Showcase Courses
Learn the art of burlesque tease, & an array of vintage dance styles, in our specialised showcase courses - with the chance to perform in our end of term showcase at Max Watts!
We run 5 terms per year, and our timetable can vary. All enrolments are for an 8 week course in our studios in Richmond. Casual drop-ins are not available for these courses. Class numbers will be capped at a maximum of 14 students for personalised learning.
If you cannot commit to a full 8 week term, we recommend having a look at our Casual Classes which allow drop ins.
Check out our full list of courses below, however do check the current timetable to see what classes best fit your schedule and experience level.
Class Levels
At Maison Burlesque we cater for all dance and experience levels, however finding the right fit will ensure you enjoy your time with us! Please read the drop down menu to the right carefully to ensure you have the pre-requisites for each experience level.
Feel free to email us at info@maisonburlesque.com.au or call us at 03 8582 6693 if you have any questions about which class is the best choice for you.
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If you are brand new to burlesque or without any dance background we recommend starting with one of our “Beginner Level” Courses.
In our Beginner level courses you will learn the specific skills within burlesque and dance to feel confident and safe doing movements.
Beginner “Showcase” courses DO NOT include a pastie reveal, however striptease may be involved.
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All of our “Open Level” courses are beginner friendly if you’re up for a challenge! Anyone with dance history is more than welcome to begin in an Open Level class.
Open level ensures that both students with experience and students who are new to burlesque will learn new skills and gain the performance experience.
Please read the description of each course carefully. Some Open Level Courses DO include a nipple pastie reveal, and some DO NOT. This will primarily be due to the class being “dance based” or “burlesque based.”
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Intermediate courses are designed for students who have been dancing with us for a while or have a strong background in dance elsewhere.
We usually require students to have completed a minimum of 2 x Open Level courses before moving up to intermediate.
We are strict on students working up the ranks from Beginner Level in coures such as Fan Dance, Floorwork and Chair Dance as these are specialised skills rarely taught at regular dance studios.
However, if you have a strong background in dance any of our “dance based” courses will be a good fit for you.
Please ensure you read the “pre-requisities” for each course before you proceed with the booking.
Usually “Intermediate level” courses are not suitable for students with pre-existing injuries.
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Advanced level courses are only for those students who have been dancing with us for a while. These courses usually require experience with a specific skill that we teach, so please ensure you have experience with us before booking into an Advanced level course.
Course Descriptions
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Beginner Level
Burlesque Fun-damentals is putting the FUN in fundamentals! You will learn a cute theme each term to dip your toe into the world of burlesque.
In this course you will learn:
Bumps
Grinds
Shimmies
Walks
Build your self-esteem and confidence
A classic and neo fusion burlesque routine
This class is open to students of any gender.
This class does involve striptease but does not include a pastie reveal.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Burlesque Fun-Damentals
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
What do you get when you cross a dramatic jazz dancer with the technique (but definitely not the height) of a showgirl?
In this course you will learn:
Traditional showgirl foundations, both in poise and in movement
The fundamentals of the ‘filthy’ era… aka the Bump n Grind
The illicit marriage of these 2 genres
The flourish, flair and theatricality of the cabaret
Get ready to subvert your inner showgirl and serve *The Drama*.
Prior dance experience recommended but not essential.
This includes striptease elements and may include a pastie reveal (double bra optional alternative).
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Cabaret Showgirls
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced Levels
Learn the classic, elegant and cheeky art of burlesque dancing with ostrich feather fans in this 8 week performance course!
In this course we will:
Learn poise and basic fan technique.
Learn classic fan dance moves and poses in a specific grip style, either Classic Grip or Neo Grip.
Learn the art of tease, hide and reveal with feather fans.
Put your moves together into a cute, fun and flirty group routine.
Class is suitable for students of all genders and experience levels. Perfect for absolute beginners!
We recommend completing at least one course of Neo Grip and one course of Classic Grip before progressing to Intermediate Fan Dance.
Ostrich fans are provided for use during the class.
Please note this class does not include striptease nor a pastie reveal.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Fan Dance
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Want to explore of the world of BOY-lesque? In this course you will learn some new dance moves, explore your own creativity, masculine sensuality and experience new styles of striptease movement you can take to the stage!
In this course you will learn:
Masculine striptease
Stage presence and characterisation
Improvisation
Act creation
This class is open to students of any gender wanting to explore masculinity in movement with all levels of dance and performance experience. Zero experience required!
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Boylesque
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
The Roaring Twenties were the bee’s knees, when flappers glugged down giggle water, and Jazz clubs were the cat’s pyjamas. Step back into the prohibition era with Maple Rose and unleash your inner flapper.
This high energy Open Level class combines the cheeky steps of the Charleston and swing with a fun theme and elements of striptease.
