Showcase Courses
Learn the art of burlesque, tease & an array of other dance styles in our specialised showcase courses - with the chance to perform in our end of term showcase at Max Watts!
With 5 terms per year, our timetable usually varies. All enrolments are for an 8 week course in our studio. 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 list of current courses below, as well as 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 a background in dance, theatre or circus, we recommend starting with one of our “Beginner Level” Courses.
In our Beginner level courses, you will learn the specific skills 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, theatre or circus in their arsenal is welcome to begin in an Open Level course.
Open level ensures that both students with experience and students who are new to burlesque will have supported learning while gaining performance experience.
Please read the description of each course carefully. Some Open Level Courses DO include striptease with a nipple pastie reveal, and some DO NOT. If you are unsure, feel free to check with us for what courses are most suitable for your needs.
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Intermediate courses are designed for students who have been with us for a while, or have a strong background in dance, theatre or circus.
We usually require students to have completed a minimum of 2 x Open Level courses of same or similar styles before moving up to intermediate.
We are strict on students working up the ranks from Beginner Level in courses such as Fan Dance, Floorwork and Chair Dance as these are specialised skills rarely taught at other studios.
However, if you have a strong and recent background in dance, any of our “dance based” courses will be a good fit for you.
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 training with us or in the same genre for some time.
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?
Join Cabaret Jazz instructor/wannabe Parisienne showgirl Whisky Falls to create your own theatrical showpony!
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, Open, 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 & Intermediate Levels
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 SWANAH (South West Asian, North African & Hellenic) 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 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
Burlesque is a weird and wonderful art form with many different branches, so come and join our resident Arty Monster, Ruby Slippers, in her monstrous performance art course.
This course also includes influences and the fundamentals of Drag...
Drag has often been described as an expression of your inner super hero.
Please note: This course will be costume heavy, crafting your own unique drag costumes and props, as well as designing and pulling of your own high impact drag makeup look.
Arty Monsters is open to all genders, experience and drag expressions.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Poppers Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Arty Monsters
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Indulge yourself in the lyricism and the power of the blues! This style will cover anything that encompasses the genre of the blues. Blues Burlesque includes (but is not limited to):
Embodying with the soul of the pioneers of the genre
Bumping and grinding New Orleans style
Storytelling with body and mind
Seducing with angst and the epic tension of this melancholic music and dance style
Think gritty grabs, smouldering struts, and soulful grinds. This is a striptease class for those who want to move and tease with anticipation, syncopation, raw emotions and that slow, seductive power.
While this is an open level course, the understanding of musicality in blues music can be challenging. Embodying this musicality can also mean you are required to have the readiness to move in a manner you are not used to.
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.
Blues Burlesque
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Get your burlesque on in this upbeat and energetic vintage inspired Burlesque course. Get ready to shimmy, shake, bump, grind, strut & peel 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. 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
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. SeeWhat’s On page for more info.
Boylesque
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Get ready to fluff, flirt, and fabulous your way through our 8-week Burlesque Boas Showcase Course! Learn the sultry art of boa work—twirls, tosses, wraps, and reveals—while building a full group routine to perform in a final showcase.
In this course you’ll gain confidence, stage presence, and classic burlesque technique, all while having a whole lot of fun with your fluffy new best friend. Perfect for all levels—whether you’re brand new or looking to level up your prop game!
By the end of the course, you’ll be stage-ready, sparkly, and full of boa-powered sass. Let’s strut our stuff and make that fluff fly!
What You’ll Learn:
Classic boa technique: drapes, swirls, snaps, and reveals
Musicality and movement with props
Classic Burlesque Group choreography and stage awareness
Character building and performance confidence
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.
Burlesque Boas
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 are welcome. This may include striptease elements.
No heels required...The heavier the flat soled shoe the better ;)
Please note: This class will not include striptease. This class requires a degree of physical fitness. If you are unsure as to your suitability please contact us at 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.
Emo Scene Queens
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Laugh your clothes off and explore your funny side!
Explore the parody and pantomime that infuses the world of neo-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 may include 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: 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
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Advanced Level
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 course is an Advanced level, skill and technique based choreography. Not suitable for those new to dance or movement, or nursing acute injury. Expect to roll, tumble and balance upside down.
*Prior Experience:
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 courses before this one.
The teacher may contact you prior to the course starting to determine whether you are able to participate and/or perform in this course. Suitable for all genders.
This Showcase course designed to increase your mobility & flexibility whilst learning sexy floor work transitions and moves to add to your burlesque repertoire!
