Episode 1: Jessabelle Thunder – Beyond the Glitter, Into the Truth of Burlesque

Glitter doesn’t tell the whole story.

In this very first episode of Behind Burlesque with Isabella Bliss, I sit down with Jessabelle Thunder — Miss Exotic World, Reigning Queen of Burlesque — to trace a path from a hesitant first class to global stages. Together we uncover the craft, courage, and community that make burlesque so much more than feathers and fishnets.

Jessabelle shares the truth behind the crown: why she never chased titles, how she learned audience connection as a deliberate skill, and what it really means to break the fourth wall and turn a room into a living conversation. Along the way, we talk perfectionism, resilience when the music cuts, and the art of delivering your best performance for this audience, today.

But this conversation also pulls apart the stereotypes. We dig into the good stuff:
✨ How burlesque negotiates with censorship.
✨ Why tassels are a historical hack.
✨ The way styles shift across the Atlantic — from LA’s gritty floorwork to the UK’s theatre-rooted satire.
✨ Why authenticity matters more than fitting into boxes — from choosing music that truly moves you to creating acts that honour your body and your story.

Jessabelle makes the case for representation as a source of power. When the lineup reflects real people — Black, queer, fat, disabled, trans — audiences don’t just clap; they feel seen. That recognition can be life-changing, even if you never step onstage yourself.

If you’re curious about burlesque, Jessabelle’s advice is simple: start small and bold at the same time. Go to more shows. Try a class. Let judgment give way to curiosity. Live performance is a practice of presence, and it has a way of softening self-talk, strengthening confidence, and reconnecting us to one another.

This is the perfect place to begin your journey behind burlesque. Whether you’re a seasoned fan, an aspiring performer, or simply someone looking for inspiration to show up more fully in your own life, Jessabelle’s wisdom will resonate far beyond the stage.

🎙️ Hit play now for Episode 1.
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