Intro class: What is Burlesque?

This one day class will be open to all of those curious about the workshop curriculum.  Students can opt to sign up for the 6 week class after this course.

What is Burlesque? begins with discussion about the history of burlesque, the origins of the art form, the starlets that made it famous and the reinvention currently in progress.  Instruction and resources will be presented on the benefits of burlesque for both performer and non-performing students.   Topics include: confidence building, feminine/masculine empowerment, and expressing your individual sex appeal.  The class covers basic information about burlesque, the available six week in-depth workshop offerings, and a burlesque basic warm up to more literally introduce them to the ideas and instructions available in the Burlesque 101 Workshop.

Week 1: Bump and Grind Basics 

Bump and Grind basics begins with basic body awareness and movements.   The class begins with a burlesque warm up and stretch that will get the blood pumping and  heart racing.  Students will learn the hip roles and pelvic thrusts "bump and grind" that have driven burlesque dance for decades.  The class progresses into basic burlesque body positions, poses and walks.   Moving across the floor, students will learn how walk in a way that captivates and keeps all eyes focused on them.  Bump and Grind basics will also teach the students crowd engagement and interaction while participating in self confidence building exercises and learning a simple burlesque routine. 

Week 2: Peels and Reveals

After learning the basics of burlesque it’s time to learn the art of the tease!  In this class students will learn the fun art of teasing with peels and reveals.   Learn the empowering art of tease and find our just how powerful NOT taking it all of can be!  Gloves, garters, stockings, and more will come off in fun and flirtatious ways.  Classic instruction on the various techniques and methods of removing different items of clothing and how to incorporate the removals into a burlesque routine or performance. 

Week 3: Burlesque extras – boas, chairs and other props

 Boa work, chair dancing and the use of other props have long been used in burlesque to add dynamic interest to a performance. Burlesque extras instructs students on how to incorporate the use of props and theatrical tricks into a basic routine. Fun and unique items aid the performers in the concept and execution of their performance. The students will learn how to make their burlesque ideas more innovative and interesting with the use of these items.  Props and costume pieces help express each individuals performance style and sensuality.

Week 4: Putting it all together

Taking all the basics from the first three weeks and putting it all together is the focus of week four.  This class will take the students through music selection, choreography, costume, and props that compose  their very own burlesque routine. Students will learn how to design the perfect performance for the stage or for a loved one in the privacy of their own home.  As home work each student will be asked to choreograph and costume a 2-4 minute routine for the following week.

Week 5: Burlesque glamour and act review

  Class instructions on the finishing touches for the perfect burlesque performance. Students will rehearse the act they have been developing and choreographed at home.   Notes and a short review will help each performer progress towards a performance they will love and dazzle an audience.   From costuming to pastie making to hair and makeup, week five teaches the glamour and glitz of the burlesque stage. Students will learn how to improve their burlesque costume and how to achieve their own the classic burlesque look.  Each student will hand make a pair of pasties to take home as well as learn quick and easy ways of dazzling costume pieces to perfection.  A hair and makeup tutorial will put the finishing touches on the students burlesque look.  There will be a guest hair and makeup artist on hand to assist in the instruction of this class.

Weeks 4 – 5 and 5 – 6  Students will meet with the instructor one on one for a private session to perfect their act. 

Week 6: Student in class performance

Students will perform their completed piece for the burlesque 101 class. Class participants will showcase their new found talents for one another in a positive and supportive environment before having the opportunity to perform in front of a larger public audience. A performance video will be shot and for each student to review at the end of this class. Edited videos will be available for purchase. An official Key West Burlesque photographer will be on hand to photograph the students first performance!

Student Recital:  Open to Public- Evening Show