Discover Dance, Digging Deeper: Belle Jumelles

Associate Artist, Neena Jayarajan has written about her experience of the November 2022 edition of Discover Dance, with special guest Belle Jumelles.

Neena’s experience

“Thank you for showing me how to love myself” said the sign on the screen.  Belle Jumelles started her presentation with a film, and reading those words onscreen connected deeply to unknown parts of my past, present and future.   

As the host I had the pleasure of experiencing her presentation 3 times.  I spent a lot of lovely hours speaking with Belle about who she is, who she was and who she hopes to be, as a beautifully curvy artist in this industry and felt deeply impacted by her messaging around body positivity, self-confidence, and the art of choosing to reveal parts of yourself layer by layer in the “art of the tease”.  She dispelled preconceived notions around what burlesque is, around who can and cannot perform it, and how she uses her art to empower women of all ages to be confident in their skin.  I felt the direct impact of Belle’s values as I  felt like I didn’t need to judge myself, my body or what I was doing because Belle took us through a step-by-step workshop component focusing on how to let your story lead your body.  Hearing about her work in schools, with students of varying age, ability and experience left me feeling deeply inspired by her infectious energy and positivity.   

In January of 2023, Nova Dance performed at a burlesque show!  It was my first time in that kind of environment and I was inspired by the words and lessons we received from Belle. Feeling comfortable in our own skin, thinking through the intentions of “reveals” and using the power of the reveal to embody performance magic. 

I hope to continue to see Belle’s image and message across big screens and billboards across the nation, because we all need a little Belle Jumelles in our lives to remind us who we really need to be.   

“Thank you for showing me how to love myself” 

“ She dispelled preconceived notions around what burlesque is, around who can and cannot perform it...”

“Belle was the second burlesque artist we presented at Discover Dance and the first to a live audience.  We had several conversations about the need for a content advisory and what words like “mature themes” or “adult content” really mean in the context of an artist whose message of body-positivity is absolutely “all-ages”.  In the end we went with “mature content” but I have to say, watching the older adults of Baycrest@home giggling gleefully while seductively pulling off dishwashing gloves and oven mitts did not bring the word “mature” to mind!” 

- Nova Bhattacharya