A mother, who fell in love with burlesque dancing after discovering it as a hobby, is hoping to pass on her passion to others after starting classes in the art form.
Abi Marshall, known by her burlesque name Sweet Fantasy, has begun teaching lessons at Gissing Community Centre.
The 33-year-old, who cares for her seven-year-old daughter, who has leukaemia, took up burlesque a year ago as a way to meet friends and build confidence.
“I was really looking for something to have a bit of me time with and find a bit of an identity other than being a mum and a carer,” said Mrs Marshall, from Gislingham.
“It has given me a great support system of amazing friends, improved my body positivity and has had such a positive impact on my life.”
The dancer, who is part of a burlesque troupe called The Midnight Nymphs, has started to teach her first sets of chair and sassy showgirl classes at the centre in Rectory Road.
“It is something I am really passionate about,” she said. “Hopefully, others who come along to the classes will start to feel the same about it as I really want to share how great and liberating burlesque is.”
After her taster class was fully booked last month, Mrs Marshall started the new venture this week, with new lessons expected to be available in June and July.
On top of this, and in the theme of the upcoming Diss Carnival, she has set up a country showgirl workshop on May 30 in the hope that people will join her in a performance at the showpiece on June 16.
For class details, go to the Sweet Treats Burlesque Facebook page.
