Valley Burlesque Society News

Burlesque in Fresno!

An 8 week series, 90 minutes each Monday, teaching the basics of burlesque striptease performance including tips on costuming, hair, makeup, stage presence, presentation, and a group choreography to be performed at an upcoming VBS show! $125 in advance for the full 8 weeks, or $30 per class to drop in.

Join us every Monday for 8 weeks, beginning August 30th, from 6:30pm – 8pm at California Arts Academy – Severance, 1401 N Wishon, at Floradora in Fresno’s Tower District

Learn to strut and peel in a fun, supportive environment. Burlesque is for everyone, ages 18 to 80. No dance experience is necessary. You can learn to be saucy, sassy, and sexy on the stage or in your boudoir.

We’ll show you how to make your own burlesque costume. An additional lab fee of $25 covers the cost of materials. This includes a black feather boa, black satin gloves, and a black base for creating your own shimmy belt. (These are offered at no mark up.)

There will be special class lectures on how to look the part for your stage performance including a tutorial on makeup, and a brief overview of hair and wigs!

Enjoy in-class demonstration performances from local burlesque starlets and former graduates!

Learn a choreography that includes removal of gloves, boa, and belt, with techniques on how to do it effortlessly and entertainingly, then perform with the class at the Valley Burlesque Society presentation of Wicked Burlesque: B-Movie Burlesque on October 23, 2010. (Performance is not required for participation in class.)

Email VBSFresno@comcast.net for more information, or pre-register using the link provided.

Choose one

8 Week Pre-paid Class Only $125.00 8 Week Class and Lab Materials $150.00

Please provide Student Name

Please provide Email Address

Appropriate class attire:

• Close-fitting workout clothes (t-shirts, yoga pants, tank tops)
• A pair of sturdy shoes with a heel (Stage or character shoes work very well, but any sturdy pair of pumps is fine. You must be able to dance in them comfortably. Please use caution and common sense when choosing your shoes.)

Students who choose to participate in the show at the conclusion of the class series will need the following costume items.

• A black hard cup bra, decorated. (We will discuss decorating ideas and how to do it during class.)
• A shimmy belt, decorated. (The base for this is provided with lab materials discussed above. Embellishment is the responsibility of the student, and we will discuss how in class.)
• Black fishnet pantyhose. (We will have suggestions on where these can be found locally at reasonable prices.)
• Black hotpants, panties, or miniskirt… something to wear that is not bulky so the belt will fit low on the waist.
• Black gloves (provided with lab materials, or you can provide your own)
• Black feather boa (provided with lab materials, or you can provide your own)
• Sturdy shoes with a heel to match or contrast with your costume. (These need not be 4″ heels. A low heel of an inch or two can be quite attractive, but if you can dance in higher heels, that is at your discretion. We recommend against stilettos. Please be safe.)
• Any accessories to match or contrast with the costume – Flowers, feathers or small hats for the hair, sparkly jewelry, garter, or a comfortable waist cincher to go around the middle. We recommend against corsets or stiff waist cinchers as they restrict body movement.

As always, before considering any new workout or exercise, please consult with your physician to make sure it is safe and right for you.

No refunds, no substitutions, makeup classes are not available.

Private instruction is also available for $20 per hour for one or two people, and can be arranged with instructors.

Tonight, Monday, January 11, is the first in an 8 week series of Basics of Burlesque instructional classes.

Held at California Arts Academy, Severance on Floradora and Wishon in Fresno’s Tower District, the classes are taught by the ladies who brought neo-burlesque to Fresno, Valley Burlesque Society founders Amanda Allure and Joie de Vivre. The class will run on Mondays from 6:30 – 7:30 PM for eight weeks.

These classes are for everyone ages 18 and up. All ages, shapes, sizes and personalities, and genders are welcome.

Students will learn a bit about the basic history of the art of burlesque and striptease and receive instruction in stage presence, basic costuming, basic stage makeup theory, as well as a complete burlesque choreography with the option of appearing with the class in an upcoming burlesque show.

