MAISON BURLESQUE SUMMER SCHOOL 2022
Looking for a burlesque fix these Summer Holidays? Maison Burlesque Summer School is BACK - in Studio AND online! We’ve 11 instructors teaching a whopping 23 different workshops! Yes! 23!!!! This year we’re so excited to be offering an online Summer School Schedule of 8 live-streamed lectures, as well as our regular 18 In-Studio workshops.
Plus join us for our Summer School Wrap Party on Sunday January 16th. This year’s special theme is “M for Maison!” So dress to “M-press” and be bedazzled by some “M-tertainment.”
All Summer School workshops are open to all genders and all levels of experience.
Please note that workshops are coded as Low/Mod/High Physical Intensity - please be aware that High Intensity workshops are the most physically intensive, and likely to build up a SWEAT! If you have any questions regarding your suitability please contact us.
HOW IT WORKS:
Over three days we will be presenting 23 different two hour length workshops with our resident tutors! 18 of these are In-Studio dance workshops and lectures, and this year we’re also presenting a special 8 online lectures - some live-streamed from in-studio and some available online only! All online workshops are recorded if you cannot attend live.
There will be two-three workshop options at each time slot, so you can build your own program according to what you would like to learn. It's first in best (un)dressed though, so the sooner you book the more likely you will get your first preferences.
3 Day Pass for In Studio Workshops:
- Choose 9 x 2 hour workshops (3 workshops per day over 3 days)
- Regular Price: $360
- 3 DAY EARLY BIRD PRICE $320 (Must book before December 3rd)
2 Day Pass for In Studio Workshops:
- Choose 6 x 2 hour workshops (3 workshops per day over two days)
- Regular Price: $265
- 2 DAY EARLY BIRD PRICE $240 (Must book before December 3rd)
1 Day Pass for In Studio Workshops:
- Choose 3 x 2 hour workshops on either Friday, Saturday or Sunday
1 Day Pass Registrations to open in December
Single In Studio Workshops:
Single workshops may become available for certain workshops in January - subject to availability if allocations aren't already exhausted.
3 Day Pass for Online LIVE-STREAMS:
- Get Live streamed access to 8 of our 10 online lectures over the 3 days. Please note most of these are live-streamed in-studio lectures as part of our In-Studio timetable. All online workshops are recorded if you cannot attend live.
Single Online LIVE-STREAM:
Only want to catch up on a few online lectures? Book them individually to watch their live-stream (available from December).
READ BETWEEN THE LINES
Early Bird Catches the Worm!
Class numbers for in-studio workshops are strictly limited and subject to first in, best dressed - so why not book early and guarantee your spot in all your favourite workshops!
1, 2 & 3 Day In-Studio Passes:
Please nominate your workshop preferences at the time of booking. We will then email you your program within 48 hours of receiving your registration.
We will attempt to keep the website as up to date as possible when workshops book out. Should your first choice of workshop no longer be available we will allocate you a place in the other workshop in the same timeslot.
THE IN-STUDIO TIMETABLE:
Build your own program from these 21 fabulous workshops!
Friday 14th January:
10am-12pm
Broadway Tap - Whisky Falls - HIGH Intensity
Take a step back in time and tap your troubles away with Whisky Falls, in a tribute to Hollywood Legends such as Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers.In this choreographic workshop or technical course, we’ll cover tap dance fundamentals & learn a routine with a theatrical flair! This workshop is aimed at beginners, or those willing to take it slow and focus on the artistry you need to incorporate tap for a vintage setting. It is also a great opportunity for anyone who hasn't tapped in some time to dust off those shoes and get back to tapping your troubles away!
Note: Bring tap shoes if you have them, otherwise a low heel or character shoes will work just fine (no runners or stilettos please).
OR
Burly History - Velma Vouloir - LOW Intensity
Who doesn’t love storytime? Especially when the storyteller has one damn, sexy and seductive voice ;) Join our very own podcast queen, Velma Vouloir, to hear all about the origins of strip tease and burlesque, and the women who paved its history! This class will involve a mixture of theory and practical work as students gain an understanding of signature burlesque moves from different eras and their cultural and historical relevance.
1.30pm-3.30pm
Noughty Nineties Dance Hits: Xtina - Iva Grade - HIGH Intensity
If you wanna be Iva's 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 iconic Dirrrrrty legend from everyone’s favourite movie, Xtina! Spice up your life with an epic 2 hour dance workshop! Shake your humps, your lovely little lumps like a polaroid picture and soon you'll be dancing on the ceiling. We think you're ready for this jelly... 😉 Open to all genders & levels of experience.
