Frequently Asked Questions…
I’m new to burlesque, where should I start?
We offer a wide range of dance classes for multiple experience levels, however if you are brand new to burlesque without any dance background we recommend starting with one of our “Beginner Level” Courses.
However, any 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.
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.
What Class Level is right for me?
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 2 x Beginner or 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.
What should I wear/bring?
We encourage all course and class students to dress in something they are comfortable to move freely in. Most classes (unless stated otherwise) are ‘barefoot friendly’.
If you are taking part in a Showcase Course, your teacher will tell you on Wweek 1 what you will need in regards to costumes, footwear or props. For specifics, read the theme section of the description carefully, or click on the ‘What to Bring’ tab.
If you are taking part in Casual Class or a Showcase Course that involves floor work or chairs, soft knee pads are recommended (Floor Work 101 & Floor Tricks kneepads are essential).
If you prefer to work in shoes or would like to bring footwear and are unsure what kind, please contact us at info@maisonburlesque.com.au for any specifications for your class.
Do you offer payment plans?
Deposits can be made to secure a spot in any Maison Burlesque 8-Week Showcase Course only up until 14 days prior to the commencement of term. After this time only full payments will be accepted.
A minimum $75 deposit is required to make a booking. This can be only organised with admin staff via email, phone or in person, and can be paid via our automated booking system, cash, card or bank transfer (a receipt of your transfer must be emailed to us so we can follow up on the transaction on our end).
All balance payments must be paid at least 10 days prior to the commencement of the term. Failure to pay in full by this date will result in the booking being terminated. Any deposit payments will be kept as class credit that can be used towards any future class booking. All class payments are strictly non-refundable. Deposits are not available for workshops or special events.
Can I drop in for a class?
We offer two styles of courses - our “Casual Drop-In” Classes, and our 8-Week “Showcase” Courses.
If you want to come in and try out a class, you can book any of our “Casual Drop-In” classes via our enrolment page. These will appear in chronological order in the “classes” tab.
You may opt to pay per class, however we also offer Casual Class Passes in bundles of 4-, 8- and 16- for those who want the freedom to book on the go! These passes are only valid to use on our “Casual Drop-In” classes.
I’m keen to get onstage! What are my performance opportunities?
We offer a wide range of 8-week “Showcase” Courses, each with the opportunity to perform the routine you learn over the course of the term at our end of term Cherry Poppers Showcase! Performing in the Showcase is completely optional.
Our “Showcase” Courses run by a term-by-term basis. To see when the next available course starts, head to our enrolment page and click on the “Courses and Workshops” tab.
We also offer a variety of avenues for budding solo performers to get stage time and mentorship. Head to our Solo Development page for more info.
I have a back/knee/shoulder injury, can I still join classes?
Students are responsible for ensuring that they are physically and medically fit for the course/class that they are participating in. If in doubt of your suitability for the class please do not hesitate to contact us.
During the class students must take care at all times for their own personal safety and must inform the teacher of any physical limitations, current or ongoing injuries or medical conditions they have prior to the commencement of the class.
If for any reason you become injured or feel any pain or discomfort during your class you must stop your participation and inform your instructor immediately.
How old do I have to be to do burlesque?
We cater for all ages! Our evening classes and events are 18+, however minors are usually free to sign up for our special workshops, as long as a guardian joins them in the learning experience. No matter what your age we have a class for you!
Are your classes for women only?
All of our classes are open gender.
Some classes may be geared more towards the more masculine or feminine styles of movement and costume, so bear in mind that your instructor may expect you to dance in that style. For instance, “Boylesque” is geared towards the more masculine dance styles as “Bump, Grind & Tease” is a more vintage femme style.
My class falls on a public holiday, is it still on?
Yes! All classes run as per usual on public holidays, unless otherwise specified.
I am going away for part of the term, can I still join a “Showcase” Course?
Please advise your instructor if you are unable to attend your class on any given week. For “Showcase” courses, we are strict on students attending 75% of the classes (6 out of 8 weeks) within the schedule to ensure they can keep up with the choreography and blocking, as absence also affects the other classmates. If a student is aware they are going to miss more than 2 classes, then we highly recommend they organise a private tutorial with their teacher to catch up.
Is your venue wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, Maison Burlesque is on the first floor of a heritage building, without an elevator or a lift.
To reach us there is a total of 26 stairs. These are arranged as 18 stairs (with a handrail), a landing, and then 8 more stairs (with a handrail).
The toilets are gender neutral, and accessed through the building, and up a further two stairs.