Burlesque Mums: Finding Freedom and Community on Stage

Behind the soft glow of the stage lights, a group of women twirl and shimmy, immersing themselves in a world of dance. By day, they're the superheroes who make lunches, juggle school runs, and manage playdates. By night, they transform into sparkling visions of sequins and feathers, stepping into the glamorous realm of burlesque. After a year of dedicated rehearsals, these women are gearing up for their debut performances at HOTA, Home of the Arts, in Surfers Paradise, a thrilling two-night show that promises to be unforgettable.

One of the participants, Natasha Miller, reflects on her journey with excitement and a hint of disbelief: “I’ve never danced, and I’ve never been on stage — but here I am! What will be, will be, so I’m just going to enjoy the ride.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply as these women step out of their comfort zones and into the limelight for the very first time.

The brains behind this empowering initiative, Ash Barchard, began her own burlesque journey to reconnect with her identity after welcoming her son into the world. Now, she’s on a mission to introduce this beautiful art form to other mothers. “I see these amazing women flourish and truly own their confidence,” Ash shares with enthusiasm. “There’s this stigma surrounding getting your pre-baby body back, and I firmly believe that it’s not fair. This space is a no-judgment zone; I insist on that to ensure everyone feels safe and free to be exactly who they are.”

During the initial rehearsals, Ash was upfront about the challenges the women would face, acknowledging that they would likely confront their fiercest insecurities. The journey has been revealing, yet the bond among the women has only grown stronger with time. “We spend so much of our lives trapped in our minds, often being harsh critics of ourselves,” says Natasha. “It’s crucial to have a loud, supportive female community around to drown out that negativity.”

Support has been a hallmark of this experience for the dancers, with everyone celebrating each other’s triumphs along the way. Tam