verhrzn Posted June 7, 2012 Share Posted June 7, 2012 In an attempt to really push at my insecurities, I have signed up for something rather original (for me)... burlesque! Signing up for the class was just breezy fun, but now my teacher is actually encouraging me to do a solo in our upcoming show case. A solo that would involve going down to nothing but bra and panties on stage. I am terrified. I can literally say I've never done anything like this before. It would certainly be tackling my insecurities head-on! But I'm not sure I can find the continual courage to do it. How do other posters here find courage to push their boundaries? Link to post Share on other sites
writergal Posted June 7, 2012 Share Posted June 7, 2012 (edited) When I was active in community theater productions, I was forced to push my personal boundaries all the time. One production of Caryl Churchill's called Top Girls comes to mind, where I was cast as two characters, a young school aged girl, Kit, and an older officer worker, Wen. Well the director really took liberties with the play's themes and had me dance to a Madonna song, "Lucky Star" during my Kit/Angie backhard scene - dressed a la Britney Spears with the Catholic school girl uniform, hair in pigtails, stomach showing. And it was theater in the round. Talk about feeling like I was in a club. Ha. Then at the end of the song I had to stick my hand down my skirt in front of the entire audience and well, simulate something...ahem. Lots of nervous coughs, some men laughed and definitely there were whispers after. Hah! It was fun to shock the audience. I was in my 20s so I was up for the challenge. Then later in the play I came out in a very skimpy dress and high heels not fit for the office scene (director's idea), with my long hair all frizzed out, gawdy makeup, and a very bad, Brooklyn accent, while popping a huge wad of gum. Then I'm back on stage again as Kit, shoving a box of chocolates in my mouth in kitchen scene which is the final scene. It was fun to play two characters at the same time. Oh, the other time I pushed my personal boundaries was in the role of Morgan La Fey in the musical Camelot. Again, dressed scantily with crazy hair and makeup, I had to writhe and grind all over the other characters and that was embarrassing but fun. Ok, last example of finding courage. In college I was cast in a play that told the story of a death camp survivor's experience in a death camp as a child. Well, it was based on a real woman who was invited to see the play. She flew all the way from Poland to see the play of course, and prior to the opening night production there was a meet n greet with her on campus for the cast, crew and public. I was cast as her character so to meet the real person my character was based on was awe inspiring and nerve-wracking at the same time. One of my favorite productions I ever did. I'll never forget it. My advice. Just let go of your insecurities and have fun with your burlesque class and do the solo. You'll feel liberated for doing it. In an attempt to really push at my insecurities, I have signed up for something rather original (for me)... burlesque! Signing up for the class was just breezy fun, but now my teacher is actually encouraging me to do a solo in our upcoming show case. A solo that would involve going down to nothing but bra and panties on stage. I am terrified. I can literally say I've never done anything like this before. It would certainly be tackling my insecurities head-on! But I'm not sure I can find the continual courage to do it. How do other posters here find courage to push their boundaries? Edited June 7, 2012 by writergal 1 Link to post Share on other sites
d'Arthez Posted June 7, 2012 Share Posted June 7, 2012 For me? The hard part is making a decision - I tend to be quite comfortable with myself, so I have little desire to "act out". Once I have made a decision, I will stick to it, and bear all the consequences. As a student, I have made the rather unusual decision to stop attending classes for a full year, and actually behave like a student: by studying. Except that what I was studying was not a my chosen field of study, but rather literature, arts, history, and a bit of philosophy. It was the best year of my life, even if it meant that I had to sustain myself on a very limited budget to say the least. To this day, I still have an appreciation for old bread, cold coffee, and strong tea, as a result of that year. The rewards have been massive, and I can honestly say that this decision has been the best decision I have made in my life. Once I made the decision, I was willing to take all the consequences, whether or not things worked out as intended, as well as the unintended side-effects. At the moment, it seems you have a fear of that happening. Not saying such a fear would necessarily come to fruition, but it is something to bear in mind. I personally don't think this is right for you, on the basis of your posts. When you challenge your boundaries for the first time, it can be extremely liberating experience. It can help you stop defining yourself in the limited way you do (as we all do, because we are comfortable with the limited definition of ourselves), but it can also redefine you in ways you are not comfortable with. If you feel you are doing this for the right reasons, don't let anyone stop you, and enjoy challenging your boundaries and insecurities then. Link to post Share on other sites
OhHey Posted June 7, 2012 Share Posted June 7, 2012 I jusyt say hell with it and do it. I'd love to be naked in front of people...especially if it is a warm stage. We won't get into that here though. BTW, what work are you going to burlesque? Link to post Share on other sites
Crusoe Posted June 7, 2012 Share Posted June 7, 2012 You continue, regardless, and eventually become. Link to post Share on other sites
ThaWholigan Posted June 9, 2012 Share Posted June 9, 2012 I think it could be good fun for you! I hope you continue to do it, would be good for your confidence! Courage is something that gets built up the more you confront the things in your life that scare you, especially in terms of embarrassment. I remember the first time I went on stage, and I was nervous the first time. Every other time after that, I was less nervous, to the point I am at now where being on stage is like being in my room. Simply because I kept doing it even though it thoroughly unnerved me the first time. The adrenaline afterwards it what made me continue doing it. Sure, I've dropped clangers on stage too. I remember being booed off stage for forgetting my rap verse at Speakers Corner in the Open Mic. One really geeky looking white dude, looked at me right in my face and said "YOU'RE SH*T MATE", with some funny scowl on his face. I laughed at him because he was so funny looking, instead of taking what he said to heart. I didn't dwell on that night, in fact I didn't even remember until I started typing this post . You find courage by putting yourself in situations that require it. And even if it freaks you out or scares you, or even puts you in an embarrassing situation, courage is being able to survive it on all levels and laugh about it later, and go on and continue to be in positions that require courage. You will grow, become stronger, more intelligent, become more confident and comfortable in yourself . Link to post Share on other sites
january2011 Posted June 9, 2012 Share Posted June 9, 2012 (edited) You accept that you're scared and it's okay to be scared. Then you do it anyway. It's been a long time since I've really pushed my boundaries. But from what I remember, the hardest part is making the first move. I liken it to when I first started doing outdoor stuff in highschool - getting my body over the edge to start abseiling/rappelling was the hardest part. After that, it's easier to just keep going down the cliff face than to have to haul my body back over the edge and risk that momentary glance to see high up I was. Added to that, I didn't want to live with the regret and kick myself because I had the opportunity to try something new in a safe environment but didn't. Once you're at the pole, there will be no going back. So give it all you've got and get lost in the performance. No matter how nerve-wracking it might be, people may not notice and even if they do, they'll probably think you're great for getting on with it and doing your thing. You might actually be very good and it could be the making of you! Edited June 9, 2012 by january2011 1 Link to post Share on other sites
CopingGal Posted June 9, 2012 Share Posted June 9, 2012 I'm going to tell you something that my friend told me quite a bit- a bra and panties cover more than a bikini does. Wear some fancy bra and panties and choose a color other than white. They may make you feel more like you a wearing clothes. Pink or purple, or blue with lace may make you feel better. And of course, if you truly don't want to do it....don't do it to please your teacher. But if you do want to do it, even though you are scared...remember, a bra and panties cover more than a bikini. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts