Keep Practising Girls!
Earlier this month ‘Syston and District U3A’ arranged a ‘Burlesque’ event at ‘Syston Community Centre’. Fifteen curious, adventurous and fun loving members participated in learning a ‘Burlesque’ routine. Doe Demure (www.Doedemure.co.uk) showed us different Burlesque styles which include ‘Cheesecake’, ‘French Maid’, ‘Classic’ and ‘Betty Boop’. Personally I was only there for the Ostrich fans and the Fishnet tights !
Burlesque is derived from Italian, meaning to ridicule, mock or be satirical. Originally an art form popular in Victorian London between 1830-1890, Burlesque was first staged in New York in 1840’s by a troupe of chorus girls led by Lydia Thompson. New York is still regarded as the capital of Burlesque. Shows would mock and satirize popular Operas, plays and social issues of the time, much like Music Hall and Cabaret performances much later. By late 1920’s Burlesque was an artistic way to be provocative, seductive and tease popularised by artists including Gypsy Rose Lee, Dita Von Tesse (Queen of Burlesque) and Sally Rand to name but a few. By 1950’s Bettie Page was a classic performer of this style and of its time.
All of us undertook to bump, grind, shimmy and bounce with a wink and a smile. Thank you to Doe Demure and all of those gloriously wonderful ladies (no men were brave enough) who chose to learn something new and have fun too.
A previous event this year was indoors in Leicester. Our Crazy Golf event highlighted the competition between participants along with much laughter. Future planned events include ‘Glass Fusion’ and ‘Enamelling’ Jewellery.
There are lots more future event ideas, so if you have spare time, enjoy socialising, aren’t working full time and definitely seeking some fun have a look at the Syston and District U3A website www.systonu3a.org.uk. Joining is £15 per year and offers so much.