Introducing the gorgeous Miss Eliza, the 26 year old Journalist based in Sydney. This quirky babe talks about living with anxiety and expressing her queerness and feminism creatively through Burlesque.
How long have you been dancing Burlesque and Lyra?
I have been dancing Burlesque for one year and Lyra for two months.
Did you feel nervous before your first lesson?
I was excitrified! I turned up to a Burlesque sample session in a little black leotard while everyone else was wearing fitness gear. Despite this, I felt immediately comfortable - it was something I'd wanted to do for a while and Katia made me feel so welcome.
What obstacles have you faced living with anxiety? How has this impacted on your self-love and body image?
Living with anxiety makes it hard for me to relax as I feel like I'm being constantly judged by everyone - especially myself. This makes learning dance difficult as I feel uncoordinated or annoying to others and second guess myself. When I danced as a kid I was always put at the back almost in the curtains when performing which made me feel pretty hopeless. I've also had eating disorders in the past so I'm often judging my body. Also I've not been out for very long as queer but having the support of my partner and queer classmates has helped me embrace and play with my sexuality in performance.
How does dancing Burlesque and Lyra make you feel?
Learning Burlesque and Lyra has made me feel stronger and sexier in my skin in a practical way. It helps that we practice in sexy lingerie! I've always loved embracing my feminity and it gives me a chance to really play with that. I'm especially excited to mesh my lovely Burlesque with my love of comedy to create a whimsical routine that expresses my queerness and feminism.
What do you enjoy most about coming to class?
Coming to class is such a highlight in my week. I feel like I go to a sass factory and come out a goddess. It's so fun learning a routine but also getting insights into the process behind performance. When I nail a move it's such a satisfying feeling and it's even more special because of how supportive my teachers and classmates are.
How would you define Self-Love?
Self-Love is choosing to accept yourself everyday even if you can't quite nail every goal you have, giving yourself permission to make mistakes, learning from them and believing you can reach a little higher with your hopes.
What is your most beautiful physical feature, and why?
My eyes, I love how much you can express with them and I think mine are kind of like a mood ring and change a bit with my emotions.
What advice would you give a Burlesque or Lyra virgin who was nervous about signing up?
Virgins: throw yourself into it, feel the music, relax, allow yourself to laugh at yourself and love what your body can do.