“Take it off, take it off", cries a voice from the rear
"Take it off, take it off", soon it's all you can hear
But she's always a lady even in pantomime
So she stops and always just in time”- Strip Polka, Johnny Mercer
I’ve always loved burlesque. The sultry art of the tease. The ability to captivate an entire audience with the simple act of taking off your glove or the sheer amount of skill it takes to make pastie tassels twirl in opposite directions.
The first time I saw burlesque live was in 2014 with the gorgeous and talented Maid Marian and a few other amazing performers at the Miss Skin Deep pinup contest. Maid Marian walked around backstage with her monogrammed silk robe. Her poise and confidence radiated. I wanted to be a burlesque performer. I wanted to beguile the audience.
So what’s a gal to do? I took a burlesque class.
This 8-week course taught me how to slowly and seductively unbutton my shirt, remove my stocking and straddle the F out of a folding chair to the song “Minnie the Moocher”.
My love for burlesque will never stop. I saw the legendary Dita Von Teese perform at 20 Monroe in 2018 and was NOT disappointed. This Michigan native has been performing burlesque since 1992. Her shows are ornate spectacles of glitz and glam. With giant martini glasses, lavish costumes covered with Swarovski crystals, and gorgeous sets! When Dita launched her lingerie line, the Betties and I at Naughty Bettie knew we had to carry it in the boutique and I have to say, I’m so proud that we do!
Ready to start your journey with burlesque and learn the art of teasing?!
Did you miss our first Burlesque Bettie class? If you did, no sweat, Bette!
Maid Marian is back to teach you to twirl those tassels again on Friday, Oct. 15th!
Our resident goddess of the tease, Maid Marian will be teaching a crash course in burlesque. This class is for all levels!
Your ticket includes a burlesque goodie bag, snacks & bevvies, class, and 15% off at Naughty Bettie!
6pm shop and snack
7pm- 8:15pm Burlesque class with Maid Marian
Attendees will need to bring a plain button-up shirt, thigh highs (available for purchase at Naughty Bettie). Wear something or buy something that night to wear under your button-up that makes you feel sexy AF!
Nicholette Driggs, CFLE, is a Certified Family Life Educator with a background in early childhood and family studies from West Michigan University, working on her Master's of Social Work at Grand Valley State University. She has worked in both public education and women's health. Nicholette is the store manager and buyer for Naughty Bettie and Community and Expirence Coordinator for Mod Bettie Portrait Boutique.
Nicholette also channels her talents into public speaking engagements and education, often speaking about women's empowerment, sex positivity, and body positivity. A blogger and writer, she has written about sexual health and body image. She also enjoys modeling and styling and has been published internationally. When not working, Nicholette is a loving fur mom to her menagerie of pets and loves to travel with her husband, Mr. Naughty Bettie!