The world of burlesque consists of so much more, and less, than what most people think of when they hear the word “striptease”. It takes more than the same old bump and grind to create a true burlesque act. Humor, caricature, mood, costuming, choreography and a bit of razzle-dazzle all combine to create a fun, tongue-in-cheek, yet exciting and spicy experience for an audience.
The Art of the Tease has come to the Central Valley, and you can join in the fun! Amanda Allure and Joie de Vivre offer women of all ages, shapes and sizes the chance to release their inner showgirls.
The Basics of Burlesque Instructional Series
With The Basics of Burlesque, you can learn to strut your stuff, whether on the stage in front of an adoring audience, or at home in front of an adoring (and very lucky) mate. It doesn’t matter if you want to shine on the stage, or just boogie in front of the bathroom mirror. You can learn to stand like a showgirl, command attention when you walk, and peel like a pro.
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. There are no restrictions of size, shape, or age, though we do require that students be at least 18 years of age.
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.)
The choreography learned for this class consists of removal of gloves, working with a feather boa, and removal of a decorated belt. There is no nudity during this beginner’s introductory course.
Basics of Burlesque – Level 2
This eight week series of classes is for the enthusiast who has taken the Basics of Burlesque series and wants to continue the burlesque journey. This series will focus on introducing familiarity with various props and getting ready to take the stage as a soloist. Students are encouraged to create and develop an on-stage persona as well as an individual solo routine with character and costuming to debut at the next Valley Burlesque Society show. In addition to brainstorming, encouragement and support to this end, students will also be introduced to the following:
- A tutorial on pasties, including how to construct your own to match any costume, and the various methods of applying them
- The basics of working with a chair to create your own chair dance routine
- Some beginner instruction in dancing with a pole
- How to work with fans, from small hand-held fans to full-sized ostrich feather fans
- Additional work in creating energy and presence while on stage
While students of this Level 2 series are encouraged to create an exciting striptease solo performance, no one is EVER required to peel to pasties. All are welcome and provided an encouraging, supportive environment to tap into their inner divas.
Workshop Instruction Available – Girls Night In – A Night of Burlesque Fun
Perfect for bachelorette parties, birthdays, or just for fun, learn the art of the tease to add a little extra sass to your party! Gather the girls for a mini-workshop in the walk, the shimmy, the shake, the bodacious and brazen bump and grind, and some titillating tease. These parties can be tailored to fit your needs. You can choose to rev up an afternoon tea with a different kind of cheesecake, or get ready for a night on the town in satin gloves and boas. Contact us and we can brainstorm a one-of-a-kind celebration sure to be remembered. More low-key seminars and workshops are also available.
Paid private instruction and tutoring can be arranged with instructors.
Contact Amanda Allure or Joie de Vivre with inquiries.
