Every wanted to start the year with a new challenge? Ever fancied getting on stage to perform, but don't have much time to commit to rehearsals beforehand? Well, I know a bunch of people who have answered yes to both of those questions and are doing something about it. They'll be taking part in this...... Continue Reading →
This morning, Irreverent Dance founder Amanda Leon-Joyce announced the closure of the dance community's home, IDHQ, as the spectre of redevelopment rears its ugly head. This sad news was a shock to this close knit community of people who, before discovering ID, mostly thought they would never identify as a dancer. But the support that... Continue Reading →
Having just signed up to do even more pointe classes - because I want to wear those shoes again and I'm determined to improve this year! - I thought that some of you lovely people might also be keen to start the year by getting your body moving in an encouraging and inclusive environment. If... Continue Reading →
Earlier this month, feminist lingerie brand Neon Moon revealed their fantastic and inclusive #IAmNeonMoon campaign images, which aim to fight transphobia and body shaming. Featuring three gorgeous models - including a trans woman and a woman of colour - plus the Neon Moon CEO, the photoshoot looks like it was loads of fun and everyone... Continue Reading →
Around about this time last year, I was getting ready to appear in the Irreverent Dance Showcase. A glorious celebration of what our bodies can do and what a community can achieve, this annual performance gives people who never thought they could be dancers a chance to show off the fact that... yes... yes they... Continue Reading →
Yesterday saw the opening of Europe's first gender-neutral community dance studio. After Irreverent Dance's successful Kickstarter campaign at the end of last year, followed by months and months of legal wranglings, property searches, stress, tears and tireless work from many wonderful people, Amanda and the ID Board made the formal announcement on 29th May that... Continue Reading →
In honour of the launch of Bluestockings Boutique - the online store founded on intersectional feminist principles and geared to the LGBTQ community - for my April Lust List I have decided to only select items that they sell. Set up by Jeanna Kadlec to 'empower people who have been marginalized by the mainstream lingerie... Continue Reading →
About eight years ago now, as a university graduate wet behind the years, I stumbled upon the burlesque scene in Scotland: a Ministry of Burlesque performance in Edinburgh, as it happened. From there, my long-term love of burlesque - and corsetry/costuming - was born. At the same time, I also found myself in the lucky... Continue Reading →
Back in 2011, some fabulous friends of mine had an idea to create a burlesque event that dared to bare and raised money for a good cause into the bargain. Barelesque at the RVT was born and my burlesque alter ego was invited along to be part of the fun, as a model for the... Continue Reading →
As regular readers will know, I like to share things that catch my eye and a recent email about feminist body positive lingerie was certainly going to do that! The founder of a new lingerie company called Neon Moon - supported by the Prince's Trust and currently fundraising on Kickstarter - got in touch with... Continue Reading →