OR
Femme Fatale Make-up - Velma Vouloir - LOW Intensity
Dust off those make-up brushes and get out that black winged eyeliner. In this special 2 hour make-up workshop Showgirl extraordinaire, Velma Vouloir, will talk you through her tips and tricks to paint up her signature face!
4.00-6.00pm
Fosse Like A Rich Man - Iva Grande - HIGH Intensity
Whip out that high ponytail and gogo boots! Join Iva grande for this sexy 60s dance workshop! Learn classic Vintage “Fosse” jazz movements iconic to “The Rich Man’s Frug.” Drawing from this sultry style of dance, this workshop will begin with a total body warm up, then break down some key stylisations, isolations & techniques before putting it all together in a classic cabaret jazz number!
OR
Classic with Character - Maple Rose - MOD Intensity
“Classic burlesque” has had a bad rep of being labelled boring, but it’s far from it! Maple Rose, voted most Classic at the Busties in 2018, will guide you into exploring characterisation within the traditional burlesque style to create your own unique striptease character. From beginners to advanced students, this workshop is open to anyone keen to learn more skills in the theatrics of burlesque. We will play around with clowning, narrative, dramaturgy and costuming within the realm of traditional burlesque dance styles after we will dive into the history books to find examples of iconic burlesque stars and explore how their onstage personas skyrocketed their careers.
Bring your dancing shoes, comfy clothes you can move in, a notebook and pen. This workshop will consist of theory and movement.
Saturday 15th January
10am-12pm
Stiptilian - Evana de Lune - MOD Intensity
Unleash your inner animal with Striptilian.
Self-proclaimed Lizard Queen Evana De Lune will guide you through developing your own intrinsic style of movement by exploring the wonders of the animal kingdom. This class will teach you how to harness your primal instincts by channeling and analyzing movements derived from various different species. Dance can be seen in all aspects of life and is not exclusive to just humans.
This class will focus on learning how to improvise using different dance theory techniques along with finding sources of inspiration for movement. Students will also learn about isolation, using negative space and movement textures in order to enhance their improvisational abilities.
Whether you’re an apex predator or prey at heart, this class will teach you how to pull inspiration from your environment.
OR
Vintage Varietease: Jennie Lee - Maple Rose - MOD Intensity
Learn to Bump, Grind and Shimmy just like the “Bazoom Girl” herself! Heralded as one of the key figures of the golden age of burlesque, and pivotal to the regeneration of the art of tease in America during the Burlesque Revival, Jennie Lee is an iconic figure in both stature and influence.
Join the vintage queen, Maple Rose, in an historical deep dive into Jennie’s history while also exploring some of her iconic movements and tassel twirling techniques!
Perfect for anyone keen to learn about burlesque history and willing to but more punch in their bumps!
Bring a notepad and pen if you’d like to take notes, wear comfy dance clothes, dance heels and a pair of nipple tassels.
1.30pm-3.30pm
Backstrip* Boys - Egson Ham - HIGH Intensity
Back-strips back, ALRIGHT!!!
Making the 90’s a little naughty, this dance class will teach the authentic and iconic choreography for one of the biggest boy bands of all time. Grab your water, some sneakers, a shirt/jacket you can strip off, and a towel cos we’re about to get sweaty.
Original *TICK*
Only one *TICK*
Sexual *TICK*
Everything you need, you better rock your body right.
OR
Costume Design for Burlesque - Maple Rose- LOW Intensity
Want to make that dream costume a reality?
Join Maple Rose in this two hour intensive that will break down all the steps required to design and create your dream outfit including: research, design, sourcing, commissioning, embellishments and costume care as well as practical elements such as using your costume to aid characterisation and choreography.
Maple Rose comes from a background of theatrical set and costume design, and has not only 1 design degree under her belt but 2! Her expertise in vintage fashion has contributed to her love affair with rhinestones, feathers and corsetry. She’ll give you all the tips and tricks to help you design the perfect costume to fit your act, character and budget.
Suitable for all levels, including those with little or no sewing/design experience. (note that we will not be sewing). Please bring a pen and paper, have your phone or ipad handy for research purposes, and bring along any colour markers/pencils you want!
