I took the interview with my dancing queen, Jess Bennett. The professional soloist dancer, performer and movement coach living in Paris. I am absolutely amazed by her style and I am very lucky, that I could be a part of one of her dance class in Prague. I also saw her dancing in the world famous cabaret show Crazy Horse Paris. Actually she is a soloist dancer at Crazy Horse Paris, teach cabaret dance, yoga and barre fitness to people across the world, in-person & online, with the aim to leave you feeling confident and glowing. I was courious about some tips and tricks from this beautiful sexy women. 

Jess, when I look at girls on the streets in the Czech Republic, I don’t see satisfied and self-confident girls. No crazy hair, own fashion style, no authenticity. Many of them want to look the same, big trend is to have the same size of lips, same clothes,….I don’t see any chic personal style in our czech streets. When I first met you in Prague, I was absolutely amazed by your energy. You looked so good! You were conscious. Not conceited, but satisfied with yourself. What helps you to feel good in your own skin? 

Firstly, thank you for your kind words. I just remind myself that what makes me special and unique is just being myself and keeping all my goofiness kinda. Like not trying to be cool and just accept how you are and just go with it because that something different in you is what makes you so attractive to others.

When I dance, I imagine, I dance in some cabaret:) I love my body, love my curves, love to be a women  and at this moment I feel I have some superpower I can manage anything. I don´t dance to attract any attention, I do it just for these feelings. Do you think, it is possible, that just an hour on the dance floor can support your mental well-being and support your feminity? 

Absolutely! Any dance for any amount of time is like therapy, even if it’s just at home in your room! For me it keeps me sane, it makes me happy, it has allowed me to meet amazing people, I owe my life to dance and would recommend it to anyone. Even in a one hour class you lose yourself, you find joy, you feel good, you smile, you sweat, you meet people…it’s the best investment you can make.

What do you teach girls in your dance classes?

I teach many things…posture, technique, choreo, acting, stage presence and charisma, attitude…and much more!

Jess Bennett in her cabaret class

Do you have some really practical tips, how to prepare good private strip dance show at home?  Which room? What  do not to forget for the right atmosphere?

I don’t really do private strip shows at home (my boyfriend is so upset haha) but if I had to suggest something i would say to have good lighting, soft, warm lighting, to dress how you want to dress, not how the other person wants you to dress, and just be your natural self. Don’t try too hard to do sexy faces or anything, just smile, breathe and move slowly.

I love to create from my own sensuality. When I dance this way, I do not feel I am bitch. I just feel good in my skin. I celebrate my body and my own women power. Dancing before my lover at home…that is only way how to have some hot and spicy time together. How to work with personal shame? What helps to reduce it, when you want to try it  at home and you are afraid?  

I say, if you don’t want to do it at home, if it feels wrong for you then don’t do it. It has to feel right for you because if not it will feel and look so awkward. If you want to do it but you are scared then it’s a good idea to go to a dance class (any style) and try to learn how to move your body better and feel more comfortable in your own skin. Acting classes can also be really helpful with this. At the end of the day it has to feel right in your body and if it doesn’t, don’t be afraid to either say no or to train your body (and mind) to be able to do this. Everything can be achieved with practice. 

 Do you have some favourite music? Tips for some songs with the right beat?

I literally listen to so many different styles of music. At the moment i am obsessed with the Wicked film soundtrack, I have it on 24/7. For my classes I prefer something dynamic if we’re working on posture and posing but something more sexy if we’re working on fluidity and sensuality. I love the track Last Night in Los Feliz by Niaa.

Jess, will you teach in Prague again? I hope you say yes!

I hope so but I haven’t got any dates fixed yet!

Let´s have a look at instagram, where you can see many Jess work or check her on-line programme Dance & Sculp by Body By Anouk.