The Hour

When you think of burlesque, few people would immediately think of Glasgow. However, the city plays host to the largest burlesque club in the world, Club Noir, and the five thirty show’s Vicky Lee went along to try her hand at the raunchy dance.

To help Vicky through the steps and provide more information on the club is the woman behind it all, Tina Warren.

Tina’s Club Noir has been going strong for five years, but admits there is a certain amount of disbelief when it comes to the biggest burlesque club in the world.

“A lot of people don’t believe us when we say that. They say it can’t possibly be the case when you’re in Glasgow, but it is,” said the hostess.

The club nights don’t just take place in Glasgow, however. The travelling show has visited Edinburgh and had a launch night in London. Warren was especially thrilled about the London launch last November: “We had Helena Bonham Carter and Vanessa Paradis come along, so that was quite exciting.”

The Valentine’s Night celebrations at Club Noir will be attended by 2000 people, their age ranging from 18 to 60 with many travelling from all over the UK and Ireland, with some people travelling from as far away as Norway.

The international crowd will be pleased to know that Vicky will be given training in order to perform in front of them on the special night.

After the run through of costumes (minus corset for the practice), walks, teases and wiggles Vicky looks forward to the big night.

“So I’ve got the basic tools, it’s just practice I need now before Saturday night. Will I hold my nerve? I hope so,” said the new burlesque dancer of Club Noir.