4.00-6.00pm
Lap Dance - Egson Ham - MOD Intensity
Lockdown Restrictions are gone and Lap dances are back! Time to give the hens/bucks night performance of your dreams with this unique workshop. We will learn lap dance techniques and a low intensity routine, which we will perform for/on one another at the end of class!
Partners/friends are also invited for the last 30mins to give them a show at the end of class, or you can partner up with another student.
Wear something that makes you feel fierce, heels optional, and we will also have (optional) top/bottom reveals in the routine for anyone feeling dirty.
OR
Fiery & Fierce: Commercial Heels - Juniper Fox - HIGH Intensity
Dust off those high heels! Juniper is here to make you SWEAT!
Join our bendy queen for a 2 hour Commercial Heels intensive to give your toes a workout while dancing to some pop-commercial beats!
Commercial Heels is all the rage with a mix of hip-hop, jazz and erotic dance styles all combined into one for a sexy sweaty swing!
Get ready to WORK!
Bring along a pair of dance heels with flexible soles and a water bottle.
Sunday 16th January
10am-12pm
Holding Space - Whisky Falls - MOD Intensity
How does Dita get all those amazing photos? Sometimes slowing down on stage is the hardest thing to do. Yet, to captivate your audience (and your photographers), commanding space and taking your time is essential to a powerful performance. Learn from the dram(a) Queen, Whisky Falls, on how to wrap everyone around your little finger.
OR
Dancer Conditioning - Velma Vouloir - HIGH Intensity
Keeping your body in tip-top condition is key for a successful performer. It’s not only necessary to keep yourself conditioned for strength and stamina, but to also keep you safe from injury. If you’ve been working on your strength and flexibility for some time and want to up your game then this workshop is for you! This class will have a strong focus on dynamic movement, deep stretching and conditioning and will use props to work your front and side splits, kicks and back bends!
Think longer leg lines, stronger hips & pointed toes! You will also learn some basic ballet & barre terminology so you can figure out what the heck a 'levé chassé pas de bourrée' is. Whether you're a long time dancer looking to build your strength or an absolute beginner this workshop will offer something for everyone.
Come prepared to WORK, baby!
Bring a yoga mat, personal massage peanut, strap and water bottle. If you do not have these, don’t worry - we’ll have ones you can borrow in class.
OR
Get Out of Your Head & Onto That Stage - Domino De Jour - LOW Intensity
Learn how to achieve confidence on stage and perform with confidence. Even seasoned performers can have nerves , anxiety , or hang ups around performing especially with new acts. This workshop is designed to examine the relationship we have with ourselves and with the audience , and combat the common fears and concerns that we all get around being on stage and creating work. For soloists and students a like this workshop is designed to develop real confidence in our selves and ideas and improve self-esteem. Suitable for all genders
What to bring :
Note book and a pen
1.30pm-3.30pm
Tango - Domino De Jour - HIGH Intensity
It takes two to tango is not entirely correct. Drawing on many years of dance sport training, this workshop is designed to be an introduction to the distinct music, timing and dance style of the classic tango as a solo dancer. Grab a rose and put it between your teeth and get ready to move with firey passion. Suitable for all genders as we will be exploring the stance and power of both ‘leaders’ and ‘followers’ in ballroom mechanics.
What to bring :
Dance heels or flexible sole shoes.
Optional:
long swishable skirt ( a panel skirt would be appropriate)
Fake long stem rose
OR
CRAPPY WIG, POSITIVE ATTITUDE - Ruby Slippers - LOW Intensity
We do some more shitty wig makeovers.
The grand high priestess of dollar store wig makeovers invites you to worship a the temple of cheap thrills. Turn 2x party store bob wigs into a big-haired glam rock fantasy in this 2 hour workshop. You will need:
2x party store bob wigs in the same colour (these kinds of things)
Foam head
wig head clamp (something like this)
a few dressmaking pins to attach the wig to the foam head
Bobby pins
1x plastic bag to stuff the wig with
teasing comb
hair spray
Scissors
You can just show up and watch if you don’t bring a wig, but you’ll miss out on all the fun. Just head to your favourite Party store for a pre-party party!
4.00-6.00pm
How To Be Versatile (Musicality & Improv for Burlesque) - Whisky Falls & Juniper Fox - MOD Intensity
This aims to look at the importance of understanding music, choreography and improvisation as a whole, and how these tools can take your performance to the next level. Learn how to adapt your movements to different audiences, spaces, partners, costume and even brain farts.
