Showcase Courses
Learn the art of burlesque tease, & an array of vintage dance styles, in our specialised showcase courses - with the chance to perform in our end of term showcase at Max Watts!
We run 5 terms per year, and our timetable can vary. All enrolments are for an 8 week course in our studios. Casual drop-ins are not available for these courses. Class numbers will be capped at a maximum of 14 students for personalised learning.
If you cannot commit to a full 8 week term, we recommend having a look at our Casual Classes which allow drop ins.
Check out our full list of courses below, however do check the current timetable to see what classes best fit your schedule and experience level.
Class Levels
At Maison Burlesque we cater for all dance and experience levels, however finding the right fit will ensure you enjoy your time with us! Please read the drop down menu to the right carefully to ensure you have the pre-requisites for each experience level.
Feel free to email us at info@maisonburlesque.com.au or call us at 03 8582 6693 if you have any questions about which class is the best choice for you.
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If you are brand new to burlesque or without any dance background we recommend starting with one of our “Beginner Level” Courses.
In our Beginner level courses you will learn the specific skills within burlesque and dance to feel confident and safe doing movements.
Beginner “Showcase” courses DO NOT include a pastie reveal, however striptease may be involved.
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All of our “Open Level” courses are beginner friendly if you’re up for a challenge! Anyone with dance history is more than welcome to begin in an Open Level class.
Open level ensures that both students with experience and students who are new to burlesque will learn new skills and gain the performance experience.
Please read the description of each course carefully. Some Open Level Courses DO include a nipple pastie reveal, and some DO NOT. This will primarily be due to the class being “dance based” or “burlesque based.”
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Intermediate courses are designed for students who have been dancing with us for a while or have a strong background in dance elsewhere.
We usually require students to have completed a minimum of 2 x Open Level courses before moving up to intermediate.
We are strict on students working up the ranks from Beginner Level in coures such as Fan Dance, Floorwork and Chair Dance as these are specialised skills rarely taught at regular dance studios.
However, if you have a strong background in dance any of our “dance based” courses will be a good fit for you.
Please ensure you read the “pre-requisities” for each course before you proceed with the booking.
Usually “Intermediate level” courses are not suitable for students with pre-existing injuries.
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Advanced level courses are only for those students who have been dancing with us for a while. These courses usually require experience with a specific skill that we teach, so please ensure you have experience with us before booking into an Advanced level course.
Course Descriptions
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Beginner Level
Burlesque Fun-damentals is putting the FUN in fundamentals! You will learn a cute theme each term to dip your toe into the world of burlesque.
In this course you will learn:
Bumps
Grinds
Shimmies
Walks
Build your self-esteem and confidence
A classic and neo fusion burlesque routine
This class is open to students of any gender.
This class does involve striptease but does not include a pastie reveal.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Burlesque Fun-Damentals
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Beginner, Open & Intermediate Levels
Learn the classic, elegant and cheeky art of burlesque dancing with ostrich feather fans in this 8 week performance course!
In this course we will:
Learn poise and basic fan technique.
Learn classic fan dance moves and poses in a specific grip style, either Classic Grip or Neo Grip.
Learn the art of tease, hide and reveal with feather fans.
Put your moves together into a cute, fun and flirty group routine.
Class is suitable for students of all genders and experience levels. Perfect for absolute beginners!
We recommend completing at least one course of Neo Grip and one course of Classic Grip before progressing to Intermediate Fan Dance.
Ostrich fans are provided for use during the class.
Please note this class does not include striptease nor a pastie reveal.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Fan Dance
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Get your burlesque on in this upbeat and energetic course inspired by the Vintage Burlesque Stars of yesteryear! Get ready to shimmy, shake, bump, grind and learn the art of classic burlesque tease.
In this course we will cover:
Classic burlesque moves such as the burlesque walk, the shimmy, the bump and grind, and more!
Learn a cheeky striptease involving garment removals
Learn to tassel twirl!
Develop your burlesque persona, and work on character, stage presence, and audience interaction
Then put it all together into a cheeky, sassy burlesque routine!
This is an open level class suitable for all genders of all ages and experience levels. This class does involve striptease elements and pastie reveal with tassel twirling.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Bump, Grind & Tease
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Want to explore of the world of BOY-lesque? In this course you will learn some new dance moves, explore your own creativity, masculine sensuality and experience new styles of striptease movement you can take to the stage!
In this course you will learn:
Masculine striptease
Stage presence and characterisation
Improvisation
Act creation
This class is open to students of any gender wanting to explore masculinity in movement with all levels of dance and performance experience. Zero experience required!
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Boylesque
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Immerse yourself into the ancient art of belly dance with this showcase course for all levels of experience!
