From the August issue of Pin Curl Magazine
Dear Lillith,
With my husband’s blessing, I have been dancing Burlesque for just over three years. We have two wonderful boys together, ages 11 and 8.A couple years ago I finally came out of the Burlesque closet to my mom, who, of course, wasn’t too pleased about the whole situation. Her concern is how my lifestyle will reflect her (which I’ve explained to her my performance lifestyle has nothing to do with her) and – and here is what my question centers around – my kids.
My children are very brilliant, and figure things out. My oldest son is going to be in middle school this upcoming year, and he accesses the internet fairly frequently during the school year. After I told my mom about my Burlesque lifestyle, she brought up the kids, in particular my oldest son. ”What about when your boys find out? What are you going to tell them?” Her concern comes from the fact that I strip my clothes off as a performer. So the question has plagues me – what DO I tell my boys about me performing Burlesque? When should I talk to them about it? And how do I bring it up, or should I let them bring it up?
Up until this point all they know is “Mom has a show to do.” I don’t talk about my Burlesque side in front of them, and they have never seen a video of any of my performances. I’ve rehearsed with them at home in full clothes only, and they have seen me making costumes and accessories. The only dance style they have seen me do away from my home is Belly Dance.
My goal is for them to see Burlesque as an art form, but again I don’t even know how to begin to explain this to them. When they are of age I want them to go see Burlesque shows, and if they are comfortable with it, be a part of the Burlesque community.
Your help and advice is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Miss Chevious
Dear Miss Chevious
Let me first assure you that you are not alone –many parents struggle with how to teach their kids sex- and body-positivity in an age-appropriate and healthy way. It is no easy feat, especially in a culture that tends to shame and silence children when it comes to matters of the body. My hope in this brief response is to give you both some practical tips for sex-positive childrearing as well as a Continue reading






