Burlesque, Yoga, Sex and Love: A Memoir of Life Under the Albuquerque Sun

by Anne Key

In Burlesque, Yoga, Sex and Love, Anne invites us to walk along the glittery, rhinestone-encrusted path of self-discovery as she confronts, and transcends, the established norms for middle-aged women. Set in picturesque Albuquerque, New Mexico, this memoir explores what it means to connect the body, mind and spirit through the practices of yoga and burlesque. By the end of the book, you will find yourself traveling outside the shadowy corners of fear and toward a brighter light where there is freedom to be found in accepting yourself and in learning to love what you find.

This memoir shows that there's much to discover about femininity, power and sexuality through burlesque as an art form. - Miss Indigo Blue, Headmistress of The Academy of Burlesque

In this thoroughly readable memoir, Anne explores her growth as a burlesque performer and sexual being, challenging the preconceived ideas of what an aging woman can do and be, thereby reinventing the "New Woman" for a modern era. - Dr. Lynn Sally, Director of Urban Studies at Metropolitan College

What a fascinating glimpse into a world, unknown to most of us, where sexuality and spirituality intersect! Anne Key's honest, open portrayal of her journey, with all its ups and downs, is a gift to every woman. - Jalaja Bonheim, Aphrodite's Daughters and The Sacred Ego: Making Peace with Ourselves and Our World

218 pages, Paperback

First published October 23, 2015

Reviews

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much enjoy Anne’s writing style and reflections as well as her approach to life in general. This memoir was inspiring, thought-provoking, funny, honest, and insightful.

Side note: I rarely drink any alcohol and I did notice that possibly “drinks” should have been added to the list of activities in the title—it seemed like every story was accompanied by a drink, which is quite different than my own way of living/working. 😉

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me a long time to read...but only because I was reading 4 other books at the same time! And also, partly, because I wanted to savor it. I found this book when I did a search on books about belly dancing (which I am studying) but this book made me want to do Burlesque too! I loved the authors descriptive writing and everything she wrote about....dance, yoga, priestessing, sexuality (both on a personal level and societal perspectives) and her descriptions on living in Albuquerque almost made me feel as if I was there! I have to say that one of my favorite things about it was reading this book written from someone who is 50 (I just turned 43 myself) and while admitting to the certain limitations that age undoubtedly presents, she still "went for it" as a Burlesque performer and I love her passion for life!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blown away by Anne Key's memoir. I thought it was just going to be another memoir similar to those written by celebrities, but I was wrong. The author explores social norms in our society regarding sexuality, cultural appropriation, and provides the reader with historical background information. The author's memoir is so descriptive that it's not hard to imagine being in a yoga class with her or sitting in the audience watching one of her burlesque performances. I have learned a lot from reading her memoir, and I am excited to explore the references she has provided in the endnotes section. If you've never seen a burlesque show, then you'll be dying to go see one after reading this!

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Berta A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this poignant, irreverent romp through one woman's journey of empowerment, middle age, body image, and not giving in to what our society thinks a woman over 40 should be. I highly recommend it to everyone.