Ranging in age from their 30s to their 60s, a group of nine remarkable performers in the world of burlesque dancing are gearing up for a special Butterfly Ball scheduled for the upcoming Saturday (Sept 13). The event aims to raise funds for a breast cancer charity.
Sarah Pickles, a 43-year-old teaching assistant and the event organizer, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32. She shares that the inspiration behind the Butterfly Ball was the transformative journey that cancer survivors undergo, likening it to the metamorphosis of a butterfly.
The participating dancers, set to perform to the song “This Is Me” from the film “The Greatest Showman” at Chester’s Carden Park Hotel, have each found a renewed sense of vitality and confidence post their battles with breast cancer, according to Sarah.
Embracing themes of body empowerment and self-assurance, burlesque has played a pivotal role in empowering these women to embrace their physical and emotional scars, step out of their comfort zones, and create something truly beautiful, Sarah explains.
The significance of the event is magnified for Sarah, who, after a scare in 2016 following her initial recovery, is driven to give back to the community that supported her during her own battle with cancer.
The stories of the participants reflect a journey of resilience and empowerment. From Claire Spragg, who found solace in burlesque after her cancer diagnosis, to Joanne Hackett, who views the experience as liberating, each woman has found a unique source of strength and renewal through this artistic expression.
The upcoming Butterfly Ball is not only a celebration of survival and empowerment but also a testament to the unbreakable spirit and camaraderie shared among these courageous women as they continue to inspire and uplift each other.
The event promises to be a momentous occasion, with funds raised contributing to the Beating Breast Cancer with Success (BBCS) charity, championed by Sarah to support fellow breast cancer survivors.
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