Thanking Your Audience

I love the rituals of dance.  One of the important rituals that is forgotten too often in burlesque is the bow.  Too many performers run offstage at the end of their numbers without acknowledging the audience and saying "that's all folks" with a bow or final tableau.  There's a wonderful article on the history of the bow and the tradition as a gesture of gratitude here.  (Even though Dance Spirit Magazine is directed at an audience of preteen to college age dancers, every month has some wonderful tidbit or other.)

Bows are important.  You can bow as yourself or as your character, all depending on how the piece ends.  If a bow doesn't seem to fit your number, hold a final tableau past the end of the song while the audience applauds wildly.  If there is a curtain call at the end of the show, take the time you're given to express your gratitude to the audience by bowing.  It's part of the ritual. :)