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Summer School Program 2023


MAISON BURLESQUE SUMMER SCHOOL 2023

Looking for a burlesque fix these Summer Holidays? Maison Burlesque Summer School is BACK - in Studio AND online! 

This year we’re so excited to be offering an online Summer School Schedule of 9 live-streamed lectures, as well as our regular 18 In-Studio workshops. 

Then join us for our Summer School Social on Sunday Night! What high school archetype were you? Or who did you wish to be? Dress as your ideal teenage Goth, Emo, Prep, Prom Queen, Nerd, Geek, Jock, or whatever. Purchase a ticket as an extra during booking - drinks, nibbles and entertainment included. 

All Summer School workshops are open to all genders and all levels of experience.

Please note that workshops are coded as Low/Mod/High Physical Intensity - please be aware that High Intensity workshops are the most physically intensive, and likely to build up a SWEAT! If you have any questions regarding your suitability please contact us.

 

HOW IT WORKS:

Over three days we will be presenting 18 different two hour length workshops with our resident tutors! This year we’re also presenting 9 of these workshops as an online option live-streamed from in-studio. All online workshops are recorded if you cannot attend live. 

There will be two workshop options at each time slot, so you can build your own program according to what you would like to learn. It's first in best (un)dressed though, so the sooner you book the more likely you will get your first preferences.

PASSES AVAILABLE:

3 Day Pass for In Studio Workshops:

- Choose 9 x 2 hour workshops (3 workshops per day over 3 days)

- Regular Price: $385

- 3 DAY EARLY BIRD PRICE $340 (Must book before December 1st)

2 Day Pass for In Studio Workshops:

- Choose 6 x 2 hour workshops (3 workshops per day over two days)

- Regular Price: $285

- 2 DAY EARLY BIRD PRICE $260 (Must book before December 1st)

1 Day Pass for In Studio Workshops:

- Choose 3 x 2 hour workshops on either Friday, Saturday or Sunday

1 Day Pass Registrations to open in December

Single In Studio Workshops:

Single workshops may become available for certain workshops in December - subject to availability if allocations aren't already exhausted.

3 Day Pass for Online LIVE-STREAMS:

- Get Live streamed access to all 9 of our online lectures over the 3 days. Please note these are live-streamed in-studio lectures as part of our In-Studio timetable. All online workshops are recorded if you cannot attend live. 

3 x Online LIVE-STREAM Workshop Pass:

  • Got your eye on only a few of the live-stream lectures? Save a bit of coin and choose your favs in this 3 class pass! Please note these are live-streamed in-studio lectures as part of our In-Studio timetable. All online workshops are recorded if you cannot attend live. 

Single Online LIVE-STREAM:

Only want to catch up on a few online lectures? Book them individually to watch their live-stream (available from December).

 READ BETWEEN THE LINES

Early Bird Catches the Worm!

  • Class numbers for in-studio workshops are strictly limited and subject to first in, best dressed - so why not book early and guarantee your spot in all your favourite workshops!

1, 2 & 3 Day In-Studio Passes:

  • Please nominate your workshop preferences at the time of booking. We will then email you your program within 48 hours of receiving your registration.

  • We will attempt to keep the website as up to date as possible when workshops book out. Should your first choice of workshop no longer be available we will allocate you a place in the other workshop in the same timeslot.

THE IN-STUDIO TIMETABLE:

Build your own program from these 18 fabulous workshops!

Friday 13th January:

10am-12pm

New York, New York - Gina Stirling - MOD Intensity

Take a step back in time and tap your troubles away with Gina Stirling, in a tribute to classic Hollywood glamour. In this choreographic workshop you’ll learn the dapper skills of a top hat & cane. Get ready to spin that golden rod in ways you never thought possible ;) But with a touch of old school class. 

Note: wear low dance heels, comfortable clothes you can dance in. Feel free to bring your own top hat, however props will be provided. 

OR

Burlesque Legends: Lili St Cyr - Maple Rose - MOD Intensity

Lili St Cyr was one-of-a-kind. The sincerity of Miss St Cyr (say the name quickly) was what people came to see. She was an artiste who practiced her art, well, sincerely. 

Join the vintage queen, Maple Rose, in an historical deep dive into Lili's history while also exploring some of her signature stripteases, mesmorizing movements and iconic installations.

Perfect for anyone keen to learn about burlesque history and put it into practice.

Bring a notepad and pen if you’d like to take notes, wear comfy dance clothes and dance heels.

 

1.30pm-3.30pm

Power House Performer - Gina Stirling - LOW Intensity

Like the pillars of a stone house, sturdy and strong, the Power House workshop invites you to explore fierce stage presence through stiller movement and characterisation. Let’s create a 'don't mess with me' energy through our face and body language.

All you need to bring is yourself and a “can do” attitude.

