Doing the dance of love

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This article was published 02/04/2025 (236 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Heather Witherden is passionate about expressing herself. The mother of three sons is a standup comedian who’s performed at numerous venues and events around town, including the Fringe Festival. She’s also channeled her passion for performance into doing comedy burlesque.

At 56, Witherden knows how to have fun on stage while also being sexy and entertaining. The energy she exudes is heartily received by audiences. Her commitment to her craft is so contagious, she’s managed to bring not only her friends but also her family into the local burlesque scene. Her brother regularly shows up to support her at events, her kids have helped with ideas, and her husband — a former military pilot — performed a piece with her earlier this year, much to the delight of those in attendance.

Witherden will be the MC of the Spring Fling Burlesque Fusion Cabaret: A Celebration of Love on April 6 at the Park Theatre, presented by M. Funk Dance Productions and Prairie Diva. The evening of glamour and charm will feature performances by Prairie Diva dance classes and a variety of other local artists, including classic burlesque performers, singers and aerial hoop performers.

“The joy is really prevalent,” Witherden said of the atmosphere at burlesque events. “It’s palpable, you’ve got all these people backstage. They’re all so nervous — there’s a real buzz that happens. It is fun. There’s a camaraderie, coming together to do something and make something. It’s quite welcoming.”

While traditional burlesque can sometimes include nudity, in the tradition of striptease, burlesque fusion takes some of the provocative elements but focuses more on the style of dance.

Witherden points out that burlesque is about many things.

“It is meant to be a series of reveals. It’s storytelling. Burlesque is also about satire, making fun of higher arts, a little twist of ‘in your face,’” said Witherden, who has hosted Prairie Diva shows for 10 years and taken classes with company owner and director, Meagan Funk.

“Part of the reason people enjoy the classes is the messages they’re getting. It’s a lot about owning your own. It is empowering in that way, how you feel about yourself — ‘You should look like x.’ Women, in particular, get a lot of that.

“You have this body; be proud of what it does. Enjoy yourself,” she said. “People are doing this from a strong sense of self. They’re owning what they’re doing. Moving your body, connecting with yourself through movement. It’s pretty powerful. You can really surprise yourself. I feel a lot more powerful in myself, when I’m so much a person that’s in my head. My spirit feels lighter,” Witherden said.

Funk said her company’s show will feature a scintillating mix of new and classic forms of dance and burlesque, teasing fans through the art of seduction while focusing on self-love and empowerment.

“A significant aspect of Prairie Diva’s mission is promoting self-love and fostering a secure environment for adults of all ages and sizes to embrace and feel confident in their own skin,” she said. “Many of the performances you will see are about loving yourself, which is one of the main reasons why we chose this theme.”

Funk appreciates the strong sense of community resulting from the classes and events.

“The camaraderie and sisterhood that my company embodies is so powerful, and it is so inspiring to see our students support and lift each other up,” she said. “It is gratifying to witness our students grow their confidence both as dancers and as individuals.

“Often, we encounter students who have never performed on stage or participated in a dance class before. It is exceptionally rewarding to observe them venture beyond their comfort zones and truly embrace who they are,” she continued. “The connection between the performers and the audience is an extraordinary and captivating experience. We can’t wait until showtime.”

Doors for the April 6 show open at 6 p.m., showtime is 7. Tickets can purchased at ticketweb.ca