Workshops & Masterclasses
Term 5 Workshop Schedule now live!
We host an array of fabulous one-off burlesque, dance and craft workshops! Join us for FAB FRIDAYS and SUNDAY SPECIALS, where you can explore a new genre of performance, develop a new skill, spend time with your burly crew, and more!
Scroll down for more information and timetables
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Maison Burlesque, 308 St Georges Road, Thornbury.
Fab Fridays Workshops
Kick off the weekend in style on Fridays at Maison Burlesque Thornbury!
Start with a retro dance jam with Cora Noire at 5pm for ‘So Fresh! Dance Hits’. Then Join us every Friday in Term 4 at 6:15pm for a complimentary glass of bubbly and special one-off workshop with one of our fabulous instructors.
Open to all levels!
Learn more about each workshop in the dropdown menu below ⇩
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📆 Friday 8th November 2024
Lyrical Flow
⏰ 6:15pm - 7:45pmExplore music and movement, learning to find all kinds of moments and emotion through choreography with trained contemporary and lyrical dancer Cora Noire.
Core skills:
Storytelling
Making movement your own
Guided improvisation
Musicality
Lines, shapes, intricacies
Open to all levels from total beginners to seasoned pros looking to try something new or just enjoy and be present in expressive movement.
Optional floor work (knee pads encouraged)
Socks or bare feet preferred -
📆 Friday 15th November 2024
Whisky on Tap
⏰ 6:15pm - 7:45pmHave you joined Whisky Falls for Whisky on Tap before?
Or maybe you know (or have a distant memory of) your shuffles, riffs, rolls and crawls?
Want to learn some more?
This is your time!
Come join Whisky as we recap on the basic steps needed to string together a tap dance based routine. Combining steps and taking technique to the next level, this open level workshop will have you salivating for more!
Pre Reqs: At least 2 previous tap classes. Knowledge of basic shuffles, riffs and rolls.
Tap shoes not essential but encouraged. Hard soled boots with no to low heel are great.
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📆 Friday 22nd November 2024
Belly Dance Bliss
⏰ 6:15pm - 7:45pmAre you ready to unleash you inner deity?
Belly dance is a ravishing art form that has touched hearts in all corners of the world. Whether you’re already experienced in the dance or have been intrigued in dipping your toe in, all genders, ages, body types and levels of experience are welcome to join.
In the beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll be guided through the importance of belly dance for your body, a variety of hypnotic drills and a memorable choreography to take home with you!
Come along to this one-of-a-kind workshop and relish in hearty MENAHT (Middle Eastern, North African, Hellenic, Turkish) music, tune into your divine feminine, and find a new way to empower your mind, body and spirit through the drumbeat.
What do bring: Please wear comfortable clothing that helps you clearly see your hip and chest movements, preferably tight fitting.
Optional: hip scarves (although we will also bring enough for everybody to wear if you don’t own one).
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📆 Friday 29th November 2024
Slow Burn
⏰ 6:15pm - 7:45pmThis is gonna be a hot one - Join Sham and learn a slow and sexy heels routine!
This class will start with a thorough physical warm up with some heels technique.
After that, we’ll learn and dance a routine that will incorporate lots of slowness, but also challenge your strength and control. We’ll also explore how to keep things interesting with finding tension in movement.
Pre Reqs: Due to the movements and choreography, you MUST be comfortable wearing heels at least 3 inches tall. (Not block heels or kitten heels- stilettos!) Dance heels are recommended, however, you can also bring an appropriate non dance heel if its thin enough and comfortable enough! There will be a few moments of floor work, please bring kneepads if you have dodgy knees!
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📆 Friday 6th December 2024
Wing It the Whisky Way
⏰ 6:15pm - 7:45pmLearn Fans the Whisky Way!
You've been in classes with Poppy and Maple - it's time to switch it up and throw another style into the mix.
Explore poses, positioning, twists, turns and stretches with your body's feathery extensions in the most sensual of manners.
Whisky will incorporate her contemporary dance training with her erotic dance expertise to help you learn to express your own personal fan dance style with a new range of dynamics and that special Speyside flow ;)
Open to all genders & levels of experience.
Sunday Specials Workshops
Soothe the Sunday scaries with our beautiful range of Sunday workshops at Maison Burlesque in Thornbury!
Join one of our Guest Workshop Facilitators for an afternoon of burlesque, dance or craft goodness.
Learn more about each workshop in the dropdown menu below ⇩
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📆 Sunday 3rd November 2024
Masterclasses with Bella de Jac
✨ BOOK BOTH & SAVE ✨
Join our fabulous Bella de Jac for an afternoon of sex positive goodness!
🌟 Lapdance 102 🌟
⏰ 2:30pm - 4pmFollowing on from our Lapdance 101 workshop at Summer School we're bringing you Lapdance 102!
Last time we covered the basics and this time we'll be taking it one step further! Connect with your body and love yourself sick in this lush, slow, sensual dance workshop. We continue our learning with techniques for creating a safe and sensual space, whether just for you, for an audience of one, or to take onto the stage. Explore perspective, creating a safe and exciting experience, focussing on intimate connection and awareness with yourself, expressing genuine sensuality, and welcoming the viewer's gaze.
