“Sexy” isn’t limited by age or shape. It isn’t trumped by motherhood or faded by time.

The women of Red Hot and Ladylike are hip-swinging proof of that.

Founded and taught by local dance instructor Melissa Cloutier (Miss E to her saucy students), Red Hot and Ladylike is a class for the complete novice that teaches the flirty art form of classic burlesque.

And while 20-somethings in southern Maine are slipping into stiletto boots and shimmying across the stage, so are 30-somethings, 40-somethings and 50-somethings.

Life experience and dress size aside, these women have something important in common: bringing sexy back.

Cloutier says her classes show women they all are sexy, regardless of weight or size.

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“They all feel good. They all feel sexy.”

And they all want to show off what they’ve learned about burlesque and themselves.

On Saturday, many of the women from Cloutier’s multiple classes will take the stage for a night of public performance during “Red Hot and Ladylike – the Show” at Port City Music Hall in Portland.

While the event is an extension of the burlesque classes, this isn’t your typical dance recital.

The adults-only evening features half a dozen performances from Cloutier’s students as well as other area groups, including sexy social commentary from Portland-based duo Atomic Trash.

In addition to the dancing, comedian Stephen Cloutier brings some funny and stylist Will Johnson showcases apparel for going out or staying in during the night’s fashion show.

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Local vendors also will be on hand, including Brittany Rae Photography for pin-up portraits and Lipgloss for cosmetics.

After the show, inspired attendees can do some dancing of their own until midnight alongside music from DJ Thunder.

“It’s something men and women can go to that’s sexy and sultry, but leaving it up to the imagination,” said Cloutier.

There’s no nudity in class or on the show’s stage.

What there will be is plenty of fishnets, bustiers and “I’ve still got it” confidence.

Staff Writer Shannon Bryan can be contacted at 822-4056 or at:

sbryan@mainetoday.com


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