We’ve got Cher and Christina Aguilera – stars of Burlesque, which hit movie theaters this year – to thank for the latest resurgence of the age-old art of the tease. Burlesque is less about what you show off and more about what you keep in coy abeyance, a lesson you can learn at Blissful Lotus, a lingerie and exotica boutique in Ivanhoe Village.
Blissful Lotus has been offering monthly Modern Burlesque Striptease workshops since it opened in 2009. “I think women really want to be sensual and seductive but in a classy way,” says Stacey Murphy, who co-owns Blissful Lotus with her husband, Sean.
Starting off in a large, long-sleeved, button-down dress shirt, dancers learn to remove and reveal, button by button and stitch by stitch. No experience is necessary and classes are kept small. Each month, participants learn a new dance routine and are given a music CD to use at home.
Every quarter, Blissful Lotus schedules a Burlesque Boot eight to 10 participants meet weekly over four weeks, culminating in a recital finale. This diva experience is made complete with total outfitting from Blissful Lotus, including boas, gloves and elegant corsets.
Similar classes are also offer at Orlando Belly Dance Academy in Winter Park, where the owner and artistic director, Suspira Tiouat, offers a three-hour, $30 workshop, with additional classes available for women who want to fine-tune the art of looking charmingly en deshabille.
A Bourdoir photo shoot is yet another way women are now connecting with their inner foxes. At Bon Bon Studios in downtown historic Sanford, owner and photographer Sara Nixon meets with each client ahead of time to individually tailor each shoot.
The shoots can last as long as a few hours, including hair and makeup, several wardrobe swaps and backdrop changes. bonbonstudios.com, theblissfullotus.com and orlandobellydance.com
