Compiled by Bolly Golightly | Photography by Mia Maraschino, Katia Schwartz and Adam DeVille
Learning aerials and burlesque is as much about confidence as it is about technical ability or strength. The growth isn’t linear and we’ve all had those days that were sent to test us. But while there are challenges are great, the rewards are even sweeter. As 2019 draws to a close a few of our students reflect on their most triumphant Sky Sirens moments of the year.
When I watched a video of my Pearls sling routine, seeing what my body could genuinely blew my mind. When I started at Sky Sirens a year ago, I couldn't even get into a back balance. I never would have believed that someone my weight could move with such strength, grace and fluidity, let alone that that person could actually BE me!
This year I went to my very first burlesque class after my friend, Anna, convinced me to join her for a term. I gained so much body confidence and I completed my first burlesque Speakeasy performance at Sky Sirens, stripping down to pasties in my very first reveal! It was the most exciting and exhilarating performance I've ever completed and the first time I've really felt sexy.”
I was in the midst of a surprise Burlesque Fans solo when my mind momentarily wilted. In the single breath I was paralysed! I’m a natural daydreamer and irrational thinker, so I had to fight my internal monologue. I caught someone’s eye to snap me back in the moment. All of this happened while trying to hold my balanced twirl. There was a brief improvisation, then onto the next move. I saw the performance through and had strangers approach me to let me know they thought the performance was beautiful. That initial second of connection with an audience member unveiled a glimpse of mental transcendence into an alternate self when one becomes wholly dedicated to delivering a performance for someone watching in admiration.
I’ll never forget my first time trying to twirl the tassels on my pasties. I was filled with trepidation (let’s just say that, at 64, things are far from perky), but the lovely Eva Devore really made it all very easy. Soon we were all twirling and laughing. I loved that the tassels twirl in one direction when your arms are held straight up high and another direction when your arms are by your side. Who knew? I have passed that ‘tit bit’ on to so many people...(pun intended).
This November, I debuted a solo sling performance at Heartstoppers. As someone who has managed (at times crippling) perfectionism, I had previously shied away from submitting an application because I hadn’t felt capable of polishing something to a professional standard. It felt liberating to embrace the challenge and back myself…flaws included. I felt buoyed by the encouragement and camaraderie of my fellow performers. Anxiousness was quickly supplemented by an addictive brand of elation when I finally got onto stage an embodied a performer’s persona. Ultimately, I am so proud of myself and how the piece progressed.
My best moment this year was walking into pole class on a sweltering hot day in a sports bra and booty shorts. Instead of feeling self-conscious, I felt STRONG and SEXY!
This year I performed on stage at Glory Box, for the first time in a Lyra solo. Kitty, Katia and Wednesday helped shape my first ever routine - something I will always be proud of and thankful for. Backstage was horrific in the lead up to the performance. I thought I was going to shake so hard I’d explode! Kitty and Arizona made me jump and shake around until there was no more shaking, then I managed to pull off my entire act with a smile on my face. I’ve always wanted to perform and I’m so overjoyed it’s been a reality now.
It’s been magical discovering the wonderful world of Sky Sirens and particularly, starting my pole journey! I've met so many amazing people and teachers. I’ve realised that my body is capable of more than I thought. I can even hold a backspin now! I'm excited to continue to grow and develop in this super positive community. I'm looking forward to starting Pearls pole next year and continuing my journey.
Term Six was my first term at Sky Sirens and I was so nervous and excited in my first sling class. I never thought I was going to be able to memorise or perform the entire routine and for a couple weeks none of us could get it. But, I performed then entire Babydoll sling routine without messing up. I finally nailed it, maybe minus pointed toes and smooth transitions, and we all celebrated with a little dance!