Collecting my trophy and flowers, I gazed out onto the applauding audience and beamed with delight. I’d been awarded second runner-up after performing my dreamy 1950s narrative routine as part of Burlesque Idol 2017, Europe’s leading burlesque contest. Standing on the stage, I couldn’t quite believe that, at the age of 49, and just six months after having started lessons, I’d ranked in my first competition. I was finally living my dream of being a performer, something I never thought I’d be able to do.
From a young age, dancing was a big part of my life. I spent my teens and most of my 20s traveling to different countries in Asia, taking part in shows and competitions. It was an incredibly exciting time in my life but when I was 32, I met my husband Alan and we adopted my nephew.
Denne historien er fra February 23, 2021-utgaven av WOMAN - UK.
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Denne historien er fra February 23, 2021-utgaven av WOMAN - UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
NEVER too late
Catriona had regrets about the past - but perhaps it was time to embrace her future
How many calories are YOU eating at Christmas?
Lynsey Hope tracked what she ate over the festive period, with shocking results.
Cut festive spending
The average Brit expects to spend almost £600 on core Christmas-related products and activities this year, including food, gifts, decorations, socialising and travelling*.
My little MIRACLE
After a horrific blaze, Amanda Stephenson will never forget how lucky she is to still have her son
Why it's not too late to get a flu jab
WOMAN'S GP DR HELEN WALL ON HER TOPIC OF THE WEEK
Stop the season AGEING YOU
Take our youth-boosting quiz to find out how you can keep looking and feeling fabulous.
LOSE AN INCH by Christmas
Stride into shape with our simple walking plan
How to lower your cholesterol
ANNIE DEADMAN IS HERE TO HELP YOU, THE EASY WAY!
Why are we so obsessed with MOVING HOUSE?
With more homes on the market than last year, we investigate the nation's love of selling up
The ROYAL INSIDER
THE REASONS BEHIND THE SUSSEXES' NEW MOVE
