Written by Domino de Jour

*Photography credit by Frenchie Holiday*

Stepping onto the stage as a first time burlesque performer can be daunting.

You’ve gone through your term with a wonderful supportive teacher, or maybe you have worked hard on a solo, but taking that leap onto stage to embrace your sensuality, body and shimmy for an audience in your underwear can shake anyone. This new frontier can make you feel vulnerable but if you embrace it, it can be an incredibly empowering experience and a step towards becoming a confident glamorous burlesque showgirl (or showboy, or showperson).

I have been performing for over a decade and teaching burlesque for long time too. I have met so many humans from all walks of life in my classes who take them for all different reasons, some who want to learn to be a burlesque dancer to some who just want to learn to embrace self confidence and step out of their comfort zone. But my advice is always the same when it's your first time on stage. So, as the ever supportive sparkly stage mum I am, I am going to share my top 10 tips for your first time on stage performing burlesque.

Domino de Jour Burlesque Performer by Joel Devereux — *Photography credit to Joel Devereux*

Tip #1: Cut the tags off your underwear and costume

When I had my very first mentoring session as a soloist, a very wise performer told me first up - “cut your tags”. Nothing ruins the illusion of being glamorous faster than being a tag dag. This goes for bras and all items of clothing, despite how certain you are that it won’t show, they are pesky little things and that tag will wiggle its way into view.

Tip #2: Eat something and drink your water

It's show day and having nerves is natural. It means that you care about what you are about to do. But the butterflies in your stomach will have more room to flap about if it's empty. So have a good breakfast, and make sure to fill up a water bottle. On a show day I always have some electrolytes in my water in the morning too to just make sure that I am hydrated.

Tip #3: Practicing the whole look

Having a dress rehearsal is really important, as it will make sure that you know how all of your costume works and if there are any adjustments you need to make. Something I also do in any costume is a ‘security check’. I do a big aggressive shimmy, I bend over, I lunge and I do a deep squat. Any move you might do in your routine, make sure you have given it a go in your whole costume to double check all your bits stay where they are supposed to.

Don't just practice for your costume. If you are doing hair and makeup that you have not attempted before, or maybe wearing a wig for the first time, practice that too. If you get overwhelmed or stuck, watch a tutorial or reach out to teachers, other students or performers. We are all in this together and happy to share our tips and tricks. Having the confidence that all of your costume elements are going to behave will help you on show day to get into character and feel confident and calm.

*Domino’s ‘Burlesque Fun-Damentals’ Showcase Course students at the Maison Burlesque Term 5 2023 Cherry Poppers Showcase. Photography credit to 3 Fates Media.*

Tip #4: Be like Santa

Make a list and check it twice!

The excitement of a show can scramble your brain a little bit. I like to write myself a list of what I need to bring the day before a show. I make sure I have all those items in the house and can go get them if I need to. Then as I pack, I physically check things off the list. I’ve never forgotten my pasties because of this.

Tip #5: Motivate yourself

When I am debuting a new act or even getting ready for a photo shoot, I like to get into character and hype myself up with music or related TV shows.

It doesn't have to be the same as your act, but it embodies the spirit of what you want to put on the stage. Rather than stressing about if I have done the washing while I get ready, I will watch or listen to things that prime my brain to be Domino de Jour. I always have my headphones backstage as well so if I need to tune into myself a bit I can jump into my dedicated playlist. My backstage playlist includes AC/DC, Pokey LaFarge and Enrique Iglesias.

Tip #6: Plan your travel or parking

This one might seem a bit basic, but time management is critical when being a performer. There is a set schedule for rehearsals that needs to be adhered to, and if you are an aspiring solo performer, being late is disrespectful to producers. Google Maps (or equivalent) is your friend, so check the night before for travel and parking options. Reach out to people who have been to the venue before and stay mindful of other events in the city that might disrupt your plans. It’s better be informed and plan accordingly than to be late.

Tip #7: Breathe

Your body is probably filled with adrenaline as you wait to go on the stage. This can be an amazing tool to make your performance more energetic and engaging. But it can also overwhelm you. Take a moment to close your eyes and breathe. Make your exhale longer than your inhale as it will help with calming your body (this is science!). I like to use a 4-2-6 breath where I inhale for four counts, hold at the top for two and exhale for six. Even four breaths like that can focus and ground me and allow me to perform at my best. I like to do this right before I am announced to go on stage as it focuses me.

Rock Sweat Rears Cherry Poppers Showcase Domino de Jour — *Domino’s ‘Rock, Swear and Rears’ Showcase Course students at the Maison Burlesque Term 3 2023 Cherry Poppers Showcase. Photography credit to 3 Fates Media.*

Tip #8: Drink like a mullet

What does this very weird statement mean Domino?? Business in the front (of your act) and party in the back.

You are an adult and you should know your limits if you choose to drink. However, dutch courage makes a messy performer and if you are too drunk, you will only embarrass yourself. It can be very tempting to hit the bar before your act but think of it as being on a work lunch with your boss: Just have one glass of something to take the edge off, but not cloud judgment. Once you are done, celebrate all you want. I will even do shots with you.

Tip #9: Don’t think about your body

Burlesque is about embracing body positivity and everyone in all their wonderful diverse forms. I have taught people of all genders, sizes, ages and backgrounds and everyone has told me me that they dislike something about their body. This is an unfortunate conditioning of society.

For that one hour a week you are in class, to the time you step on stage, all of that needs to go out the window. We can become whatever our burlesque persona is just for a moment and stop being our day to day selves. Keep this mantra in your head the whole time: you are a glamorous shining star on that stage. Put those negative thoughts in the bin, as I promise you that no one is judging your body up there (if they are, let me know and I will fight them). Burlesque is for every body.

Tip #10: HAVE FUN!

You have put in the work, it's your time to shine. Your audience is there to support you and they care about if you are having a good time. Mistakes happen to every performer, it's just part of being on stage. Sometimes we stuff up a move or have a costume mishap, but worrying about it will make it happen more. Trust yourself and give it your all.

And if it doesn't go to plan, give a shimmy and a wink to the audience and keep on dancing.

About Domino de Jour

Domino de Jour Burlesque Performer by Alexis D Lea — *Photography credit by Alexis D Lea*

Burlesque artist, producer and self proclaimed revolutionary, Domino de Jour has been destroying burlesque stages since 2014. With a childhood spent in heels, as a competitive ballroom and latin dancer, she is no stranger to a competition. Holding the titles of Miss Burlesque Melbourne 2016 and Showgirl of the Year at the Miss Burlesque Australia 2016 competition, she now produces Mx Burlesque Victoria and The Apprentease, providing space for both new and established performers to grow their art.

Deeply passionate about cultivating space for whatever stage of your burlesque journey you are on, Domino has been teaching at Maison Burlesque since 2017, holding the hands of beginners in Fundamentals yet pushing you in the deep end in all her other classes. Maintaining her aggressively supportive, yet sometimes terrifying, attitude of ‘If I can teach a teenage boy to foxtrot, I can teach you anything’.

A multi faceted performer, her style can be described in the same way as her tipple of choice (good bourbon on the rocks): surprisingly classic for something that looks like it should smack you in the face.

What her students say “Domino is a fierce, no-shit-taking, powerhouse of a woman who puts a real life hourglass to shame with her hip to waist ratio. An unapologetically bold performer and ferociously supportive of her students. She’s the Barbie doll you wished your Barbie doll could be."