10 Tips For Trying Burlesque

Make An Entrance

Weldon says: "Walk into a room with a confident stride, taking your time. Always touch your foot forward instead of stepping forward on your last step. When you keep your weight on your back foot it makes your hip curve beautifully, and helps you keep your balance and look sure of yourself."

Delay Eye Contact

Weldon says: "When you walk into a room where you know your partner is, don't look at him right away. Look into a mirror in the room, or take a compact from your purse and look into it (having actually checked your teeth and eye makeup just beforehand in the restroom), and then give yourself a little smile of satisfaction. That will convey irresistible confidence when you make eye contact immediately after."

Be Shiny

Weldon says: "Wear something that sparkles or glitters. In burlesque, we use tons of sparkle to mesmerize the entire room; one on one, wear just enough sparkle to enchant — earrings or a bit of glitter around the eyes are all you need to be hypnotic up close."

Use Your Hands

Weldon says: "Burlesque performers use their hands to guide the audience's eyes where they want them to look. You can easily do the same. Start by resting your hand near your eyes, then move it down close to your lips, your collarbone and your shoulder — all sexy areas when presented as touchable!"

Watch The Makeup

Weldon says: "Take the time to learn how to do quality makeup. On-stage performers want makeup the audience can see from the back of the room, but up close and personal, you'll want to keep it fairly clean. Most often a man won't want your makeup smeared all over his clothes, even if he just happily got your lipstick all over his face."

Build Tension

Weldon says: "Burlesque performers know that just standing still and breathing can build anticipation in the audience once they've established that they're prepared to entertain them. Be willing to be still for a few moments and let your partner drink you in."

Use Your Breath

Weldon says: "Speaking of breathing, when you lean in close, let your partner hear your breathing quicken. It lets them know you're excited and enjoying the dance."

Take Charge

Weldon says: "While you're dancing, pause here and there to unbutton his shirt or loosen his belt. If he moves to do it himself, smile and shake your head — you're in charge!"

Have Fun

Weldon says: "When you get to the payoff — whatever you want that to be — let your partner know you're having fun and be willing to laugh. In burlesque, we are all about letting the audience see we're having fun and we like to be with them ... that's what keeps them coming back for more!

For More Tips...

... check out Jo Weldon's book!

SHOP NOW: The Burlesque Handbook, $17