Student Views Cherry Dynamite of Drax Diamonds

I joined Burlesque with Paris because I love dancing. I’ve done Latin and swing dancing before but wanted to try something different. As a teen, I was awkward and shy and uncomfortable in my own skin and that persona isn’t far below the surface. It doesn’t take much digging to find that version of myself. So, I knew doing burlesque would be a step outside my comfort zone and would need me to undo everything I thought about myself. From the moment I set foot in the Goole Goddesses (now Drax Diamonds) in December 2022, I felt welcomed and at home. Not just by Paris, but the ladies in the group as well. All of them unique. I found it tricky at first! The routines would just not stay in my head but I enjoyed the challenge. Practicing in my kitchen in my pyjamas became the norm! I quickly got into the swing of things and the next thing I knew, it was my first burlesque ball in November 2023. Stepping on stage with my class was incredible, especially since we won best class routine. This class routine and the confidence I gained from it inspired me to do my first solo in May 2024 and since then, I haven’t stopped. I’m now also a member of Selby Sirens and Selby Starlets, I’m a stand-in instructor for Drax Diamonds and I am part of the Roulette Rogues troupe which is all the stand-in instructors performing together. All of this means that at the Burlesque Ball in November, I’m hardly off the stage! Joining Burlesque with Paris has been one of the best things I’ve ever done and I’ve finally released my true extrovert self!