Back with a bang - Burlesque group bringing latest over-18s-only show to the Telford stage

JazKit Burlesque put on their debut performance, 'Dangerous Women – A Burlesque Showcase, with a sell-out show earlier this year.

Now the troupe are back at the Belfrey Theatre in Wellington on Friday, December 13.

Their latest show adds the special guests BellaTrix Burlesque and Stamina Pole Fitness, and begins at 7pm, with the doors opening at 6.30pm for the audience to grab a welcome drink - included in the £10 ticket price.

The group celebrated its first birthday in September and co-founder, Kitty Walkden, said it has steadily grown its presence in the arts community.

Kitty and her co-founder Jasmin Bennett have hosted a wealth of workshops since the group opened, including fully-seated workshops and props classes, to welcome dancers of all ages and abilities to the studio.

They have also been guest instructors - most recently, for Halloween Pole-esque at Stamina Studio, Bridgnorth, and introduced party packages for private groups.

Kitty said the group's focus on "empowerment and self-love", means they offer their dancers a place to "reclaim their confidence and move their bodies".

The classes are open to all abilities, with routines tailored to include everyone.

She said many of their dancers came with no experience or confidence, adding: "And they now own the stage when they’re on it!"

Blu, one of the group's dancers, said: "You don’t need to be a professional dancer for burlesque. You could have one per cent confidence and the other 99 per cent is made up of love and support from JazKit for as long as it takes, until you’re at 100 per cent all on your own.”

Kim, another group member, added: "Joining JazKit, for me, was never about dancing for other people - even though that can be really fun, but it is about having a safe place to express myself. Kitty and Jaz hold space for women to feel into who they want to be without judgement.”

For information look for JazKit Burlesque on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Tickets for A Burlesque Slay Ride are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/jazkitburlesque