See Hartlepool showgirls shimmy at Penshaw Monument for launch of new business

Beth Cameron, 27, from the Hart Lane area of Hartlepool, has travelled the world for 10 years entertaining holidaymakers on cruise ships.

It’s a job that’s taken her to every continent on the globe, but her latest contract was cut short by two months in March when countries went into lockdown and the travel and theatre industries ground to a halt.

Furlough wasn’t an option for the dancer, but she used her time in lockdown to come up with a new way to pursue her passion in life.

Along with business partner, and fellow dancer, Megan Tranter, she set up Luxe Events Productions, a troupe of six professional dancers who can be hired to bring some Vegas-style glamour to corporate events, weddings and functions.

Beth, a former English Martyrs pupil, said: “After 10 years of travelling the world dancing professionally, I felt devastated and lost as to what to do next in the midst of lockdown.

"Also, there’s so much talent in the North East, and some great dance schools, but most of the jobs are based in the South so I wanted to create opportunities.

"After weeks of feeling helpless, I woke up one morning and decided I wanted to create my own luxury showgirl company hailing from the North. What seemed like a pipe dream has now amazingly turned into a reality, and my dear friend from my last cruise ship, Megan, decided to join me a couple of months into the initial planning.”

Showgirl entertainment is a particular passion of Beth’s after performing in renowned showgirl productions in Macau, St Tropez and Brazil.

The Luxe Events team is made up of six dancers from across the North and they launched the new venture with a spectacular photoshoot at Penshaw Monument in Sunderland, captured by photographer and videographer Lauren Sadie Marsden.

Beth has even researched how to make their costumes and managed to make all the Vegas-style headdresses, diamond body harnesses and feather pieces from scratch.

She said: “Myself and my partner wanted to create a business based on girl power - our whole team is female. It was important to me to build something beautiful and special to the North East, which is why our promotional footage has been filmed and photographed at The Angel of the North and Penshaw Monument. We have also selected dancers from the area as we wish to create more opportunities for the amazing talent in the area."

As well as bookings for corporate events and functions, the businesswomen are hoping there will be opportunities for a residency in the future, as well as creating a second base in Birmingham where Megan is from.

Although the business is in its infancy, Beth says they’ve already had a lot of support.

"The help and support we have received from locals has been astounding,” she said. “It has warmed my heart and reminded me how special and wonderful the people in our region really are.”

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