What to bring:
F*ck rug, fake fur, or even a yoga matt and a blanket! You'll want something to roll around on & bring something you can take off. Anything from a t-shirt, dressing gown, or a dress that slips off easily.
Heels or bare feet both welcome.
Feel free to wear something that makes you feel gorgeous!
🌟 Politics of Sexual Performance 🌟
⏰ 4:15pm - 6pmThe Burlesque Performers toolkit is so much bigger than E6000 glue, pastie tape and fishnets!
In this introduction to the politics of sexual performance and Burlesque, we'll be adding to the social political toolkit every Burlesque performer should have. 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! Learn how to be a great community member AND learn some great subjects to bring up at the next big family barbeque!
Content & Accessibility Notes
Touch/Interactivity: As step above a completely introductory workshop, there may be light inter-participant or "teacher to participant" demonstration of perspective and eyeline in this class as is comfortable for participants. Physical touch will be avoided as much as possible.
Physical accessibility: We will be spending a lot of time on the floor & on a chair. There will be some getting up and down but how this happens can be modified to suit participants needs to some extent. It will include stretching, bending, kneeling, and straddling movements around a chair or on the floor.
Discussion topics: There will be conversations about bodies - yours and others, gender, sex/sexuality, consent & boundaries. The approach to these conversations from the instructor is non-judgmental and necessary for the content of the class to demonstrate how to safely navigate both physical and emotional interactions with a participant in a lapdance. Bella makes every attempt to guide attendees to participate with the same respect and non-judgement but cannot make guarantees about the content of conversation or statements from or between participants.
Book 'Politics of Sexual Performance'
✨FULL EVENT✨ BOOK BOTH & SAVE ✨
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Glamour queen, party girl and powerhouse of the Australian Burlesque Industry Bella de Jac brings a formidable weight of experience to the stage.
With a ridiculous number of titles, awards, and headlining tours under her belt, she maintains a careful balance of utter debauchery with serious hard work.Bella is Miss Burlesque Australia 2015, and a strong advocate for body-positive, sex- positive, feminist performance art. She has sung, danced and acted her way across Australian and international stages from Melbourne to New York, London and beyond.
Taking out both #31 and #50 in the 2016 & 2017 21st Century Burlesque Top 50, headliner of countless tours, co-director of BEAST and Bitch Stole My Act, and winner of a slew of awards including the most recent, The Australian Burlesque Lifetime Achievement Award, Bella has been a key figure within the Australian Burlesque Industry for over a decade.
Described as both an exquisite creature and a powerful and captivating performer, Bella's penchant for pushing acceptable social boundaries is cleverly disguised by the grace and glamour of her shows.
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📆 Sunday 3rd November 2024
Breaking the Fourth Wall with Valerie Va Va Valentine
✨ BOOK YOUR SPOT ✨
'Breaking the Fourth Wall: Tools to Engage your Audience' with Valerie “Va Va” Valentine.
Join Valerie “Va Va” Valentine in a workshop spotlighting character, assisted striptease and audience participation.
Deep dive discussion on what it means to 'Break the 4th Wall' - the dramatic technique of directly addressing your audience - and how essential it is to burlesque. Build on or level up your character, discuss and acknowledge your storyline in burlesque, communicate that both literally and through movement and how to establish some assisted striptease techniques.
Open Level - Aimed at emerging soloists but welcome to all.
Low to moderate intensity class.
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
She's blonde, buxom and beguiling. She's Melbourne's own Boudoir Babydoll. It's Valerie "Va Va" Valentine!
As far back as she can remember, Va Va has been star-struck with the glitz and glamour of the silver screen, rummaging her mums makeup bag and prancing around in her shiny Saturday night heels always waiting for anyone and any occasion to soak up the spotlight. As a formally trained classic ballet dancer with a bust and booty that just won't quit - Valerie spent many a moon dreaming of a home to shake it the way she was meant to.
A Maison Burlesque alumni herself, after her dazzling debut in 2019 at Cherry Poppers Solo Showcase, Va Va has sauntered stages over the east coast of Australia and graced many a lap(top) worldwide through digital cabarets in London and Spain. She has also been featured on the cover of many pinup publications in both Europe and America. Known for her cheeky charm this vintage vixen takes you back to the golden era of Burlesque one bunny hop at a time, like a living, breathing MGM Glamour Girl. Follow in the slipper clad footsteps of Marilyn, Mamie and Mansfield to learn a trick or three about pinup perfection.
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📆 Sunday 17th November 2024
Back to 'Sewing' Basics Workshop with Crystal Pegasus Costumes
Are you keen to have a crack at costuming but don’t know where to start?
Got a brilliant vision for an outfit but new to sewing?
Then this is the class for you!
In this four-hour workshop, Catherine from Crystal Pegasus Costumes will lead you through the basics of both machine and hand sewing.
In this workshop, you will:
Practice working with different types of materials (including stretch, non-stretch and chiffon)
Be introduced to the different parts of a sewing machine
Learn a range of stitches and plan out what sewing is required for a specific project.
