Burlesque made me love myself again

The following was taken from the Blackpool Gazette on Thursday 10th September. By Will Atherton, Junior reporter

Burlesque made me love myself again: now I’m bringing it to Blackpool

A brand new burlesque night is coming to Blackpool, and is encouraging dancers of all abilities to give it a go in a welcoming environment.

Miss Seraphina and Dolly-Mae say they were surprised by the lack of opportunities for burlesque dancers in Blackpool – adding that it is perfect LGBT-friendly entertainment.

Now, the duo aim to ‘put the ‘L’ in LGBT’ with their saucy have-a-go burlesque nights at Peek-A-Booze, on Dickson Road.

Speaking to the Gazette about all things burlesque, Dolly-Mae said: “Burlesque is all about empowering women and building confidence. It’s celebrating our own bodies, and it’s open to all genders too. A lot of drag queens also take part in burlesque, it’s really open to everyone.”

Dolly-Mae, from Fleetwood, says burlesque helped her build confidence after she had gained weight through having children – and she has stuck with it since.

She added: “I was 16 stone and finding burlesque really gave me the confidence to love myself and not care what other people think. It made me love my body. Today, I really couldn’t care if I was that size, because burlesque made me love myself.

Miss Seraphina, who works as a scientist by day, says it’s more than ‘classy stripping’ and they are hoping to challenge some of the misconceptions by inviting people along to see what it’s all about.

Red Lip Cabaret will launch at Peek-A-Booze on 12th September – 10pm – 1pm and will initially be a free monthly event.