I am a professional Irish Burlesque Performer who is competing in the final of Miss Burlesque Ireland in Tivoli on Saturday July 23. I am really looking forward to the big occasion.

It is difficult to work in my day job and to travel internationally and dance full time also – but the love for what I do and a very patient and supportive other-half help a lot.

Burlesque came to me at a difficult time in my life. I had lost all my confidence, and so – as a way of lifting myself from the doldrums – I fully immersed myself in it and its disciplines. I discovered that it is ageless and timeless: the world of burlesque doesn't care what size or shape you are, how many scars you have, or how obvious the cellulite. It is an opportunity to express yourself and to immerse yourself in a feeling of glamour, excitement and drama. It is very much a way of life for me now – and empowers me to achieve every goal that I set for myself.

I have spent many years trying to promote this scene, and the incredibly talented people on it, here in Ireland – and especially in Wicklow, where I come from. I was fortunate to be given a regular slot as a panelist on TV3s Midday, where I can wax lyrical about Irish Burlesque, and extinguish any misconceptions about it – and thereby, hopefully, encourage folk to love and appreciate themselves, as individuals, both inside and out.

That’s why I am writing this too. I would love more people to recognise the appeal of burlesque and the strength and integrity of the performers. Oh, and also their genuine sex appeal, because that is, of course, part of what the scene offers too.

In the competition, we have to cover a wide range of Burlesque disciplines, including Classic Burlesque, Neo Burlesque and Unique Burlesque. On this occasion, I have used the opportunity to live a life-long dream of owning and dancing in a custom-made giant champagne glass. So why not come along and see what that is all about!

I was honoured to be one of three Irish dancers picked from over 700 worldwide applications to dance at the prestigious London Burlesque Festival. With several titles already under my belt, it is now my dream to bring the Miss Burlesque Ireland Crown home to Wickow. Here’s hoping that Saturday night will be the night!

Hopefully, we might see you there.

• The Irish Burlesque Championships take place at theTivoli Theatre, Dublin, on Saturday, July 23. Tickets are available here.