C U LTU R E When my business life was a mess I turned to Burlesque to focus my mind and challenge my body. Now I’m comfortable in my skin and feeling sexier than ever. And representing Cyprus at World Burlesque Day 2020 was one of my highlights this year.
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y name is Stefania and I’m Italian. I’m a Burlesque performer and teacher, pin-up and blogger. In 2012 I saw for the first time a Burlesque show in a club in Italy and I was amazed by those gorgeous performers on stage. They were far from the stereotype of skinny models in their twenties: they were self-confident and empowered women, each of them showing their unique beauty and talent. I wanted to be like them, to wear those breathtaking costumes and to express my creativity.
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So, two years later I started taking Burlesque classes and I became Vanilla Rose. I will always remember my very first class as a milestone in my life! I was a little bit nervous and very excited at the same time, but the teacher put me at ease and there was an immediate feeling with the other girls. While learning easy but impressive dance moves and routines, we
created a supportive and relaxed atmosphere, full of laughters, irony, cheering and fun! And what about that supreme retro aesthetic and those glamorous accessories? Long satin gloves and feathers boas, hats, umbrellas, fans and many more that make us feel like divas. In 2016, by the time I had successfully completed my training and started teaching and performing, Life gave me another challenge: moving with my partner to Cyprus to write a new chapter of our life. I noticed a lot of beautiful and stylish women on every part of the island. As anywhere else, women like you and I are always looking for something new to do and that makes us feel rewarded for our everyday commitments in our personal and professional life. What better way than Burlesque to do this? And the best part is that you can do it with your girl-friends
and other like-minded women, of any age and size, locals and expats alike. Together we bring out our uniqueness, we wear those gorgeous outfits and high heels that make us feel fabulous. Yes, all this can be achieved with Burlesque, the art of seduction, the fun-way to dance and do a clever workout, the self-esteem booster! Every class is like a girls’ night out. We feel like the Sex & the City girls in Cyprus, so... raise your glass of Manhattan and join my weekly Burlesque classes in Larnaca! Contact me for more information: Facebook page: Vanilla Rose – Burlesque Instagram: vanilla_rose_ burlesque Find my blog by googling: “Burlesque Blog by Vanilla Rose”.