Behind the Sparkle: Studio 54 and the Burlesque Disco Ball
Studio 54 is my most booked act - a high-energy burlesque performance dripping in disco inspired by the glitter and glamour of 1970s nightlife. As the UK’s original disco ball burlesque performer, I bring sparkle, sass, and a whole lot of funk to every stage. From mirrorball reveals to rhinestoned go-go boots, this act is pure feel-good magic which perfect for cabaret nights, immersive events, and Studio 54-themed parties.
So, what’s behind the sparkle? I’m glad you asked….
The Spark(le) of Inspiration
I adore the diversity of burlesque acts I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing in person and on social media, and I love how it gives platform to people from all walks of life. As a sex coach & yoga teacher by day, I appreciate that. I notice a theme of music in performances I’ve seen - audiences often don’t expect metal or more unconventional genres, what I would call ‘shouty’ music. What?! I’m a child of the 70s! I love cheese and disco and pop!
And therein lies my inspiration!!
As a 7-year-old child, my dad was a mobile DJ. While other kids had pass-the-parcel parties with jelly and ice cream, my older sister and I had birthday discos! The latest music, full lighting rig, and - you’ve guessed it - a spinning mirror disco ball in our front room. It was great, we had dance routines to display and everything!!
I digress….
Disco Burlesque with a Mission
I wanted an act that would invoke memories of happy times - dancing at family parties, getting dressed up for the school disco. I wanted energy that would move the audience, that would give them a smile and leave them feeling lifted and energised.
Think smiling! Moving! Dancing! Glitterball!
Fuck it, I wanted to BE the disco ball!
…aaaaand Studio 54 was reborn with me.
The Costume: Becoming the Disco Ball
I started on the costume as soon as I could, eagerly awaiting the supplies being delivered. And all my very best circle geometry came back into play as I tried to work out the circumference and then again to work out the exact measurements of the gores to make two hemispheres. Had this been exam time, I’d have failed - because in its first iteration, it ended up too small. It’s amazing what a difference 10cm can make when building a wearable burlesque costume!
And on the second try, I had success.
I installed flashing lights, covered it in mirrorball fabric because it needed to be lightweight, and I wanted it to look instantly recognisable for what it was. As lightweight as it was, I still had the issue of it being too heavy and keeping the two hemispheres in place to make the sphere - with me inside it.
(Note to self: this part deserves its own behind-the-scenes costume blog one day!)
The Studio 54 Soundtrack & Audience Reaction
The music was surprisingly very difficult - I wanted ALLLLL the songs! The shortlist I had was very much not a short list.
But I decided I wanted to enter with an air of cool, mystery and funk, so the obvious choice was Daddy Cool.
I kept the disco ball covered with my hooded black satin cape and when I tell you that the audience REACTED with the first reveal!!!
It’s one of my favourite parts of the performance video - the reaction of two women in the front row who looked as though they were going to leap out of their chairs with their cheers and whoops! Watching this clip makes me feel accomplished in my goal of entertaining, it’s so powerful.
My flashing lights, ginger curly ringlet wig, rhinestoned sunglasses, and white sparkly go-go boots - I looked every part the seventies disco queen!
Burlesque Isn’t Just About Dance - It’s About Connection
It’s surprisingly difficult to dance in a giant disco ball. Who knew? But as I always say, I am not a dancer - I am a performer.
The movements were inspired by as much funk as I could muster, and it really was about taking my audience on a journey with me through my medley of music.
My absolute favourite engagement point with my audience is coordinated with an abrupt song and vibe change, and it worked so well. There are many audience members who’ve experienced that delicious moment of awkward cringe, and I always approach them afterwards to thank them for playing along.
A Signature Act That Keeps on Evolving
The disco ball fell away with the crash and the reaction I’d wanted. Strange how you spend so long crafting these costumes with love and then have to discard them with such reckless abandon!
The first time I performed this act, I felt incredible. My intention of lifting and energising the audience was met with shiny balls on!
This has become my most booked act, and I’m so happy for it. In fact, as I was creating it, Annie Mac, the Radio 1 DJ, had a social media campaign where she was walking through the woods wearing the suggestion of a disco ball - and all my dance troupe sent me the videos! Along with every other disco ball reference anyone noticed. It’s literally become my brand and logo.
For a long time now, I’ve been the go-to disco ball burlesque act. I’ve not seen anything like it from another performer. This costume, this concept, this act - I enjoy while they’re uniquely mine.
Taking Disco Energy to Any Stage
I’ve adapted this act for different stages with tiered seating, as well as intimate venues where the audience is within touching distance, and they absolutely love being part of the performance. And that’s what burlesque is about: connection, presence, and joy.
I even recently performed in a venue that had a whole disco ball wall and of course, I had to camouflage myself against it!
The Future is Even Sparklier
The costume itself is in the stages of redevelopment now. I had some communication with the amazing Fou Fou Kaboom after I was wowed by her Egg act, and she recommended a costumier. My intention is to remake it in a lightweight material and have it collapsible for storage and travel to shows.
The costumier I’m looking for is one that’s familiar with performance and quick reveals - it literally has to be a work of great engineering. (It already is, I would just live
At the moment, let’s just say the commuters on the London Tube would have a word or two to say about it - so it’s strictly car-to-bar travel only! Watch this space for my shiny disco ball upgrades!
Book Sasha le Swank - The UK’s Disco Ball Burlesque Performer
Producers, are you looking for unforgettable cabaret entertainment or a show-stopping act for your next immersive event or themed party? If I bring my Studio 54, you can be sure I'll bring the glamour, disco vibes, and high-impact energy for your audience. Find more info here.
with sass & sparkles,
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