Classes are $95 for the 8 week series if registered after January 1. (pre-registrants receive a five dollar discount). Classes may also be attended for $20 per class, if not signing up for the entire series. An optional $25 materials fee is charged for matching performance/costume materials consisting of satin gloves, feather boa, and material to create a custom shimmy belt. Instruction will be given during class in how to create a complete basic burlesque costume. (Materials are provided at cost, with no mark up to students.)

Class attire should consist of comfortable, but close fitting, workout wear. (Yoga pants, close fitting t-shirts, sweat pants that aren’t too baggy, etc…) A pair of comfortable and sturdy heeled shoes are also recommended. Character shoes are ideal, but any pair of sturdy and comfortable shoes with somewhat of a heel is fine, as long as you can move and dance reasonably in them. We recommend AGAINST four inch stilettos, especially for beginning dancers.

This class does include warmups, stretching and various types of movement and physical activity, so please consult with your health care provider when beginning any new physical or exercise activity to be sure it is recommended for you.

Contact 559.824.0871 or vbsfresno@comcast.net for more information. Class registration is open through the first two weeks of classes. Walk-in students are welcome.

Join the ladies of The Valley Burlesque Society for fun and frolic as they reveal a showgirl’s Christmas Wish List. It’s the 2nd annual “All I Want For Christmas” Burlesque and Variety Revue. Grab a drink, sit back, relax, and enjoy all the lovely talents of

Amanda Allure
Fleur Mystique
Dixie Beaudoin
Emerald Satine
Bella Felina
Minnie Englehart
Rouge de Sang
Venus Carlotta
Emma Zahn
Dee Mensche
with fabulous pickup artist Assassin Fras

Plus the Death Defying Skill and Daring Stupidity of Daniel Fernandez

and your host Joie de Vivre

Full Circle Brewery
620 F St (just off of Hwy 99 and Ventura Ave)
Fresno, CA 93706

Door at 7pm, the fun starts at 8pm
Admission: $12, or $10 if you bundle up in your festive holiday attire

Bring a warm snack if you like, but please leave outside beverages at home. Full Circle serves a fine array of microbrewed beer, ale, and mead as well as a fantastic root beer. Bottled water is also available.

A new series of the popular Basics of Burlesque instructional classes is scheduled to begin in January! Give the Gift of Glamour for the holidays! Do you know a friend or loved one that would LOVE to tap into her inner diva? Act now to purchase a Holiday Gift Certificate for that special someone! Contact Joie de Vivre or Amanda Allure to get a pre-paid, personalized invitation to the Basics of Burlesque Instructional Series.

Learn the Basics of Burlesque with Amanda Allure & Joie de Vivre

Weekly – Starting in January, 2010 (We’re taking the holidays off, and an exact date will be announced soon)
Mondays 6:30 – 7:30pm
At California Arts Academy – Severance
1401 Wishon Ave. at Floradora in the Tower District of Fresno, CA

$90 prepaid for 8 weeks
or $20 drop-in rate per class
All ages welcome, 18 and over

Pre-register via Paypal

Registrant Name

All levels of dance experience are welcome in this introductory instructional series to the wonderful world of burlesque and striptease. Burlesque is for REAL women, with REAL bodies.

8 weeks of classes will include:

• An overview of the history of burlesque and the art of the tease
• Instruction in basic stage presence and developing a character or stage persona
• Introduction to garment removal techniques
• Basic costume theory and construction
• Basic movement instruction
• A full choreography for group performance at the end of the series (Participation in the stage show is not required to take this class.)

An at-cost lab fee of $25 or less will be charged to students who wish to purchase class materials for construction of a basic costume. Actual cost is determined by the cost of supplies. We do not mark up the cost or make any profit from them. These materials consist of a pair of satin gloves, a feather boa and materials for a shimmy belt fitted to the student.

Payment for these materials MUST be received before lab materials will be given to the student.