Let's get those toes a’tapping!
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
1920’s Burlesque
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Immerse yourself into the ancient art of belly dance with this showcase course for all levels of experience!
Join us in learning how to articulate vibrational and fluid movements to beautiful tunes of the East. Grab a coin belt, pick up some new skills, and enjoy teaching your body a new, exhilarating and empowering way to move.
In this course, you will:
Learn the fundamentals of dance styles from the MENAHT (Middle Eastern, North African, Hellenic and Turkish) regions.
Explore simple technique methods for undulations, shimmies, hip drops and everything in between.
Find harmony between hard-hitting, sensual movements and dramatic gestures.
This is an open level and high energy class suitable for all genders and experience levels. This class does not involve striptease elements.
Optional: Students are welcome to bring their own hip scarves and coin belts!
This class does not involve striptease elements.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Belly Dance Deities
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Indulge yourself in the lyricism and the power of the blues!
Moving with the soul of the pioneers of the genre, to bumping and bringing New Orleans style, this style will cover anything that encompasses the genre of the blues.
Think gritty grabs, smouldering struts, and soulful grinds. This is a striptease class for those who want to move and tease with angst, raw emotions and that slow, seductive power.
Please note this class involves striptease and may include a pastie reveal.
This class is open to students of all identities and experience levels.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Blues Burlesque
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Take The Big Boa - your new favourite burlesque prop - for a spin with the blonde bombshell herself Valerie Valentine.
‘Big Bombshell Boas’! We will explore the cheeky, sensual and comical side of this burlesque staple in a way that is suitable for all levels of experience.
In this open level course, you will learn some introductory boa tricks, striptease with a prop and optional fun & flirty floorwork.
In this course you will:
Manoeuvre a big boa (boas will be supplied)
Sensually hide & reveal your costume and yourself
Big Boa Tips & Tricks
Classic striptease techniques
Boas are provided, please supply your own low dance heels.
Suitable for all genders with no experience needed!
Please note this is a striptease class and will include a pastie reveal
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Big Boa Bombshells
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Get your burlesque on in this upbeat and energetic course inspired by the Vintage Burlesque Stars of yesteryear! Get ready to shimmy, shake, bump, grind and learn the art of classic burlesque tease.
In this course we will cover:
Classic burlesque moves such as the burlesque walk, the shimmy, the bump and grind, and more!
Learn a cheeky striptease involving garment removals
Learn to tassel twirl!
Develop your burlesque persona, and work on character, stage presence, and audience interaction
Then put it all together into a cheeky, sassy burlesque routine!
This is an open level class suitable for all genders of all ages and experience levels. This class does involve striptease elements and pastie reveal with tassel twirling.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Bump, Grind & Tease
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Inspired by the great Lili St Cyr, learn the art tease in a performance course where subtly transcends reality.
Stripped back choreography and costumes, the boudoir style burlesque is voyeurism at its finest. Learn how to transport the audience to the performer's private quarters, where self pleasure and indulgence is the most important element.
In this course you’ll learn the theatrical tricks to keep the audience entranced by every subtle movement you do.
Recommended for intermediate students with a basics knowledge of the art of tease, this course will plunge you into the deepened of performance/installation art.
Open to all genders.
Please note that this class does involve striptease elements and does include a pastie reveal.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Bumps in the Boudoir
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Beginner & Open Level
Life is a Cabaret, at least that's what Whisky says anyway!
Join Whisky Falls in the course that you Musical Chair lovers have been waiting for! Adding to her 'Cabaret' repertoire, Whisky will help you move with, become one with, tease and seduce the ultimate dance partner... You guessed it... YOUR CHAIR!
This course will introduce you to the skills needed to develop seductive and sexy chair routines, while learning movements and positions that will increase your coordination, strength and confidence, all while telling a theatrical story.
Chairs are provided for use during the class.
Please note this class involves striptease, but does not include a pastie reveal.
This class requires a degree of physical fitness. If you are unsure as to your suitability please contact us at info@maisonburlesque.com.au.
Please note: injuries and other special requirements need to be considered before booking this course.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Cabaret Chair
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Laugh your clothes off and explore your funny side!
Explore the parody, pantomime, and vaudevillian vibes of burlesque. Following a devised method with clowning principles through play, come create a silly, hilarious routine in a safe, supportive space.
In this course you will learn:
Confidence and stage presence
Devising humour through play
clowning, pantomime and parody
comedic costuming, choreography and character
This is an open level class suitable for all genders, all ages and experience levels.
Please note this class involves striptease and may include a pastie reveal.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Comic Strippers
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Intermediate & Advanced Levels
Ready for a new challenge? Ready to get sweaty? Ready to get dirty? Come along and get sweaty in this Dirty Jazz class, as we work on our dance technique, and our sexy style. Aimed for people who like a challenge, this class is for anyone who wants to learn how to say more with their body without the striptease.
