Start here if you’re brand new to Chicago burlesque – build community while learning basic dance technique and cultivating presence with a warm, inclusive sisterhood of stripteasers! (all genders/bodies welcome)
Spring 2023 Burlesque Classes Chicago
Mar 28 – May 2
Tuesday Nights in Studio
Sway Dance
3317 W Irving Park Rd
Chicago, IL 60618
Feminine Energy Workshops & Burlesque Refresher Workshops
SIX WEEKS March 28-May 2
Tuesdays, 6:30-8pm
Sway Dance, 3317 W Irving Park
Mar 28 – Feather Fan Dancing
In this 90 minute workshop, learn the basics of feather fan dancing, including hand holds, twirls, and the elegant sweeps that define classic fan dancing. Hearken back to the dawn of American burlesque while soaking in the high feminine energy vibes. (Bring your own fans.)
Apr 4 – Chair Dancing
In this 90 minute workshop, learn the basics of good chair technique through challenging and inspiring choreography. Practice balance and flexibility from the seat of your throne, with easy to follow, sensual choreography, and sexy, sultry music. Wear something that makes you feel like a goddess!
Apr 11 – Floorwork
In this 90 minute workshop, get grounded with the basics of floorwork. Feel your body making contact with the earth while learning impressive yet simple movements that you can integrate seamlessly into any act, or learn just for fun! This is a core workout, wear something that makes you feel like a goddess!
Apr 18 – Makeup for Stage
In this 90 minute workshop, learn the basics of theatre aesthetics and practice amping up your look with a supportive community of artists. Red Hot Annie is a published hair, makeup, and costume artist and designer with over twenty years in the industry. (Bring your makeup kit.)
Apr 25 – Choreography for Burlesque
In this 90 minute workshop, learn the fundamental movements of burlesque, as well as how to adapt them to fit into acts you’re already building, so they are one-of-a-kind and feel authentic. Get inspired and make it your own.
May 2 – Pasty Making & Twirling Party!
In this 90 minute party workshop, make and twirl your own pasties with me! I’ll show you how to make a pair of pasties just like the ones I sell in my Etsy Gift Shop, as well as how I’ve twirled them in six countries (and counting). Let go of inhibitions and join the party!
(Supplies will be provided.)
No dance or theatre background is necessary for any of these feminine energy workshops.
Class limit: 13
All levels of experience welcome.
Private Coaching
Work one-on-one with me to take your self-love and creativity practice to the next level. Learn more about private coaching with me here.
Burlesque Classes Chicago Waitlist:
Be first to know about the next session of classes:
Pay What You Can / Scholarships
There are a limited number of “pay what you can” scholarships available each session for Chicago burlesque classes.
QTBIPOC+ artists are encouraged to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I am GNC/cis/trans masculine. Are your classes for me?
Although my burlesque practice focuses on feminine energy and the exercises and language I use unapologetically centers femininity and womanhood, my workshops and classes are open to all bodies – just as they have been for 13+ years!
What do I wear for burlesque class? What kind of shoes should I wear?
Wear clothing you feel comfortable moving in. For Floorwork, we dance barefoot. For other Chicago burlesque classes, explore heels that you’d like to feel confident wearing.
Is there a performance at the end of the 8-week session?
Right now, there’s no official performance, but students have organized their own appearances outside of class, and we record an informal performance (just for us) on the 8th class in full costume, hair, & makeup.
What level of experience do I need to join your burlesque classes Chicago?
Burlesque is unlike any other dance genre in that it’s a free and open movement style. So if you have no experience moving your body, or if you’re an expert dancer you’ll feel comfortable in my classes.
How’s parking?
There’s plenty of metered parking outside of the studio, as well as plenty of free parking on the side streets.