Embodied

Unite, undress, and unleash this International Lesbian Day. EMBODIED is a neo-burlesque dance workshop for you to explore your Queer sensuality and movement, through the art of striptease. Over 90 minutes, you will journey from fully clothed to gloriously unwrapped through a curated, accessible burlesque routine; a golden opportunity to dress up, dance together, learn the art of the tease, and release your inner femme / themme fatale.

Hosted by Lesbian Novocastrian dance instructor and performance artist, Cleo Rapture, this workshop will step through the fundamentals of Burlesque and Striptease, with a focus on working the Queer gaze. Participants will have a safe, inclusive space to explore sensuality by moving their hips, hair and hearts, while feeling empowered and boosting their confidence. Supported by ACON Health NSW.

This is a FREE 90 minute workshop for all, but priority will be given to participants who identify as LGBTQIA+, Women, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or as sex workers.

WHAT TO BRING: An item of outerwear (robe, coat, etc) and a bra or singlet that can be removed.

WHAT TO WEAR: Something GLORIOUS! Luxe lingerie or comfortable leggings, or anything in between. Dance heels (any height) and pasties or areola tape are optional but recommended.

An evaluation form will be sent to participants at the conclusion of this event to collect feedback on the experience. By registering your interest, you agree to complete this evaluation and consent to your response being submitted to ACON Health NSW.

EMBODIED is a safe and inclusive event. Any unwelcome behaviour will not be tolerated and will be reported to organizers or staff. EMBODIED endeavours to follow all Covid-19 safety recommendations, and recommends all attendees obtain a negative rapid test prior to attending where possible.

​We recognize that this event takes place on unceded land of the Awabakal and Worimi Peoples. We pay respect to their elders, past and present, and recognize that they are the survivors of more than two hundred years of dispossession.

CONTENT WARNINGS: Coarse language, depictions of sexual acts, nudity and sexual themes.

ABOUT CLEO RAPTURE:
Cleo Rapture is a Pole, Chair and Floor dancer who hails from Mulubinba / Newcastle, NSW. She is a performance artist, producer, roving entertainer, and dance instructor. Cleo is a regular fixture in Burlesque, Cabaret and Variety shows, and the Queer Nightlife scene, in Sydney, Newcastle and interstate. She is best known for her sultry, slinky movement and her iconic heel bangs. One generous fan has described her as a “Human Herricane of sensuality”!

Cleo has a series of her very own 'Thunderclacks' dance workshops, and she is an instructor at Sydney Pole - the largest pole dance studio in the southern hemisphere. She has worked with many notable events teams in NSW, including Heaps Gay, Queer & Now, CreateNSW, and more. She’s performed in award-winning shows, fundraising events, at the Sydney Opera House, in London theatres, and even nursing homes! She spread her lust - and legs - all over Sydney and Newcastle stages as part of the historic Sydney WorldPride 2023 celebrations, before touring across the UK. She is driven to empower and unify the Queer community through sensual movement, with her unique, alluring burlesque style.