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. 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.

If you’re looking for a collated list of themes for the next term’s Showcase courses - check out the Blog!

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.”

  • 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.

  • 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?

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: Intermediate/Advanced Level

Are you ready to f*** up the burly norm?

Back by popular demand, this showcase course turns burlesque on its head! Experience striptease and neo-burlesque like never before, with the OG Alternative Showgirl, Whisky Falls. 

Learn how to take traditional burlesque fundamentals (in regards to movement, striptease and energy) and give them a contemporary ‘Whisky twist’. This is a chance for you to connect with the more animalistic qualities used to tap into “beings” from all worlds and universes.

In this 8 week course, you will focus on:

- Experimental creative processes

- How to make the movement fit you

- Breaking the ‘rules’ in burlesque

- Body contortion and contractions

- Broken lines and neo-contemporary aesthetics

Open to all genders who have prior dance experience. 

Includes striptease & a pastie reveal.

Please note this is an advanced level course, not only in terms of physicality, but also in your approach to stage presence, characterisation and stripping.

Alternative Showpony

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! 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.

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

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

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 to expect:

  • 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

    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: Open Level

Explore the Theatrical Side of Burlesque with Willow J!

During this 8-week course students will be introduced to stage-craft and theatre techniques that will assist in how to make clear connection with the audience, bring character to life and live truthfully in the moment while performing.

Students will also be developing focus techniques, improvisation skills, how to create parody, will be training and preparing the body for performance through movement techniques and will explore ways to find the joy on stage whether it be a serious emotional state or a comical clown!

Skills developed in this course include:

- Stage-craft, character, view points, acting, improvisation, Laban, Grotowski, stage presence, focus techniques, flocking, parody & clowning.

This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.

Burlesque Theatrics

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 course does include a striptease and may include a pastie reveal. This class is open to students of any gender and all experience levels.

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: Intermediate Level

Refine your performance skills and elevate your stage presence in this newly crafted intermediate "Classic Burlesque" Showcase Course. Designed for performers ready to deepen their craft, this course focuses on the key techniques that makes burlesque oh-so special.

Learn how slowing down can be a powerful tool, find facial expressions & communication skills that captivate your audience, truly hold space on stage with confidence and control, and refine your strip.

With an emphasis on tease, timing, and classic burlesque movements, you'll explore how to create tension, command attention, and make every gesture count. Expect thoughtful choreography, layered with space to express your individuality—all while mastering the subtle art of leaving them wanting more.

Prerequisite: This is an intermediate class suitable to all identities and genders who have had 2-3 terms of burlesque dance classes at Maison Burlesque or a strong dance background.

This course does include a striptease and may include a pastie reveal. This class is open to students of any gender and all experience levels.

This class will also be invited to perform at our Cherry Popper’s Showcase. See What’s On page for more info.

Classic Burlesque

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: Intermediate/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 Intermediate 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.

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

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.

Floor Show

Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Intermediate/Advanced Level

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 an intermediate/advanced level class suitable for all genders. This course will 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.

Femme Dommes

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: Intermediate 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: 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

*NEW TO MAISON BURLESQUE IN TERM 4

Description coming soon

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: 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: Intermediate Level

Headbang meets grind in this fusion of fierce and filthy. Metal Chair takes the classic cheeky seduction of chair dancing and shoves it headfirst into the darker, heavier world of Metalesque. You’ll learn how to strut, slam, slide, and seduce—with strong shapes, hair flips, erotic floor work, and don’t-F***-with-me attitude, all while using the chair as your partner-in-crime.

Expect high energy, high drama, and unapologetic power as you thrash your way through a full group routine

This class will build your strength, coordination, and confidence while giving you a serious endorphin hit—and maybe awakening your inner sex demon in the process.

Chairs are provided for use during the class.

Please note: This class may involve striptease including 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. 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.

Metalesque Chair

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: Intermediate 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

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