I started dancing with BCD just over a year ago, and I honestly had no idea when I walked into that first class just how much it was going to change my life.

I've always had a love of dance. When I was younger I did Morris dancing, and I've also danced Ballroom and Latin. But BCD was something completely different — it challenged me, pushed me outside my comfort zone and introduced me to a whole new side of dancing, allowing my alter ego to come out and play in a safe, supportive and empowering environment.

By day, I'm a university lecturer, but when those students have gone home, Vonnie Vex, the Burlesque dancer, comes out to play! 💋

BCD gave me a space where I could be playful, cheeky, sensual and confident without worrying about what anyone else thought. It allowed me to discover a side of myself that had been hiding for a very long time — and I absolutely love her!

When I first started BCD, I was nervous. I wasn't sure whether I'd be able to keep up, whether I'd feel comfortable doing the more sensual moves, or whether I would have the confidence to really let go and embrace it.

But BCD makes everything so accessible. The moves are broken down, there are always alternative options and, most importantly, there is so much encouragement and support.

Before long, I stopped worrying about whether I could do it and started simply enjoying myself.

Over the last year I have lost 4½ stone, but that's only part of my story.

The biggest transformation has been my confidence.

BCD taught me to love my body again.

Not a future version of my body.

Not a smaller version.

This body.

I learned to embrace my curves, be playful, be sexy and stop apologising for taking up space. And somewhere along the way, I realised that Vonnie Vex wasn't just an alter ego — she was a part of me that I'd finally given permission to come out and play. 💋

And apparently 50 was only the beginning!

One of the reasons I wanted to become a BCD instructor was because I wanted to give other women what BCD gave me — confidence.

One of my favourite things about being an instructor is watching someone walk through the door looking nervous or unsure of themselves, and then seeing their confidence grow.

Maybe it's the first time they nail a move. Maybe it's the first time they dare to wear something they wouldn't normally wear. Or maybe it's simply the moment they realise they're actually having an amazing time.

That transformation is magical.

I also love the sense of family that comes with BCD. It's not about being the best dancer in the room. It's about cheering each other on, laughing together, learning together and creating a space where women can feel comfortable being themselves.

My own BCD journey has taught me that you don't have to wait until you're thinner, fitter or more confident to start enjoying yourself.

You can start exactly where you are.

At 49, I walked into my first BCD class.

At 50, I've lost 4½ stone, found a confidence I didn't know I had and became a Burlesque Chair Dance instructor.

So if you're sitting there thinking, “I'm not sure I could do that…”

I get it. I was you.

Come and give it a go.

Let's release your inner siren, have a little fun and discover just how fabulous you already are. 💋🔥