Seduction and exercise all rolled into one – then let the stockings fly and the good times roll! Here are some burlesque moves to surprise that special someone.

Burlesque is perhaps more popular than ever thanks to the popularity of Lady Gaga, Dita von Teese and even the Pussycat Dolls, all who incorporate burlesque moves into their acts.

Known as provocative theatre with bump and grind moves meant to tease and seduce, Burlesque also relies on tongue-in-cheek playfulness, poking fun at something and not taking life too seriously.

Burlesque can get not only get your partner’s heart pumping but yours as well…

Select your story
“Burlesque is all about telling a story,” says Coco Framboise, burlesque dancer and owner of the Coco Framboise School of Burlesque. Decide first what kind of seduction scene you’re going to set and take it from there. Are you a naughty girl, an innocent eager to entice or an exotic seductress? No matter who you are, know ahead of time what mood you want to set and go for it!

Get your groove on
The music you’re going to move to is one of the most important things you will be using. Framboise advises having at least three songs that you’re going to run while doing your moves. “Beginners always tease too quickly,” Framboise points out, she encourages newbies to slow it down and add one more song so you cut the risk of running out of music and you can take your time making your moves.

Space is key
While you don’t need a huge amount of space, having enough to make your moves and control your audience is important. “You need to have full control of your show,” Framboise says, adding that you don’t want to be too close and risk having your seductee get nailed with a stiletto, nor do you want to be too far away so that you lose the impact you’re working on. Whether it’s your bedroom, family room or even the kitchen, know what space you have to play with.

Chart your course
When it’s time to set your scene, Framboise recommends using a V shape. During your seduction, keep your intended at the peak of the V so that you can approach and then retreat. Consider using a chair in which to sit to take things off as well as to pick up props (a boa and a feather tickler perhaps). “It can be very overwhelming to a new performer, it’s nice to have a place to regroup and catch your breath,” Framboise points out.

She’s got legs
No matter what else you bring with you, don’t skimp on the stockings. And by stockings, Framboise stresses it’s the true stockings (the ones held up by garters) which count in Burlesque.

Sitting with your profile in view or at a three quarter view, turn and tease with the leg that is closest by stretching it out and pointing the toe. Keeping the foot lightly pointed, instead of in a hard gnarl will make a foot cramp less likely.

Choose shoes that you know to take off easily. Take them off as though it turns you on and seduce yourself with this movement allowing your partner to watch. Holding your shoe, brush the tip of it across your cleavage and then lean back to put it behind you, arching your back as you do so.

As you make your way back up, undo the garters — even giving them a playful snap if you choose to. It’s now time to peel the stockings down and off your feet before either flinging them away or rolling them up to carefully dab at your face and chest.

Shimmy!
“Everyone has got to have a shimmy,” Framboise says. And what’s the key to shimmy success? Really let go. Don’t worry about sucking in your tummy or tucking everything in place; just let it all hang out.

Begin with a good stable stance with soft knees. Bounce your knee and then try both sides, alternating knees and just let it ripple up through your body, through your arms.

Follow it through
Where your performance goes from here all depends on you. Watch your audience first to see how they are reacting before deciding how to proceed. Some suggestions Framboise offers are using a boa to trail behind you while walking in a circle.

When planning your seduction, Framboise offers a few more bits of food for thought:

- Good lighting is key. Pink bulbs make people look younger and less flawed.
- Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! Don’t take it seriously.
- Trust your instincts. Do what feels good.
- It’s always more sexy if you are enjoying yourself.
- Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful.

Want to learn a few more moves for your repertoire? Visit www.cocoframboise.com for lesson information.

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