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The Return of Dolly Trolley 

In the Luscious Cabaret vaults (well past blog’s) we found Dolly Trolley’s interview from 2018 for our May the Fourth Themed show.  Two year’s later they’ll be kicking off our May Masterclass season and we can’t wait to strut and shimmy with them!
Completely bonkers, utterly delightful and always at 100mph. Dolly Trolley is a Yorkshire-born firecracker based in London, known for high energy drag-lesque, fierce dance moves and ludicrous comedy parodies. Often found doing lunges in a leopard print leotard, she’s a versatile queen who is full of surprises, and most commonly reviewed: “I’m exhausted just from watching”.
She’s performed burlesque across the UK, Europe and in Australia, placed 2nd in Miss Burlesque UK 2019, hosts one of London’s top drag brunches, is producer of Cabaret Sauvignon, a member of the drag collective Haus of Royalz, and instructor of the online workout phenomenon, Drag Aerobics.
The moment Little Lady Luscious set eyes on Dolly Trolley she knew a Star Wars themed show was needed.  Dolly’s take on Princess Leia is a must see act.  If you haven’t seen it add it to your list.  To find out more and learn a bit more about what makes Dolly Trolley tick read on.
 
 
1. Lets get straight to it, Star Wars or Star Trek?
Star Wars, no contest (sorry)
2. What was your inspiration for your may the fourth routine?
I was laid in bed thinking about a new act, and glanced across my bedroom to the light saber I had recently been gifted in a Secret Santa. It spoke to me. It was my only hope.
3. Do you believe in alien life?
Of course. Lets assume that the universe is infinite and that there are an infinite number of planets. We know that for any given planet, there is a nonzero/ positive probability of its conditions being able to sustain life and life existing on it (evidenced by the fact that we exist). An inevitable consequence of this is that it is likely that more life exists beyond us… in fact an infinite number of alien inhabited planets beyond us …. #maths.
4.Your fav star wars character and why?
Jar Jar Binks – for calling people out on being RUDE.
5.What do you enjoy about themed cabaret/burlesque nights?
They’re like extra spin-off episodes, and its fun to contemplate the extra, and slightly naughty things that are going on when the cameras aren’t rolling.
6. Fav star wars film
II: Attack of the Clones. Because Hayden Christensen **drools**
7. Talk us through your costume, did you make it, buy it? if you made it how easy was it/what were the challenges? What inspired you to use this costume.
Its base is a swimming costume, but I made and constructed the rest of the elects (there are MANY) myself with some very botchy crafts skills. My headpiece once broke 5 minutes before going on stage with it – I fixed it with a shoelace.
8.Would you have crawled in your dead tauntauns belly?
Oo no, my costume is white – can’t be getting that dirty!
9. If you could perform at another themed night, what would you like it to be?
I’m also a keen cook in my spare time – Masterchef theme? 
10. Without giving too much away what can we expect from your act?
Princess Leia x 1000, and sticking it to the men who treat us like garbage!
 
Join us online via Zoom on Monday for one ass kicking fabulous and fun workshop with the legend that is Dolly Trolley!

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Meet Juliet Peaches Neo-Burlesque artist, drawing inspiration from vintage and contemporary fetish. She oozes confidence with her sultry, and sweet attitude. A former Luscious Burlesque student and performer at Luscious Cabaret. We asked Juliet to tell us about her burlesque journey …


I used to share my first ever London home with a girl who was obsessed with 1950s fashion. She introduced me to the world of Burlesque by taking me with her to shows. Being obsessed with fashion, stage costuming and music from a very young age, I was really fascinated at how these things were complementing each other in Burlesque. To tell a story on stage, but most of all I infinitely admired the performers’ confidence.

A few months later, encouraged by my new years’ resolution of trying something completely outside of my comfort zone, I decided to join a short Burlesque course. I enjoyed it so much that I kept going and reached the advanced level, which terminated in my first ever stage performance. 

It immediately felt like a positive and supportive space where I could really bring my ideas to life without fear of judgment or them not being “enough”.

I don’t think I have ever been more terrified in my life as in the moment I was standing backstage waiting to go on. But once the spotlight hit, it was a completely liberating experience. So I started craving more and more!

