Hayley Matthews: Why I adore Dita Von Teese

I recently heard the news that Dita Von Teese, who I absolutely adore, is coming to the Playhouse in October. Ever since I discovered Marilyn Manson, I've been a fan of his ex-wife.

Dita Von Teese and friends

She is the absolute picture of femininity and has admitted to never wearing leggings or a tracksuit. I hang my head in shame as I sit typing this in leggings wishing I could walk in sequined platform heels and get away with it.

But that’s the thing about burlesque, everyone can. It’s about feeling good as a woman which is why do I love it. The women ooze glamour, confidence, style and it’s good old-fashioned entertainment. What’s not to like?

I’m gutted that I won’t be able to go and see Dita in October, so I’ve started looking for my fix of burlesque elsewhere. The scene is growing in Scotland with festivals popping up everywhere so I was delighted to hear about the Scottish International Burlesque Festival on 9 June at the Voodoo Rooms.

I’ve also been hearing about Brandy Montmartre, who is big on body positivity and is clearly a Dita Von Teese in the making. The body positivity is something that’s important to me as I look around and see young girls clad in highlighter and make-up, desperate to exude an air of confidence.

That’s what we’re all trying to achieve, every day, just confidence. So I’m going to be following Brandy’s appearance at this year’s Fringe in Best of Burlesque at Assembly George Square Garden because confidence is her forte. I’ll get my fix of sequins and nipple tassles and I can’t see Mr Hayley complaining about being invited along.