* UPDATE 16th June 2011 *
Please be aware that I will be leaving the UK later this year but the London Academy of Burlesque WILL CONTINUE to operate under my supervision. We have many wonderful teachers (all who have been trained by me) who will continue teaching our superb London Academy of Burlesque classes.
Please be assured that I will return from time to time to hold exclusive private classes, seminars and workshops.
When I, Jo King aka Goodtime Mama Jojo formed the London Academy of Burlesque, it was the very first school of its kind in Europe. My ethos was to help all women to feel fabulous about themselves, regardless of age, shape or dancing ability. I am the only British burlesque performer and teacher with over 30 years experience in this exciting and provocative art-form. I have taught more than 10,000 women, helping many of them to gain invaluable confidence along with the joy of liberating their inner showgirls.
My varied and exciting career in the fascinating world of performance art began in London’s cabaret clubs in the 1970s as a burlesque striptease artist. I have 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.
Also a highly renowned and respected burlesque choreographer, Jo choreographed international showgirl Immodesty Blaize’s original, highly acclaimed, reverse striptease act.
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 the UK’s most popular burlesquers including; The Folly Mixtures, Audacity Chutzpah, Luna Rosa, Siren Stiletto, Frivolitease, Agent Lynch, Lil’ Miss Chievous, Sophia St. Villier, Rosy Cheeks, Trixee Sparkle, Crimson Skye, Bettie Bottom Dollar, Emerald Fontaine, Miss Rose Thorne, Domino Burlesk, Ginger Blush, Cherry Shakewell, Honey Lulu, Miss Polly Rae, The Teasemaids 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!
If you’ve been interested enough to read all of the above; here is your reward…
IMPORTANT PARTY NOTICE! The Foxy Lady workshop on 30th July will be Jo King’s last London based, public class for 2011. There will be a fab farewell party afterwards for all student’s who wish to come and wish her luck with a shimmy, a smile and champagne ! Details tbc.
