Camden Gazette - 12th September 2007

Seductive dances set studio's stage alight!


Dessy Ohanians, the co-founder of Expressions Studios, with her new baby Carmela.
FEATHER boas, nipple tassels and corsets may not be the average woman's outfit of choice.

But the latest dance trend setting the stage alight at Expressions Studios in Kentish Town is none other than burlesque.
DITA VON TEESE
Would-be vixens from 18 to 50 flocked to the first-ever course held at the dance studios in Highgate Road earlier this summer and a second run is also expected to be a sell-out.

This has come as somewhat of a surprise to the studios' co-founder, Dessy Ohanians, who described burlesque as "the art of seduction through taking your clothes off".

Burlesque sees dancers glamorously peel off the layers - although there is always something left to the imagination. Queen of burlesque Dita Von Teese once performed at the New York Academy of Art wearing nothing but diamonds.

Mrs Ohanians, 30, a salsa dancer and new mum who founded the business three years ago with husband Orod, now 52, said: "We were worried about how many people would actually come to a burlesque class. It's not mainstream. But it was extremely successful - the room was full to capacity.

"A documentary about burlesque was shown earlier this year, which helped, and I am seeing more and more television programmes about it. You just have to be open-minded about having a bit of fun.

"It's not about stripping, it's about seducing. Most of the burlesque performers are not skinny, they have to be more voluptuous."

The rise in popularity of burlesque is perhaps a sign of the times. The studio has hosted pole-dancing classes along-side more mainstream lessons such as ball-room, latin, flamenco and hip-hop. It also has classes called the Seduction School of Movement - more dance-orientated than burlesque.

Mrs Ohanians said: "I think it's to do with people being braver and trying out things. I haven't tried burlesque yet - I've been pregnant. But I might give it a go.