In this course you will learn:
Foundational jazz technique
Body isolations
Intricate choreography
Building confidence
How to get down and dirty!
This class is open to students of any gender.
PLEASE NOTE: that this class is an Intermediate/Advanced class. Students must have a strong dance background, OR have completed 2 or more dance based courses at Maison Burlesque. Please contact us if you are unsure as to your suitability for this course..
This is a physically demanding class and not suitable for people with injuries.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Dirty Jazz
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
2005 called and they want their neon green striped arm warmers back!
Layer up your studded belts and pull that deep side fringe across your eyes as we bring the angsty, bedroom vibes from your MySpace page and Alt Press posters to the stage, and show everyone it wasn't a phase.
In this course, journey with our very own Scene Queen Cora Noire in a theatrical movement course that encompasses:
Staging and character work that feeds your angsty teenage self.
Dance based movement that helps you encompass musicality in an alternative genre.
All genders and abilities welcome. No heels required...The heavier the flat soled shoe the better.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Emo Scene Queens
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Intermediate and Advanced Levels
Kinky and slinky, FEMME DOMMES will take all that powerful feminine energy and channel it into sexy choreography inspired by fetish and domination.
It's all about self exploration and openness to new experiences. This sex positive class allows a safe environment to be your best kinky selves with like minded individuals.
This is a open level class suitable for all genders with no experience needed!
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Femme Dommes
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open & Intermediate Levels
Traditional showgirl work…But make it FILTHY!
This course is designed for those who love traditional showgirl drills, techniques and style, but also love retro and neo forms of burlesque. How do you merge the two? Join Whisky to figure it out!
In this course, expect to cover:
A foot, ankle, calf and hip drill-centric warmup
Traditional showgirl foundations to prepare for the intense choreography
Some of ‘Whisky’s Filthy Drills’ to help you learn how to subvert your showgirl and make them wild.
Choreography that is designed to be pleasing to the eye and shocking to the soul.
All genders welcome!
Includes striptease & a pastie reveal.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Filthy Follies
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Advanced and Professional Levels
Get slinky on the floor and learn some new tricks!
Explore boundaries of conventional burlesque striptease, play with lines harsh and soft, blend classic and contemporary, fluidity and strength. This term explore contrasting styles of floorwork through movement, musicality and energy. From light to dark.
This class is of Advanced level, a skill and technique based class. Not suitable for those new to dance or movement, or nursing acute injury. Expect to roll, tumble and balance upside down.
Suitable for all genders.
It is expected that students have completed a minimum of 8 classes of Floorwork Tech (or equivalent). If you are new to the studio, we recommend attending some of our Open Level/Intermediate Level courses before this one.
If you are unsure as to your suitability please contact info@maisonburlesque.com.au
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Floor Show
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Intermediate Level
Are you looking for an intermediate level burlesque class to excite your inner seductress?
"Gritty Grind" plays homage to the femmes fatales of yesteryear. Explore the dark side of herstory while bumping and grinding your way to more advanced burly tricks including floorwork and striptease.
In this class you will learn:
An intermediate level burlesque routine
How to release your inner seductress onstage
More advanced burlesque techniques including floor work, striptease and musicality.
This course is suitable to all genders with some dance or burlesque experience. Please note that this class does involve striptease elements and does include a pastie reveal.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Gritty Grind
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
It's like Strip Hop... but lazy. Still hot tho. Unwashed gym gear and messy bed hair encouraged. Let's DANCE (but not too hard).
Inspired by commercial heels choreography, get strong and confident in those stilettos while learning how your body moves sensually in a slow and dare we say “lazy” dance style. Don’t worry - you’ll still work up a sweat ;)
In this class you will learn:
Slow and sensual moves in heels
How to incorporate the art of tease
Timing and musicality
How to work as a dance team
This is an open level class suitable for all genders.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Hot But Lazy
Le Jazz Hot
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Intermediate & Advanced Levels
Feel your oats and get HOT with Iva Grande in this sexy jazz dance course that will leave you wanting more than just your fishnets and heels!
Drawing on this sultry style of dance adopted by the neo burlesque icons, Iva will break down her choreography filled with jazz fundamentals and stylistic techniques.
This is an Intermediate/Advanced level class that requires a high level of fitness and prior jazz dance experience. Students must have technical jazz experience and/or experience in either Dirty Jazz or Cabaret Jazz courses at Maison Burlesque. This is a physically intensive class that is not suitable for people with injuries.
If you are uncertain as to your suitability for this class please contact us on info@maisonburlesque.com.au prior to enroling.
