Burlesque Chair Dance Bristol raised £1,242 for Alzheimer’s Society when they held an ‘evening of burlesque’ on Saturday 23rd April at Cadbury Heath Sports & Social Club.
The performing group, who are all members of burlesque chair dance classes run by instructor ‘Kiki Kisses’ (otherwise known as Bradley Stoke mum of three Laura Mcglinchey), are known as the Bristol Belles.
“We are a group of normal women of all different ages, sizes and abilities, who have formed a strong supportive community within our class,” Kiki explained. “Our wider team for the night consisted mainly of class members, from selling raffle tickets to twirling tassels. We are one big family!”
“I am so proud of all the ladies, they were amazing and I am so impressed with what they have achieved in the 11 months since I first met them at class.”
“Burlesque chair dance is a class that will get you fit, build confidence and is loads of fun. And it’s so beginner-friendly!”
Bristol Belles dancer Kitten Noir (Briony Morgan) says:
“Doing burlesque chair dance is a lot of fun. It is empowering to be around women of all ages, shapes and sizes. It has improved my confidence and reignited the love I had for dance as a kid.”
Kiki organised the event in memory of her grandmother, Gladys Perratt (who also lived locally), after heartbreakingly seeing her taken by dementia.
She has also completed the London Landmarks Half Marathon and is training for the Chiltern 50 Ultra Marathon to further raise money for the charity.
Bristol Belles say they would like to thank everyone involved, especially Jed1 Nights Mobile Disco for providing the disco and PA system, Portishead LeRoc and Laura from sublime dance group who performed on the night and every business that donated raffle prizes.
Chair dance classes take place every Thursday at Patchway Community School from 8pm to 9pm, and on the first Sunday of each month from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Little Stoke Community Hall.
You can contact Kiki Kisses on 07399 182492 or email her at kikikisses@outlook.com for more information on classes.
Alzheimer’s Society community fundraiser Zena Jones welcomed Laura’s decision to help raise money for the charity. She said:
“It’s wonderful that Laura, and everyone involved in the evening, gave up their time to support Alzheimer’s Society. People with dementia have been worst hit by coronavirus. With the generosity of supporters like Laura we can make sure people get the information and support they need, through vital services like our Dementia Connect support line.”
Related link: Burlesque Chair Dance Bristol with Kiki Kisses on Facebook
This article originally appeared in the May 2022 issue of the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine (on page 26).
