I don't know if this is just the way I feel but after having my second child I lost a lot of confidence. My body didn't feel the way it use to, the way my skin looks and feels different on my stomach and the way my bust size has dramatically decreased all contribute to this idea of the body image I have in my head of myself. Not to mention a sense of myself, I had forgotten who I was and what I loved to do.
I remember after having my second child my belly button didn't look the same and I thought it was saggy over stretched skin, it wasn't until I had a 3 month cough that was so powerful, the hernia eventually revealed itself and it popped out. I sobbed at the site of this change in my body, and through tears at my son's sports day, I had to ask a parent to take a photo of it so I could send to the doctor as requested. It was confirmed that it was hernia and I had a repair in April. I have to admit it did make me feel better once I had the surgery. Obviously because I had a weakness in my stomach caused by the hernia this was one of the factors at play, I feel stronger in my abdominals and don't feel grossed out anymore, I was constantly poking the hernia back in. I was elated and felt I was finally ready to move forward in how I felt about myself.
Me with my tribe ♥
I started up the Burlesque glamour and confidence classes in September 2023, and I have met many beautiful people along the way. I have enjoyed watching those that come in with a shy demeanour becoming confident and able to add their own character to the themes we explore. One of my favourite classes was when we decided on a balloon pop class, it was so much fun, liberating, empowering and we couldn't stop laughing. A student after the class, said to me, "I had a bad day today, but this class has made me feel better and I feel happy now". This is what it's all about, unleashing a release, bringing joy to yourself and others.
In September, I decided to connect with other Burlesque teachers and performers, learning from Sapphira. Sapphira is an Australian-born, London-based burlesque artist and entrepreneur renowned for her vibrant performances and dedication to the art of burlesque. She is the founder of World Burlesque Day, the Ibiza Burlesque Festival, and the World Burlesque Academy. Through these initiatives, her aim is to promote burlesque as a tool for self-expression and mental health awareness. Something we all need a little bit of.
Sapphira's is also responsible for setting a world record for the largest online burlesque class, involving participants from 151 countries. We are excited to take part in the world record attempt next year on April 27th 2025. As you can tell she is one to learn from and help on your Burlesque journey.
Whilst on the course I had enrolled in I found another layer of confidence, I met woman in their late 40's to mid 60's who had starting their burlesque journey 5 years prior and some were now producers, producing fantastic spectacles and even getting invited to Australia to perform in various shows. It made me realise that you are never to old to burlesque. This revelation led me to wanting to get back to performing myself and being an advocate to embracing all things confidence. Not worrying about what others think or feel about you, at the end of the day, they probably aren't thinking of anything, it's in our heads. Or even if they are then who gives a hoot. We burlesque because we love and enjoy how it makes us feel and it allows us to embrace our inner alter ego with self expression.
For a couple of hours a week we can liberate our soul.
Thank you for reading, sending you love
Trixie Valour
Comentários