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This site is being reorganized and will be updated the week of July 7.

If you're looking for burlesque lessons, there is no better place to take classes, according to The New York Burlesque Festival, The Village Voice, and CBS Sunday Morning!

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

We are devoted to creating a stimulating, supportive, and entertaining environment for classes in burlesque movement, exotic dance, confidence, theatrics, and even spellbinding. We are NOT a chain or franchise, but an independent collective of unique teachers and artists who love to teach and entertain. Recommended by Metromix, The Daily News, and more!

Classic Moves of Burlesque Class
Fan Dance Class
Chair Dance Class

Get started right away with our weekly classes:
Every Thursday at 7 pm:
Flirting with Burlesque
Every Sunday at 4 pm:
Gorgeous Movement with Jo Weldon

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

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.

Hula Hoop Class! Burlesque Stars Pinkie Special and Miss Saturn show you how to hoop with sass, class, and style. All skill levels. Click here for more information.

With World Famous *BOB*
Ultimate Self-Confidence Series June 22
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

June 28 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

Dates to Be Announced:
Tigger Teaches Naked
Bottle-Cap Tap Dancing with Helen Pontani
Hula Hooping into Burlesque with Pinkie Special and 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.

Newly Listed:
Classic Moves of Burlesque Class
Fan Dance Class
Chair Dance Class

Hula Hoop Class Begins in July! Burlesque Stars Pinkie Special and Miss Saturn show you how to hoop with sass, class, and style. All skill levels.
Click here for more information.

With World Famous *BOB*
Ultimate Self-Confidence!
Onstage Glamour!
Class resumes in August. Date TBA
*BOB* is sharing her secrets of spectacular glamour! Learn why she's one of the most photographed women in burlesque, onstage and off. Be a burlesque star--or, just look like one.
Details and registration

"She shows us our present while preserving our past. I love Jo!!"
--Margaret Cho
Classic Moves of Burlesque $25
If you take only one movement class, this should be it!
Perfect for beginners taking the class for fun
OR experienced performers new to burlesque.
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.
More Details

Essential Burlesque Dance Six-Week Series
Learn ALL the moves that make burlesque so much fun! You'll be shimmying, peeling, and rocking it right on the stage of a venue that has been devoted to burlesque for almost a decade. Learn AUTHENTIC burlesque! Teacher Jo Weldon has learned directly from the ladies who performed during the golden age of twentieth century striptease, and many of her students have become regular burlesque performers on some of New York's most fantastic stages.
Click for Details!

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.