Jo Performing at the Factory at Lotus. Photo courtesy of Nikola at ambrel.net.
NO CLASS JUNE 8, 15
There may be other class schedule changes during June; please check here for details before attending any GM class. Normal schedule will resume after the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend.
This is not a series and you may take classes at any time in any order. However, class size is limited in order to ensure the quality of the class, so you must register in advance. Scroll down for more information.
I absolutely loved Gorgeous Movement, it
was structured so well and I've been practicing some
of the moves for my go go gig this Friday!
--Pandora Glamora
As I was listening to my music & running over the routine in my head it dawned on me that 2 of the moves from the Gorgeous Movement class will fit perfectly in the trouble spots. I'm so excited to try it out tonight!! Yay for Gorgeous Movement class!!!!
--Weirdee Girl
Learn how to transition smoothly from one move to another, and how to dance with grace and power.
Over the past several years I have been teaching, I have been working to develop a weekly class to encourage performers to feel that they have control over their movements onstage, and that they look great dancing. While any burlesque act can incorporate many elements, including comic elements, political elements, or confrontational elements, as well as beauty and grace, there is no need for performers to feel awkward and anxious about their ability to move as they'd like to. The more dance classes I take, the more I find my body trained to respond to my intentions. Putting that movement in the context of classic burlesque moves, which are simultaneously playful and sensual, has worked wonders for me!
Jo Performing at the Factory at Lotus. Photo courtesy of Nikola at ambrel.net.
While other forms of dance, such as ballet, usually require performers to force their bodies to conform to the movements that work for another dancer's body, my burlesque movement classes are based on helping you to find the moves that work for you. In many cases I feel that the class members already know how to move for burlesque, and I am simply teaching them how to give themselves permission. Strippers in historical burlesque theaters were often working off the cuff, improvising and discovering moves as they performed, then perfecting them and making them look polished through repetition. I can teach you that--I learned it directly from the ladies themselves!
Jo Performing at the Factory at Lotus. Photo courtesy of Nikola at ambrel.net.
This class is oriented to anyone who wants to make their dance flow more smoothly, whether their style is quick or slow. The goal of the class is to build confidence and encourage follow-through, while training the body to move in arcs and circles. The end result will be that every move appears deliberate and strong. Students will receive individual attention to help each find her personal style. Costuming elements which emphasize the various movements will be discussed. Warm-ups will increase control, balance, and flexibility.
The class is taught at the Slipper Room, a famous venue for burlesque where New York's longest-running burlesque show is held on Saturday nights. You will have the absolutely unique experience of learning in front of a dance mirror and then immediately trying out your moves on an actual burlesque stage!
NO CLASS JUNE 15.
Click below to register for One Class for $15
Two Gorgeous Movement Classes for $25:
Location
The Slipper Room is located on the corner of Orchard and Stanton Streets, one block below Houston St., on Manhattan's Lower East Side.
By Cab
It's simplest to tell your driver to drop you on the corner of Orchard and Houston Streets. Walk down Orchard St. one block. We're big, we're pink and we'll be on your right.
By Subway
The F / V train is the only subway near us. You'll want the 2nd Avenue stop. Make sure you're at the front of the train if coming from uptown, or the back of the train if coming from Brooklyn.
When you get above ground, you'll be on the corner of Houston and Allen Streets. Walk east on Houston one block to Orchard St. Hang a right on Orchard and walk one block. We're big, we're pink and we'll be on your right.
Advanced Gorgeous Movement Classes will begin soon. These will be for dancers who have taken 4 or more Gorgeous Movement classes and one chair-dancing class. In the advanced class we will create numbers with structured choreography to present at showcases, festivals, and events. Although these are rarely paid gigs they are great networking opportunties--and they are fun, fun, fun! Participation is subject to teacher's discretion; in order to participate in performances you must be willing and able to commit to performance dates, and show a high standard of reliability, punctuality, and ability to take direction.