Meet Gina Stirling: Burlesque Artist & Teacher

We were so excited to sit down with the powerhouse performer, Gina Stirling and discuss what's in her bag of tips and tricks for success.

Gina is a Melbourne / Naarm-based burlesque performer, dance teacher, model and powerful role model who boasts a bold and emphatic online presence with generosity and kindness that oozes from every pore. We can't wait for you to meet Gina…

Tell us about yourself and how you ended up on the stages you grace today:

I've performed internationally in burlesque, cabaret and musical theatre for over two decades and am a full-time burlesque artist.

In addition to performing, I am a freelance life model and a dance teacher at two leading schools in Melbourne. I am incredibly passionate about body confidence, sexual empowerment, compersion and seeing my students flourish through dance.

Putting the 'G' in 'G Spot' and revealing myself as a radical, queer, self-loving act is integral to my art. I hope to continue alluring audiences into my world of pleasure and help others feel empowered and confident in their bodies.

Photographer: She's On A Roll

What does a “normal” day look like for someone with such a non-traditional job?

I always start my day with a refreshing shower and prepare by putting on my makeup. I feel energized and ready for the day when my eyeliner is done.

I then take my furry friend for a little walk, and I love watching him run around and having that special connective moment. Afterwards, I grab a coffee at my favourite local cafe or make one at home.

Strong coffee is as essential as solid eyeliner!

Next, I start my burlesque work. Since I work from home, it's a mixture of administrative work, marketing, costume making, or choreographing tasks in my home studio. I enjoy working on my projects and feel fulfilled doing what I love. I either have a gig or spend time with my loved ones in the evening.

Being a burlesque performer, dancer, and teacher IS a non-traditional job, but it's what I'm passionate about. I love expressing myself through my art and empowering others to feel confident and comfortable in their bodies. It's truly fulfilling to see my students flourish through dance and to be a part of their journey.

You're a person who inspired many with your art, but who do you look to for inspiration and motivation?

I'm constantly inspired by the women around me within my Burlesque community. They continue to show up as themselves every day fiercely; they are bold, motivated, hustlers and caring humans.

I feel blessed to be a part of such an inclusive community that lifts each other and shows endless support and diversity.

I'm fortunate to teach at two dance schools in Melbourne. Both have incredible teams with which I have made some close friends. I confide in my dear friend Evana De Lune for most things and my loved ones outside the industry to soundboard off.

I enjoy hearing different perspectives as much as possible, but ultimately I listen to my intuition for final decision-making.

What is the most challenging career hurdle you've had to face?

Coming out as a Queer woman in my early thirties has been the most challenging thing I have faced over the last couple of years.

I have had to grieve a part of myself that I thought and have been told I was and step into a new way of living. Although there is grief over time lost, I am so excited and feel blessed to have many years a head of me to explore this (until recently) suppressed part of myself in a safe environment that exists in the Melbourne queer community and in the performances I create.

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A post shared by Gina Stirling ⚡︎ Artist ⚡︎ Burlesque (@theginastirling)

Gina slaying it upon the rainbow streets of Fitzroy, Melbourne.

What pieces of advice would you take with you in your bag everyday?

The best career advice I've been given and carry with me all the time is always to stay humble and professional. Kindness is memorable and goes a long way.

My top tips to carry for success as an artist are:

• Connect with your community
• Learn the history of your art
• Constantly learn and push yourself to grow
• Be kind and humble
• Know your worth as an artist

What can we look forward to from Gina Stirling?

Among my career highlights was being voted into 21st Century Burlesques' Top 50 Most Influential Burlesque Figures’ in 2021 worldwide and headlining Perth International Burlesque Festival in 2022.

Plus, in 2022, I was able to leap into being a full-time self-supported artist.

My life goal was to become a full-time freelance artist. Now that I have achieved that, anything from here on is an exciting surprise. I want to continue to travel with my work and perform on as many stages as possible worldwide. I want to continue to grow as an artist, both in skill and as a businessperson.

It would be remiss of us not to ask you about your relationship with your She Lion bag.

Having my She lion Laptop Sleeve makes me feel AMAZING; I feel glamorous when I reach for it to go to a meeting or walk around. I can effortlessly carry everything I need for work, including my laptop, Bluetooth mouse, mobile phone, lip gloss and pocket mirror (all essentials!).

I couldn't recommend this bag enough.

Gina performs all around Australia (and overseas in 2023) and hosts the most incredible workshops. You can find out if she's hosting a workshop in your location at theginastirling.com.

Be sure to follow her on Instagram, and if you want a Gina-esque laptop sleeve of your own, you can treat yourself to a cheeky 20% discount with the code THEGSPOT20.

Thank you for sharing your remarkable insights with us, Gina!

Header Image Photographer: Femme Fatale