 

OR

Bump, Grind & Cheese - Poppy Cherry - MOD Intensity

Join Headmistress Poppy Cherry in a cheesy, cheesecake bump and grind workshop! Get ready to shimmy, shake, bump, grind and tassel twirl with a side of striptease. Learn the fine art of nipple twisties in all the ways imaginable. The perfect taste of the art of classic burlesque with a side of fromage (and maybe even a cheeky glass of vino or two)!  

BYO pasties (or you can purchase cheap single use pasties for $15 available at reception on the day). 

4.00-6.00pm

Business of Burlesque - Poppy Cherry - LOW Intensity

Want to break into the burlesque industry but don’t know where to start? Being a successful burlesque performer requires more than feathers and sparkles... get ready to emerge from isolation with an arsenal ready to present yourself as a pro!

Join seasoned industry professional and Maison Burlesque studio owner Poppy Cherry to learn the nitty gritty of setting up and managing yourself as a small business. Learn how to set up a small business and manage things like invoicing and taxes. We discuss common burlesque rookie mistakes and how not to make them, as well as an overview of the current burlesque industry and its evolution over time. Learn to navigate the minefield that is marketing, promotion, social media, and getting those elusive gigs! 

OR

Commercial Heels - Juniper Fox - HIGH Intensity

Dust off those high heels! Juniper is here to make you SWEAT!

Join our bendy queen for a 2 hour Commercial Heels intensive to give your toes a workout while dancing to some pop-commercial beats! 

Commercial Heels is all the rage with a mix of hip-hop, jazz and erotic dance styles all combined into one for a sexy sweaty swing!

Get ready to WORK!

Bring along a pair of dance heels with flexible soles and a water bottle. 

Saturday 14th January

10am-12pm

Noughty Nineties: Centre Stage (Jimiroquai) - Iva Grande - HIGH Intensity 

If you wanna be Iva's lover, you gotta put your thing down, flip it and reverse it. Come dance up a sweat as we visit your favourite dance hits from the 90's/00s. Spice up your life with an epic 2 hour dance workshop! Shake your humps, your lovely little lumps like a polaroid picture and soon you'll be dancing on the ceiling. We think you're ready for this jelly... 

This year we're binging everyone's favourite ballet film - Centre Stage! Get those red slippers ready, and there may even be a daggy Napoleon Dynamite cameo, although Iva's not convinced ;) Do you Jimiorquai what we say?

Now don’t THINK about the MOVES!!!! Just DANCE THE SHIT OUT OF IT!

Open to all genders & levels of experience.

OR

Musicality for Act Development - Whisky Falls - LOW Intensity

Look at the importance of understanding music and choreography as a whole, and how these tools can take your performance to the next level.

Whisky will teach you the fundamental key to performance dynamics to keep you fresher for longer!

1.30pm-3.30pm

Booty Werk -Iva Grande - HIGH Intensity

Are you ready to get plumped up with the beats as they jive your behind to the rhythmic grind of BOOTY WERK!?

Rip out your best high cut briefs to drop, stretch, spin and flex your butt into shape like you want that mirror to crack under pressure!

Cause we all know y’all love thick thighs and a juicy behind ;)

 

OR

Politics of Sexual Performance - Bella de Jac - LOW Intensity

"What's Whorephobia?" I pretend to hear you ask!

Learn all about it in this introduction to the politics of sexual performance and Burlesque.  Whether you're new to the magical world of Burlesque, or you've been treading the boards for a while, it's essential to have an understanding of the context of the Burlesque revival within the timeline of sexual performance. This workshop will be introducing you to the language and information to build a foundational understanding of the sexual politics of Burlesque, stigma, lateral whorephobia and how to liberate yourself from your inner morality cop along the way! At very least you'll learn some GREAT things to bring up at the next big family barbeque! 

Bring a notepad and pen or device, a sense of playful curiosity and self reflection. 

4.00-6.00pm

Saturday Night Fever - Egson Ham - HIGH Intensity

Everybody get shakin' and dance the night away with our Disco Diva, Egson Ham! 

How deep is your love for the nostalgia of the glitz and the glam? Whether you're a brother or whether you're a mother, y'all better get groovin' with this funky fresh dude. 

OR

Foot Fetish - Whisky Falls - MOD Intensity

Learn how to make your feet the ultimate weapon. 

Whisky Falls will guide you through exercises, techniques and heel choreography to help you feel strong, confident and stable in your heels! Prep your feet and legs for those sky high stilletos and get ready to rock the home office with your sex appeal. 

Bring your favourite pair of heels. 

Sunday 15th January

10am-12pm

Striptilian - Evana De Lune - MOD Intensity

Unleash your inner animal with Striptilian. 

Self proclaimed Lizard Queen Evana De Lune will guide you through developing your own intrinsic style of movement through exploring the wonders of the animal kingdom. 

