Vaudezilla's Chicago Burlesque Classes
Chicago Burlesque Classes

CHICAGO
Vaudezilla Studios
3614 W Belmont Av
Chicago IL 60641
773-685-9020

Registrants for burlesque classes must be 18+

Ever wanted to learn the fine art of the bump and grind? Now you can. Get your body in motion with some smooth moves courtesy of some of the top burlesque performers in Chicago: Red Hot Annie, Jeez Loueez, Tito Bonito, and more!

Vaudezilla's teachers will steer you through all the burlesque basics, from shimmys and twirls to bumps and grinds. Whether you’re looking for sexy fun fitness, or you just want to get in touch your inner diva, our teachers will keep you on your toes at Vaudezilla Studios.

Classes are $20 apiece, or eight weeks for $140. Sign up today and get ready to strut your stuff! Register by email to annie@redhotannie.com .

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What will I learn at burlesque class?
A: Our burlesques classes are designed to teach you according to your skill level. Beginners will benefit most from starting with a basic burlesque class, whereas established performers and those with extensive training will most benefit from our semi-private and advanced classes. And if you're somewhere in between, we can offer further guidance to help place you in a class that will be appropriately challenging.

Q: Can I sign up at any time, or should I wait to join until you start a new session?
A: Each session is about 8 weeks long and should be signed up during the open registration (listed above). We encourage potential students to drop-in to see if a class will be good for them. Each drop-in class is $20.

Q: What class should I take?
A: If you are a beginner with little or no dance experience, you must take Basic I class before continuing on to other classes. People with dance experience may be eligible to skip Basic I and should contact Vaudezilla to find out where they should place. The typical order in which aspiring performers should take classes is as follows:
Basic I
Basic II
Intermediate
Advanced
Semi-Private

Q: What if I want to perform?
A: If you are interested in performing, you should inform your teacher, who can provide you with additional guidance and instruction as well as opportunities outsides of class.

Q: What if I don't want to perform?
A: There is never any pressure to perform. Most of the students who take Vaudezilla's basic burlesque classes have no intention of performing, and take the class as a form of exercise and expression.

Q: Can I watch a class and see what it's like before committing?
A: We encourage potential students to drop-in to see if a class will be good for them. Each drop-in class is $20.

Q: What should I wear?
A: You should wear comfortable, form-fitting clothing (leotard/tights are welcome) and dance shoes or shoes with a low heel (2" or less). No gym shoes. Some students even wear fishnets just for that "burlesque" feeling!

Q: If I miss a class, is there a way to make it up?
A: There are no makeup classes offered at this time. If you are unable to attend a class, we can not offer an a "make-up" spot in other classes, since most classes maintain capacity through-out the session.

PAST FLYERS


CLASS PICTURES


REVIEWS
"Not only did I have a blast learning classic hot burlesque dance moves, but was thoroughly impressed by her ability to teach and graciousness to share your knowledge of the burlesque world. It was very helpful for me." - Student, Demaira Dance Studio

"Red Hot Annie is a phenomenal teacher with a wealth of knowledge to share!" - Student, Creme de les Femmes Burlesque Troupe

" I highly recommend the burlesque class that Red Hot Annie teaches. I always walk out of that class with a ton of confidence! - Student, Demaira Dance Studio

"Jeez Loueez was wonderful to work with as choreographer for Ruthless!: The Musical. She had a clear understanding of the style necessary for the production and collaborated creatively with myself and the performers." - Rachel Staelens, Chicago director

PRESS LINKS
Vital Juice: Burlesque Classes / Pinup Power
Columbia Empire Burlesque: Burlesque Holiday Gift Ideas
Examiner: Plus Size Bodacious Burlesque Classes in Chicago
Chicago Mag: Vaudezilla hosts Bodacious Burlesque Event
Yahoo News: Chicago Burlesque Classes
The Feast: Chicago Burlesque Classes
Oak Park Patch: Chicago Burlesque Classes
Metromix: Chicago Burlesque Classes
Gozamos: Chicago Burlesque Classes
Pioneer Press / Oak Leaves: Chicago Burlesque Classes
Timeout Chicago: Chicago Burlesque Classes
Anna Pulley / ChicagoNow: Chicago Burlesque Classes
CBS2 Chicago: Chicago Burlesque Classes
Sexy in the City: Chicago Burlesque Classes

