Staying Inspired at 40: Notes from a Burlesque Stage

I posted a silly video yesterday about all the reasons I love to teach burlesque classes.

There is a truth that it can be hard to stay connected and inspired at 40 years old. Remember that I have been grinding away for over 15 years on the stage! .

Teaching is a real privilege, and it is something that keeps me inspired and engaged as a performer and business woman.

I always get inspired sharing — whether it’s just that ‘aha’ moment when someone gets that bump move. To seeing the outfits that rock into my studios.

And every person that ever comes through my door makes me want to do something better or something different. I always want to be better and a best version of myself.

Having kids also changed my perception. Seeing my 13 year old and 9 year old react to our last student show— how an hour or so lifted their confidence, made them smile; and how it NORMALIZED bodies on stage of ages, genders, backgrounds, sizes … that I realised is so not well shared for them.

(Spoiler - I think fan dancing is their favourite !)

At 40 years old, I dearly try and be the person that I needed as a 24 year old starting out in burlesque.

I think that I can be a better advocate because I am not beholden to anyone , any interests and I have zero f**ks as a 40 year old to what people think of me. I needed someone to say that unpaid is not okay. To have environments that are not toxic, or alcohol fuelled. To have transparency.

I stay focused because this should be a better industry and a bustling industry compared to 10 years earlier. I love seeing more self produced events and opportunities… but we can do better, have more live performance that isn’t viewed through a phone, and more diversity of people and perspectives shared.

Grace Cherry

Owner, Miss Kitty’s Meow