Have an idea for a burlesque act but aren’t sure where to begin? This creative development class helps performers transform inspirations, concepts, and curiosities into intentional, cohesive acts through guided discussion, journaling, music exploration, and movement-based exercises. Participants will explore themes, archetypes, tease dynamics, costume and prop concepts, and audience experience to uncover the unique essence of their performance ideas.

In a playful, supportive, and collaborative environment, Kitty McSparkles guides students through creative prompts and exploratory exercises designed to spark inspiration and deepen artistic vision. Open to all experience levels, this workshop is especially valuable for performers looking to develop new acts or bring greater clarity and purpose to existing concepts. 

Students Should Bring: Note-taking Supplies

A phone, tablet, or device with access to music

Optional headphones

Optional inspiration materials (images, costume pieces, fabrics, mood boards, playlists, etc.)

Comfortable clothing suitable for movement exploration

Students are encouraged to arrive with curiosity and a willingness to experiment.

Discover how music can elevate your burlesque performance by creating more impactful reveals, dynamic teases, and memorable stage moments. This workshop explores the fundamentals of musicality, teaching students how to listen deeply to a song and use tempo, rhythm, and instrumentation to inform movement choices and strengthen audience connection.

Drawing on her experience as a bandleader and songwriter, Jolie Goodnight breaks down how different instruments and musical elements influence the art of the tease. Students will gain practical tools for interpreting music, timing reveals, and creating performances that feel more intentional, engaging, and emotionally resonant.

Students Should Bring: Stage heels or stage shoes (not required), clothes you can dance in.

Learn how to make every inch of your performance space work for you. This class explores the five elements of creative movement and how stage placement, levels, direction, and spatial awareness can strengthen storytelling, audience connection, and the overall impact of an act. Special attention is given to entrances, exits, and transitions to help create performances that feel polished and intentional.

Drawing from years of performance experience, Ruby Joule guides students through practical techniques for choreographing and blocking acts for stages of any size—from large theaters to intimate venues. Students will leave with tools to make stronger creative choices and the confidence to command any performance space.

Students Should Bring: Note-taking supplies

Whether you're creating a brand-new persona or refining an existing one, this class will help you develop a stronger, more cohesive stage identity. Through guided discussion and creative exercises centered around a meaningful object—such as a prop, costume piece, or personal artifact—students will explore the foundations of character development, branding, and performance presence.

Ruby Lamb will guide participants through the process of defining what makes their persona unique, both onstage and off. With minimal movement and a focus on self-discovery and creative exploration, this class is accessible to all experience levels and offers practical tools for bringing your character to life.

Students Should Bring: An object that is important to your persona (this could be a stage prop, a costume piece, an inspirational book), paper and pen, a Sharpie, photos or ideas for photos, any logo or merch ideas you have.

Every memorable burlesque act tells a story. In this class, students will explore the art of storytelling through character development, story structure, and reveal-driven moments that keep audiences captivated from beginning to end. Through discussion and creative exercises, participants will learn how to build acts that are not only entertaining, but intentional, cohesive, and impossible to look away from.

Drawing on her experience as a performer and producer, Anastasia Arsenic guides students through techniques for crafting compelling characters, creating meaningful stage moments, and developing a clear storytelling arc. Whether you're building a new act or refining an existing one, you'll leave with practical tools to strengthen your storytelling and make every peel, reveal, and plot twist count.

Students Should Bring: Note-taking supplies

Costumes are more than just what we wear on stage, they are powerful storytelling tools that help define character, create memorable reveals, and shape the audience’s experience. This class explores how costume choices can influence movement and choreography, while adding surprise, personality, and visual impact to an act.

Drawing on over 16 years of experience as both a burlesque performer and professional costumer, Sherry Bomb shares practical tips for how to transform off-the-rack pieces into unique stagewear. Students will learn how to incorporate costuming into the act development process and create costumes that support both their artistic vision and performance goals.

Students Should Bring: Note-taking supplies

Grab your knee pads and leave your inhibitions at the door, this class teaches  the art of f#*king the floor. Through guided drills, learn to command the floor with fluid movements, transitions, and techniques that bring out the seductive energy within. Emphasis is placed on body awareness, weight distribution, and safe mechanics so you can move with both power and intention.

Whether you’re new to floorwork or looking to refine your skills, Anastasia Arsenic will provide accessible tools to own your space and confidently express yourself through musicality, and expressive confidence —unlocking your inner vixen and transforming the floor into your stage.

Students Should Bring: Knee pads