Appropriate class attire:

• Close-fitting workout clothes (t-shirts, yoga pants, tank tops)
• A pair of sturdy shoes with a heel (Stage or character shoes work very well, but any sturdy pair of pumps is fine. You must be able to dance in them.)

Students who choose to participate in the show at the conclusion of the class series will need the following costume items.

• A black hard cup bra, decorated. (We will discuss decorating ideas and how to do it during class.)
• A shimmy belt, decorated. (The base for this is provided with lab materials discussed above. Embellishment is the responsibility of the student.)
• Black fishnet pantyhose. (We will have suggestions on where these can be found locally at reasonable prices.)
• Black hotpants, panties, or miniskirt… something to wear that is not bulky so the belt will fit low on the waist.
• Black gloves (provided with lab materials)
• Black feather boa (provided with lab materials)
• Sturdy shoes with a heel. (These need not be 4″ heels. A low heel of an inch or two can be quite attractive, but if you can dance in higher heels, that is at your discretion. We recommend against stilettos. Please be safe.)
• Any accessories to match the costume – Flowers, feathers or small hats for the hair, sparkly jewelry, garter, or a comfortable waist cincher to go around the middle. We recommend against corsets or stiff waist cinchers as they restrict body movement.

As always, before considering any new workout or exercise, please consult with your physician to make sure it is safe and right for you.

No refunds, no substitutions, makeup classes are not available.

Private instruction is also available for $20 per hour for one or two people, and can be arranged with instructors.

Here’s something fun to do on Halloween night (after the kids have finished extorting candy), come …on down to Full Circle Brewery for some adult treats!

Halloween for grownups with:

Drop dead cool with irreverent humor from The Suicide Lounge

The Ladies of The Valley Burlesque Society being frighteningly saucy

The Lucky Lopez Band with rock and blues for all the boys and ghouls

Doors open at 6:30pm, the fun starts at 7:00pm, and goes until the zombies come home. (Or 11:00pm, whichever is first.)

$13 per person for ALL THAT ENTERTAINMENT
$10 If you wear your Halloween costume! (And you could win our costume contest, too!)

Tuck the kids in at grandma’s and come have a night of grownup Halloween fun!

Learn the Basics of Burlesque with Amanda Allure & Joie de Vivre

Weekly – Starting September 7, 2009
Mondays 6:30 – 7:30pm
At California Arts Academy – Severance
1401 Wishon Ave. at Floradora in the Tower District of Fresno, CA

$90 prepaid for 8 weeks
or $20 drop-in rate per class
All ages welcome, 18 and over

Pre-register via Paypal

Registrant Name

All levels of dance experience are welcome in this introductory instructional series to the wonderful world of burlesque and striptease. Burlesque is for REAL women, with REAL bodies.

8 weeks of classes will include:

• An overview of the history of burlesque and the art of the tease
• Instruction in basic stage presence and developing a character or stage persona
• Introduction to garment removal techniques
• Basic costume theory and construction
• Basic movement instruction
• A full choreography for group performance at the end of the series (Participation in the stage show is not required to take this class.)

An at-cost lab fee of $25 or less will be charged to students who wish to purchase class materials for construction of a basic costume. Actual cost is determined by the cost of supplies. We do not mark up the cost or make any profit from them. These materials consist of a pair of satin gloves, a feather boa and materials for a shimmy belt fitted to the student.

Payment for these materials MUST be received before lab materials will be given to the student.

Appropriate class attire:

• Close-fitting workout clothes (t-shirts, yoga pants, tank tops)
• A pair of sturdy shoes with a heel (Stage or character shoes work very well, but any sturdy pair of pumps is fine. You must be able to dance in them.)

Students who choose to participate in the show at the conclusion of the class series will need the following costume items.

