MAISON BURLESQUE SUMMER SCHOOL 2024
Looking for a burlesque fix these Summer Holidays? Maison Burlesque Summer School is BACK - in Studio AND online!
This year we’re so excited to be offering an online Summer School Schedule of 9 live-streamed lectures, as well as our regular 18 In-Studio workshops.
Then join us for our Summer School Social on Sunday Night! The theme - PSYCHO BEACH PARTY! Dress like you’re from your favourite retro beach or slasher film.
Purchase a ticket as an extra during booking - drinks, nibbles, and entertainment included.
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 18 different two hour length workshops with our resident tutors! This year we’re also presenting 9 of these workshops as an online option live-streamed from in-studio. All online workshops are recorded if you cannot attend live.
There will be two 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.
PASSES AVAILABLE:
3 Day Pass for In Studio Workshops:
- Choose 9 x 2 hour workshops (3 workshops per day over 3 days)
- Regular Price: $385
- 3 DAY EARLY BIRD PRICE $340 (Must book before December 1st)
2 Day Pass for In Studio Workshops:
- Choose 6 x 2 hour workshops (3 workshops per day over two days)
- Regular Price: $285
- 2 DAY EARLY BIRD PRICE $260 (Must book before December 1st)
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 December - subject to availability if allocations aren't already exhausted.
3 Day Pass for Online LIVE-STREAMS:
- Get Live streamed access to all 9 of our online lectures over the 3 days. Please note these are live-streamed in-studio lectures as part of our In-Studio timetable. All online workshops are recorded if you cannot attend live.
3 x Online LIVE-STREAM Workshop Pass:
Got your eye on only a few of the live-stream lectures? Save a bit of coin and choose your favs in this 3 class pass! Please note 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 18 fabulous workshops!
Friday 13th January:
10am-12pm
Le Jazz Hot! with Iva Grande - HIGH Intensity
Feel your oats and get HOT with Iva Grande in this sexy jazz dance workshop that will leave you wanting more than your fishnets and heels!
Drawing on this sultry style of dance adopted by the neo burlesque icons, you will begin with a total body warm up, break down some jazz fundamentals and stylistic techniques needed before dancing the morning away with some classic choreography!
Wear some comfortable form fitting clothes and bring a dance heel as an option for the choreography section of the workshop.
OR
Get Your Kit Off with Poppy Cherry - LOW Intensity
(Live Stream Option Available)
Na na na na na na na na na - TAKE IT OFF!
A wise performer once said: 'Neo Burlesque is about Why we strip, and Classic Burlesque is about How we strip'. Join Poppy Cherry in an exploration of creative ways to remove your costume to add the extra WOW factor!
Explore a range of techniques to remove foundational garments such as gowns, gloves, bras and corsets, then get creative with other costume items! We also uncover different elements of striptease - including the tease, audience engagement, the element of surprise, stripping to music, and playing creatively with different tones, in a mix of theory and practical play.
Each participant is encouraged to bring with you one costume item of your choice you'd like to learn how to strip out of, for practical discussion.
1.30pm-3.30pm
Hot But Lazy: The Floor Edition with Iva Grande - MOD Intensity
It’s time to make it moist with Iva Grande’s iconic ‘Hot But Lazy’ extra special Floorwork edition! Keep on that sweaty dance gear and messy bed hair and join Iva as she takes you down low. Real low. All the way to the floor.
Stay hot and get lazy as you become the writhing and grinding slow flowing being you wanna be!
Bring commercial dance or burlesque heels.
Knee pads are essential.
OR
Improvi-Tease with Whisky Falls - LOW Intensity
(Live Stream Option Available)
Thinking about all those times where you got stuck in a costume and all of your choreography went out the window? Or that time a teacher said “just improv for 8 counts and then hit a position” and your mind went blank?
Now it’s your chance to join queen of ‘winging it’ Whisky Falls and work on exercises, tips and tricks for handling all different style of improvisation for Burlesque! Whether it’s because you forgot your choreography, or you are performing on a podium instead of the stage you choreographed for, improve your improv as you learn techniques to make the most of the moment.
This is a physical class that is as intense as you make it, involving a mix of theory and practical exercises.
You may want to bring a notepad and pen to write down your experiences for future practices ;)
4.00-6.00pm
Lapdance 101 with Bella de Jac - MOD Intensity
They say lead by example, so learn the art of self-worship in Lapdance 101!
Whether you're looking to bring a raw sensuality to your performance game, show a lover how to worship at your altar, or experience something beautiful that is just for you... we'll be focussing on tips, tricks and a choreography that you can repeat in the complete privacy of your own boudoir!
What to bring: Your f*ck rug, faux fur, or something soft and luxurious to roll around on! High heels with a firm sole or bare feet. Dress ups encouraged! Wear something or bring something to change into that makes you feel sensual that you can bend, straddle a chair and crawl in.
This workshop includes a complimentary cheeky glass of bubbly (alcohol free also available) to help get you in the mood ;)
OR
Face’ography & Character with Azcadelia - LOW Intensity
(Live Stream Option Available)
"You've got an act in mind? The choreography down and you're wondering? Or you're simply at the beginning stages of realising your stage persona/character? OR want to push it to the next level?This is the class for you.
