<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Building confidence through dance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Harley Harpurr grew up in Yucca Valley near Joshua Tree, California. At the time, there wasn’t much happening in the area. “What we did most of the time was go to Walmart and hang out,” said Harley. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“As a kid growing up in the desert, I would say I was a little more shy than I am now.” With her mom’s support of creativity, she was looking for a creative outlet. “I always loved dancing, but I just didn’t really understand counts or anything like that. I then auditioned for the high school dance team when I was a freshman.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That leap into dance marked the start of something much bigger. What began as an activity soon became a lifeline for self-expression. \u201cAs I started getting more involved with dance, I realized how important it was for me,\u201d Harley explains. \u201cI realized that my whole life had been shy, and I didn\u2019t really use my voice. I really didn\u2019t take up space.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dance became a way to reconnect with herself and build confidence. \u201c…dancing really helped me get into my body and just come to love myself and be confident in myself in ways I never thought possible,\u201d she said. And just when that confidence started to take shape, a new inspiration entered the scene. \u201cBut then I watched the movie Burlesque<\/em>, and I was so inspired by it that I started to look online for burlesque troupes in Los Angeles.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Finding freedom in burlesque<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A moment of inspiration turned into a full-fledged passion as Harley stepped into the world of burlesque. \u201cWhen I perform burlesque, I feel this sense of freedom. My spirit is free. I can do whatever the hell I want,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On stage, Harley embraces transformation. \u201cI can play any persona, any character,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s not me. It is me, but it\u2019s not.\u201d That balance \u2014 between character and self \u2014 is what makes burlesque so magnetic, both for the performer and the audience. \u201cThe audience loves it. They love to see when other people are feeling confident and beautiful in their own skin.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But behind the glitter and glamour, Harley\u2019s journey carries a deeper emotional weight. \u201cAt the time when I was discovering myself through the art of burlesque, I was going through a really difficult time,\u201d she shares. \u201cMy mom passed away. She passed away from multiple myeloma\u2026 and it was one of the hardest things I ever went through in my life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the midst of that grief, something powerful emerged: a renewed sense of purpose and permission to fully embrace who she is. \u201cBut at the same time, it gave me freedom to be me and to do whatever I wanted to do in my life,\u201d Harley says. \u201cI am just so grateful that she taught me that. And that I\u2019m here today doing what I love.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n