Unveiling My Body

Roxy Horror’s Intro to Burlesque class (with Roxy in the middle)

The Transformative Power of Burlesque

Editorial by Deana Renaud 

I have always had a tumultuous relationship with my body that really started in my formative years growing up in the 90s—a time that was centered around constant toxic messaging of ridiculous expectations of what women’s bodies were supposed to look like. I was always angry with my body, and that led to a debilitating eating disorder that began in the summer of grade nine and continued through most of high school. I was able to recover through my 20s, but had a significant relapse after I gave birth to my son in 2012. Over the years I have put a lot of effort into repairing this relationship and readjusting my self-perception, which has helped immensely.

Now, in my 40th year on the planet, with kinder eyes and a gentler outlook, I am truly grateful that my body has given me so much, even though I have been so cruel to it. It has allowed me to go on countless adventures, like hiking through the Himalayas and summiting African mountains. It has allowed me to grow life and deliver an amazing human into the world. My body really came through for me after a near-fatal car accident in September 2020, when a moose decided to jump through my windshield on Highway 11/17. The issue I’ve been stuck with, though, is wanting to move myself beyond just acceptance and be able to see the beauty in my body. Recently, I have discovered the most incredible, perspective-adjusting form of art that has led me on a path to appreciating myself through music and movement: burlesque.

I signed up for my first class with Roxy Horror Burlesque along with a group of colleagues in May 2024. We all wanted a new experience that was going to be fun and exciting, but we really had no idea what to expect. I vividly remember walking into my first class, filled with anxiety and feeling exposed. All my insecurities were amplified in the massive wall length mirrors at the front of the room. When my eyes met my reflection, I could hear deep-seated, monstrous voices start to criticize my belly fat, the size of my arms in a tank top, my messy hair, and flat chest. I remember actively adjusting my gaze downward avoiding eye contact with those mirrors that seemed to stare back at me with harsh criticism.

But then something magical happened. Roxy showed up out of nowhere and with her warm energy, vulnerable sharing, encouraging presence, and humour. A hero armed with long gloves and a feather boa, she quickly slayed the monsters in the mirror. She turned an overwhelming, intimidating environment into a haven for everyone. Her approach was playful, yet empowering, and everyone felt accepted no matter their age, shape, ability, or experience.

The excitement and nurturing energy of Roxy’s class was something I began to crave. Every time I walked in, I felt welcomed and supported and I couldn’t wait to return. The atmosphere she created was not only fun and full of energy, it was also deeply encouraging, allowing me to shed any remaining self doubt and embrace dance with confidence. It was through Roxy’s guidance and the positive space she fostered that I began to connect more deeply with myself, learning to honour my body as an instrument of joy, expression, and power. I learned to appreciate the reflection in those huge mirrors because they no longer felt like judgemental eyes, but became tools for self-celebration. I could finally relax and stop avoiding the person staring back at me.

That first class quickly turned into a passion. Aside from learning to love myself in a different way, my favourite thing about the classes is being able to observe other people doing the exact same thing. You can feel the power, sensuality, and pleasure radiate in the room.

For me, burlesque is much more than performance art—it’s a transformative journey that allows me to embrace my body, regardless of its shape or size. By celebrating sensuality, confidence, and expression in a safe and playful way, burlesque has provided me with a platform to connect deeply with my sense of self. It invites me to shed my insecurities, laugh at life’s seriousness, and celebrate the joy of being unapologetically me. It reminds me to live with power, creativity, confidence, and a lighter heart. 

Thank you, Roxy. I am forever grateful for the magical space you have created, and for giving me yet another tool to fight the monsters in the mirror.