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The School of Burlesque Handbook--How to Make Pasties, Learn a Fan Dance, and More!

Click below to see a video of the New York School of Burlesque on CBS Sunday Morning!

From the Village Voice "Best of New York" Issue:

Jo Weldon's Upcoming Classes:
Chair Dance May 3 2 pm
Fan Dance May 3 3.30 pm
Gorgeous Movement May 4 4 pm
Classic Burlesque May 11 1.30 pm
Jo Weldon is the Founder and Headmistress of the New York School of Burlesque. She has been awarded the title of "Best Teacher" in Arts and Entertainment in the Village Voice, and Best Burlesque Teacher and Mentor at the New York Burlesque Festival. She coordinates the Burlesque Master Class at Coney Island and produces The Follies Fromage, a burlesque show in which all the numbers are based on cheese, at Coney Island every summer. She has been a featured performer in Margaret Cho's "Sensuous Woman" variety show, and served as choreographer and consultant on the "Victor/Victrola" episode of Gossip Girl. She also toured with the Sex Workers' Art Show, performing in 33 cities in 35 days, and has worked as the judging co-ordinator for the Miss Exotic World Pageant in Las Vegas.

Inspiration:

If you've ever been inspired by images of burlesque stars or pinup queens, this is the school for you! Get in on the glitter, glamour, and humor of this uniquely fabulous art form. It may very well be the most fun you've ever had!
All classes are suitable for non-performers as well as performers. All are fun for both beginners and people with experience. Although advanced classes will be offered in 2008, they are not currently being offered. If you are curious, just try the one that looks most interesting to you, or take the next one and get started as soon as possible! No need to wait. You don't have to take one class to take the next; they are not series. Any class which has prerequisites will say so in its description.

See a clip of Jo teaching a glove peel to Julie Chang

See a clip of Jo teaching a student at U Penn to twirl

Most classes are held at 167 Orchard Street; some classes are held at 440 Lafayette. Read individual listings carefully for locations.
For directions and other details, see the list of Frequently Asked Questions.

This page is always under construction as classes are being added. Sometimes it can get a bit messy and confusing, like my dressing room! If you have a question about a class email rocknycity@aol.com.

Above: The stage where many of the School of Burlesque classes take place, while the Slipper Room is closed for bar business. Many classes also take place in a formal dance studio; please note the location of your class or event.

Classic Moves of Burlesque $25
If you take only one class, this should be it!
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.
Many former students perform in New York
at prestigious burlesque venues.
You can, too!
Or, you can take a burlesque workshop simply because
the workshop itself is a party!
It's even more fun when you bring a friend!
Boas, gloves, shimmy fringe, and pasties will be provided.
Jo Weldon has learned directly from the ladies who performed during the golden age of twentieth century striptease, and she's ready to show you the best of the best!
THIS CLASS ALWAYS SELLS OUT.
Register
If you would like to book this class as a private event for a group of friends or a birthday or bachelorette party, please Email Me.

With World Famous *BOB*
Ultimate Self-Confidence Series May 9, 16, 23
Nothing feels better or looks hotter than pure self-confidence. World Famous *BOB* will teach you how to refuse to let your imperfections define you, and how to give yourself permission to feel beautiful and valuable all the time, onstage or off.
Details and registration

Dates to Be Announced:
Tigger Teaches Naked
Bottle-Cap Tap Dancing with Helen Pontani
Hula Hooping into Burlesque with Miss Saturn
Deportment and Stage Presence With Dirty Martini
Makeup for Stage Persona with Angie Pontani

Superstars of Burlesque!
Dirty Martini, Julie Atlas Muz, and Tigger In A Benefit for the Burlesque Hall of Fame
Don't miss this amazing class--it may never happen again!
Suitable for ALL levels of interest in burlesque.
Click here for details.

Get started right away with our weekly classes:
Every Wednesday! Get fit with Burlesque!
Burlesque Pilates with Peekaboo Pointe.
Every Thursday Night And Friday Afternoon:
Flirting with Burlesque
Every Sunday!
Gorgeous Movement with Jo Weldon

Classic Moves of Burlesque
"She shows us our present while preserving our past. I love Jo!!"
--Margaret Cho
Learn to bump, grind, shimmy, peel, and twirl tassels!
May 11 1.30 pm
Click to View All Available Dates

Veronica Varlow's Spellbinding Burlesque!

Learn how to prepare to entrance and bind your audience, whether for a private seduction or a stage presentation. Veronica teaches secret techniques for finding inspiration, for feeling you are at your peak to perform, and for letting your audience share your passion. Charm is the word!Click here for details!

May 31 4-5:30
Angie Pontani Teaches Amazing Go-Go
If you loved the moves in Hairspray, you don't want to miss this class!
Details and registration

Most classes are women only, for ages 18 and over.
Most classes sell out, so if you and a friend want to take a class together please register at the same time.

If you would like to book any class as a private event for a birthday or bachelorette party, or for a professional event, please Email Me.