Burlesque Womens Institute

Johnny Chainsaw · Joined: 23 Nov 2008 Posts: 5 Location: London

Hello,

I am a film maker writing a short script about a woman, whose office colleagues discover that she is also a burlesque performer.

Please help me in my research. I welcome all advice and comments on such a theme.

Moreover, I strongly encourage anyone who has lived such an experience to talk about it.

- Do you avoid telling your day job colleagues about your burlesque performances?
- What would happen if they discovered them?
- How do people react when you tell them? Does it require an open mind or is it easily accepted?

Sharing your experiences with me would be a huge help for my story.

Thanks in advance.

CrimbleFairy · Joined: 30 Nov 2007 Posts: 1175 Location: Leeds

I haven't told my colleagues as I am still fairly new and I'm not sure how they would react yet. I didn't tell people in the last place I worked as the girls in my office used to really talk down about people; particularly people such as glamour models, strippers or people who had had plastic surgery. We didn't really get along anyway so even if they hadn't been like this I probably wouldn't have told them. xxx

Johnny Chainsaw · Joined: 23 Nov 2008 Posts: 5 Location: London

Thanks, CrimbleFairy.

What do you think could have happened if people in your old job found out that you perform burlesque?

Most of all, in my story, I am interested about the people that, as you say, talk down about glam models, strippers and burlesque performers. I am interested about their reactions: would they try to look open minded when they talk to you, while at the same time, they would talk behind your back in a derogatory way? Or would they not even bother to hide their disapproval?

Do you feel you can talk to someone from your work about it and they would truly accept and encourage it?

Apart from -as you say- being looked down upon, is there a fear that your company could reach extremes, like let's say firing you? Or refuse a promotion? How possible is such a case?

Cheers!

Dolly Divine · Joined: 27 Mar 2008 Posts: 540 Location: Portsmouth

I am quiet open about my burlesque-ing. Most people I work with are more interested than repulsed lol.

There are a few people that just don't get it but they tend to just not ask questions about it.

x
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Bella De Jac · Joined: 10 Jun 2008 Posts: 30 Location: Brighton/London

I've told most of the people that work for me and a few trusted colleagues as they're all pretty creative and open minded. But I'm not telling my boss or other colleagues unless it's absolutely necessary.

I wouldn't be ashamed if it 'got out' but I find it easier to keep things seperate, particularly as I'm in a position of responsibility.

I think the reaction could be mixed. I'm still unsure if my boss would just brush it off or if he'd be really concerned. I know there would be some gossips, but to be honest I couldn't give a sh**. If pressured I'd rather leave my job than give up performing. Life isn't about day jobs.
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Miss Candy · Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 7:01 pm Post subject:

I think its like most things , you 'come out' to friends and maybe relatvies and then to more distant friends and by the time people you work with even find out by accident you hopefuly dont give a crap ! most people are either intrested (or supportive as burlesque is quite mainstream in some aspects) some people are disintrested either due to personal opinions and not wanting to cause a fuss or purely for the factthey dont care - and the people that do care , and gossip etc are probbly jealous due to other peoples confidence , and generally jealous knowing when you get naked(ish) people cheer! lol

Herr Geist · Joined: 10 May 2007 Posts: 4956 Location: Brighton, England

Burlesque must be way more taboo in England than it is here in America. Either that or the crowd I hang out with is just very liberal. I have no idea. But starting up burlesque over here, I had to be very outspoken about it because I was starting a troupe. If I'd been secretive, no one would have joined. Everywhere I went, I was talking about it. I'm pretty sure I even annoyed some people haha.

Then again, I've never been one to hold anything back. People can think what they want about me. As long as I'm happy doing what I do, that's the important thing.
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ladelcabaret · Joined: 13 Jul 2007 Posts: 8 Location: México

Everybody knows it, and they say "wooooow". Some of my mates even come to my burlesque workshops.

Innocent Twist · Joined: 01 Aug 2007 Posts: 323 Location: Worthing

I did try and keep my performing a secret for a while - being a nurse I was worried that those more senior may not have seen it as very proffesional- but I guess I figured what the heck! What I choose to do in my own spare time is up to me. I did tell a few of my work colleagues - the women seemed mostly in awe - unable to comprehend how I had the nerve to do it & any fellas I told didn't know what burlesque was anyway. When I explained they became very attentive, often teasing about a private performance! Which of course I would never do! I said if they wanted to see me perform they'd have to pay like anyone else - they all chickened out. Unfortunately; I feel like I quit before I even got started. Shift work and performing just don't mix. But for the short time I did it I loved it! Also; it's amazing what you can get a doctor to do for a patient if they think you're a little bit saucy on the sly & they think they know your little secret!

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