Join us in learning how to articulate vibrational and fluid movements to beautiful tunes of the East. Grab a coin belt, pick up some new skills, and enjoy teaching your body a new, exhilarating and empowering way to move.
In this course, you will:
Learn the fundamentals of dance styles from the MENAHT (Middle Eastern, North African, Hellenic and Turkish) regions.
Explore simple technique methods for undulations, shimmies, hip drops and everything in between.
Find harmony between hard-hitting, sensual movements and dramatic gestures.
This is an open level and high energy class suitable for all genders and experience levels. This class does not involve striptease elements.
Optional: Students are welcome to bring their own hip scarves and coin belts!
This class does not involve striptease elements.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Belly Dance Deities
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Take The Big Boa - your new favourite burlesque prop - for a spin with the blonde bombshell herself Valerie Valentine.
‘Big Bombshell Boas’! We will explore the cheeky, sensual and comical side of this burlesque staple in a way that is suitable for all levels of experience.
In this open level course, you will learn some introductory boa tricks, striptease with a prop and optional fun & flirty floorwork.
In this course you will:
Manoeuvre a big boa (boas will be supplied)
Sensually hide & reveal your costume and yourself
Big Boa Tips & Tricks
Classic striptease techniques
Boas are provided, please supply your own low dance heels.
Suitable for all genders with no experience needed!
Please note this is a striptease class and will include a pastie reveal
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Big Boa Bombshells
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Indulge yourself in the lyricism and the power of the blues!
Moving with the soul of the pioneers of the genre, to bumping and bringing New Orleans style, this style will cover anything that encompasses the genre of the blues.
Think gritty grabs, smouldering struts, and soulful grinds. This is a striptease class for those who want to move and tease with angst, raw emotions and that slow, seductive power.
Please note this class involves striptease and may include a pastie reveal.
This class is open to students of all identities and experience levels.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Blues Burlesque
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Intermediate & Advanced Levels
Ready for a new challenge? Ready to get sweaty? Ready to get dirty? Come along and get sweaty in this Dirty Jazz class, as we work on our dance technique, and our sexy style. Aimed for people who like a challenge, this class is for anyone who wants to learn how to say more with their body without the striptease.
In this course you will learn:
Foundational jazz technique
Body isolations
Intricate choreography
Building confidence
How to get down and dirty!
This class is open to students of any gender.
PLEASE NOTE: that this class is an Intermediate/Advanced class. Students must have a strong dance background, OR have completed 2 or more dance based courses at Maison Burlesque. Please contact us if you are unsure as to your suitability for this course..
This is a physically demanding class and not suitable for people with injuries.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Dirty Jazz
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Laugh your clothes off and explore your funny side!
Explore the parody and pantomime that infuses the world of neo-burlesque. Following a devised method with clowning principles through play, come create a silly, hilarious routine in a safe, supportive space.
In this course you will learn:
Confidence and stage presence
Devising humour through play
Clowning, pantomime and parody
Comedic costuming, choreography and character
This may include striptease and may include a pastie reveal.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Comic Strippers
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Intermediate/Advanced Level
Kinky and slinky, FEMME DOMMES will take all that powerful feminine energy and channel it into sexy choreography inspired by fetish and domination.
It's all about self exploration and openness to new experiences. This sex positive class allows a safe environment to be your best kinky selves with like minded individuals.
This is an open level class suitable for all genders with no experience needed! This course will include striptease and may include a pastie reveal.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Femme Dommes
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Intermediate Level
This jaw droppingly sexy class that will teach you the foundations of erotic dance and work every inch of your gorgeous body! Learn the art of seduction through technical floor work, grinds and undulations that will be put together with show stopping choreography. Build confidence, strength and flexibility all whilst unleashing your inner sex kitten.
This class involves striptease, and may include a pastie reveal.
PLEASE NOTE: That this class is an Intermediate class. Students must have previous dance experience or are enrolled in Floorwork Technique in the same term. This is a physically demanding class with floorwork, and not suitable for people with injuries.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Erotic Grind
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
2005 called and they want their neon green striped arm warmers back! Layer up your studded belts and pull that deep side fringe across your eyes as we bring the angsty, bedroom vibes from your MySpace page and Alt Press posters to the stage, and show everyone it wasn't a phase.
In this course, journey with our very own Scene Queen Cora Noire in a theatrical movement course that encompasses:
Staging and character work that feeds your angsty teenage self
Dance based movement that helps you encompass musicality in an alternative genre
All genders and abilities are welcome. This may include striptease elements. No heels required...The heavier the flat soled shoe the better ;)
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Emo Scene Queens
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Intermediate Level
A long time ago our classic burlesque stars were the original bad girls, dating gangsters, mesmerizing musicians and challenging society's standards and censorship at the time.
