All students are required to register in advance, with the exception of Get Up and Go-Go. Registration closes at 9 pm the day before the class or when class is full. Many classes have a small maximum class size to ensure students receive proper one-on-one attention when learning a new technique. No drop-ins, please.
To pay via Paypal/credit card, simply click the “Add to Cart” button under each class you are interested in enrolling. To pay via cash or check the day of class, please send us an e-mail to let us know which class you would like to register for.
Burlesque Essentials
Burlesque Basics (2 hours, $25)
Instructors: Dolli Holiday
This introductory course is designed to help you bump-n-grind your way onto the burlesque scene. In this class you will learn some fun, classic moves that will have you shimmy and shaking in no time. Moves include glove peels, boa work, shimmies, the art of the tease, the big reveal and tassel twirling. We also will touch on the history of burlesque, character development and performer etiquette. This class will culminate with a group routine utilizing all your new moves.
Boas, gloves and pasties provided. Students should bring a bra that hooks in the back. Heels optional. This class is open to women only.
Beginning Boylesque (1.5 hours, $25)
Instructor: Dolli Holiday
Learn the bumps, grinds, shimmies and shakes the ladies learn in our Burlesque Basics class, including boa and glove work and tassel twirling, as well as the art of the peel featured in our Peeling Good class. From there you can go on to take most of our other classes!
Boas, gloves and pasties provided. Students should bring a button or snap front shirt and dress pants.
Pasties: The Icing on the Cake! (1 hour, $15)
Instructor: Deepa De Jour
In this hands-on workshop, you will learn several different ways to make your own pasties, from the standard sequined circle to the most imaginative shapes. Deepa de Jour will share her knowledge of materials and adhesives to help you bring together the elements of your routine and style into two perky little pieces of magic.
All materials will be provided and students will leave class their very own finished pair of pasties.
Fanciful Fan Dancing (1.5 hours, $25)
Instructor: Dolli Holiday
There’s nothing more beautiful than an elegant fan dance. In this class, you will learn how to manipulate ostrich feather fans to a create graceful and classic dance routine. The instructor also will demonstrate the different types of fans including hand fans, silk fans and Isis wings.
Fans will be provided.
Burlesque Make-up and Wig Tricks (2 hours, $20)
Instructor: Liv Lethal, hair and make-up artist
In burlesque, it’s important to always put your best face forward, and hair and make-up artist Liv Lethal will teach you how to create a sparkling stage-ready look. You also will learn about the different types of wigs and hairpieces, how to pick a quality wig and how to style and care for your hairpieces.
One-hour Intensive Courses
Get up and Go-Go! (1 hour, $5)
Instructors: Dolli Holiday
Jump start your morning with this fun. high-energy workout. Utilizing lots of fun dance moves from the 1950s and 1960s, Dolli Holiday will have you twisting your way to a better you! Please wear clothing you can move around in and tennis shoes.
Basic Burlesque Costuming Class (1 hours, $10)
Instructor: Deepa De Jour
One of the many enticing aspects of burlesque is the elaborate and glamorous costuming. Feathers, crystals, tassels, and trims are an integral part of most costumes, however, not everyone can afford to invest in all those rhinestones and expensive lingerie at the beginning. From the underwear out, this class will teach you to pick the right costume elements to accentuate your favorite features and celebrate your body type! Learn where to find great deals on basic costume pieces, as well as the best places to find embellishments to personalize even the plainest pair of panties into a gorgeous masterpiece.
Each class will focus on a different costume piece. We are currently offering:
The Fascinator
Learn the tips and tricks to combine your favorite elements into a marvelous hair decoration! In this one hour intensive class, Deepa de Jour will teach you how to put feathers, flowers, netting, crystals and more together to create an impressive and long lasting fascinator. Material list will be provided upon registration.
Fringe Benefits
In this class, you’ll learn about all the different types of fringe and other similar elements that accentuate your movements, and how to personalize the look to match your costume, or as a go-go dancing outfit. In the second half of class, you’ll make your own shimmy belt. Material list will be provided ahead of time.
Sparkle & Shine!
The rhinestone is an essential part of the burlesque costume. From the tip of the pastie to the toe of the shoe, it adds a distinct twinkle to your stage presence. In the first half of this one hour intensive class, Deepa de Jour will explain the differences in quality, size, and price, show you examples of effective placement, and most importantly, teach you what adhesives to choose when gluing your rhinestones to different materials. During the second half of class, you will create your own sparkling hair flower to take home with you. Materials not included (list of recommended supplies will be provided upon registration).
Burlesque Undergarments
From the the appealing illusion of the padded bra to the subtle sensuality of sheer mesh, whether worn alone or in layers, the deliciously taboo nature of “underwear as clothing” is inherent in the burlesque costume, so why would you want to show off something that can easily be bought in a store? Explore tips and tricks for customizing or creating your own undergarments for the stage, ranging from options that comply with the ABC laws in certain venues to the elusive merkin!
