BIGGER THAN BURLESQUE

5 JUNE 2023

PART OF HIVE CURATE’S ALICE BILLINGS CONNECTS PROGRAMME (2023)

Read award winning burlesque superstar and East London local, Lolo Brow’s interview by Hive Curates ahead of an event ‘Bigger Than Burlesque’ organised as part of Alice Billings Connects, a cultural programme along Stratford High Street to reinvigorate interest in Alice Billing House.

Local dance lovers over to the beautiful Apple Cart Arts in East Ham to enjoy a 2 hour burlesque workshop where encouraged participants to grab their inner clown and step into the spotlight for this masterclass on posing strutting and finding your inner sensuality. This workshop has a heightened focus on comedy, attendees feedback was that they felt powerful, sexy and strong while others mentioned that it tapped into a side of their character that had been dormant for some years.

READ THE INTERVIEW

You’re recognised as being at the forefront of neo-burlesque? Can you discuss your unique perspective and what you bring to the field of burlesque? 

Honestly I have no idea, my perspective changes constantly which is both a blessing and a curse. I think what I try to bring to my field is silliness and hopefully authenticy.... Sometimes....

You’ve performed across the globe, what venues, cities or performances were a highlight for you? 

OH it's been such a treat to travel for work. I am so grateful to have stomped on stages in Las Vegas and been snuck off to The Seychelles however the venues I will always love and look forward to are village halls of the UK. Australia is beautiful but give me a tiny village outside Devon or Halifax or Ventnor any day. Those folks know how to spoil an artist.

What’s your biggest inspiration as a creative? 

At the moment it's peace. finding peace amongst the noise of the word. The moments where people gather in joy, finding those spaces and tasty tid bits are the real inspiration/feeling/reminder I can make anything.

What can someone expect from a Lolo Brow performance?

ABSOLUTE NONSENSE. But mostly a fun ride!

How will you encourage people’s inner clown at your workshop on 6th June with Hive Curates? What do you hope attendees will leave having learnt?

I hope that people leave the workshop feeling in touch with their bodies. One thing I tend to really push students to do is to take up space! We are often convinced to be smaller and quieter, however in my workshop you are encouraged to get BIG. Burlesque is not about creating a different person, it's about amplifying yourself and yourself the space to shine!