Shimmying

When I was in the 4th grade, I did a Black history report on Josephine Baker. My mother gave me a beret and a feather boa to wear as I presented my report to my class. I told my classmates how Josephine was a Black dancer who lived in Paris and became a spy and Civil Rights advocate, refusing to dance for segregated audiences.

That report began a fascination with burlesque that grew with time. I did other projects on Josephine, delving further into topics like her sexuality and how much Paris STILL loves her. (I bought a Josephine Baker coloring book when I was able to make a trip myself.) I watched the movie Burlesque, began looking for classes, and finally watched a YouTube video about the history of Black burlesque dancers by Interlexual Media.

The only thing left was to find a class, and it took much longer than anticipated, but I finally found one and took my first class last Saturday. I don’t usually get dolled up for dance class, but decided to do a big bow, pink lipstick, and bold eyeliner. Choreographed sensuality is not the easiest thing for me, and feeling extra pretty helps boost my confidence.

Class was FANTASTIC. So many women all with different bodies, goals, and comfort levels. An amazing instructor who taught us moves like “pin-up”, “hollywood”, and, of course, “shimmy”. She taught us simple choreography so we could “Put some stank on it". We had to listen to our bodies and learn to go with what they said to do, which is an amazing skill that I struggle with occasionally.

I am so glad I got to go, and will definitely be at the next class. Maybe one day I will get bold enough to join a troupe, if there is a Black one here by then. I will even wear a banana skirt as an homage to the one that started it all. Thanks, Josephine.

Me, performing the routine I learned in Burlesque. You can find info about the class here.