Heart of Ireland Burlesque Festival 22.-23.9.2023
Week ago I got home from Ireland and Heart of Ireland Burlesque Festival in Athlone. My second international appearance and first ever live competition.
Chosen routine was Swansong and as we all know, it's not typical burlesque act. So, before this trip my mind was trying to do all sorts of tricks, and there were times when "shitradio" inside my head was shouting out loud. It took hell of a lot of mind control to make myself to believe that I can do this. It also helped me to know, that I would have gotten to another international festival with the same number.
HoIBF producer Memphis Shell created a message group for the performers and care and love were transmitted from herself through messages. It meant a lot to me.
And so I spent hours rehearsing, not just with veil, but my face and feelings as well. I prepped myself in every possible way, and on Thursday 21st of September my bags were packed and I was ready to go!
On Friday 22nd we took an early morning flight and landed on time. However it took forever to get the checked bags and therefor we (my hubby and I) missed our bus to Athlone. We had to decide whether to wait for next bus 2,5 hours or take a train via Dublin. We chose a little detour by train, and arrived to Athlone safe and sound. Little walk to Riverdale House B&B just to find out that we were too early and couldn't check-in. Owners were really kind and let us leave our bags on premises, and we headed for some city exploring.
Later on a little rest, warm shower, lovely dinner at Indian Cuisine and off to Dark Horse Bar to see Friday night's Sionnan Sprit Awards and opening show of the festival. It was nice to see the venue and meet some of the fellow performers.
Saturday dawned sunny and beautiful, we had a lovely breakfast and nice morning walk by the canal. Then I was off to Margo Mayhem's workshop and to the venue for tech. Feeling and atmosphere in backstage was warm and chatty. And believe it or not but I was chatty too!! This little "I-don't- know-how-to-speek-strangers" character was actually chatting. It didn't feel a bit like there would be a competition starting soon. Everyone were so nice and caring, we were well taken care off and things run smoothly. I was surprised how calm I was, but I guess all my self-psyching has done its job.
My performance went well, I don't think I could have done anything any better. At one point veil slipped through my fingers but I managed to save that situation. Like said, my act was totally different from others and I knew that it needs a miracle to win the game. That miracle didn't happen, but I got so many lovely comments from audience and other performers that to me it is a win situation. Once again I was able to touch someone's heart or soul <3
I saw incredible talented performers and got to know them. The whole festival was pure gold and I hope to see it continue so that others to come can experience what I did. Ireland is a country full of extremely warm hearted people and that alone is a good reason to travel there.
On Sunday it was time to say bye-bye to Athlone and head over to Dublin for some serious touristic action. After Athlone it all felt too noisy and crowded but mission completed. Monday was all about travelling and trying to descend into everyday life.
Summa summarum: Heart of Ireland Burlesque Festival was all worth it!
PS.
I just received my scores and comments from judges and I'm happy. Just. So. Incredible. Happy! Thank you for lovely words but also for pointing out some things to work with or take into consideration <3