Feathers, flesh and poles: Inside Leicester’s Burlesque and Pole Dancing societies

In a boring corner of the midlands, two societies are set to take the fresher’s fair by storm by clinging onto poles in apparently possible poses and wearing very revealing lingerie.

Leicester is host to both a Burlesque Society (aka the Leicester Vixens) and a Pole Society. Considering how utterly bewildering freshers fair can be, it can be easy to miss these groups in the sea of societies all clambering for attention.

Therefore, we met up with some of the Vixens and members of Pole society to discover what it means to be a part of such niche groups, and find out if there is any stigma attached to joining.

Credit: Bright Tie Photography fb.com/brighttiephotogrpahy

We spoke to Burlesque Society Vixens Dulcie Von Lashes, Tamia la Roux, Viola Rose and the “Boob King”.

They said there is a great sense of unity between the girls and of course the enigmatic Boob King  who is currently the only male in the Society. The Vixens would love more guys to join. Come on fellas, what are you waiting for?

“Boob King” is far from feeling like an outsider however, and said: “It has been an incredible boost to my confidence to be part of Burlesque. The whole group acts as one big family to one another.”

Acceptance and closeness are important aspects of Burlesque and Pole, with both societies acting more as extended families than merely friends performing together.

The Vixens said their response has been had mainly positive, although incidents have unfortunately occurred to show that some stigma still remains.

One of the Vixens was asked: “How do you tell your parents you’re glorified sluts?”

However, the general attitude among Burlesque is one of empowerment and the “rush” of performing routines almost nude in front of a room of mostly strangers.

Although be warned, one vixen admitted: “Glitter becomes a part of your life, seriously, it gets everywhere.”

Alice, Iris and Romeo from Pole Society expressed the great camaraderie between Pole members and the level of commitment that is shown, not only to performance but also to “work really hard to remove any negative stereotypes from pole dancing”.

In terms of the physicality and strength required for Pole, anyone who has ever ventured into Yates’, probably after one too many, and thought it was a good idea to give the pole a go, will know how difficult it is to not fall repeatedly on your face.

Alice said: “Pole fitness and dance is both mentally and physically challenging due to not only the physical fitness but also the mental aspects of remembering and perfecting routines.”

“It’s fun mastering a move but having it all go wrong can be pretty hilarious, no standard has to be reached in order to enjoy yourself.”

Credit: Bright Tie Photography fb.com/brighttiephotography

If you’re looking for societies that are fun, quirky and incredibly welcoming then give the Vixens and Pole Society a try. Find your inner confidence and meet groups of genuinely charming people who are supportive and good for a laugh.

Check out the Vixens Fresher Showcase and Pole shows in the next coming year.