WOMEN who want to tease and tantalise but can't tell their feather boas from their feather dusters are being invited to sign up for lessons in burlesque dancing.

Paddock Wood resident Laura Lawton has just started what she claims is Kent's only course that shows women how to perform the increasingly popular form of spicy dance – which she says can boost a woman's sex life.

By the end of the eight-week course, members will know how to remove their clothes in a teasing manner, beginning with their gloves, followed by shoes, stockings, suspender belts and corsets.

But despite its risqué reputation, burlesque is not sleazy, said Mrs Lawton, who added that course members will strip down only to their vest tops and shorts.

"There will be no nudity in class – though, of course, the women can do what they like at home for their husbands," said Mrs Lawton.

"I truly believe it can boost their sex life.

"Lots of people who don't understand burlesque think it's all about stripping," she said.

"But my approach is to teach women how to move elegantly, to be glamorous and to discover their own sensuality."

The women on the twice-weekly beginners' classes – held at the Grey Lady on The Pantiles and Beacon in Rusthall – vary in age from 20 to 64 and include teachers, retirees and housewives.

They learn how to sit beautifully, stand elegantly and to dance with feather boas (supplied) and to use nipple tassels (not supplied), said Mrs Lawton.

Burlesque began in the 1840s as a music hall satire on upper-class habits, but gradually changed into the erotic form of teasing made famous by the likes of Gypsy Rose Lee and today's Dita Von Teese.

Mrs Lawton, 34, a married recruitment software saleswoman, from Hunters Chase, said it also helps fitness.

"By learning how to sit and stand properly you certainly work your thighs," she said.

Find out more at www.foxyburlesque.co.uk