A whole lot of classic glamour with a rebellious edge, Golden Age Glamour explores the sultry world of classic burlesque stars for the intermediate-level class as we pay homage to the greats who bent the rules and led the way for us all.
In this course you will learn:
Classic striptease moves and skills.
Advanced timing and musicality
Floorwork, footwork & hand choreography
Gaze, power and command of the stage
Conveying character to an audience.
Please note: This class may involve elements of striptease with an optional pastie reveal
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Golden Age Glamour
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
It's like Strip Hop... but lazy. Still hot tho. Unwashed gym gear and messy bed hair encouraged. Let's DANCE (but not too hard).
Inspired by commercial heels choreography, get strong and confident in those stilettos while learning how your body moves sensually in a slow and dare we say “lazy” dance style. Don’t worry - you’ll still work up a sweat ;)
In this class you will learn:
Slow and sensual moves in heels
How to incorporate the art of tease
Timing and musicality
How to work as a dance team
This is an open level class suitable for all genders.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Hot But Lazy
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Intermediate Level
Get slinky on the floor and learn some new tricks!
Explore boundaries of conventional burlesque striptease, play with lines harsh and soft, blend classic and contemporary, fluidity and strength. This term explore contrasting styles of floorwork through movement, musicality and energy. From light to dark.
Not suitable for those new to dance or movement, or nursing acute injury. Expect to roll, tumble and balance upside down.
Suitable for all genders.
It is expected that students have completed a minimum of 8 classes of Floorwork Tech (or equivalent). If you are new to the studio, we recommend attending some of our Open Level/Intermediate Level courses before this one.
If you are unsure as to your suitability please contact info@maisonburlesque.com.au
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Floor Show
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
It's like Strip Hop... but lazy. Still hot tho. And what's lazier than a chair? Unwashed gym gear and messy bed hair encouraged. Let's DANCE (but not too hard).
This class may include elements of floorwork and is not suitable for people with knee/back injuries. If you have queries regarding your suitability for this course please ask before enrolling.
This is an open level class suitable for all genders and all ages. No prior experience required, just the ability to move freely and willingness to work hard. Knee injuries are discouraged.
This is a striptease class and will include a pastie reveal.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Hot But Lazy: Chair Edition
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Live your ultimate showgirl fantasy and learn to strut, pose, kick and sashay like the feather & swarovski drenched dancers of Paris & Las Vegas! You will build your repertoire of burlesque moves as well as refine your dance technique, poise and character all while learning a fabulous dance routine!
This course will help you to:
Develop core strength
Improve body awareness, line & extension
Improve your timing and musicality
Develop your confidence & character as a performer
This is an open level class suitable for students of all ages and experience levels.
Please note this class involves striptease and may include a pastie reveal.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Showgirl Follies
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Advanced Level
Turn up the heat as we drop it low in this hip hop inspired burlesque fusion dance class. For the lovers of current dance trends release your inner boss in this strong and sexy class. Lift your steaze higher than your ponytail. Get ready to work HARD and work up a SWEAT!
In this class you will learn:
An advanced hip-hop inspired routine.
Master being powerful and confident on stage as you werk the room.
How to incorporate the art of striptease with a modern dance style
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Strip Hop
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
A little bit drag, a little bit gutter trash, a whole lot of pizzazz: Trashlesque is a showcase course of drag-lesque fun! Join Winter Greene for a combination of trashy emo camp with burlesque in an unholy fusion.
In this course you will learn:
Characterisation and improvisation
Stage Presence
Lip synch techniques
Costuming and makeup tips and tricks
This course involves a drag-lesque routine with striptease elements, and may include a pastie reveal.
Open to all genders.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Trashlesque
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open & Intermediate Levels
Dive into burlesque history in this burlesque course focusing on the origins of the art of tease! We will explore the transition of burlesque from parody on the vaudeville circuit to striptease in the cabaret clubs in this multi-discipline dance based course.
Each term we will be inspired by the 'greats' who changed the art of burlesque from the 1880s - 1980s, including composers, burlesque stars and comedians! We will watch video footage and discuss as a group what makes them so iconic, then dive into choreography inspired by their movements and theatrical techniques.
In this course you will learn: -
What made the Burlesque Greats so Great. We will dive into the nuances of specific icons from the history of Burlesque and dissect their unique style from video footage and photographs.
A variety of striptease skills which may include boas, gloves, and other costume props
Characterisation, comedic skills and theatrical techniques to broaden your performance skill set
Floor work, footwork, hand choreography, bumps, grinds and other movements to explore storytelling with your body
Vintage Varietease is open to all genders. Please note this class involves striptease and may include pastie reveal.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.