About Burlesque Yoga
"Burlesque"
can be divided into 2 descriptions:
1. As a form of 'pastiche' art whose origins are usually
attributed to the mid-18o0's Victorian era, a time of culture
clashes between the established aristocracy and the working-class
society. Burlesque works were satirical and humorous,
treating a dignified subject in a base manner or a crude topic with
mock dignity. Mainly used to lampoon the social attitudes of
the upper classes, much of the humour was focused on lowbrow and
ribald themes.
2. As a type of theatrical stage entertainment consisting of
comic skits, songs, dance and often: the striptease act where
costumes dwindle down to pasties (dainty nipple coverings) and
underwear.
Today, Burlesque is usually related to the latter description.
However, its roots are still evident in the often irreverent and
playful nature of the acts.Even amidst the large-scale
revival of burlesque in the US and Canada since the 1990's, there is
a definite taste of self-irony as it seems to send up its own genre
by not taking itself too seriously, despite all the flash and
glamour that surround it.
"Yoga" comes from a Sanskrit word
which means "to yoke" - the act of yoking or joining together.
Generally, yoga is defined as "union with the divine" and is a
philosophy or discipline applied to the development of mind, body
and spirit. Yoga is an ancient teaching and tradition, a way
for us to perceive the unity with the divine universe in every
breath, every moment and every activity.
In modern times, Yoga has evolved into many branches and
disciplines, yet still remains as a
powerful pathway to health, well-being and connection to our divine nature.
Burlesque Yoga is a new form of
body-mind-spirit discipline,
where sexy low-brow art meets sacred spirituality
in a joyful dance of breath, movement, humour, music, creativity,
sensuality and playfulness. It is the evolution of several passions and can be taken as sassy
entertainment, powerful spiritual work or both!
Everything Is Spiritual
Sometimes, there is the inclination to believe that only certain
types of activities are "spiritual" - such as meditation, yoga,
prayer, chanting mantras etc. However, all of
existence is but a physical manifestation from an energetic or
spiritual blueprint. Everything is spirit or "energy"
incarnate - be it your neighbour, your lover, your office job, your
desk or your dinner!
Burlesque Yoga is the acknowledgement that spirit works in
everything... even in burlesque. There are many paths to Rome
and you could truly choose anything to reconnect with your divinity.
Burlesque Yoga forges a light-hearted path that teaches through
play, delight, creativity, sensuality, self-acceptance and humour.
Spiritual work need not be sombre, ascetic
(renouncing worldly pleasures or pursuits) nor segregated from
earthly daily life. It is not separate from the
things we do in every moment so the key is to infuse every action,
thought and feeling with awareness of Spirit. Burlesque Yoga
reminds us that it's ok to grow spiritually while having fun,
laughing and dancing! It also eases us into an appreciation
for all things, all body shapes, all people and all paths. By
loving ourselves, by living from a place of joy, by extending
appreciation instead of fear or judgment, we can be more peaceful
and blissful beings. And oooo-la-la,
ain't that grand?
Tidings of the future could be seen when Woo was very
'little', as she choreographed many dance and song routines
in the basement of her childhood home. No one took notice
until she was caught by her horrified parents, singing "Like
A Virgin" with gusto…wearing neon bangles, her mom’s bra and
lots of ripped up pantyhose.
After 11 years of study in piano performance and theory, Woo
taught music for 5 years in the Royal Conservatory of Music
Program. After completing a degree in film/tv production at
Concordia University, she moved to Vancouver via a national
screenwriting award from the Academy of Canadian Cinema &
TV.
Once on the west coast, music called again and Woo began to
explore the magic of performance as a singer and songwriter.
Where there is music, dancing is never far behind. In 2002,
she discovered her love of “shakin’ it” as a bellydance
performer and instructor. In 2003, she explored the
burgeoning burlesque scene by performing briefly with the Neverland
Burlesque Society in Vancouver. In 2005, she returned
to the Burlesque scene with a passion as both a performer
and the creator of Burlesque Yoga.
Since 1997, Woo has also been passionately studying
spirituality, healing and energy principles. She is the
founder and facilitator of the Epic Alchemy
program, offering private sessions and group workshops in
the art of transformation, healing and feeling bliss.
