New burlesque dance classes aim to make women feel more empowered and confident about their bodies.

Emma Mudge, who goes by the burlesque name Belladonna Wilde, is launching the sessions at a village hall in Faversham this month.

Miss Mudge, 32, already runs her Let’s Burlesque classes in Kent locations such as Medway, Maidstone, and Ashford.

Having moved from Medway to Conyer at the start of the pandemic, she is now inviting women in the Faversham area to give them a go.

The sessions see Miss Mudge teach burlesque routines, giving attendees the chance to “move their bodies, have fun and learn the art of burlesque dance fitness”.

“It’s truly liberating,” said Miss Mudge, who first began burlesque dancing three years ago.

“I am passionate about sharing the experience so here I am, giving the women of Faversham a chance to feel it for themselves!”

She says the sessions help women forge new friendships, while learning to accept and appreciate their bodies.

“Burlesque as an art form is for people from all backgrounds, of all shapes and sizes, it really doesn’t matter,” she said.

“Joyful movement can bring so many more benefits to our health and wellbeing than the space we take up in the world.

“I know first-hand the life-changing experience of bringing self-compassion to myself and body.

“I’m usually by far the largest in any class, and there is never judgement there. It’s all about everyone just enjoying the idea that we can all move our bodies.

“I am no longer ashamed, embarrassed, scared or frustrated by it.”

While the classes are aimed at people aged 16 and above, Miss Mudge says there is no age limit.

“It’s for people from all walks of life,” she said.

“We’ve had people in their 70s come to classes.

“They’re largely aimed at people that identify as female, but it’s very much on a person-by-person basis.”

Miss Mudge says she feels burlesque dancing offers “something for everyone”. Although typically provocative, she says burlesque routines do not have to include nudity.

“Some people think burlesque, and just think it’s about taking off your clothes, but it doesn’t have to be that,” she said.

“It’s whatever you feel comfortable with.

“Some people are going to be very expressive.

“Meanwhile lots of people aren’t used to touching their bodies, and at the beginning, some people can feel quite uncomfortable.

“But usually by halfway through the class people relax into it, feeling it’s a safe space.”

The area’s first Let’s Burlesque class is taking place on Tuesday, June 15, at 7pm at Hernhill Village Hall.

For more information, visit Belladonna Wilde's Facebook page.

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