• A red hard cup bra, decorated. (We will discuss decorating ideas and how to do it during class.)
• A shimmy belt, decorated. (The base for this is provided with lab materials discussed above. Embellishment is the responsibility of the student.)
• Black fishnet pantyhose. (We will have suggestions on where these can be found locally at reasonable prices.)
• Red hotpants, panties, or miniskirt… something to wear that is not bulky so the belt will fit low on the waist.
• Black gloves (provided with lab materials)
• Black feather boa (provided with lab materials)
• Sturdy shoes with a heel. (These need not be 4″ heels. A low heel of an inch or two can be quite attractive, but if you can dance in higher heels, that is at your discretion. We recommend against stilettos. Please be safe.)
• Any accessories to match the costume – Flowers, feathers or small hats for the hair, sparkly jewelry, garter, or a comfortable waist cincher to go around the middle. We recommend against corsets or stiff waist cinchers as they restrict body movement.

As always, before considering any new workout or exercise, please consult with your physician to make sure it is safe and right for you.

No refunds, no substitutions, makeup classes are not available.

Private instruction is also available for $20 per hour for one or two people, and can be arranged with instructors.

A Celebration of Joie de Vivre

A very special edition of the Valley Burlesque Society’squarterly variety revue is coming your way.

Joie de Vivre is having a birthday, so we’re throwing the party for you!

At Full Circle Brewery, 620 F St. just North of Ventura, near Chinatown in Downtown Fresno.

Special performances include many (but not all) of the things the birthday girl loves. There will be bellydancing, music from The Suicide Lounge, fire performance, a guest appearance from Cap’n Scurvy’s Apocalypse Hoedown Revival, and of course… the lovely ladies of the Valley Burlesque Society.

Come wish the birthday girl, AND Fresno’s premier burlesque and variety revue many happy returns.

Ages 21+ only, please

Tickets:
ONLY $10 at the door (Special birthday pricing for everyone!)

Doors open at 6:30pm
Entertainment begins at about 6:45 pm and will run throughout the evening.

Learn the Basics of Burlesque with Amanda Allure & Joie de Vivre

Weekly – Starting June 1, 2009
Mondays 6:30 – 7:30pm
At California Arts Academy – Severance
1401 Wishon Ave. at Floradora in the Tower District of Fresno, CA

$90 prepaid for 8 weeks
or $20 drop-in rate per class
All ages welcome, 18 and over

Pre-register via Paypal

Registrant Name

All levels of dance experience are welcome in this introductory instructional series to the wonderful world of burlesque and striptease. Burlesque is for REAL women, with REAL bodies.

8 weeks of classes will include:

• An overview of the history of burlesque and the art of the tease
• Instruction in basic stage presence and developing a character or stage persona
• Introduction to garment removal techniques
• Basic costume theory and construction
• Basic movement instruction
• A full choreography for group performance at the end of the series (Participation in the stage show is not required to take this class.)

An at-cost lab fee of $25 or less will be charged to students who wish to purchase class materials for construction of a basic costume. Actual cost is determined by the cost of supplies. We do not mark up the cost or make any profit from them. These materials consist of a pair of black satin gloves, a black feather boa and materials for a shimmy belt fitted to the student.

Payment for these materials MUST be received before lab materials will be given to the student.

Appropriate class attire:

• Close-fitting workout clothes (t-shirts, yoga pants, tank tops)
• A pair of sturdy shoes with a heel (Stage or character shoes work very well, but any sturdy pair of pumps is fine. You must be able to dance in them.)

Students who choose to participate in the show at the conclusion of the class series will need the following costume items.

• A black hard cup bra, decorated. (We will discuss decorating ideas and how to do it during class.)
• A black shimmy belt, decorated. (The base for this is provided with lab materials discussed above. Embellishment is the responsibility of the student.)
• Black fishnet pantyhose. (We will have suggestions on where these can be found locally at reasonable prices.)
• Black hotpants, panties, or miniskirt… something to wear that is not bulky so the belt will fit low on the waist.
• Black gloves (provided with lab materials)
• Black feather boa (provided with lab materials)
• Sturdy shoes with a heel. (These need not be 4″ heels. A low heel of an inch or two can be qutie attractive, but if you can dance in higher heels, that is at your discretion. We recommend against stilettos. Please be safe.)
• Any accessories to match the costume – Flowers, feathers or small hats for the hair, sparkly jewelry, garter, or a comfortable waist cincher to go around the middle. We recommend against corsets or stiff waist cinchers as they restrict body movement.