OR
Showgirl Shenanigans - Velma Vouloir - HIGH Intensity
“Step kick kick leap kick touch, again!” Join Velma Vouloir for this 2hr breakdown of traditional dance based technique to help you gain confidence and add polish to your burlesque routines. This workshop will include learning the basics of showgirl walks, kicks, turns and styling and put those techniques together in a simple jazz based routine. Suitable for all levels!
OR
Face Play Dates: Long Table Edition - Ruby Slippers - LOW Intensity
Sitting around a big table and doing a face play date in Pigalle, maybe so we’re all dolled up ready for the show that night? 2+ hours would be LOVELY for that. I was thinking we keep it glam and sparkly so it could possibly flow on from hair styling?
Getting ready for a night out is half the fun! Grab a glass of wine and empty your makeup bag onto the tables of Bar Pigalle and join Ruby Slippers for this live and in-person edition of Face Play Dates. It’s going to be a glittery glam-rock inspired look with blocked brows (she’ll show you how!), glitter brows, draped blush and lots of shimmer.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
Glue stick (Bostik blue or Elmers purple are the best for brow blocking! or Prosaide if you’ve got a heavier brow)
Primer
foundation, concealer or cream base highlighter, cream contour
setting powder
powder contour and blush
powder highlighter
black gel eyeliner (the sort in a pot is great!)
Coloured shadows (incl matte white, and deep matte colours, plus some shimmers)
black eyeliner pencil
Bright lip products - reds, oranges, pinks
Brushes and sponges for all the above products
THE ONLINE TIMETABLE:
Friday January 14th:
10am - 12pm:
Burly History In-Studio Lecture LIVE-STREAMED - Velma Vouloir
Who doesn’t love storytime? Especially when the storyteller has one damn, sexy and seductive voice ;) Join our very own podcast queen, Velma Vouloir, to hear all about the origins of strip tease and burlesque, and the women who paved its history! This class will involve a mixture of theory and practical work as students gain an understanding of signature burlesque moves from different eras and their cultural and historical relevance.
1:30pm - 3:30pm:
Femme Fatale Make-up In-Studio Lecture LIVE-STREAMED - Velma Vouloir
Dust off those make-up brushes and get out that black winged eyeliner. In this special 2 hour make-up workshop Showgirl extraordinaire, Velma Vouloir, will talk you through her tips and tricks to paint up her signature face!
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Classic with Character In-Studio Workshop LIVE-STREAMED - Maple Rose
“Classic burlesque” has had a bad rep of being labelled boring, but it’s far from it! Maple Rose, voted most Classic at the Busties in 2018, will guide you into exploring characterisation within the traditional burlesque style to create your own unique striptease character. From beginners to advanced students, this workshop is open to anyone keen to learn more skills in the theatrics of burlesque. We will play around with clowning, narrative, dramaturgy and costuming within the realm of traditional burlesque dance styles after we will dive into the history books to find examples of iconic burlesque stars and explore how their onstage personas skyrocketed their careers.
Bring your dancing shoes, comfy clothes you can move in, a notebook and pen. This workshop will consist of theory and movement.
Saturday January 15th:
10am - 12pm:
Business For Burlesque - LIVE & Interactive ONLINE WORKSHOP- Poppy Cherry
Want to break into the burlesque industry but don’t know where to start? Being a successful burlesque performer requires more than feathers and sparkles... get ready to emerge from isolation with an arsenal ready to present yourself as a pro!
Join seasoned industry professional and Maison Burlesque studio owner Poppy Cherry to learn the nitty gritty of setting up and managing yourself as a small business. Learn how to set up a small business and manage things like invoicing and taxes. We discuss common burlesque rookie mistakes and how not to make them, as well as an overview of the current burlesque industry and its evolution over time. Learn to navigate the minefield that is marketing, promotion, social media, and getting those elusive gigs!
1:30pm - 3:30pm:
Costume Design for Burlesque In-Studio Lecture LIVE-STREAMED - Maple Rose
Want to make that dream costume a reality?
Join Maple Rose in this two hour intensive that will break down all the steps required to design and create your dream outfit including: research, design, sourcing, commissioning, embellishments and costume care as well as practical elements such as using your costume to aid characterisation and choreography.
