Today we’d like to introduce you to Adora Opens.
Hi Adora, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My Burlesque journey started back in 2016 when I was living in Hawaii. One class and I was hooked! Moving back to the Tri-Cities, TN I knew I wanted to continue this art form, so in 2021 I started teaching classes. My first show was planned for September 2022 and I haven’t looked back since!
I opened my studio, Adoration Studio, LLC, in 2023 and founded my Burlesque troupe, Black Shawl Cabaret in the same year. I love teaching and sharing this performance style with anyone who is interested, so I created a community space where folx could feel safe to explore the art of the tease. The troupe is a collective of my former students & some incredible humans who come together to maintain this sacred space that we are now trying so hard to protect.
Burlesque has given me so much more than just a fun outlet to express myself, it has brought me deep healing and a sense of belonging that I wasn’t expecting. I have battled with body dysmorphia and low self-confidence/esteem my whole life, that is until I found Burlesque. Don’t get me wrong, those things are still a struggle BUT now I have tools to combat the negative self talk when it comes creeping in.
I always say, get out of your head and into your body, before a show. That line helps me thrive, I am able to put aside all the “what if” thoughts, doubts and insecurities and just be me. My ambition is to instill that into others whether they take a class at my studio, perform on my stage or even attend a show.
If you get the chance to truly witness someone celebrate themselves with pure abandon, then that ripples out, allowing you to joyfully share that experience. Giving you the viewer permission to have that for yourself as well, however you chose to celebrate you.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The Rhinestoned road is rarely a smooth one. We are all our own worst critic and in this line of work, I’d argue to say it’s magnified.
Getting up on stage is vulnerable and scary, even with all the nylon, costumes & exaggerated hair & makeup. To the performer, it still feels as if our audiences are seeing, “the real me”. So the first road block you must overcome is the one between your ears. Especially when clothes are coming off, in any capacity.
For myself, as a woman who is not the ideal size, shape & age to be worthy of the masses approval, it’s even more important for me to continue making art with my body. Being conditioned and programmed that women are not valued if they don’t meet the beauty standards, is patriarchal bullshit at it’s finest. I am here, standing along side all my peers, mentors, Icons and Legends in Burlesque to dismantle the system and to celebrate all bodies in their beauty and power.
This foundation that I’m building has it’s challenges in the outside world too. I have received many “No’s” in my short 8 year career. Venues not wanting their names connected to an “event like ours” and not wanting to lose business from more conservative community members. Being told, “we don’t want your kind of entertainment here”, has been a struggle.
However, I am and have always been a glass half full kinda gal, and while some snub their nose at us others welcome us with open arms. We have been fortunate to have venues excited to host our shows and welcome our tax paying patrons with smiles and hospitality.
Another area of struggle I am currently facing is proper funding. Producing a show is no small feat and sometimes just selling tickets isn’t enough. Even still, selling the tickets themselves isn’t always easy. We have people at every show tell us, “We didn’t know this was here”, “We loved the show, when is the next one?”, “How do I get more info…” to turn around and only sell 12 tickets to the next show.
I have noticed in a big was the censorship of meta has deeply effected our reach and physical flying can only do so much. As a troupe we are trying to be proactive in our marketing, adapting new ways of reaching people, all while volunteering our time and efforts.
That is one thing about what we do, there is so much that goes on behind the scenes that is thankless, unpaid and undervalued .
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Burlesque performer, producer & educator based in NE Tennessee. Specializing in the Art of the Tease and known for cultivating connection. I truly love to facilitate spaces and share my art with others, by teaching, collaborating and performing.
I am truly grateful for the opportunities I have been given, to have met so many amazing humans through Burlesque, and to continue to meet those who share the ideals that ALL bodies can be celebrated, adored & enjoyed.
Through my personal performances to my professional work with BurlyCon, the World’s only Burlesque Educational & Social Convention, I aim to spread this message and resistance to my tiny bubble and hopefully the world.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned on my journey as a Burlesque performer is, community is the key to everything. Knowing there is a space where I feel valued and seen and in turn, giving that to others. Having a space where it’s safe to just be yourself, is essential. Having hard conversations in love is necessary for growth and being able to hold those around you accountable, allowing room for that growth that isn’t always pretty. Finally, being able to celebrate and have joy in a world that feels so uncertain and unsafe is a treasure that I hold close to my heart and cherish deeply.
Pricing:
- Private Sessions $50/hr (in-person or virtual)
- Typical show tickets range from $18-$40
- Specialty Workshops with Guest Instructors range from $60-$150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://adoraopens.mailchimpsites.com
- Instagram: @adora_opens, @adoration_studio, @blackshawlcabaret
- Facebook: Adora Opens, Adoration Studio
