time and again I re-connected with why I got into the business in the first place. Thank you for indulging me!

3) Paulus – The Tart with a heart!

Paulus has been a wonderful host this year but not just that, a wonderful and supportive friend. This picture was taken in May, the whole of team Luscious had had a pretty emotional week and to have this moment on stage and share it with our wonderful audience was very special indeed. By June Paulus had indeed returned to themselves and no on stage hugs were allowed, but this moment was a lovely one.

2) The revamp of the Fancy Dress Box

We decided to shake up the fancy dress box and as a result we had two absolutely golden moments …

1st Date Kiss – What better way to spend your first date than on the front row at Luscious Cabaret. This lovely couple were an obvious choice to bring up on stage for the fancy dress competition. Here’s their choice of pose and they did indeed win the prosecco …

The Benny Hill moment – Paulus pulled Stormina Teacup and myself backstage for an important meeting. “I want one of you to chase me round the fancy dress box” I did not hesitate and volunteered. We now don’t know how to top this moment …

1) The Ooooo moment

Back in July Debbie Delaware walked on to our stage. In an emotional and beautiful moment they had the audience become their backing singers it was an incredible moment and if we could of had lighters in the air I think we would of done.

So that wraps up 2019. We hope you have a fabulous break over Christmas and New Year and we can’t wait to see you back at Luscious in 2020!

If you want to keep up to date with all of our upcoming shows and courses in 2020 why not join our mailing list. You’ll also get a cheeky wee discount code for Luscious Cabaret!

Allegra Whispers: An emotional journey through Burlesque

on July 27, 2019July 27, 2019

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.

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?

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.

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

Bella Rose: The journey from student to producer

on July 25, 2019July 25, 2019

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 …

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.

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.’

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 2^ndAugust 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

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

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/

Catching up with former students – Frankly Desire

on July 11, 2019July 11, 2019

On September 15th 2017 Frankly Desire recommended the Luscious Burlesque Course to “Everyone” below is the original blog sharing all of the fun …

The Luscious Burlesque course has been going for longer than Little Lady Luscious cares to admit to, but she is always pleasantly surprised by the diversity of the students and the acts that they create. So whether you are a seasoned professional dancer, an enthusiastic cabaret lover, a complete beginner with no idea of what burlesque is (!), or a total lay person who would like to develop their confidence through a fun and low pressure dance class – this course is probably for you. Today we meet incomparable Frankly Desire!

Why did you decide to do the Luscious Burlesque course?

Burlesque is something that always was in the back of my mind and I never had the dare to do, that is why when my friend Momo said she was joining the course I quickly jumped in!

Describe the course in 3 words.

Fun, fun, fun… for real!

What did you learn from doing the course?

There is more in burlesque than taking clothes off and to enjoy and love my body as it is.

Well… lets say I am more cheeky now than before…

What was the best thing about it?

Apart from the amazing Emily that helped us every step of the way, the people I met during the course is the best thing, being all of us from different backgrounds is an amazing experience to learn and discover burlesque through someonelse’s eyes.

Tell us about the first time you performed. How did you feel?

I felt like a turkey the day before thanksgiving! But thanks to everyone there, the feeling ended up being like an astronaut watching down to earth. Unbelievable amazing!!!!!!

Have you performed since the luscious debut show?

I have performed with some friends in a show but it was not really burlesque, although I was taking my clothes off. Being on the course helped me a lot for that performance as I was feeling more confident with myself and I think that translated on my performance.

Who would you recommend the course to?

Everybody!!

Do you use any of the skills you learned in every day life?

Well… lets say I am more cheeky now than before…

If you think the course sounds like it might be for you, for more info on the burlesque fun click here! or book your space via the button below.

The new course starts on 16th September – we can’t wait to see you there xx

You bring yourself and we’ll provide the feathers!

September Course Details

Monday 16th September - Monday 4th November. The Academy Mews Studios, 15 Pratt Mews, London NW1 0AD 7:00pm – 8:30pm

£150.00

Meet Moon Dragon

on July 4, 2019July 4, 2019

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.

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!

Meet Lady Blue Phoenix

on July 3, 2019July 3, 2019

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 …

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.

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!

Meet Aubrey Jean the Vegan Queen

on July 2, 2019July 3, 2019

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!

Meet Raven Divine

on July 1, 2019July 1, 2019

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.

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…

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.

What 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.

Meet Gigi Vin Rouge

on June 30, 2019July 1, 2019

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!

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.