Additional Class Information

Basic Burlesque I Class
Whether you've got an eye on taking the stage, spicing things up in the bedroom, or simply looking for a different way to work up a sweat, this basic burlesque class can accomplish all three. Vaudezilla's best known teachers & choreographers Red Hot Annie, Jeez Loueez, and Anita Lilmore teach you fundamental stage terms and helps you get comfortable expressing yourself through dancing and using your body. In this class, you'll be encouraged to recognize 8-counts and remember choreography from week to week, and all the while, you'll become familiar with the basic moves - the shimmies, bumps, and grinds - that form the foundation of any sexy burlesque act. Each class starts with a short warm-up, followed by drills, and the largest portion of each 90-minute class is spent learning burlesque within the context of short choreographed dances. No dance or theatre background is necessary.
Prerequisites: None
Class Limit: 12
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Jeez Loueez's Basic Burlesque II Class
Now that you've mastered the moves in Basic Burlesque I, this class gives you the chance to build on that with lessons that focus on stocking removals, floor work, and pastie making. As an added bonus, you'll also be given the opportunity to take everything you've learned and make it your own. In one of the classes for this session, you will get to create your own choreography and show us your unique take on the Art of the Tease! Each class starts with a short warm-up, followed by drills, and the largest portion of each 90-minute class is spent learning burlesque within the context of short choreographed dances.
Prerequisites: Basic I and/or 6 Months of Professional Performance (or OK from Teacher)
Class Limit: 12
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Red Hot Annie's Intermediate Burlesque Class
After learning the basics of movement, use this class to start creating choreography of your own. In this class, we take standard burlesque costumes and work through reveals, using dance techniques provided by the teacher, improvised movement, and choreography the student has created at home. In this class, you'll also learn how to perform a group strip tease act that will used in upcoming Vaudezilla shows. We cover more complex aspects of burlesque, including costuming, business, and finding your niche. Not for the faint of heart!
Prerequisites: Basic I/II Burlesque Class and/or 2+ Years or Professional Performance (or OK from Teacher)
Class Limit: 8
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Red Hot Annie's Semi-Private Burlesque Class
If you're serious about becoming a burlesque performer, then this class will help get you performance-ready. Vaudezilla's Red Hot Annie helps you develop your own burlesque act from the first shimmy-and-shake to the final sexy reveal. You will benefit from more one-on-one attention as you refine and work on your act with a small group of established and propsective burlesque performers. Presented in a positive, creatively nurturing environment, you will receive critique and feedback with personalized choreography and movement. Each class starts with a short warm-up and drills, you'll spend the majority of the 90-minute class workshopping and honing your burlesque act, with ample notes and guidance from the teacher. Students are also coached through the basics of burlesque business, costumes, picking a burlesque name, and finding your niche in the Chicago burlesque community.
Prerequisites: Basic I/II & Intermediate Burlesque Class and/or 3+ Years or Professional Performance (or OK from Teacher)
Class Limit: 6
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Red Hot Annie's Basic Fan Dancing Class
In this class, each student will be guided through techniques that will increase your fan dancing stamina and vocabularly. Using fans built specifically for the conceal/reveal style of burlesque fan dancing, the teacher will guide students through standard moves, using the fans - as well as encourage the use of imagination in creating new their own chreography. The learning environment will be catered to the experience level of each student.
Prerequisites: None (Must own pair of feather fans - can rent for $65 for 8 weeks.)
Class Limit: 8
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Phaedra's Basic Bellydance Class
Oriental Dance, or Raqs Sharki, is one of the oldest and most powerful forms of dance from a rich cultural background. The natural movements of bellydance can be enjoyed by all women, regardless of age or size. Previous dance experience is NOT necessary. Come dance with Phaedra and feel great about your body while you enjoy this workout! This workout will challenge the body and the mind, combining strengthening of the core with cardio choreography to lively Middle Eastern music that uses the basic moves of bellydance. You will be having so much fun in your jingling coin skirt that you won’t even notice you are getting a great workout!
Coin skirts will be provided. Suggested clothing: please wear something comfortable that you can bend and stretch in. You do not need to show your belly, but form fitting clothing is always a plus for a dance class in order to observe technique. Loose skirts are permissible, but keep in mind that we will be stretching on the floor frequently, so they are not recommended. Shoes which let the foot turn will be best. Please bring yoga mat.
Prerequisites: None
Class Limit: 12
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Tito Bonito's Boylesque Class
Burlesque isn't just for the ladies! Learn the art of "Boylesque" from the Cuban Missile Crisis himself, Tito Bonito. Each class includes a 30-45 minute work out as well as learning short, choreographed routines, and a chance to work on solo performances. Please bring sneakers, comfortable pants (that you can stretch in), and a positive attitude to class.
Prerequisites: None
Class Limit: 12
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Titty Perkin's Costume Upcycling Class
We will be purchasing a standard evening gown, day dress, fancy skirt or top which will be found in a thrift store. First, we'll alter it a bit, changing the look of the gown. In this stage, we'll also be able custom fit the dress to you, tailoring things like length and fitting it exactly to your body! Next, we'll add a few attention-grabbing details to make it ready to showcase for your new number. Matching underthings will be an added discussion topic part way through the process.
Titty will provide examples of dresses that are in her current repertoire which contain this dazzling treatment. She'll be available for consultation every step of the way, from the initial visit to the thrift store to adding the final touches to your finished gown, with moral support provided by phone and email as well as class weekly. She'll also share some top-secret sources for fabric, trims and notions that she has gathered during her 10+ years of costume sewing.
NO drop-ins please (since the class is cumulative)
Prerequisites: Must provide own sewing equipment & materials.
Class Limit: 8
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Titty Perkin's Open Sewing Class
Do you have projects that are unfinished, or that you have gotten frustrated with and never picked back up? Perhaps you would like to tackle a larger and more advanced burlesque sewing project, but don't feel comfortable attempting this alone? Join Ms. Titty Perkins for an open sewing session! Titty has over 10 years of costume construction know-how and will guide you through any sort of burlesque costume adventure - be it embellishment, alterations, zippers or anything else your sparkly heart desires. This is not intended as a complete sewing how-to, therefore students should have some sewing knowledge and own and be able operate their own sewing machine.
Prerequisites: Must provide own sewing equipment & materials.
Class Limit: 12
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