Jo King formed the London Academy of Burlesque, the very first school of it’s kind in Europe, because she wanted all women to feel fabulous about themselves, regardless of age, shape or dancing ability. Jo is the only burlesque teacher in the UK with over 30 years experience in this exciting and provocative art-form. In the last 10 years, Jo has taught more than 10,000 women her craft, helping many of them to gain invaluable confidence along with the joy of liberating their inner showgirls.
Jo’s varied and exciting career in the fascinating world of performance art began in London’s cabaret clubs in the 1970s as a burlesque striptease artiste, she has since entertained audiences throughout Europe and the U.S. with a variety of glamorous, elegant and tongue-in-cheek performances. Jo is an ambassador for the industry, giving her candid views in the press and on many radio and TV shows. Considered an expert in her field, she is often hired to teach and choreograph actresses and dancers for film, television and stage work.
Jo is a highly renowned and respected burlesque choreographer. In 2004 she choreographed international showgirl Immodesty Blaize’s original, highly acclaimed, reverse striptease act. Jo is also mentor, teacher and striptease choreographer to the fabulous rising burlesque sensation, Miss Polly Rae.
Jo is, in fact, single-handedly reponsible for teaching and inspiring over 30 percent of Europe’s current professional burlesque performers, many of whom have also benefited from Jo’s inimitable choreographic skills and artistic direction. Her impressive student list includes some of London’s most popular burlesquers including Miss Ivy Paige, Frivolitease, Crimson Skye, Audacity Chutzpah, Miss Rose Thorne, Lil’ Miss Chievous, Trixie Sparkle, The Knickerbocker Glories, Cherry Shakewell, Honey Lulu, and Kiki Kaboom, to name just a few.
Triumphantly, 2008 marked Jo King’s 30th year in the burlesque industry. In June 2008, as Goodtime Mama Jojo, she performed at the “Legends” night for the Burlesque Hall of Fame’s 52nd Annual Reunion Showcase in Las Vegas. There, she was celebrated as a “Burlesque Legend”. Jo is the first British performer to ever be awarded this recognition.
The keys to the success of the London Academy of Burlesque are Jo’s incomparable passion for her work, her infectious enthusiasm for life and her unique ability to convey that being female truly is fabulous!
