When I was 'little', I occasionally did song and dance routines in the basement
of my childhood home. Of
course, no one took notice until I was caught by my
horrified parents, singing "Like A Virgin" with
gusto… wearing neon bangles, lingerie and ripped up
pantyhose. Other forays into movement exploration didn't
occur until high school, when I found that jumping
into the mosh pit was a great way to exorcise one's
inner demons.However, the intense
headbanging days were less like dancing and more
like serious whiplash.
Thankfully, I
eventually discovered the passion for
dance when I decided to perform my own
style
of tantric movement and bellydance in late 2002.
Even though I was a self-taught dancer,
I was invited to teach so I began offering
classes in local dance studios.
At the same time, I also ventured onto the
burgeoning burlesque scene. With no
previous exposure to the genre, the word
"Burlesque" had mysteriously popped into my
head one day and shortly after, I
started performing at the Neverland
Burlesque Shows.
It was amazing to see how the costumes and
burlesque aesthetic matched my tastes to a
T. However, it was the open and
non-judgmental atmosphere that was the ultimate
attraction for me. By doing burlesque,
I was celebrating my body in a creative way and
allowing myself to be sensual yet lighthearted
about my femininity.
After a few
months, I left the scene to pursue other
interests but have recently returned to the
burlesque stage for another round of fun.
Off stage, I created
Burlesque Yoga
- a program of movement and dance
workshops. It was a way to unite my
healing work and my performance art. Since I feel that
everything is a manifestation of the Divine,
I wanted to introduce the concept that even
burlesque can be a path to Consciousness...
Currently, I am developing more movement
applications and enjoying West Coast Swing
lessons. Other areas that I've briefly
delved into are Tai Chi, Aikido, Salsa, East Coast Swing,
Lindy Hop, Hip Hop and Contact Improv.
Ah, there is so much to explore in the
absolutely wondrous art and bliss of dance!
"Wow! I never thought at 55, I'd be
posing in my bra and panties, laughing my head off
with a large, fun and diverse mix of women, and
feeling very sexy and cute.... and I'm a shy person!
If you think you are bikini-impaired, not sexy
enough or have a little nasty cellulite on your
tummy, Little Woo's class is the antidote. In
no time, you'll be strutting and flaunting your
stuff, and it will be hot. Thank you, little
woo!"
- Rebekka H.
"Little Woo brought an abundance of radiant energy
to our dance class. She inspired our inner goddesses
and took us on a magical journey! Woo is so
passionate and full of joy, we thank her for making
our night so special."
- Luv Monica & The Gang
"I had a fabulous time at the workshop. It was just
the right mix of sensuality and fun, in a safe
environment, with a group of ladies that I felt
comfortable with. The music was fabulous, the props,
and again, the sense of enjoyment in learning the
dance... where the focus was not on taking off
clothes, but being sensuous and expressing our inner
sass."
- Mei Yen
"I really enjoy how you are mixing energy work,
saucy behavior & yoga together... amazing.
You've made me much more in touch with my breath
(one of my struggles). I even took classes
especially during pregnancy but I still struggled
with it. You simplified it for me. Thank
you for the wonderful class!"
- Fireweed
