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Introduction to Burlesque (May 2019)

No previous experience is necessary. This series of classes was designed and created with the novice dancer in mind, but experienced dancers looking to learn classic burlesque moves and techniques will also greatly benefit.

Through a series of lessons and demonstrations which build upon one another, students will learn the fundamentals of burlesque dance. At the end of the course, you will have the building blocks to create your own fun and flirty dance routine. Over the four weeks we'll discuss burlesque-related topics like music selection, the art of costuming, and performing for an audience. Burlesque is a terrific form of expression for any woman. It builds confidence, comfort with your own body and it's great exercise too!

This is a four-session course. All classes are from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and are taught at The Thalia Rehearsal Hall (288A Green St., lower level, Cambridge, MA 02139).

This series of Introduction to Burlesque classes is for women only.

Cost:

Drop-in Students: No registration is required, just come on over. Each class is designed to stand alone. The drop-in fee is $30 and must be paid in cash to the instructor at the beginning of the session.

Pre-paid Students: Register and pay for the class on-line at least 24 hours before the class starts and save $5.00 Please Note: there are no refunds or transfers if you pre-register and cannot attend. Pre-registration is $25 and can be done on-line for one class or multiple classes!

Course Commitment: To register for the full course for $99, please select "Thursday, May 2" as the date you wish to register for, and then select the "All 4 classes" ticket. If you register more than 1 week before the class begins, you're eligible for the "Early Bird" discount of $85.

Sessions:

Session #1 (Thursday, May 2): Week One starts things off right with some Burlesque Basics. You'll learn that classic burlesque move, The Bump, plus how to turn your everyday steps into struts and slinky walks.

For the striptease lesson, you'll be learning how to remove Long Gloves. We'll have some loaner gloves available, but if you've got a pair of your own, please bring them!

Session #2 (Thursday, May 9): This week's move is The Grind, those oh-so teasing and pleasing types of hip circles that are essential to classic burlesque. Combine it with Week One's lesson, you get the classic "bump 'n' grind".

Week Two's striptease lessons are on Skirts and Shirts. Please bring a skirt with a zipper and a blouse with buttons. Since you'll be removing your clothes, you may want to wear shorts or leggings and a tank top underneath or fancy lingerie, depending on your comfort level.

Session #3 (Thursday, May 16): This week's move is The Shimmy, how to quiver and shake to the delight of your audience. We'll continue to build up our movement vocabulary that now includes both bumps and grinds.

Week Three's striptease lesson is all about Stockings. Please bring a pair of thigh-high stockings to class. After you learn some Floorwork to highlight your lovely gams, we'll practice the provocative stocking remove.

Session #4 (Thursday, May 23): This week's move is Tassel Twirling -- the ultimate burlesque trick! You will need to bring pasties with tassels to class for this. We'll have a few pairs for sale. If you're uncomfortable appearing in just pasties, please wear a close-fitting tank-top under your bra and affix the pasties to that. It's harder to twirl, but we don't want anyone struggling beyond their comfort level.

Week Four's striptease lesson is Removing a Bra. Please bring a back-fastening bra to class. See the above note about pasties and comfort levels. That applies here too.

For extra fun, we'll be playing with Feather Boas, that quintessential burlesque accessory. If you have a boa, by all means bring it, but we'll also have some loner boas and a few for sale.

Please Note: If you cannot attend the course or a session of the course for which you have registered, you may not transfer or cancel your registration.