This class will teach you how to harness your primal instincts by channelling and analysing movements derived from various different species. Dance can be seen in all aspects of life and is not exclusive to just homosapiens.

Whether you’re an apex predator or prey at heart, this class will teach you how to pull inspiration from your environment. 

Equipment:

Please bring a pen & paper/notebook to take notes. 

Dress Code: 

Anything comfortable to dance in, leggings, singlet, shorts etc. Dance heels & kneepads are recommended. 

OR

Fierce Like Fonda - Velma Vouloir - MOD Intensity

A workout dance class inspired by big hair, lycra and leg warmers... Let’s get physical 80s aerobics style to kickstart the last day of Summer School. Let me hear your body talk and squat thrust your way to glory and grape vine your way to greatness in this total body feel good workout. 

Dress ups optional but always encouraged! + bring your yoga mat for a full body workout

 This workshop is suitable for ALL levels of fitness with modifications for both high and low intensity exercises.

1.30pm-3.30pm

Costume Design for Burlesque - Maple Rose  - LOW Intensity

Want to make that dream costume a reality? 

Join Maple Rose in this two hour intensive that will break down all the steps required to design and create your dream outfit including:  research, design, sourcing, commissioning, embellishments and costume care as well as practical elements such as using your costume to aid characterisation and choreography. 

Maple Rose comes from a background of theatrical set and costume design, and has not only 1 design degree under her belt but 2! Her expertise in vintage fashion has contributed to her love affair with rhinestones, feathers and corsetry. She’ll give you all the tips and tricks to help you design the perfect costume to fit your act, character and budget. 

Suitable for all levels, including those with little or no sewing/design experience. (note that we will not be sewing). Please bring a pen and paper, have your phone or ipad handy for research purposes, and bring along any colour markers/pencils you want!

OR

Thrusting Thirst Trap - Evana De Lune - HIGH Intensity

This class is perfect for anyone wanting to become a walking, talking, thrusting thirst trap. We will learn a fierce dance routine and techniques to enhance stage presence and step into our roles of being unapologetic performers. Not only will you gain strength and stability, but you’ll also boost your repertoire of moves, transitions and posture.  

Skills covered:

  • Building confidence on and off the stage through *boss bitch* affirmations 

  • Dance technique… but make it nasty

  • Fierce stage presence

  • Filthy floorwork & furious, hard-hitting choreography

  • Suitable for all genders with no experience needed!

Dance heels are recommended but not compulsory. 

Dress Code: Students should wear anything comfortable to dance in, e.g. leggings, a singlet, or shorts. If comfortable, students are encouraged to wear anything that makes them feel sexy or empowered to move sensually. 

4.00-6.00pm

Rock, Sweat & Rears: Cherry Pie Edition -Domino De Jour - MOD Intensity

Rock sweat and rears is back for one day only, get ready to bend, thrust, grind and shake to the early 90s classic rock hit Cherry Pie with the queen of reckless abandon Domino de Jour. Bring water and dance heels.

 

OR

Face Play Dates: Glitter Edition - Ruby Slippers - LOW Intensity

Ruby Slippers has teamed up with iconic bio-glitter babe, Glitter Au Gogo, to show you how to paint for the back row!

Grab your makeup brushes and a glass of wine and get ready to turn a smokey, jewel toned VAMP look, encrusted with glitter and ready to hit the stage! Experiment with dark lips, even darker eyes, and cheeks the colour of your enemies blood.

YOU WILL NEED:

  • Your preferred full coverage base products

  • Concealer

  • Contour

  • Blush

  • Highlighter

  • Brow products

  • Black gel eyeliner in a pot (Maybelline Lasting Drama is great!)

  • Black eyeshadow

  • Black liquid liner

  • Coloured shadows and complementing glitters (available to purchase on the day from Glitter Au Gogo)

  • Glitter glue (Kryolan multigel/BYS Glitter primer)

  • Mascara

  • False lashes

  • Dark lip colour (if in doubt, try black!)

  • Complimentary glitter

THE ONLINE TIMETABLE:

Friday January 13th:

10am - 12pm:

Burlesque Legends: Lili St Cyr - Maple Rose

Lili St Cyr was one-of-a-kind. The sincerity of Miss St Cyr (say the name quickly) was what people came to see. She was an artiste who practiced her art, well, sincerely. 

Join the vintage queen, Maple Rose, in an historical deep dive into Lili's history while also exploring some of her signature stripteases, mesmorizing movements and iconic installations.

Perfect for anyone keen to learn about burlesque history and put it into practice.

Bring a notepad and pen if you’d like to take notes, wear comfy dance clothes and dance heels.

1:30pm - 3:30pm: 

Power House Performer - Gina Stirling

Like the pillars of a stone house, sturdy and strong, the Power House workshop invites you to explore fierce stage presence through stiller movement and characterisation. Let’s create a 'don't mess with me' energy through our face and body language.

