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Just “shimmy, shimmy, strut, strut, give a little what, what”, sang Christina Aguilera in the film about the cheeky and highly refined art of burlesque.

And you can expect “all tease, no sleaze”, when An Evening of Burlesque arrives in town, revealing the cream of London’s performers with sparkling couture costumes, sultry vocals, breathtaking choreography, mischief, magic, frivolity and of course titillating stripteases.

We chat to one of the performers, Amber Topaz, to find out more about the women behind the feather fans and diamanté chokers.

How did you get into burlesque?

I was pin up modelling for photographer Neil Kendall who suggested I do burlesque. It was a couple of years later before I took the plunge.

What’s the meaning behind your stage name?

It was a given name. Neil was role playing, as he often did, and called me Amber Topaz while miming smoking and pretending to be a creepy agent.

Worst job-related experience you’ve had?

My first international engagement was in Italy. I got to the airport and the passport of the DJ who had booked me had run out three days before the departure date, so I convinced his partner to come with me. We stayed in an apartment with no heating. It was January. We were so cold we had to wear all our clothes and snuggle up. We didn’t get a wink of sleep. When we got back to the UK passport control, my companion collapsed. We ended up in A&E for hours. Once she’d been discharged, we were making our way back to London when the bottom of the DJ’s vintage car literally fell out on a motorway flyover! We were stranded there with massive lorries zooming past and no hard shoulder to pull over onto. It was terrifying. Eventually a pick-up truck rescued us and drove us to safety.

What do you think about when you’re performing?

I am in the moment. In the experience of what I am doing. Any thoughts are related to the action.

Does the audience ever get a bit too over excited?

I don’t condone violence, but someone slapped me really hard on my bum cheeks once during a performance. They were not invited to, by the way. I did turn around and return the unwanted gift to the cheek of his face.

Most lavish gift you’ve had from a fan?

A diamond ring. I sent it back.

Are you single and does your job make it harder to find love?

I am currently in a relationship, though most of my career I have been single. We are always working when other people are socialising.

What about critics who say burlesque is old fashioned and demeaning to women?

I have never heard anyone say this. There will always be people who will judge and criticise. They are just options. If we worried what everyone thought, we’d never do anything.

Do you ever feel shy?

Not when I am performing.

Biggest body hang up?

I don’t have one. I’ve learnt to love my body with all it’s perfect imperfections.

Top beauty secrets?

Drink plenty of water. Get plenty of sleep. Smile a lot.

How sexy are you on a scale of one to ten?

Do you really think anyone could answer this question?

An Evening of Burlesque is at The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans on Saturday, May 17, 8pm. Details: 01727 844488, alban-arena.co.uk