At the very tail end of last year I was offered the opportunity to the involved in the February issue of Alt Bella Magazine. This issue was to feature Australian Burlesque Artists and their journeys in the industry.
I thought I'd post an excerpt of my journey here and the link to purchase the mag if you wish.
So here is my abridged version of my 5-year long burlesque journey so far...
I am a bit of a late bloomer in performance. I started dancing in my early twenties as a break from my painting classes. I took to it immediately and wanted to learn more - different styles and improve my technique. One weekend, a friend from class took me to a burlesque show and I was instantly in love with the art form! Not only could these women be themselves (no cookie-cutter type bodies and moves), but this form of performance could be sexy, silly and thrilling all at the same time! I took classes, saw as many shows as I could afford and finally made my debut on the solo stage - it was the first time I have felt complete calm before stepping on to the stage. I knew this was what I wanted to do. I found that I had been enticed by feather fans; the way they moved, the way I could conceal and reveal and the instant affinity I had when holding them. They have become my specialty and I now have a World Record for the Most Fans Used Simultaneously in a Burlesque Performance.
Fast forward a year or two and I had performed a few times per month in a local theatre. I was offered a residency at a vaudeville theatre where I had the opportunity for a lot of stage time and experimenting. I also met many friends and colleagues who inspire me and whom I still perform with today. One of these people is my dance partner, Lord Lovat. We perform duo commercial burlesque routines as Platinum Honey.
As I honed my craft, I was presented with more opportunities to perform at home in Melbourne, and interstate with many shows including: Adelaide Fringe Festival, Big Bang Burlesque, the Australian Burlesque Festival and most recently Miss Burlesque Australia where I won a state title (Miss Burlesque Tasmania).
For me, burlesque is a chance to express my sensuality and imagination, and provide an escape for audiences out of their everyday lives and into a glittery fantasy world. This year I hope to travel internationally for a festival or two, and even a bit of a tour. I would also love to produce more shows to give more opportunities for artists to perform and share their craft (I produce Le Grande Cabaret and co-produce Tequila Tease).
Follow this link to see Alt Bella Magazine (present and past issues) and purchase your Feb 2019 issue with yours truly! http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/1566527 Psst, if you use the code 'Meg2019' you'll get a cheeky discount!
Love and light to you all for 2019 Camilla xx
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