All you need to bring is yourself and a "can do" attitude. 

4:00pm - 6:00pm

Business For Burlesque - Poppy Cherry

Want to break into the burlesque industry but don’t know where to start? Being a successful burlesque performer requires more than feathers and sparkles... get ready to emerge from isolation with an arsenal ready to present yourself as a pro!

Join seasoned industry professional and Maison Burlesque studio owner Poppy Cherry to learn the nitty gritty of setting up and managing yourself as a small business. Learn how to set up a small business and manage things like invoicing and taxes. We discuss common burlesque rookie mistakes and how not to make them, as well as an overview of the current burlesque industry and its evolution over time. Learn to navigate the minefield that is marketing, promotion, social media, and getting those elusive gigs! 

 

Saturday January 14th: 

10am - 12pm:

Musicality for Act Development - Whisky Falls

Look at the importance of understanding music and choreography as a whole, and how these tools can take your performance to the next level.

Whisky will teach you the fundamental key to performance dynamics to keep you fresher for longer!

 

1:30pm - 3:30pm: 

Politics of Sexual Performance - Bella de Jac

"What's Whorephobia?" I pretend to hear you ask!

Learn all about it in this introduction to the politics of sexual performance and Burlesque.  Whether you're new to the magical world of Burlesque, or you've been treading the boards for a while, it's essential to have an understanding of the context of the Burlesque revival within the timeline of sexual performance. This workshop will be introducing you to the language and information to build a foundational understanding of the sexual politics of Burlesque, stigma, lateral whorephobia and how to liberate yourself from your inner morality cop along the way! At very least you'll learn some GREAT things to bring up at the next big family barbeque! 

Bring a notepad and pen or device, a sense of playful curiosity and self reflection. 

4pm - 6pm:

Foot Fetish - Whisky Falls

Learn how to make your feet the ultimate weapon. 

Whisky Falls will guide you through exercises, techniques and heel choreography to help you feel strong, confident and stable in your heels! Prep your feet and legs for those sky high stilletos and get ready to rock the home office with your sex appeal. 

Bring your favourite pair of heels. 

Sunday January 15th:

10am - 12pm: 

Striptilian - Evana De Lune

Unleash your inner animal with Striptilian. 

Self proclaimed Lizard Queen Evana De Lune will guide you through developing your own intrinsic style of movement through exploring the wonders of the animal kingdom. 

This class will teach you how to harness your primal instincts by channelling and analysing movements derived from various different species. Dance can be seen in all aspects of life and is not exclusive to just homosapiens.

Whether you’re an apex predator or prey at heart, this class will teach you how to pull inspiration from your environment. 

Equipment:

Please bring a pen & paper/notebook to take notes. 

Dress Code: 

Anything comfortable to dance in, leggings, singlet, shorts etc. Dance heels & kneepads are recommended.

1:30pm - 3:30pm:

Costume Design for Burlesque - Maple Rose

Want to make that dream costume a reality? 

Join Maple Rose in this two hour intensive that will break down all the steps required to design and create your dream outfit including:  research, design, sourcing, commissioning, embellishments and costume care as well as practical elements such as using your costume to aid characterisation and choreography. 

Maple Rose comes from a background of theatrical set and costume design, and has not only 1 design degree under her belt but 2! Her expertise in vintage fashion has contributed to her love affair with rhinestones, feathers and corsetry. She’ll give you all the tips and tricks to help you design the perfect costume to fit your act, character and budget. 

Suitable for all levels, including those with little or no sewing/design experience. (note that we will not be sewing). Please bring a pen and paper, have your phone or ipad handy for research purposes, and bring along any colour markers/pencils you want!

4pm - 6pm:

Face Play Dates: Glitter Edition - Ruby Slippers

Ruby Slippers has teamed up with iconic bio-glitter babe, Glitter Au Gogo, to show you how to paint for the back row!

Grab your makeup brushes and a glass of wine and get ready to turn a smokey, jewel toned VAMP look, encrusted with glitter and ready to hit the stage! Experiment with dark lips, even darker eyes, and cheeks the colour of your enemies blood.

YOU WILL NEED:

  • Your preferred full coverage base products

  • Concealer

  • Contour

  • Blush

  • Highlighter

  • Brow products

  • Black gel eyeliner in a pot (Maybelline Lasting Drama is great!)

  • Black eyeshadow

  • Black liquid liner

  • Coloured shadows and complementing glitters (available to purchase on the day from Glitter Au Gogo)

  • Glitter glue (Kryolan multigel/BYS Glitter primer)

  • Mascara

  • False lashes

  • Dark lip colour (if in doubt, try black!)



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Previous
January 11

Burlesque Teaser Classes

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January 21

Term 1, 2023 at Maison Burlesque