It will be physically intensive, so we strongly recommend previous experience in either chair dance, floor work techniques, Erotic Grind, Hot But Lazy, or any other floor based classes, courses and techniques. If you are unsure as to your suitability please contact info@maisonburlesque.com.au
**Injuries and other special requirements need to be considered before booking.
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/Advanced Level
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 an intermediate/advanced level class suitable for all genders. This course will include striptease and may include a pastie reveal.
Suitable for all ages and genders within the physically demanding pre-requisites.
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: Intermediate/Advanced Level
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.
Suitable for students of all genders.
This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.
Le Jazz Hot
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Get ready to strut, smoulder, and serve pure showgirl polish in our 8-week Folies Modernes Showcase Course! Inspired by the iconic Crazy Horse style, this course blends the timeless elegance of classic showgirls with sleek, stylised modern flair. In this course you’ll explore precise choreography, powerful shapes, and a refined, hypnotic stage presence—while building a stunning group routine to perform in a final showcase. Think minimalism with maximum impact, where every movement means something. Perfect for all levels—whether you’re new to the stage or ready to sharpen your edge, Folies Modernes is your invitation to embody poise, power, and Parisian chic. By the end of the course, you’ll be stage-ready, spotlight-worthy, and slaying with showgirl sophistication.
What You’ll Learn: Modern showgirl technique: lines, isolations, precision, and poise Musicality and movement inspired by Crazy Horse style Neo-showgirl group choreography with a contemporary edge Confidence, control, and a commanding stage presence
All genders welcome!
Includes striptease & 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.
Les Folies Modernes
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Intermediate/Adv Level
It's like Strip Hop... but lazy. Still hot tho. And what's lazier than a chair? 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. It's a mood. Don’t worry - you’ll still work up a sweat, as this is still a choreography heavy class ;)
This class may include elements of floorwork and is not suitable for people with knee/back injuries. If you have queries regarding your suitability for this course please ask before enrolling.
This is an intermediate class suitable for all genders and all ages. Knee injuries are discouraged.
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.
Hot But Lazy: Chair Edition
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
If you wanna be our lover, you gotta put your thing down, flip it and reverse it. Come dance up a sweat as we visit your favourite dance hits from the 90's and 00's. Shake your humps, your lovely little lumps like a polaroid picture. We think you're ready for this jelly...
Suitable for students of all genders.
- Please note: This class is choreography heavy and may include floor work. Please check with the instructor if you have any queries as to your suitability for this class
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.
Noughty Nineties
Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level
Rock, Sweat and Rears is a neo burlesque class to take your inner rock groupie to the next level.
This high-energy class embraces the music and the wild freedom of 80s and 90s rock and roll. Reminding you that the most important thing on stage is an attitude, RSR combines classic burlesque foundations with the reckless abandon of rock and roll.
This class will take you on a wild ride and explore different stage personas. In this class, you will learn how to get deeper into your movements and character, tap into musicality and explore the exciting world of hair-o-graphy.
We may bump, grind and shimmy but RSR will also take you on a journey through body confidence and empowerment strategies that remind us that the sexiest thing we can do is have fun.
This is an Open level class, recommended for students with some dance or burlesque experience.
DISCLAIMER - Please note this is a physically demanding class.
If you have any existing leg or back injuries this class may not be suitable. If unsure of your suitability please contact us at info@maisonburlesque.com.au
This course does involve elements of 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.
Rock, Sweat & Rears
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
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.
Vintage Varietease
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 classic silk fan dance moves and poses
Master the art of hiding and revealing with silk veil fans.
Learn to incorporate more complex fan choreography such as fast moves and transitions
Further explore character and tone in your fan dance
This class is open to ANYONE keen to learn the art of silk veil fans for burlesque, but due to the technical nature of working with silk fans, we request that students EITHER have a minimum 8 hours silk fan experience
OR…
If new to silk fans, students must agree that they will complete the Silk Fan Foundations course at Maison Burlesque Online in their own time. Free 7 day trial available for new sign ups!
Silk Veil fans are provided for use during the class and performance.
This course does not include striptease.
Please note this is a Showcase course. All enrolments are for a non-refundable 8 week course at our studio in Thornbury.
Casual drop-ins are not available for this class.
Class numbers will be capped at a maximum of 10 students
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: Intermediate Level
Is it time to take your silk fan skills to the next level? How about adding the challenge of flow? This course is all about more complex sequences and dynamic embodiment.
In this course you will learn:
Learn creative silk fan dance moves and poses, in a modern neo-burlesque routine.
Master the art of teasing 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
Prior experience in silk fan dancing is required for this class.
It is recommended to complete at 16hrs of silk fan dance before proceeding to Intermediate level (if unsure as to suitability please contact us).
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.