THE women of Brentwood can now glam up, shake and shimmy in sultry fashion at the town's very own burlesque classes.
Getting fit and improving one's confidence are among the benefits of the risqué art form, according to Jem Ayres, who started up Burlesque Jems dance classes 18 months ago.
Miss Ayres also runs courses in Chelmsford, Basildon, Harlow and Bishop's Stortford.
The hour-long classes take place between 7.30 and 8.30pm on Fridays at the Brentwood Centre in Doddinghurst Road.
Women are invited to take part in an eight-week course where they will build confidence and their dancing skills.
Miss Ayres, 30, who has 20 years of dance experience, said: "My classes are aimed at all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes. It's a great option for women who don't want to get sweaty in the gym but want to enjoy themselves and tone up.
"However, it's more than just a dance class – in my burlesque classes women flourish."
She added: "My company is the only one that offers burlesque residential weekends in Ongar, for women who live further away. These offer a weekend of training plus food and accommodation."
Miss Ayres said that women often feel nervous before the classes but these feelings soon go away.
She added: "It gives them a chance to feel fabulous about themselves. I have over 100 women across Essex and we perform at charity events to showcase our students. On March 9 we will be performing in Harlow for International Women's Day."
Participants come from a variety of backgrounds and range in age from 18 to 72.
Miss Ayres said: "People think it's just for the young or slim, but I champion all ages and sizes.
"Lots of women say they want to try burlesque but don't want to wear certain outfits or be asked to be sexy, but I want them to be comfortable and they can wear whatever they like – most woman are in corsets and frilly knickers sooner than they expect."
The next course starts on April 5 and women can sign up at www.burlesquebelle.co.uk.
