How to Twirl Tassels
The art of Burlesque (or striptease) is making a huge comeback in popularity in the United States. Troupes of sassy ladies in scanty clothing are popping up everywhere you look. Burlesque dance classes can be taken anywhere, from major cities to fitness clubs---even to college dance departments.
Twirling tassels via pasties on your nipples is a classic and very recognizable burlesque dance move. It is challenging to learn how to master this skill, however. Once you do, be assured you'll amaze audiences everywhere.
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Instructions
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1
Glue your pasties over your nipples. Remember two things: Make sure your pasties are securely fastened before you start to twirl so as to avoid embarrassing accidents. And, with a pastie, less is actually more. Over-decorated pasties can make it nearly impossible for beginners to get a-twirlin'.
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2
Stand in front of a mirror. If you watch yourself as you practice, it will help you to learn what moves are successful and what moves don't work so well.
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3
Raise your arm over your head. If you'd like your tassels to go to the right, raise that arm over your head and hold your left arm slightly away from your body. Reverse if you'd like the tassels to go to the left. If you want them to go opposite ways, raise both arms over your head.
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4
Bounce. The methods described in Steps 5 and 6 to twirl your tassels involve bouncing.
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5
Do small, fast calf elevations. Start with your foot flat on the floor and quickly roll through to the ball of your foot so you're in the relevé position. Then lower your foot back to the floor. You'll need to do very quick relevés to achieve tassel twirling.
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6
Raise and lower your chest by contracting your abdominal muscles. Quickly and sharply contract your diaphragm like you are coughing or hiccuping and then release. The faster you perform this muscle isolation, the quicker your tassels will twirl.
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Practice both methods in front of the mirror to figure out which works best for you. Once you are able to get your tassels to go around, continue practicing those moves until it becomes second nature.
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Tips & Warnings
You can make pasties and tassels as a fun DIY craft project. If you don't have time for that, no fear. Purchase pasties with tassels via a dance supply store or online supplier.
Watching a video can be very helpful in learning to twirl tassels, as it will help you visualize the movements you need to be making with your own body to get the same results (see Resources).
Tassel twirling is all about muscle isolation so some experience with pilates or belly dancing will be helpful in mastering this dance move.
If you leave your arms at your side, it will be nearly impossible to get your tassels to twirl.
It is helpful to keep your core tight even if you aren't using abdominal isolation to twirl your tassels. As in any dance performance, a solid and well-aligned frame is very important.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Strippoker image by Angelika Bentin from Fotolia.com
