Bella Blue Burlesque

I struggled with this idea a little bit before I decided to go forth with it. But in the end I decided that because there are SOOOOOO many people who stand behind Burlesque 101 and what it’s purpose is, I thought that there might be some people out there who want to donate to the cause. There is now an option for you to donate to Burlesque 101. These funds go towards the purchases of class props, costumes, production costs, and various incidentals that are necessary to keeping Burlesque and these classes alive in New Orleans. After almost 2 years of teaching, it has grown into it’s own amazing entity which gives women a platform to not only get in touch with their own sexuality but to also have their chance on stage and be the woman they always knew they were inside. Read below a few testimonials:

“Unlike many girls who have come to class, I had already learned confidence and awareness of my body. I heard about Bella’s class during the Fleur de Tease burlesque shows. In a moment I realized that there might be other girls out there who wanted to have fun and be playful and who weren’t ashamed of their sexuality. Coming from a stereotypical New Orleans Catholic upbringing, being open about being sexy is hard to do. In coming to class I have made some of the best friends I ever could have asked for. Bella is patient, fun and such an inspiration. She cheers us on every week as the girls find their own comfort levels for performance. Being in the class taught me skills that I was able to use to audition for the local Classic 50’s burlesque troupe “Bustout Burlesque” and with Bella’s help I became one of their newest dancers. Even though I am often busy with school, work and rehearsals for Bustout I am always excited to get to class and learn something new and cheer on the new girls. Its more than a beginner’s burlesque class, it is a lesson in self-awareness and a social club that is open to any girl who wants to join. Coming to class once makes you want to come again and again! “

“Work: Stressful

Being a single Mom: Stressful

Living in New Orleans post katrina: Stressful

Having Fun Hanging Out With The Girls
Learning New Burleque Dance Steps: Priceless

“Crecent Swashbuckler”

“I have been attending this class regularly for the past few months and it has been one of the most amazing and freeing experiences of my life. Being in a room with so many amazing and strong women who are willing to explore their sexuality and their beauty (in which ever form it comes) allows me to feel free to do so myself. Since i have begun the classes, I have become a more confident person both in the 101 showcases (doing my first solo in the second show) and in life. This class has given me somewhat of a new outlook on life and has allowed me to express myself in a way that I never thought I could or would.”

“ I have only been attending for probably a month. I believe I am one of the oldest in the class presently which makes it that much more of a challenge.

We all come from different backgrounds and agendas in our life. Staying true to thyself is always spoken about in the vanilla world, but few really live by it. After making many life changing decisions in 2009 this was the one decision that spoke to me. I thought I was a woman in touch with her true sexual being. But, that was not the case.

Coming to your class, though I still remain shy, has brought out an inner reflection that I found curious and incredible. This is not only a class of outer expression, but one of an inner one as well. It seems to strengthen your true self.

Your ease and uncritical way with teaching is a tremendous help when trying to reach into someone that you know is there. I can not thank you enough for being the in/out wardly beautiful person that you are. I envy your creativity and enthusiasm.
My only wish is the class was longer or more often. Young women in our community need this more than they think.

Secondly, I am sick to my stomach that I will have to miss this week due to my son is in a concert. I am jealous that I will not be there to have that release.

Again, thank you for offering to teach us what God has given to you as a true gift.”

Those are just a few…I just want everyone to have an idea of what MY mission is behind these classes and that is to empower woman of all ages, shapes, and sizes to be who they’ve always wanted to be using burlesque as a tool to get there. It’s been such an amazing venture so far…I look forward to many years of doing this and wouldn’t be able to without all the help and support of our fans. Thank you in advance….

Bella Blue