I decided to keep doing Burlesque side by side with my day to day job but wanted to find another course I could enrol on that would boost my technique a little further. I heard about Luscious Classes through common friends and decided to join – it was the best choice! It immediately felt like a positive and supportive space where I could really bring my ideas to life without fear of judgment or them not being “enough”. It really felt like being part of a family. This is one of the main things I enjoy about Burlesque.

I love how all the performers I met have their own unique way of telling their stories, either through choreography, comedy, drag, or one of the endless styles this art form branches out in.

Every day I feel extremely lucky and grateful for all the new friendships I have made through burlesque, and for being part of such an inclusive community. I love how all the performers I met have their own unique way of telling their stories. Either through choreography, comedy, drag, or one of the endless styles this art form branches out in.

I used to be an extremely shy person, I dreaded other people’s judgment of either my appearance or my creative ideas. I felt extremely uncomfortable in my own skin for a large part of my life. Since starting out in Burlesque, I finally found the creative outlet I always felt was missing: having a judgement-free zone where I could express my true self through art suddenly made me aware of how much I was capable of. It has hugely helped in me finally stepping into my power. Even in everyday life. I am not afraid of speaking out when something is wrong anymore, or of making people uncomfortable.

On a lighter note…I am also finally confident enough to go to the beach in my swimsuit without desperately trying to cover up!

My Burlesque journey has taken me to places I would have never imagined. At the end of last year I performed internationally at my first headline gig in Belgium, and at my first Burlesque festival in Glasgow. I love travelling as much as I love performing, and doing it while getting to do what I love at the same time truly feels amazing. Most recently, I have co-founded my own bespoke latex clothing business with my dear friend (and Cabaret stage manager extraordinaire) Felina Bush, The Bushy Peach Latex.

I have truly enjoyed my Burlesque journey so far, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me in 2020!

If Juliet Peaches burlesque journey has inspired you to to begin your own burlesque journey why not try one of our Drop-In sessions or join our next beginners burlesque course.

You can follow Juliet Peaches on Instagram here.

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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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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

 

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With Paulus away there’s only one host in town who knows how to get the Luscious party started in their absence.  It is the awesome Carmen Mon Oxide.  In April she had our audience singing penis at the top of their voices, back in 2017 she tried seducing Little Lady Luscious’ partner, Mr Delicious by hiding him under her skirt.  We love it when Carmen comes to play as we are never quite sure what is going to happen next.  Read on to find out a little bit more about this cabaret powerhouse …

Luscious Cabaret, Friday 5th July Carmen Mon Oxide
How long have you been performing and what inspired you to get started? 
It feels like a lifetime! I’ve been doing cabaret for more than ten years now and singing since before I can remember! I had a really terrible job in a call centre and had already been doing a bit of busking… but having to call people who were already giving and ask them to give more per month to Medicine San frontier made my stomach crawl. I knew I needed to become a singer and I had a diva strop after someone spoke to me in a patronising way and never looked back.
Carmen posing on a log
What do you love most about performing?
Haha! Everything apart from dragging a massive suitcase around. When I was younger I always thought being a singer would be super easy with no double bass or anything heavy to hump around. Little did I know I would end up having multiple costumes, my own microphone, amps, mic stands and a huge amount of make up.
Who inspires you as a performer?
Alice Cooper’s stage show, the costumes of disco and the fabric shops of Goldhawk Road!
What has been your most memorable moment on stage?
My first appearance on stage as Angel Gabriel in the Nativity play (age 5).
Book your tickets for Luscious Cabaret this Friday to find out what mischief Carmen Mon Oxide gets up to this month!

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We are loving the sunshine here at Luscious HQ and we can’t wait to jump into June and have more Luscious fun and games with our wonderful audience.  This Luscious Line up is all set to entertain and delight  Get ready for the giggles at the “loveliest cabaret in town!” on Friday 7th June …

June Line Up with words

Proving age is just a number is the awesome Lynn Ruth Miller

Falling from above with a bump and grind is the enchanting Celeste Étoile 

 

This one is giving us a tooth ache she’s so sweet it’s the sensational Miss Sugar Rush

Bringing a bit of controversy to Luscious is the fabulous Dinona Pussay 

First runner up in Aprils Burlesque Idol heat and all set us alight is Felina Onyx

We’ve got a veritable vixen in the form of Victoria Rose.

Strumming on her Uke and getting you all hot and bothered is Olivia Jannesson

Luring us in with her prolific song is Shirley the Middle Aged Siren

Bringing the sass and the sultry together is the epic Scarlett O’Hora

All hosted by the person who likes us all to think they don’t have a heart but they really do its TV’s Paulus!

