photo by Jason Standeger<\/p>\n

How we see the world shapes who we choose to be \u2014 and sharing compelling experiences can frame the way we treat each other, for the better. This is a powerful perspective.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The spotlight is bright in my eyes as I mischievously grin out at the crowd of unrecognizable faces in the audience. As I begin to slip an arm out of my cardigan, they go wild with screams and clapping.<\/p>\n

And in that moment I am healed.<\/p>\n

When one thinks of various healing modalities, burlesque doesn\u2019t likely make the list. But since I began performing nearly eight years ago, burlesque has been one of the most transformative influences on my life. It helped me overcome my history of disordered eating, gain a new love for my body, and grapple with the ups and downs of my physical disability.<\/p>\n