New Year’s Eve not enough excitement for you? Continue the fun at Gosling’s Gold Seal launch party on Saturday.

The free event kicks off at 9pm with burlesque dancers, international DJs, Uzimon and, of course, plenty of Gold Seal.

Penny Wren and Sydni Deveraux are part of the team of New York dancers who will strut their stuff at Pier 6.

We asked them to explain their love of this distinct brand of entertainment ...

How did you start dancing burlesque?

Penny: When I moved to New York seven years ago my first job was as a cocktail waitress at a Monday night burlesque show in Brooklyn. I fell in love, but it was still a few years until I started burlesque myself.

Sydni: I was a singer and musician prior to being a burlesque performer. In college was in between creative endeavours and began modelling and performing. I found out that there were women dancing to the music that I loved to sing, jazz. So I showed up, fell in love and asked the producer how I could be involved. I was a gogo dancer and stage hand at first. I still believe it’s the best way to start.

Why this over other dance forms?

Penny: I’m actually trained in modern and ballet and still perform these dance forms professionally. The very first time I saw burlesque was when I was a kid and watching the movie Gypsy. Those women made me laugh and gasp. I was in awe, and continue to be through my fellow performers.

Sydni: I’m 6ft 2in. Most other forms of dance don’t really allow for such tall bodies. However, I never set out to be a dancer though I have a knack for movement. I set out to be an entertainer.

What kind of training is involved?

Penny: There’s a lot of prep! Costumes, choreography and intention [the art of storytelling through dance] are all elements that take many, many hours to master.

Sydni: I’m constantly working on this art form. If I am not sleeping I am thinking about, preparing for or doing something that includes this craft. Since I’m self-employed, if I’m not working, I’m not furthering my career. I work out, rehearse, read old history books, go to museums for inspiration, meet with costumiers, and also do a bit of my own costuming as well. I also do my own make-up and hair, and these things all take a while.

What character traits do you need for burlesque? I’d imagine you’d have to be pretty confident — and brave.

Penny: The best part of a burlesque performance is each performer’s individuality. Whatever your traits, you need to love and embrace them. You can’t lie to an audience; if you try it’s going to be boring.

Sydni: You need to be uniquely your own person.

What was it like the first time you got up on stage? Did you have a lot of butterflies?

Penny: I still get nervous every time I perform. I try to channel that feeling of butterflies into excitement and anticipation. I almost feel like being nervous is part of warming up!

Sydni: I no longer get nervous.

You girls are in incredible shape. Do you have to watch your diet or do any particular exercises?

Penny: Ohh ha! Well, I try to eat healthy, but I don’t have a strict diet. Movement is important to me. It keeps me inspired and energetic. I’ve studied aerial dance — including silks, pole and Lyra [where you learn poses and moves on or above a suspended hoop] — in addition to a consistent performance schedule.

Sydni: I’m vegan. I also lift, stretch, dance and also do some yoga. I walk a lot too since I’m in New York City. I’m not a thin person but I do care about my shape.

How do people react when you tell them you’re a burlesque dancer?

Penny: Usually really positive! I live in New York, so there’s not much that shocks us.

Sydni: Well, I look like a person who entertains people for a living so I don’t think many people find themselves surprised. My parents fully support my work and always have.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about burlesque dance?

Penny: Probably that my life is glamorous and burlesque dancing is easy. Or that performers do this to find a boyfriend. Please ...

Sydni: People think that it’s easy or that we make tons of money. Most of us are essentially starving artists trying to elevate the art form to a livable wage.

What’s your favourite part of the job?

Penny: Deciding a concept and running with it. I love the beauty of burlesque but, most importantly, I respect and admire the creativity of it. I tend to use humour in my acts so I have performances ranging from me being a classic fan dancer to a tap-dancing penguin!

Sydni: That I get to entertain people.

How’d you end up performing here?

enny: I’ve performed with Uzimon twice so far in Bermuda as a dancer. He’s been great in connecting me with locals. I love Bermuda and its people, it’s an enchanting place unlike anywhere else. I’m so happy to be coming back and bringing some of my friends with me this time around.

Sydni: I was invited to come perform at the event. I’ve already performed in Amsterdam, Helsinki, Canada, France, the West Coast of the United States, middle America — all sorts of places! I’m based in New York City though.