Self-conscious and shy, Brona Keegan, aka Scarlett Lace, is now one of the 11 finalists in this year’s Miss Burlesque Ireland competition. Here, she explains how the act has transformed her life…
My name is Brona Keegan, aka Scarlett Lace, and I am a burlesque performer from Tallaght.
In 2013, with much encouragement from my friends, I began taking pole fitness and burlesque classes in Escape Studios, Naas.
As a working single mum it was hard to find time for myself. I was also always very self-conscious about my body and more than a little shy but with each class It got easier to let myself go, and I very quickly bonded with my fellow dancers.
To me burlesque is about expression and creativity. It’s about female empowerment and learning to love and feel comfortable in your skin, to be beautiful and sensual and most of all, having fun.
It has grown and developed so much in this country over the past few years and the community in Ireland is one big supportive family. I have never met such amazing and talented people and I am so proud to be a part of this magical world.
I have spent the last year working very hard on new routines and ideas and having many opportunities to dance around the country at various events. I am now very lucky to be one of the 11 finalists in this year’s
‘Miss Burlesque Ireland’ to be held in The Button Factory, Temple Bar on July 18.
The competition began in Australia in 2010. Irish burlesque beauty Azaria Starfire competed in 2012 and last year successfully ran the very first Miss Burlesque Ireland.
This year I decided to push myself personally by entering this incredible competition. Along with 10 other very talented performers, I will be taking to the stage in July. Each contestant will get to show two acts, a classic burlesque with stylings from 1920 to 1960s and a neo-burlesque act which would be post-1960s.
The judges will then choose five finalists to perform a
‘Unique’ act with no holds barred.
Having struggled with shyness and body image, getting on stage and performing in front of hundreds of people would have been my worst nightmare. However, burlesque has changed my life. It is an enchanting world of courageous and beautiful people and I would encourage anyone to give it a try.
I have to say I am so excited to be a part of this prestigious competition and for the future of burlesque in Ireland.