As always, before considering any new workout or exercise, please consult with your physician to make sure it is safe and right for you.

No refunds, no substitutions, makeup classes are not available.

Paid private instruction and tutoring can be arranged with instructors.

The Valley Burlesque Society brings you Spring Fling ’09, a burlesque and variety revue.

At Full Circle Brewery, 620 F St. just North of Ventura, near Chinatown in Downtown Fresno.

Special guests include the ever-popular juggling, fire-eating, comedic and crazed Scurvy, as well as the musical debut of Fresno’s new Haight St. Project!

Join emcee Nate Butler to enjoy the talents of Amanda Allure, Joie de Vivre, Bella Felina, Assassin Frass, Minnie Englehart, and introducing Sukari and Rouge de Sang.

We’re throwing caution to the wind and flinging it straight into summer with music and mayhem.

Ages 21+ only, please

Tickets:
$14 at the door
$12 if dressed to impress
$10 if purchased in advance at brownpapertickets.com

Learn the Basics of Burlesque with Amanda Allure & Joie de Vivre

Weekly – Starting March 30, 2009
Mondays 6:30 – 7:30pm
At California Arts Academy – Severance
1401 Wishon Ave. at Floradora in the Tower District of Fresno, CA

$90 prepaid for 8 weeks
or $20 drop-in rate per class
All ages welcome, 18 and over

Pre-register via Paypal

Registrant Name

All levels of dance experience are welcome in this introductory instructional series to the wonderful world of burlesque and striptease. Burlesque is for REAL women, with REAL bodies.

8 weeks of classes will include:

• An overview of the history of burlesque and the art of the tease
• Instruction in basic stage presence and developing a character or stage persona
• Introduction to garment removal techniques
• Basic costume theory and construction
• Basic movement instruction
• A full choreography for group performance at the end of the series (Participation in the stage show is not required to take this class.)

An at-cost lab fee of $25 or less will be charged to students who wish to purchase class materials for construction of a basic costume. Actual cost is determined by the cost of supplies. We do not mark up the cost or make any profit from them. These materials consist of a pair of black satin gloves, a black feather boa and materials for a shimmy belt fitted to the student.

Payment for these materials MUST be received before lab materials will be given to the student.

Appropriate class attire:

• Close-fitting workout clothes (t-shirts, yoga pants, tank tops)
• A pair of sturdy shoes with a heel (Stage or character shoes work very well, but any sturdy pair of pumps is fine. You must be able to dance in them.)

Students who choose to participate in the show at the conclusion of the class series will need the following costume items.

• A black hard cup bra, decorated. (We will discuss decorating ideas and how to do it during class.)
• A black shimmy belt, decorated. (The base for this is provided with lab materials discussed above. Embellishment is the responsibility of the student.)
• Black fishnet pantyhose. (We will have suggestions on where these can be found locally at reasonable prices.)
• Black hotpants, panties, or miniskirt… something to wear that is not bulky so the belt will fit low on the waist.
• Black gloves (provided with lab materials)
• Black feather boa (provided with lab materials)
• Sturdy shoes with a heel. (These need not be 4″ heels. A low heel of an inch or two can be qutie attractive, but if you can dance in higher heels, that is at your discretion. We recommend against stilettos. Please be safe.)
• Any accessories to match the costume – Flowers, feathers or small hats for the hair, sparkly jewelry, garter, or a comfortable waist cincher to go around the middle. We recommend against corsets or stiff waist cinchers as they restrict body movement.

As always, before considering any new workout or exercise, please consult with your physician to make sure it is safe and right for you.

No refunds, no substitutions, makeup classes are not available.

Paid private instruction and tutoring can be arranged with instructors.