At the tender age of 27, I find myself in the twilight of the unconventional: a Korean female burlesque performer, dancing along the knife-edge of confidence and vulnerability. My darkened backstage haven is a world of sequins and silks, feathered fans, and enticing voyeurism. From here, I peer into the world beyond the crimson curtains and soak up the sea of anticipation from the faceless audience. An intoxicating cocktail of trepidation and exhilaration stirs within me, and it's that unique brew that brings to life the fascinating power exchange encapsulated within each performance. In the intoxicating glow of the floodlights, I become someone else. Under the skillful application of smoky cosmetics, behind the veil of my feathery accessories, I transform from an everyday Seoulite into the enchanting persona that commands the spotlight. The transition is magical, a 'click to explore' moment that opens up a world of charming facade, where the expectations of a conservative Korean society are tossed aside in favour of expressive liberation. In the heart of this shimmering performance, a dance between power and submission takes place. I stand on the stage, baring my soul and empowerment in layers of sequins and silk, commanding the audience's attention with each tantalizing movement. Yet, the anonymous gaze of the spectators reveals its own primal control. Their collective breath held up in awe as I reveal just enough, drawing them into a world that teeters on the brink of taboo and artistry. But the power inherent in these salient gazes, the whispering judgments, and lustful longing is not a chain but a catalyst. It is the fuel that ignites my inner exhibitionist, that encourages me to dance with an unforgiving fiery passion, to peel away the societal norms layer by layer. Each step, each sway, is a statement. A challenge. A rebellion. It is a declaration of the right to be seen, to be heard, and to simply be. Each night, as I unlace my corset and wipe away the warpaint, I reflect on this dance of power. I meditate on how my vulnerability becomes my strength, my exposure my shield. And I wonder about the mysterious dance partners in the dark auditorium, how their gaze affects me, changes me. To lose myself in this riotous symphony of sensuality and audacity, that's the power of burlesque. This is more than a mere display, it's a journey. And I wouldn't trade it for anything else.