Are you sure about this, Orla?’ Paige hesitated outside the community centre, suddenly self-conscious in her usual baggy combats, her chestnut shoulder-length hair scraped back into a loose ponytail. This wasn’t how she normally spent her Wednesday evenings and, although it was something she’d wondered about trying for some time, Paige was having second thoughts.
‘It will be fun,’ her friend Orla assured her. ‘I’ve always wanted to channel my inner goddess – haven’t you?’
Paige couldn’t help smiling. Orla Duvitski was in her element. Petite and naturally flamboyant, with a cascade of raven-black hair, she’d recently completed a fashion design course at the local college, using her artistic flair to create her own retro-style clothes to sell online.
‘Ready?’ Orla grabbed Paige’s hand, and together they stepped inside.
Glancing at the other students, Paige was surprised at the range of ages. She had expected everyone to be younger, but there were plenty of 40-somethings like herself and Orla.
‘Welcome to your first burlesque class.’ A glamorous, curvaceous woman, stunning in heels and corset, sashayed over and introduced herself. ‘I’ll be your teacher for the next six weeks. My name is Angela Smith but you can call me Angel. Names are important. You might want to choose a new one for the showcase.’
‘What showcase?’ whispered Paige, nervously, as Angel continued…
‘This course is an opportunity to reinvent yourself. Don’t be afraid to celebrate your bodies, your curves, your feminine power. Embrace your inner diva and take centre stage in your own life.’
Despite her reservations, Paige felt an unexpected flutter of excitement at venturing outside her comfort
