Kitty Golightly Burlesque - Learn Burlesque in Norwich! Burlesque Classes, lessons, courses - fantastic hen party ideas.

"I've always loved a good bit of vintage glamour. However it's a passion not easily indulged in a house with two children under five, a disabled cat and a mildly psychotic boxer dog with a personal vendetta against soft furnishings..."

"Initially I trained as a barrister but the distinct lack of creative glamour within the legal world proved to be something of a deal-breaker. The wigs, though beautifully made, did not have quite the same appeal as a six foot ostrich feather fan and, let's face it, it is a rare court room submission that requires a top hat and pointe shoes. No. The law and I were doomed from the start.

Besides, I'd had a bit of a headstart in the burlesque stakes. And it was all down to this lady...

Above:
Fay Russell

Her name was Fay Hollingsworth, stage name Fay Russell. She was a dancer, and spent the late 1930's and early '40's travelling with ENSA, the entertainment corps. But more than that. She was resident at the Windmill Theatre. And she was my Nan. That's right. My Nan was a Windmill Girl.

Images Courtesy of Demuir Photography - www.missdemuir.co.uk

The photo below shows her with Mr. Vivian Van Damm, who was immortalised by Bob Hoskins in the film Mrs Henderson Presents...

My Nanna (second from right) standing with Mr Van Damm

She danced in the revue and variety shows throughout the War at the "Theatre That Never Closed". When I was younger she gave me extra ballet lessons, sang wartime songs and generally was impossibly beautiful. But long after dreams of the Royal Ballet were over (short legs and a pathological addiction to Dairy Milk) I still sang the songs, danced the dances - and held a sneaking suspicion that the world would be a better place if everyone wore hats.

My Nan knew that every girl could be beautiful, it was simply in the way that you held yourself; your countenance and poise. She was the living embodiment of that; in her seventies she was still stunning - her finely turned ankles were the talk of the town! I've taken what she taught me and made it my philosophy. I learnt a great deal from her; every time I put on my showgirl shoes I hope I make her proud.

So this is me. Inspired by (and living in) the past, compulsively adding to my fan collection (I have 28) and coveting anything even marginally sparkly. Nowadays I live in my very own organised chaos, creating elaborate burlesque, teaching it, performing very occasionally; running round after kids/husband and trying not to strangle the dog. It doesn't get better than that."