Burlesque Gives Back

?The New York School of Burlesque has taught thousands of students not only the finer points of burlesque, but also how to be confident and comfortable in their own skin since 2003. In addition to their usual classes they now offer classes for breast cancer patients and survivors free of charge. For those in treatment and recovery the Pink Light Burlesque program offers an innovative approach to fostering acceptance and a positive body image after the rigors of battling this disease. This program allows these women to experience a sense of fun and playfulness and helps them regain their self esteem.

Breast cancer and its resulting treatments often result in physical, mental, and emotional changes that can be devastating for some women. The art of burlesque is about embracing the intrinsic beauty and diversity of the female form. These classes help women regain their self confidence and embrace the splendor of their own body regardless of the changes it has been through. This program helps to get these survivors moving again and allows women to rediscover the simple joy of being in control of their own body. It also fosters a sense of camaraderie and hope as everyone learns to appreciate their unique style and talents together.

On December 4th, Pink Light Burlesque will present its first showcase featuring breast cancer survivors and their instructors. This show is dedicated to Diane Naegel, a member of the performing arts community who lost her battle with breast cancer in September. The show will feature both live performances and a multimedia presentation of other survivors and their experiences with burlesque as a way to move beyond the shadow of this disease. Proceeds of the showcase will benefit the You Can Thrive! Foundation, a survivorship center for breast cancer recovery, Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the operational costs of Pink Light Burlesque.