You will sew a simple gift bag – perfect for stashing your costumes in! This class is a one-day, four-hour workshop. It is a gentle and fun class – open to all genders and suitable for anyone from complete beginners at sewing to someone keen for a refresher!
What to bring:
If you have your own basic sewing kit (hand sewing needles, glass headed sewing pins, fabric scissors, thimble) then please bring it along, otherwise tools can be provided. Students are required to bring their own sewing machine or hire one for use on the day (see below).
NOW OFFERING SEWING MACHINE LOAN:
If you do not have your own sewing machine, we have a limited number of machines that can be provided for students for use at the studio during class. Reserve yours at booking, for a fee of $20.
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Catherine has an exuberant love for creating fantasy and historically inspired costumes! From beautifully structured corsets to floaty skirts, she adores it all!
With over a decade of tertiary teaching experience, and a YouTube channel devoted to her sewing, Catherine will ensure your journey is fun and enjoyable as you develop your sewing skills!
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📆 Sunday 24th November 2024
Feather Fan Making & Maintenance Crafternoon
Are your Feather Fans in need of some Maintenance or Upgrade?
Or have all the materials to make your own fans but don't know where to start?
Grab your supplies and join resident Fan Dance instructor Poppy Cherry for a casual crafternoon, and receive tips and guidance on how to construct, upgrade, repair or maintain your feather fans.
Poppy Cherry has been dancing with fans for over 14 years, and teaching fan dance classes for over 8 years. She has also made countless pairs of feather fans using a range of different stave types and feather sizes, and has plenty of tips for how to get the best construction, quick emergency fixes, as well as the pitfalls to avoid when making fans for the first time.
For this crafternoon you'll need to supply all your own materials, feathers & tools.
If you would like advice on what tools or supplies you'll need please contact Poppy at poppy@maisonburlesque.com.au for advice well in advance so you have time to order your supplies.
Poppy's hot tips for items to have in your fan repair kit:
- Spare staves
- Spare feathers
- Bent nose pliers
- Wire cutters
- Floristry wire or other similar pliable wire (approx 0.8mm or 20 gauge is a good start)
- Waxed cotton thread (approx 0.8mm)
- Screw driver/wrench (depending on bolt type)
- Plastic zip ties
- Hot glue gun & glue sticks -
📆 Sunday 8th December 2024
Masterclasses with Maple Rose
✨ BOOK BOTH & SAVE ✨
Join our Queen of Classic, Miss Maple Rose, for two huge masterclasses in costuming, history, and performance art!
🌟 Costuming for Burlesque 🌟
⏰ 2:30pm - 4:30pmWant 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).
What to bring:
Pen and paper
Your phone, iPad or laptop for research purposes
Any colour markers/pencils you want!
Book 'Costuming for Burlesque'
🌟Classic with Character 🌟
⏰ 5pm - 6:30pm“Classic burlesque” has had a bad rep of being labelled boring, but it’s far from it!
Unlock your full performance potential in Maple’s “Classic with Character" Burlesque Workshop, where we'll dive deep into the art of theatrical burlesque. This comprehensive workshop combines the playful elements of clowning, the depth of narrative and dramaturgy, the rhythm of musicality, and the creativity of costuming, all within the realm of traditional burlesque dance styles.
What you'll learn:
Clowning and Playfulness: Explore how clowning can add a playful, comedic edge to your burlesque routines, helping you connect with your audience and keep them entertained.
Narrative and Dramaturgy: Learn how to weave compelling stories into your performances, using dramaturgy to enhance the emotional and thematic depth of your acts.
Musicality: Master the art of dancing to the music, understanding beats, rhythms, and how to synchronize your movements for maximum impact.
Costuming: Discover the secrets of effective costuming, from selecting outfits that complement your narrative to using costume changes and reveals to surprise and delight your audience.
History and Inspiration: Dive into the history books to study iconic burlesque stars. Explore how their onstage personas and unique styles skyrocketed their careers, and find inspiration for developing your own distinctive burlesque identity.
This workshop offers a blend of theory and movement, giving you a holistic understanding of burlesque performance. You’ll gain valuable insights from historical examples while actively practicing the techniques that made these stars unforgettable
What to bring:
Please wear form fitting clothing and bring your water bottle.
Dance shoes optional
✨FULL EVENT✨ BOOK BOTH & SAVE ✨
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Described as the unwanted lovechild of Tempest Storm and Lucille Ball, Miss Maple Rose combines her professional expertise in costume and set design with her foundation in classical dance to guide budding performance artists in the art of tease! She’s here to prove that “classic burlesque” doesn’t have to be boring. Either with feather fans or tapping toes, Maple will take you on a deep dive into burlesque history.
Winner of the 1st Runner Up crown at Miss Burlesque Australia 2018, Headliner of the Australian Burlesque Festival 2020/21/22, voted #21 in the 21st Century Burlesque’s Top 50 Most Influential Burlesque Figures of 2021, voted Best Solo Artist and Most Classic at the Australian Burlesque Industry Awards, The Busties, in 2018 - Maple has shown Australia she's one tornado with her feather fans and couture costumes!