In answer to your first question - Yes. I am a lady of a certain age who is held together by HRT and the occasional Tena Lady.

I have been participating in pole fitness for over a decade which has brought me much joy and bruising. I have been a proud participant of a pole competition for plus size ladies and achieved second place in Classique Amateur.

Another favourite hobby of mine is to frequent Karaoke - at which I sing whilst stone-cold-sober, a super-power if I say so myself.

I have needed to find something a little less hardcore and found that chair work and Burlesque are much easier on the joints. Floorwork, no problem, nowhere further to fall. I have, can and will run burlesque and chair dance classes and workshops.

Earlier this year I finally popped my Burlesque performer cherry, in Soho no less!

On my well-being and fitness journey I have been mentored by some amazing women and at least one gay male pole instructor and though I am not a model of health and fitness I am a great believer in the liberation which comes with dancing around in your underwear.

I also believe I have been able to support and empower a few others in my turn.

This is in-part how 'I Can Cabaret' has been conceived. I found I wanted to be able to take my love of dance and signing to perform, but found opportunities for new acts are limited. London, Brighton and Hastings have a great scene - Maidstone, not so much!

I feel it important to share that supporting the LGBQTIA community has personal relevance to me. I am white, straight and been married for over 25 years I consider myself a strong ally. My eldest child is non-binary and engaged to a wonderful young lady. I don't want them to feel anything but loved.

So, that's a bit about me....

Perhaps we will meet? Be warned, I am a hugger x

Perrie-Maine O'Pauze