Allow Azcadelia to walk you through the theory and Face'ography that goes behind each and every character. In this workshop we will learn a new way to approach act development with even more character focus, explore the face and all its expressions, understand character work theory and explore use of music and expression in an act's story.
What you will need:
- Workbook & pens / laptop for note taking
- Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable
Saturday 14th January
10am-12pm
Fan-cy Free with Valerie Valentine - MOD Intensity
Wind down after the silly season with Valerie in this workshop exploring Feather Fans as a tool for relaxation, meditation and breath. In this workshop you will learn a short choreography using floor work and fan flow with simple tricks (wrap and gravity grip change) as a way to explore your breath and improv.
Wear comfortable clothes and bring a comfy low heels or clean socks. Option to bring your own fans + yoga mat + knee pads. Some fan-dance experience is helpful but not required. Studio fans available for people who don’t have their own.
OR
Costume Design for Burlesque with Maple Rose - LOW Intensity
(Live Stream Option Available)
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!
1.30pm-3.30pm
Filthy Follies with Whisky Falls - MOD Intensity
Let’s take the traditional and fuck it up. Join Whisky Falls for the dirty version of Showgirl! In this workshop we start with traditional showgirl foundations, then make it filthy with Whisky’s Filthy Drills and learn how to subvert your showgirl and make them wild. We’ll put it all together in a choreography that designed to be pleasing to the eye and shocking to the soul.
Dance heels and comfy formfitting clothes essential.
OR
Burlesque Legends: Sherry Britton with Maple Rose - MOD Intensity
(Live Stream Option Available)
Sherry Britton oozed sex appeal with the sophistication of a princess. Using not only her feminine wiles, but also her long locks of hair, she enticed all audiences to adore the art of striptease.
Join the vintage queen, Maple Rose, in an historical deep dive into Sherry's history while also exploring some of her signature stripteases, mesmorizing movements and iconic isolations. Perfect for anyone keen to learn about burlesque history and put it into practice. Bring a notepad and pen if you’d like to take notes, wear comfy dance clothes and dance heels.
4.00-6.00pm
Hot & Heavy with Cora Noire - HIGH Intensity
For those who like to get hot and heavy, and move hard and slow... Join Cora Noire for a a juicy workshop combining burlesque techniques and tease, with slow and sultry steps set to a heavy metal soundtrack. We will work on walks, turns and grinds, including some optional floor work followed by learning a hot combo of choreography.
Wear/bring: dance clothing, knee pads, heels (no higher than 4-5 inch) and a water bottle!
OR
Face Play Dates - Space Edition with Ruby Slippers - LOW Intensity
(Live Stream Option Available)
Maison’s resident night owl and serial makeup abuser Ruby Slippers cordially invites you to join her at the makeup table for free-form face fun!
Follow along with a bold, avant-garde, totally instagrammable face, or bring your own products and concepts to ask questions and use them to develop your own look!
What to bring: Your whole makeup kit and a willingness to play and have fun! Makeup mirrors provided.
Sunday 15th January
10am-12pm
Dance Your Sensual Spirit with Willow J - MOD Intensity
Awaken your erotic expression and let your energy flow with this 2-hour workshop designed to get you into your sensual body.
Working in a safe and supportive environment, you will explore Tantric Yogic techniques, movements of the erotic arts and old school burlesque bump n grind to free your sensual spirit. Connect your body and heart through exploring sensual movement allowing you to dance your expression your way.
Please wear comfortable clothes you can move in.
OR
The Burlesque Biz - Poppy Cherry
(Live Stream Option Available)
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
Commercial Heels with 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.
OR
Presence and Passion with Willow J - Low Intensity
(Live Stream Option Available)
You've got an act, a routine, a costume and a character and are ready to take it to the stage, BUT how do you perform with PASSION and PRESENCE while keeping your character alive and your audience engaged? Throughout this workshop you'll learn simple tricks that will have you oozing with presence, your audience will be captivated, all eyes and energy on YOU!
These skills will also help you calm those nerves so you can step on up into fun and joy and let go of the anxieties of performing. There is something truly wonderful about watching someone perform with joy, presence and passion, and this workshop will teach you how!
4.00-6.00pm
Showgirl Hair 101 with Domino de Jour - LOW Intensity
Before she was a performer Domino was one of the leading vintage hair stylists in Melbourne. This workshop demystifies basic hair styling and will give you a crash course in easy ways to achieve vintage styles and up do’s with the tools you already have.
BYO- whatever tools you have at home (straightener, rollers, curling iron or hairdryer), hair ties, comb, brush, hair spray, & bobby pins.
OR
Self Care for Spicy Dancers with Juniper Fox - LOW Intensity
(Live Stream Option Available)
You’ve only got one body. Learn to support it so it can support you. This workshop is for spicy dancers, club/industry babes, aerial, pole, circus, and dance performers of all levels.
This restorative workshop will draw from Juniper’s 10+ years of facilitating active, restorative & mindful, embodied movement modalities, with a particular focus on - industry/club self care, regulation, sleep & recovery, injury prevention & rehabilitation, movement & self massage techniques, as well as discussions around debunking common myths.