Author: michellelamour

Chicago Bound

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I’ll be heading into Chicago this week with many chances for you to catch up with me!

First, I’ll be opening the new installment of Unbridled, called Ooh La La, a love letter to all things Parisian. The new show opens on March 14 at Untitled Supper Club, 111 W Kinzie.

Then, on March 15, we celebrate 10 years of Naked Girls Reading! Join myself and founding members: Lady Ginger, Dominique Trixx and Greta Layne! Only a few tickets remain, so get yours soon!

And no visit to Chicago is complete without a workshop! I’ll be teaching my newest class, SEX DRIVE, on March 16 at Entropy Physiotherapy, 1-2:30pm. This class is a fusion of burlesque, jazz and the erotic. There is no wink and no smile, just pure animal energy! Register now!

Finally, I will be performing in the band breaks at Untitled on March 16 at 9 and 10pm.

See you soon in the Windy City!

 

Reading Naked for 10 years

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Ten years ago, I started this crazy new event called, Naked Girls Reading. It was born out of a flash of inspiration. I was reading naked on the couch when my husband walked in and found the imagery to be beautiful. We started laughing about the idea of naked girls reading being a fetish for people. We let it rest but it was one of those ideas that stays with you. We thought we could do something with it. We thought that if we like it, then other people would too. Problem was, we didn’t know what to do with it. Should it be a site? A pay site? No. That didn’t feel right. A little while after I opened my burlesque school, Studio L’amour, I thought it might be fun to try it as a live literary event. I asked some of my Chicago Starlets who I knew liked reading and were generally interested in being naked. To my surprise, they all said yes! When it came down to the event, none of us were nervous about the nudity. We were all worried about reading! Reading something out loud to an audience is a nerve racking, especially when it is something you care about. It is so vulnerable. You hear your voice, but you become detached from yourself. Sort of like an out of body experience. It’s like you’re hearing the story just as the audience is hearing it. Then you start to become aware of your breath, the sweat (yes, there’s sweat) and the naked women sitting next to you in their silent support and encouragement. Then you see nothing but the words on the page and it is incredibly powerful. Beautiful. Magical. Vulnerable.

In that first event, I knew we had something special. We had planned to do monthly events in Chicago and that was it. But, what started happening is that women from other cities started approaching us because they wanted to bring this to their city. A Naked Girls Reading franchise was born! We now have 20 chapters all over the world.

Please help us celebrate our 10 year anniversary on March 15th in Chicago.  The theme will be reader’s choice. The event is at 8pm at the Skylark Chess Society and is BYOB. Tickets

Remember, you can’t spell literature without T&A.

Take Two: Couples Striptease

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Attention Los Angeles couples!!

Looking to start your Valentine’s festivities early? Join me on Feb 10th, 1-2:30pm at Fit and Bendy Studios, for Take Two: Couples Striptease! I’ll be teaching this exciting new workshop for the first time in Los Angeles! Bring a friend, partner or lover and learn how to tease and tantalize each other using the art of burlesque. You will learn a full choreography involving boas, robes, bras, button down shirts and ties.
Please bring your own items of clothing. There will be some boas available to borrow if you do not have one. All clothing will be worn on top of your workout clothing. All are welcome! No experience necessary. Fun and playful attitudes required!

Registration includes a glass of champagne and chocolate!

 

 

Big Reveal Anniversary

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Today marks the one year anniversary of my Big Reveal:

It has been a life changing year. I have moved to Los Angeles, a place where image is everything and truth is the exception, not the rule. It has been incredibly freeing, but also scary, to live as my true self and not hide of apologize for who I am or what I look like. None of this has been easy and I still struggle with this at times when my self doubt and insecurities run high.

I was open about this as a child and in highschool, but this has been the first year that I have been open about this as a burlesque figure. Burlesque is so rooted in image and glamour. Yes, it’s empowering but it can be hard to see and feel that sometimes when you’re backstage or perusing Instagram. Just like you, I can get lost in the portrayed perfection of another and I can get down on myself. I start to feel insecure and wonder if what I’m doing will be accepted. In the midst of those feelings, I still step out on stage, because in the end, I will always believe that beauty is truth. I have taught that to my students for over a decade, but I think it’s always harder for the teacher to teach themselves. Well, trust that I have been in class every day, showing up to learn new lessons and even learn the same lessons over and over. Repetition is key!

On the health note, I’ve had some hair growth and I’ve also had some loss. I feel like I’m only allowed a certain number of hairs on my head at one time. If one spot grows in, then I will lose hair some where else. It’s like whac-a-mole. While it is still frustrating and I still get down about it, I have more good days than bad, emotionally speaking. What’s strange is that my hair style is so on trend. I’ve NEVER been on trend or even cared about that. I see some ladies with the same cut as me and a lot of dudes! It’s kinda funny. Who knew alopecia would be so hot right now?!

Thank you for an incredible year of support and love! Can’t wait to see what this year brings!