Essential burlesque - 4 week dance series

Learn classic moves, tassel-twirling, chair dance, fan dance and much more at this authentic Burlesque class. New York School of Burlesque Headmistress Jo Weldon has learned directly from the ladies who performed during the golden age of twentieth century striptease, and taught these movements, principles and styles to NYSB instructors Darlinda Just Darlinda and Gal Friday.

You'll get the basics of the history of burlesque and striptease as an artform, plus you'll hear plenty of stories of how Jo learned each move from each amazing performer. There will be information on costuming, getting gigs, the history of the Burlesque Hall of Fame and burlesque in Coney Island, where to see burlesque shows in NYC, and more! You'll learn techniques for twirling nipple tassels to the left, to the right, in, out, one at a time, and on your back! This is a great way to learn to structure a costume and compose a burlesque number.

Just to give you an idea of what there is to learn, you'll begin with the Classic Moves class:

Learn the sexy shimmy,

the tantalizing glove peel,

the devastating bump n grind, and the dazzling tassel-twirl from an internationally recognized striptease expert with decades of performing experience.

This 7-section class features:

1st class: 2-4 Classic moves of Burlesque with tassel-twirling. Bring a standard back-hooking bra.

Please note, the following dates will allow for time for classes to run over by 10-15 minutes, so plan your schedule accordingly.

2nd class: 2pm Isolations, 3pm- Stripping out of street clothes; bring an item of street clothing to learn to strip from.

3rd class: 2pm Strutting and walking, bring high heels if you like. 3pm- Fan dance basics

4th class: 2pm Chair dance basics, wear shorts or leggings. 3 pm- Glove and stocking peel; you will need bare legs to learn the stocking peels.

Boas, gloves, shimmy fringe, and pasties will be provided. Wear clothes you would work out in or take dance class in. Bring two pairs of shoes if you like, one with high heels and one without. Skirts are not recommended, nor are flowy sleeves or pantlegs.

For the Classic Moves class (first class), wear a backhooking standard bra, recommended not lacey or padded or racerback.

Firm cups are the best but not required to learn the straptease.

Wear layers as the venue temperature fluctuates--bars and dance studios are notorious for this.

This class often sells out in a matter of days. If you are registering with a friend, please register both of you at the same time to ensure that you both get in.

You do not need to be a performer or planning to perform to take these classes. This series is suitable for beginners, as well as for experienced dancers or other types of performers curious about the language of burlesque. This class is for women only.

Classes are scheduled to be taught at 167 Orchard Street BUT THE LOCATION CAN CHANGE. You will receive an email the day before the class with details and needed information. There are no transfers, refunds, or makeup classes if you miss a class.

Jo Weldon was recently a featured performer in Margaret Cho's variety show, the Sensuous Woman. She recently served as coach and consultant on the Victor Victrola episode of Gossip Girl. In 2007, the Village Voice named her Best Teacher in their Best of New York issue in Arts and Entertainment. In 2006 she was voted Best Burlesque Teacher and Mentor at the New York Burlesque Festival, and in 2005 she was voted Best Bump N Grinder. She is the judging co-ordinator for the Miss Exotic World Pageant and has been producing at Coney Island's Burlesque at the Beach series for five years. Going back a ways, in the early 1990s she was a feature dancer, traveling across the country with trunks full of props and costumes to headline at strip joints across the US and Canada; she performed her first fan dance in 1991. She also maintains a burlesque blog featuring backstage photos, news items, and interviews at burlesquedaily.blogspot.com.