This year has been a highlight of my life in many ways: completing the transition I began three years ago, being able to do nude shoots for the first time in my life without feeling horribly self-conscious, and taking up burlesque dancing. The latter has been more transformative than I ever imagined when I first signed up for classes in January, and has massively improved both my self-confidence and my social life. Lately I've even crossed the threshold of performing solo, and the sheer sense of affirmation - of being cheered and celebrated for expressing myself so openly - was just the most uplifting experience.
I'm turning 40 next year, which may seem a curious age to be getting into dancing and resuming modelling (I did once do male modelling, but it was not a very satisfactory experience), but I've honestly never felt stronger. In any case, my near four decades have not done squat to get me a "proper" career, so I have to fill the time somehow. ;)
Some footage of my first solo. The stage curtain didn't quite behave itself, but can't complain about the supportive audience ...
