STAGE SKILLS FOR BURLESQUE!
CLASS INFO
Welcome to Stage Skills for Burlesque! This class is taught 1:30-3pm ET from MAY 7-JUNE 18.
This is an online burlesque class and recordings are provided to students. Links to classes below!
Wear whatever you want to class. Go as sexy or as comfy as your mood dictates but... just be ready for some movement. Heels, flat shoes, sneakers or bare feet are all fine.
This class bridges the gap from learning basic burlesque movement to the skills you need to create an act on your own. If you are new to imagining yourself onstage, this class is an excellent sandbox for thinking about what kinds of characters you could create for yourself, and what stories you want to tell
In the last half of the class, we will be working with striptease moments for clothing, so if you know that you want to take off a particular item in a future act, it’s a good idea to keep it close by so we can use it practically in class!
CLASS LINKS+ RECORDINGS OF CLASSES
This section contains links for upcoming classes. After each week’s class is over, this section will be modified to include a link to the video of the class for students who were unable to attend. The video will only be available during our six-week session of Express Burlesque, and will be removed no more than a month afterwards.
MAY 7 Poised & Polished Movement for Dancers of Any Skill Level
Details: This class is part sit & talk, part movement. We will discuss principles of dance that pro dancers use to create finished and polished movement, and then we will try them out in a short combo.
MAY 7 LIVE CLASS: CLICK HERE TO JOIN
AFTER CLASS, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO CLICK HERE TO WATCH CLASS RECORDING
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MAY 14 Create A Captivating Burlesque Act (Recommendations & Guidelines)
Details: This is a sit and talk class. Jez will present a PDF and some inspiration exercises (if you want to complete them or jot notes, bring something to write on!).
MAY 14 LIVE CLASS: CLICK HERE TO JOIN
AFTER CLASS, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO CLICK HERE TO WATCH CLASS RECORDING
MAY 21: Costuming For Burlesque: When More is More! (Costume Sourcing/Assembly)
Details: This is a sit and talk class. Jez will be showing costume pieces and talking general costuming techniques. You may want a notebook. If you have costuming questions about a piece you own, please feel free to bring it to class!
MAY 21 LIVE CLASS: CLICK HERE TO JOIN
AFTER CLASS, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO CLICK HERE TO WATCH CLASS RECORDING
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MAY 28: Take It Off: Peel & Reveal Techniques for ANY Clothing Item (Costume Removal Workshop)
Details: This is a movement class, so come prepared to take things off (no nudity required!). Gloves are good, and if you have larger items like a dress or skirt or outfit piece that puzzles you, bring it and we’ll figure out how to take it off!
MAY 28 LIVE CLASS: CLICK HERE TO JOIN
AFTER CLASS, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO CLICK HERE TO WATCH CLASS RECORDING
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NO CLASS JUNE 4TH
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JUNE 11: Boas, Fans, Props & Chairs: An Overview of Burlesque’s Sexy “Extras”
Details: This class is mostly sit and talk, and it is a general introduction to the typical props we see in burlesque and considerations in deciding to use or purchase them, rather than a “How To” class. There may be optional movement movements (I’ll discuss balancing on a chair and you might want to try it, etc.) and if you have questions about other props, we can discuss them!
JUNE 11 LIVE CLASS: CLICK HERE TO JOIN
AFTER CLASS, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO CLICK HERE TO WATCH CLASS RECORDING
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JUNE 18: Getting Social, Getting Hired: Practical Advice for New Burlesquers
Details: This is a sit and talk class that focuses on practical aspects, like how to get your online presence in order, how to approach producers appropriately, and how to begin booking. Bring a notebook if that is helpful to you.
JUNE 1 LIVE CLASS: CLICK HERE TO JOIN
AFTER CLASS, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO CLICK HERE TO WATCH CLASS RECORDING
LINKS INFO + INSPIRATION
HELPFUL LINKS:
Burlesque Costume Resources: Most costumes are cobbled together from multiple sources. I often buy a bra and underwear set one place, a corset another, a dress a third place and my gloves or accessorries somewhere else.
Etsy is a great place to search for burlesque costumes - there are a ton of sellers but I can say for sure that Daisy Cutter and Delilah/ Burluxe are Gothfox reputable people who have affordable custom options that you can embellish yourself.
For rhinestones, Looking Glass Gems is a great resource that is owned by burlesque industry folks.
For corsets, Orchard Corset and Corset Story are good options for sized and pre-made (not custom fitted) corsets.
I like TT Dancewear for dance shoes because they are inexpensive-ish, and you can select your heel height and shape on many of their shoes. They also offer some styles in a wide variety of colors which can make buying shoes that match costumes easier. Their shipping is SLOW, however - 3 or four weeks is normal.
These are just a few starting points - you will want to spend a little time on google and see what options for burlesque costuming come up that inspire you!
INSPIRATION:
Jo Weldon’s book The Burlesque Handbook contains extremely useful information on everything from how to choose a name to how to twirl tassels. I highly recommend it as a companion to your journey into burlesque.
OUR CLASS PLAYLIST:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6377odIVywjIdKULuUGel3?si=862d72dc5e994a55