Diet frustration, weight loss obsession, and the yo-yo effect are experiences almost every woman knows, including Sandra Steffl. The actress has been at odds with her body since early childhood. Too chubby, too many kilos, the wrong BMI. Hardly any diet was left untried. The weight didn’t drop, but her mood did. Until she discovered burlesque and learned that ideal measurements do not determine whether a woman is sensual and has charisma. Only those who can love themselves as they are are truly sensual. As soon as she understood this, the first kilos started to fall off. But more importantly, Sandra Steffl rediscovered her body and made peace with her perceived flaws. Today, she is a successful burlesque comedy dancer and also offers dance workshops for women. Because it’s never too late to discover the diva within yourself.

"I have been at odds with my body for as long as I can remember. Why? I was never thin. As a child, I was called 'Pummelchen' - when people were being nice to me. For a school performance, I was supposed to play the rear end of an elephant. Not exactly helpful when you’re trying to develop some self-esteem. Why did I become a burlesque dancer? I sometimes wonder that myself. It took me a long time to realize that sensuality has nothing to do with ideal measurements. In burlesque, sensuality is everything. And only those who manage to accept themselves are truly sensual. Burlesque doesn’t care about love handles or stretch marks. It has allowed me to make peace with my weight. And that’s why I want to tell all the women who are about to start their next diet: Be kind to yourselves! You are perfect just the way you are.".