Buy your tickets via …

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The sun is shining as we write and we can’t wait for the next round of fun and fabulousness of the Luscious Burlesque Course. We’ve been catching up with some Luscious graduates to find out what they are doing now and what impact the course had on them. The course has been going for longer than Little Lady Luscious cares to admit to, but she loves 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.
This week we’re catching up with Sissi Emerald who is an actress as her day job and found that the course gave her more confidence in her performance and her day to day life.
 
Why did you decide to do the Luscious Burlesque course?
As an actor I have had massive body confidence issues and after seeing one of my friends performing and just wanted to give a try to gain some confidence 
Also the universe of cabaret and burlesque has always fascinated me and it is a skill that I always wanted to have 
 
Describe the course in 3 words.
Friendly, liberating, Chill
 
What did you learn from doing the course?
I learned that being sexy is not about your body type but more a state of mind. The size doesn’t matter. All women an men have the sexy side in them. You just need to own it
 
What was the best thing about it?
My confidence is so much higher now. I feel better in my skin. You are also surrounded by other people that support you and sometimes they become your friends.
 
Tell us about the first time you performed. How did you feel?
Before going on Stage, I was shaking. Once on it though, I felt in control and it was so empowering. I didn’t want to leave the stage! Being cheered by the audience is also a big plus. No judgement, just fun and pleasure. 
Have you performed since the luscious debut show?
Yes, I performed a second time with Luscious cabaret and also had my first performance at the Edinburgh fringe. I will perform again in October 
 
Who would you recommend the course to?
I would advise every  girls or guys who has confidence issue or has difficulty to look at themselves as sexy, to do this course. 
You will leave this class with a changed and more positive opinion of yourself
Do you use any of the skills you learned in every day life?
I use it a lot in my actor life, for audition, I walk with confidence in the room. 
 

Sisi’s experience inspired us to begin the Advanced Course.  If you’ve taken a course of burlesque you can now continue your burlesque journey, where you can continue to grow and soar.

Check out our Workshops and Classes page to find out more.  The next beginners course starts Wednesday 1st May.  Bring yourself and we’ll provide the feathers and fun!

Bookings and More info click here

 

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It will take a superhero to save us from what is happening in UK politics.  With this in mind we decided we needed some superhero powers to inspire us and get us ready for Luscious Cabaret next week.  Our performers are already heroes on stage but if they had a super power what would it be?  Little Lady Luscious would want the power to transport from one place to the next.  The four flights of stairs up to her flat would be much easier manage, and think of all of those people she could save from oncoming London traffic.  The possibilities are endless.  Enough about Luscious what super power would our Magnificent Ten performers want …

Fully April Line Up

Bolly Ditz Dolly

I love this question! I ‘d want the power to build, kind of like in the lego movie when everyone starts creating with objects around them and everyone has a good time! I’d love to build the bridges that a toxic world has tried to break down, I want to build glitter shelters, crazy sculptures, espresso machines and a 4×4 box wall around Trump, sealed with maybe a letterbox to post facts . The possibilities are endless!

Dolly Master

Zee Zee Stardust 

My power would be Mimicry (why have one power ,when you can take everyone else’s powers)

Mimicry

Ms Larissa Thorne

I’d like the power to speak with animals because, to be frank, people really get on my tits.

Allan-Dixon-animal-Whisperer

Carmen Mon Oxide

Superpower? Not bothered about a superpower but I do love a good cape! Actually I’ll have flying please. Always wanted to arrive onto stage by air!

Flying Firebird

Miss Suzy Saucepot

If I had super power it would be to literally save the planet from the human race who are destroying wildlife, nature and other human beings!

Eco warrior

Diva Regina

The power of Mind Control so I could make Theresa May cancel Brexit, any idea how I can develop that?!

Professor_X_by_JJusko - Mind Control

Kiki Mellék

I already have a super power Bibshkis! I defy the law of nature. I’m ageless Darlings – that’s the best super power to have. That and a psychic nipple!

Sparkly nipple

We seem to be missing a few superpowers.  We’ll be chasing them up and updating the post to complete our Magnificent Ten.  In the meantime you can book your tickets for a ‘Super Powered’ Cabaret in London on Friday 5th April via the button below …

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