*Please note this class involves striptease and may include a pastie reveal.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Looking to unleash your inner sex demon? Metalesque explores the darker, heavier side of the art form.
Thrash around in this group routine which includes big heels, guitar slams and head bangs! Learn how to move seductively to heavier stylings by exploring erotic floor work, fast choreography and a don't F*** with me attitude.
In this course you will learn:
Chorography and striptease to a metal track
Head banging and mosh moves
Fierce stage presence
*Please note this is a physically intense intermediate class. Previous dance experience is required, and it is recommended to be injury free.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Metalesque
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open, Intermediate & Advanced Levels
Feel your oats and get HOT with Iva Grande in this sexy jazz dance course that will leave you wanting more than just your fishnets and heels!
Drawing on this sultry style of dance adopted by the neo burlesque icons, Iva will break down her choreography filled with jazz fundamentals and stylistic techniques.
This is an Intermediate/Advanced level class that requires a high level of fitness and prior jazz dance experience. Students must have technical jazz experience and/or experience in either Dirty Jazz or Cabaret Jazz courses at Maison Burlesque. This is a physically intensive class that is not suitable for people with injuries.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Noughty Nineties
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Rock, Sweat and Rears is a neo burlesque class for all of us who have ever wanted to shake our ass on the hood of Whitesnake’s Car. This high energy class embraces the music and the wild freedom of 80s and 90s rock and roll. Using classic burlesque fundamentals combined with strength and fitness building moves you will build not only your booty but your confidence in this 8 week course.
In this class you will learn:
Burlesque fundamentals such as the shimmy, bumps and grinds, and character development
80’s rock power stances
Hair flicks and hairograohy
Safe low squats, grinds, knee drops and floor work
This class is open to students of any gender and students of all levels of burlesque experience, however please note this is a physically demanding class and not suitable for people with injuries.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Rock, Sweat & Rears
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Silk Veil Fans are the alternative to feather fans, with silk floating in the air like waves on a beach. Borrowed from belly dancing and with a long history within the erotic dance forms, we are honoured to bring to you this graceful and expressive performance course.
In this course you will learn:
Learn classic and creative silk fan dance moves and poses, in a classic vintage showgirl style or modern neo-burlesque routine.
Master the art of teasing, hiding and revealing with silk veil fans.
Learn to incorporate more complex fan choreography such as fast moves and transitions
Acts may incorporate striptease elements into your fan dancing
Further explore character and tone in your fan dance
Silk Veil fans are provided for use during the class and performance.
This course may involve striptease and/or pastie reveal.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Silk Fans
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Tease "Oh!" Rama
Oh! Honey! Join the Burlesque party in this cheeky, precocious course inspired by the Vintage Burlesque Stars of yesteryear! Get ready to shimmy, shake, bump, grind and learn the art of classic burlesque tease.
In this course we we will cover:
Classic burlesque moves such as the burlesque walk, the shimmy, the bump and grind, and more!
Learn a cheeky striptease involving garment removals.
Learn to tassel twirl!'
Develop your burlesque persona, and work on character, stage presence, and audience interaction
Then put it all together into a cheeky, sassy burlesque routine!
This is an open level class suitable for all genders of all ages and experience levels. With a particular focus on the spicy attitude of our Burlesque fore-mothers over intense dance choreography. There will be no floor work this term.
This class does involve striptease elements and pastie reveal with tassel twirling.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Tease ‘o’ Rama
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Advanced Level
Turn up the heat as we drop it low in this hip hop inspired burlesque fusion dance class. For the lovers of current dance trends release your inner boss in this strong and sexy class. Lift your steaze higher than your ponytail. Get ready to work HARD and work up a SWEAT!
In this class you will learn:
An advanced hip-hop inspired routine.
Master being powerful and confident on stage as you werk the room.
How to incorporate the art of striptease with a modern dance style
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Strip Hop
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Dive into burlesque history in this burlesque course focusing on the origins of the art of tease! We will explore the transition of burlesque from parody on the vaudeville circuit to striptease in the cabaret clubs in this multi-discipline dance based course.
Each term we will be inspired by the 'greats' who changed the art of burlesque from the 1880s - 1980s, including composers, burlesque stars and comedians! We will watch video footage and discuss as a group what makes them so iconic, then dive into choreography inspired by their movements and theatrical techniques.
In this course you will learn: -
What made the Burlesque Greats so Great. We will dive into the nuances of specific icons from the history of Burlesque and dissect their unique style from video footage and photographs.
A variety of striptease skills which may include boas, gloves, and other costume props
Characterisation, comedic skills and theatrical techniques to broaden your performance skill set
Floor work, footwork, hand choreography, bumps, grinds and other movements to explore storytelling with your body
Vintage Varietease is open to all genders. Please note this class involves striptease and may include pastie reveal.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.