Style Palace introduces our Weekly Guest Blogger, Louise Jeckells & her Burlesque Dancing Adventures ...

Style Palace would like to introduce our new weekly blogger - Louise Jeckells (aka Princess Louise, as she is known at the Palace). Once a week she will share her thoughts with us. Today, channel your inner burlesque and read a little about her recent adventure ...

Feeling disappointed after Valentine's Day? Ate too much during Christmas time and need to shed that extra layer of Christmas cake attached to your thighs? Just realised that your optimal weight is achievable via a little more exercise? You hate the gym and dread bicycles?

I have the perfect suggestion ...

Ladies, grab your high heels (not necessary), let your hair flow out, find those saucy dance pants and push up bra because we are starting burlesque.

Burlesque dancing has large history dating back to 1898, where gold hit Canada and dancers made their way to the saloons to entertain the many men that invaded their land. The first burlesque house opened up in 1913 in Montreal and since then burlesque has outlasted many eras of change in style and dance.

You don’t need to be a past dancer, but a bit of coordination is necessary otherwise, all you will achieve is a bruised bottom. You don’t even need to be young or full of sex appeal. Instead, you need to be able to laugh at yourself and know how to have fun.

I started two weeks ago, amongst reserved expectations I decided to develop an alias in the burlesque world. I dragged along a friend that is self-conscious in her body.

We started with a light warm up, then when straight into some butt-shaking, back breaking movements. From time to time, we would look at each other and lose it in laughter but none the less we were having fun.

Not only were we having fun but I sweated out all my bad habits from the weekend. My friend, even after 2 weeks, has gained confidence through appreciating her body.

I have gained nothing! Just lost a few cherry ripes around my hips - which I am very happy about.

Burlesque dancing is an incredible powerful experience that every woman should try. Look at Dita von Teese, who wouldn’t want to look like her ... enough said!

Louise Jeckells, burlesque dancer in training. Update in a few weeks time on how my hips and sex appeal is coming on.