We’re excited to announce that the Austin Academy of Burlesque is transitioning to a Quarterly Course Series, with each quarter dedicated to a different area of burlesque skill development. Each series includes six classes, all thoughtfully designed around that quarter’s theme:
Q1: Burlesque Foundations
Q2: Skills & Props
Q3: Act Development
Q4: Performance Refinement
Students may enroll in the full 6-class Burlesque Foundations Series at a special bundle rate of $150, or choose to take individual classes for $30 each.
Alongside our quarterly course series, we’re excited to provide:
One workshop per quarter
A year-end student showcase in December, open to students who complete at least three classes each quarter
Expanded Drop-In class options to keep burlesque accessible and fun for students exploring the art form without the goal of performing
Quarter 1 Package!
Burlesque Foundations
January 11th- March 22nd
Package: $150
A la Carte: $30
Virtual Passes Available!
This Quarter Series introduces students to the essential building blocks of burlesque. Through technique, musicality, and foundational movement vocabulary, students develop confidence and a strong skill base to carry into future instruction and performance. Whether you’re stepping into burlesque for the first time or you’re seeking refinement, this quarter provides the tools to master burlesque foundations. Students will explore classic burlesque stylings, posture and lines, character play, and the core elements of the burlesque art form.
Dance Like a Legend
Explore the strip-tease movements and style of the golden era of burlesque. This class teaches the iconic walks, bumps, turns, and other essential elements that defined the legendary burlesque superstars of the golden era. Students will learn insights into burlesque history while breaking down vintage moves step-by-step and discovering ways to personalize them for their own acts. Finally, students will learn a choreographed combination, blending technique and the moves of the classic era.
Perfect for all levels, this class is led by touring burlesque artist and classic burlesque historian Jolie Goodnight. Bring a pair of heels if desired and embrace the allure of the past!
Students Should Bring: Heels if desired, but not necessary
Walkin’, Talkin’ & Strippin’
Walkin’, Talkin’ & Strippin’ is a deep dive into the fundamentals that make burlesque burlesque. From juicy bumps and slow grinds to shimmies, shakes, and a strut that turns heads, this class is all about discovering the movement, mindset, and magnetism that fuel unforgettable performers.
You’ll learn foundational burlesque vocabulary, practice walks with purpose and personality, and explore movement that feels powerful, playful, and unapologetically you. Throughout the class, Anastasia Arsenic will guide you with a focus on technique, attitude, and presence, because burlesque isn’t just about what you do, it’s about how you do it. Expect a supportive space to tap into your confidence, sensuality, and inner showstopper.
Students Should Bring: Heels if desired, but not necessary
Bombshell Burlesque w/ Glove Peels
Learn essential movements of classic burlesque and psychology of the tease, starring: Glamorous Gloves! We’ll cover classic burlesque moves as a foundation and play with imaginative ways to peel off those gloves— getting a sense of how “the strip” connects with “the tease.”
Ruby Joule will guide you through the classic techniques while exploring a repertoire of different glove reveals, bringing it all together with a short combination. Bring your own over-the-elbow gloves, or a few will be provided for class use.
Students Should Bring: Long, over the elbow gloves. Yoga mat for stretching if you wish.
Lines, Pose, Bevel- your onstage snapshot
Capture every moment like a striking photograph—make every second on stage unforgettable! This class hones in on the picture-perfect moments of your performance.
Imagine a photo capturing every second on stage—what story would it tell? By refining your lines, poses, and bevel, Selma Bawdy shows how you can bring clarity and depth to your character, story, and unique point of view.
Students Should Bring: Heels if desired, but not necessary
The Tease Lab: Playful Choreo & Floorwork
The Tease Lab is a sultry and playful burlesque choreography class designed for movers of all levels. Class begins with a guided warm-up, followed by a breakdown of key techniques before learning a striptease-inspired routine featuring floorwork, layered reveals, and expressive stage presence.
Kitty McSparkles will guide the class with brief discussions on intention and performance energy, helping students deepen their connection to the movement. The vibe is intimate, exploratory, and body-positive, with a focus on technique and confidence. The class concludes with an optional opportunity to record the final choreography for personal review.
Students Should Bring: Knee pads (optional for floorwork). Heels are optional (please avoid pleasers)
Tassel Techniques: Foundations of the Twirl
Discover the fundamentals of the iconic tassel twirl in this fun technique-focused class. Whether you’re brand new or brushing up your skills, you’ll learn everything you need to get those tassels spinning with confidence and style.
Sherry Bomb will share her tips on choosing the perfect pasties and tassels for maximum rotation, including sizing, weight, materials, and adhesive options. From there, you’ll learn the foundational movements, posture, and momentum that create clean, consistent spins to mesmerize any audience and make your tassel work uniquely you.
Students can bring their own pasties (tassels with swivels are best). There will also be pasties provided for students to borrow.
Students Should Bring: Pasties with swivel tassels, pasties will also be provided for the class
Q1 Workshop!
March 22nd
3:00-5:00
Once each quarter, the Academy hosts a collaborative workshop designed to give students and performers personalized support on their creative process. These workshops provide a space to receive constructive feedback, explore new ideas, and brainstorm with Academy instructors and fellow students.
Participants are encouraged to bring whatever stage of an act they’re developing, an initial concept, a visual theme, a costume idea, music choices, choreography, or a nearly finished piece. Whether you’re stuck on a specific element or simply want fresh perspectives, this session is built to help you move your act forward.
Each participant will have 10 minutes of dedicated workshop time to share their idea and receive focused feedback.
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48-hour Class Cancellation Policy
You may cancel your registration and get a full refund when you contact the Academy more than 48 hours before the start of class. When you contact us with less than 48 hours notice, your fee is not refundable. You may however, transfer your spot to a friend or donate your spot.