Maple Rose comes from a background of theatrical set and costume design, and has not only 1 design degree under her belt but 2! Her expertise in vintage fashion has contributed to her love affair with rhinestones, feathers and corsetry. She’ll give you all the tips and tricks to help you design the perfect costume to fit your act, character and budget.
Suitable for all levels, including those with little or no sewing/design experience. (note that we will not be sewing). Please bring a pen and paper, have your phone or ipad handy for research purposes, and bring along any colour markers/pencils you want!
4pm - 6pm:
Intro to Act Development - LIVE & Interactive ONLINE WORKSHOP - Poppy Cherry
Looking to dip your toe into the fabulous world of act development? Or ready to dive in and make a splash on stage! Or...maybe you've been on stage but need a little nudge to get the inspiration back post-lockdown (we feel you). Get a little insight into how to prepare for the stage, avoid the pitfalls and most importantly enjoy the process with Miss Burlesque Australia 2015 Bella de Jac! Numbers are strictly limited to allow as much personal attention as possible so get a shake on!
Bring your act ideas, your questions, and a separate device for note-taking or notepad & pen.
Sunday January 16th:
10am - 12pm:
Holding Space - LIVE STREAM - Whisky Falls
How does Dita get all those amazing photos? Sometimes slowing down on stage is the hardest thing to do. Yet, to captivate your audience (and your photographers), commanding space and taking your time is essential to a powerful performance. Learn from the dram(a) Queen, Whisky Falls, on how to wrap everyone around your little finger.
OR
Get Out of Your Head & Onto That Stage LIVE-STREAM - Domino De Jour
Learn how to achieve confidence on stage and perform with confidence. Even seasoned performers can have nerves , anxiety , or hang ups around performing especially with new acts. This workshop is designed to examine the relationship we have with ourselves and with the audience , and combat the common fears and concerns that we all get around being on stage and creating work. For soloists and students a like this workshop is designed to develop real confidence in our selves and ideas and improve self-esteem. Suitable for all genders
What to bring :
Note book and a pen
1:30pm - 3:30pm:
CRAPPY WIG, POSITIVE ATTITUDE LIVE-STREAM- Ruby Slippers
We do some more shitty wig makeovers.
The grand high priestess of dollar store wig makeovers invites you to worship a the temple of cheap thrills. Turn 2x party store bob wigs into a big-haired glam rock fantasy in this 2 hour workshop. You will need:
2x party store bob wigs in the same colour (these kinds of things)
Foam head
wig head clamp (something like this)
a few dressmaking pins to attach the wig to the foam head
Bobby pins
1x plastic bag to stuff the wig with
teasing comb
hair spray
Scissors
You can just show up and watch if you don’t bring a wig, but you’ll miss out on all the fun. Just head to your favourite Party store for a pre-party party!
OR
Tango LIVE STREAM - Domino De Jour
It takes two to tango is not entirely correct. Drawing on many years of dance sport training, this workshop is designed to be an introduction to the distinct music, timing and dance style of the classic tango as a solo dancer. Grab a rose and put it between your teeth and get ready to move with firey passion. Suitable for all genders as we will be exploring the stance and power of both ‘leaders’ and ‘followers’ in ballroom mechanics.
What to bring :
Dance heels or flexible sole shoes.
Optional:
long swishable skirt ( a panel skirt would be appropriate)
Fake long stem rose
4pm - 6pm:
Face Play Dates: Long Table Edition LIVE-STREAM- Ruby Slippers
Sitting around a big table and doing a face play date in Pigalle, maybe so we’re all dolled up ready for the show that night? 2+ hours would be LOVELY for that. I was thinking we keep it glam and sparkly so it could possibly flow on from hair styling?
Getting ready for a night out is half the fun! Grab a glass of wine and empty your makeup bag onto the tables of Bar Pigalle and join Ruby Slippers for this live and in-person edition of Face Play Dates. It’s going to be a glittery glam-rock inspired look with blocked brows (she’ll show you how!), glitter brows, draped blush and lots of shimmer.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
Glue stick (Bostik blue or Elmers purple are the best for brow blocking! or Prosaide if you’ve got a heavier brow)
Primer
foundation, concealer or cream base highlighter, cream contour
setting powder
powder contour and blush
powder highlighter
black gel eyeliner (the sort in a pot is great!)
Coloured shadows (incl matte white, and deep matte colours, plus some shimmers)
black eyeliner pencil
Bright lip products - reds, oranges, pinks
Brushes and sponges for all the above products