Class Schedule and Descriptions

CLASS SCHEDULE (with descriptions below):

The New Basic Session  begins the week of Feb. 6 (Basic Burlesque is REQUIRED before registering for other classes)

Props for beg/int and int/adv are boas, gloves, and bras.

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE NOW!

Monday

• 6:15p – 7:15p – Music Theory for Burlesque Dancers [ register ]  - begins in the Spring Session starting March 5
• 7:30p – 8:30p – Tease & Tone [ register ]

Tuesday

• 6:15p – 7:15p – Beginning/Intermediate Burlesque [ register ]
• 7:30p – 8:30p - Basic Burlesque [ register ]

Wednesday

• 6:15p – 7:15p – Int/Adv Burlesque [register]
• 7:30 – 8:45p – Advanced Burlesque (Performance) [ register ]

Thursday

• 6:15 – 7:15 – Tease & Tone [register]
• 7:30p – 8:30p – Beginning/Intermediate Burlesque [ register ]

2012 SESSION DATES

Winter II: January 9 – March 3 (Props for beg/int and int/adv are boas, gloves, and bras)
(Basic Sessions: Jan. 9 – Feb. 4, Feb. 6- March 3)

Spring: March 5 – April 28
(Basic Sessions: March 5 – March 30, April 2 – April 28)

SPRING BREAK – April 30 – May 5

Spring II: May 7 – June 30
(Basic Sessions: May 7 – June 2, June 4- June 30)

Summer: July 2 – August 25
(Basic Sessions: July 2 – July 28, July 30 – August 25)

Fall: August 27 – October 20
(Basic Sessions: August 27 – September 22, September 24 – October 20)

Winter: October 22 – December 15
(Basic Sessions: October 22 – November 17, November 19 – December 15)

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Basic Burlesque – Learn the basics of burlesque to begin your burlesque teasing. The fundamentals of the walk, bump, grind and shimmy will be covered in this class. This class is REQUIRED before taking any other classes.  It can be done in tandem with Tease & Tone and/or beg/int burlesque if that works best for your schedule.  Heels are optional. [ register ]

Beginning/Intermediate Burlesque – Once you’ve taken the short, 4 week Basic session, this is the class for you. Here you will build on what you learned in Basic Burlesque, adding choreography that incorporates props such as boas, gloves, bras, nighties, thigh high stockings, etc. You will work with 3 props in each session.  The props and choreography change for every session, so you can stay at this level and continue to learn something new. There is no nudity in this class. All articles of clothing that are removed are worn on top of your dance wear.
[ register ]

Intermediate/Advanced Burlesque: If you want to progress in your burlesque, without necessarily performing, this class is the perfect stepping stone.  It is recommended that you take at least 2 beg/int classes before moving into this class.  We will move at a faster pace and choreography will be given to you in a quicker manner. You will learn and use the props from beg/int but you will be taught the choreography in the half the time and then work on building your individual style. [register]

Music Theory for Burlesque Dancers: One of the most important elements of an act is the music, whether it is live or a track.  In this class, you will learn about rhythm, musicality, form and phrasing.  You will also learn to improvise with a live band and learn how to talk to band and really get the music that best suits you.  This class will be taught by Michelle L’amour, Franky Vivid, and Ben Tatar. Ben Tatar received a Bachelor’s in Music Education from The University of Kansas in 2001, and a Master’s of Jazz Studies from DePaul University in 2005. Ben has been performing professionally in Chicago on trombone, bass and piano since 2001, and has composed and arranged for all styles from wedding bands to blues singers, from post-rock ensembles to childrens’ groups. He has performed with Bob Newhart, Jim McNeely, Phil Woods, Maria Schneider, Dick Oatts, Slide Hampton, Dave Liebman and members of The Platters, among others. Ben is currently the bandleader for The L’Amourchestra and emcee for Speakeasy Sundays at The Everleigh Social Club. Please bring a notebook and comfortable clothing, as there will be light movement throughout the class to illustrate musical concepts.  You must have taken basic burlesque and one beg/int burlesque class before registering for this class.

Tease & Tone: This is a burlesque infused exercise class. You will learn 3 burlesque combinations that give you a low impact cardio workout. Then, we finish the class with muscle toning and a stretch.  Some knowledge of burlesque movement is recommended, but if you are unfamiliar, the moves will be broken down before each class.  Please bring a mat and gym shoes are recommended.[register]

Advanced Burlesque (Performance Class) – In this invitation only class, you will be guided and directed towards a final performance. You will develop your own striptease act, becoming responsible for concept, music selection, costume, and choreography. Michelle L’amour will be on hand to lend her Expert-TeaseTM and help polish the act. The students will also learn a group number that will be performed in the show. This is a great way to break out of your box and face your fears. After you’ve done a striptease in front of an audience, there is nothing to be afraid of! This is an invitation only class and there will be skin exposed in this class. [ register ]