✨ A CHILDHOOD MEMORY THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

When people ask me, “How did you get into burlesque and cabaret?”, my answer always goes back to one vivid, crystal-studded memory.

I was about five years old, sitting in a cabaret venue in Spain with my family.

(It was the 1970s – there were no rules!)

The stage lights dimmed.

Suddenly, a single, ethereal blue spotlight lit up one breathtaking performer.

She was tall, brunette, and alone on the stage. She wore a fine mesh, nude bodysuit, entirely covered in crystals that shimmered like liquid diamonds.

I remember sitting there wide-eyed, completely mesmerised.

That solo dancer wasn’t just beautiful - she was powerful. She radiated confidence, strength, and control over the entire room without uttering a single word.

Her presence was magnetic. I couldn’t look away. My little heart thumped out of my chest as I thought to myself: “She’s strong. She’s captivating. She’s everything I want to be.”

"THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO DO!"

And in that exact moment, I knew.

I didn’t know the word for it yet, but I knew I wanted to be like her.

I wanted to make people feel something, just as she had made me feel.

I wanted to be on a stage.

✨ THE SPARK THAT BECAME VELVET BURLESQUE™

That childhood spark never left me.

It became the heartbeat behind my training, my performing, my teaching, and eventually, the creation of The Velvet Burlesque.

Every class and workshop I teach, every show I produce, and every audience member I perform for is part of that same ripple effect.

I wanted to grow up and inspire people the way that dancer inspired me - and decades later, that mission is still at the centre of everything I do.

✨ WHY THESE ORIGIN STORIES MATTER

Burlesque and cabaret aren’t just about sequins, feathers, or fancy costumes. They’re about presence, storytelling, and transformation.

That night in Spain taught me something I carry into every production: a true performer doesn’t just entertain - they ignite something in others.

That dancer probably never knew that a wide-eyed little girl in the audience would go on to become a multi-award-winning international burlesque choreographer, producer, performer, teacher and mentor - all because of that one initial vision, and her performance.

And maybe, just maybe, one of my shows or classes will light a spark for the next generation, just like that incredible experience did for me.

✨ BOSS LADY WISDOM

Never underestimate the power of being seen.

Sometimes, the moment that feels ordinary to you becomes unforgettable to someone else. So, perform with truth. Teach with purpose. Create with fire.

You never know who in the audience is quietly deciding to change their whole life because of the strength, courage, beauty, or presence you show on stage.

✨ WANT TO EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC YOURSELF?

If you’ve never been to a Velvet Burlesque™ show, class or workshop, now is the perfect time to discover it. Come and see what inspired a lifetime of sparkle, stagecraft, and storytelling.

Explore upcoming events here: SHOWS & EVENTS

© Lara Gothique - Velvet Burlesque™
All content, text, and imagery are the original work of Lara Gothique - The Velvet Burlesque™ unless otherwise stated.
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Photo: Heather Holly