Claire Ritson's Burlesque Chair Dancing aims to inspire women in Carlisle

With lockdown taking its toll on her mental and physical health, avid dancer Claire Ritson decided to take action and create a new life for herself after being at a "very low point".

And with the help of Burlesque Chair Dancing, the 41-year-old has done exactly that.

“I had very little confidence,” she said.

“I was suffering with my mental health, had really low self-esteem.

“But I found Burlesque Chair Dancing UK and the whole community was like a family – they were absolutely amazing, and made me feel so confident, and like I could do anything.”

She added: “I’ve always loved to dance, and, because there are no classes in Cumbria, Donna Haughan [of the group] encouraged me to go for it and set up my own.

“So I went through the training, passed my instructor course, and will be holding my first class on June 1.”

Claire is set to host her first class at Harraby Community Centre on Tuesday (June 1), with the one-hour session beginning at 10am, followed by a second class the next day at Downagate Community Centre, beginning at 7.30pm.

She added: “Dancing has helped me so much – it’s great for getting fit, but it’s also given me so much confidence and happiness.

Dancer Claire Ritson is launching her own exercise classes for women of every age, size and shape to enjoy, after finding the art of burlesque vital in keeping her spirits up during lockdown and beyond Picture: Claire Riston

“I’m extremely nervous for the first classes, because I’ve never done this before. It’s completely new to be teaching people, but I also can’t wait, because it’s going to be so much fun for us all.”

And while the Brampton woman has gained endless confidence and self-belief throughout the process, her main goal with her classes is to see the same positivity and joy on all other women’s faces.

“Burlesque is such a mood-booster, and it gives you so much confidence, and that’s what I want everyone taking part to feel as well,” she said.

“No matter what age, size, shape or fitness level people are at, they can come and join in, and just have a really good time.

“It’s a completely safe space – I never tolerate bullying or anyone being mean, because it’s all about creating a really positive, supportive space for everyone to enjoy.”

Explaining the benefits of burlesque and dance, Claire said: “It’s great for your self-esteem and fitness, but it also gives people the chance to explore their own femininity and beauty, as well as make friends.

New skills: The classes offer a great opportunity to learn

“I encourage everyone to create their own alter-ego names – mine’s Miss Cherry Bomb – because it really helps everyone to come out of themselves and become a more proud, feminine person just by changing their name for the session.”

And the private carer – who supports the elderly and vulnerable – has already seen people coming together through her classes before they’ve even begun.

“We’ve all been messaging each other before the classes start, and some of the ladies will say, ‘I don’t think I can do it’, ‘The chair won’t take my weight’, and people will reply straight away, encouraging them and showing loads of support, which has been so amazing to see,” she said.

“When I left my relationship, I got a tattoo saying ‘throw me to the wolves and I’ll become the leader of the pack’, and I feel like that’s exactly what I’ve done – I’m about to lead these ladies in becoming confident, strong and happy, and I’m so excited.”

The classes – which 35 women have signed up to so far – are set to be full of glitz and glamour, but the fun won’t end there, as Claire hopes to branch out with monthly shows, allowing the women to show off all that they’ve learnt, as well as charity performances and even competitions, when the group members feel ready.

She said: “There are loads of opportunities that come with burlesque dancing, and I just hope the people who take part really enjoy it, and feel like they grow thanks to the classes.

“I know how much dance has helped me through a really hard time in my life, and so many women have experienced the same self-esteem issues and worries, so my aim is to make sure people leave my classes smiling and confident!”

To find out more about Claire’s new venture, including how you van get involved with her confidence-boosting classes, visit the Burlesque Chair Dance with Miss Cherry Bomb Facebook page.