Please check the calendar and specify which of these options you are registering for!
Passionate Poise (1 hour, $10)
Instructor: Deepa de Jour
Learn to slow down your dance into a smoldering display of passion and power with Deepa de Jour. This class with teach you a routine full of moves that will showcase your favorite assets, leave your audience steaming, and take your self-confidence through the roof. Students should bring a pair of high heels, a button down shirt, and their favorite lingerie set. Open to women only, recommended for all levels.
Songs to Strip By (1 hour, $10)
Instructor: Dolli Holiday
Music is an integral part of burlesque and choosing the right song can make or break a routine. This course will teach you how to choose the perfect song to set the mood/tone of your number, how to perform with the music, and how to use beats, breaks, tremolos and other key sound elements to add pizazz to your numbers.
Peeling Good (1 hour, $10)
Instructor: Dolli Holiday
Every good striptease is a work of art and beauty and this one-hour intensive course will teach you how to enjoy and tantalize the audience with every article you remove. From your dress to your stockings, you will learn different ways to peel off each layer; how to take your time and tease the audience with its removal; and what to do once the article of clothing is removed.
Students should bring a dress (with zippers or buttons), gloves, bra, stockings and tap pants/briefs to class. This class is open to women only.
Behind the Curtain (1 hour, $10)
Instructors: Dolli Holiday & Deepa de Jour
Burlesque is a business and if you want to be a successful performer you need to know how to manage your career. Whether you’re a producer or a performer, this class will teach you how to be successful in an ever-growing market. From off-stage conduct and etiquette to promotion and marketing, find out the keys to getting booked in the show of your dreams.
Master Class (2 hours $5, free to students)
Open class session where students can receive instructor help/critique on routines. Practice space also available.
Payment collected upon arrival.
Previous Guest Classes
The Art of the Vaudeville MC (1 hour, $10)
Guest Instructor: Mark Slomksi
During this half instructional / half anecdotal education, Mark Slomski will lay forth his vision of what a true vaudeville MC does: entertain. Having spent extensive time traveling the country and performing in 27 of the contiguous states, he is uniquely qualified to provide insight in many areas including captivating an audience, improvisation, handling hecklers and striking the right balance between shining on stage vs. hogging it. His tips and tricks will apply to performers and MCs alike and will range from simple microphone technique to the complex subject of performance variety. If you’ve ever wanted to handle yourself better in front of a crowd or learn how to take command of the stage, this class is for you.
Impressions: Exploration of Mind, Body & Spirit (1 hour, $15)
Guest Instructor: Magnolia Jackson Pickett Burnside
Now that you all know who the #$%& you are, it’s time to leave a lasting impression on the audience. In this class we will focus on body language, facial expressions, and the power of wit. Whether you are hosting, teasing, or kittening, the class will help you memorize the audience, leaving a permanent mark in all of their minds. I’ll also teach you how to charm your audience one-on-one after the show, at socials, and out in the world. By the end of this class, just like a good tease, they’ll be wanting more, more, MORE!
Who the @#$% Do You Think You Are!? (1 hour, $15)
Guest Instructor: Magnolia Jackson Pickett Burnside
The first part of creation is exploration, and together with the Southern Socialite herself, you will discover the world that is YOU! In this “Lamaze for your Inner Voice” course, we will be exploring the steps needed to fully give birth to your own burlesque persona. Magnolia will be the tour guide of the soul of your creation, asking all those personal questions you may be too scared to ask. By the end of this course, your persona will have more personality than Richard Simmons on Speed! But most importantly, this course will help you leave a lasting impression on everyone you meet…leading you down the road to Stardom!
Body Sculpting (1 hour, $5)
Guest Instructor: Ophelia Derriere
Have you ever wondered about the execution of a wobble-free stocking peel, a dramatic pose or elegant posture? Well the trick to all three is strength and muscle control. In Body Sculpting, Ophelia Derriere will take you through a series of exercises designed to strengthen and tone your muscles, while simultaneously giving you the ability to more precisely control your body movements. This class combines traditional strength exercises, dance and yoga, with with the sexy glamor of burlesque, to create a fun and challenging workout. Whether you are looking to take your stage performance to the next level, or feel stronger around town in your heels, this class is for you! All fitness levels welcome!
Punch Card Package (You choose the classes! $100)
Learn the art of the tease at your own pace. Take 9 classes for only $100 (worth up to $125!) The Punch Card Package includes:
2 essential classes
3 one hour intensives
1 advanced course
1 master class
2 Get up and Go-Go classes
+ eligible to perform in one of our student showcases.
You may pick from the any of the regular classes that we offer, to suit your schedule. Card expires 1 year from issue date. Certain specialty classes are excluded.
Gift Certificates
Gift certificates make the perfect gift for the burlesque enthusiast in your life! These can be used on any class. Advance class registration is still required.
Gift certificate will be e-mailed to you within 24 hours of purchasing.
Student Showcase
All students will have the opportunity to perform in one of our Student Showcases. Dates TBD.
