PDF of schedule here
PROGRESSIVE CLASSES
Our progressive classes are 10 weeks long. All LEVEL 1 classes are BOTH In Studio and Live Online (using Zoom). The other progressive classes will only be offered in the studio.
For more details on our classes taught in French, visit here.
About class recordings: you will have the opportunity to access and download high quality video recordings of LEVEL 1 (only) progressive classes for an extra fee of $25. To add this service, select this as an “add-on” when registering for the class. Other progressive classes will not be recorded.
Level 1 : Burlesque for Beginners (Eng)
This class is made for those wanting to try the art of burlesque in a fun and supportive environment. We start with the basics of burlesque movement (bump-n-grind, shimmies and walking in heels). You will then follow your teacher through choreographies in different burlesque styles (cabaret, rockn’roll, 1920s, pin-up and contemporary sensual) and learn to reproduce the fundamentals of tassel twirling, facial expressions, and chair dance. We incorporate the basics of burlesque tease into our vocabulary by playing with 5 different costume pieces (provided by the academy). At the end, students will invent their own burlesque combo using their preferred style (pinup, seductress, diva) and present this to the class in small groups.
Want to watch a choreography that is part of this class? Click HERE.
No experience necessary! You need to be ready to move your body and discover your sensuality. You also need to be able to get up stairs to access the studio.
Level 1 : Connecting to the Magic Within (Eng)
Are you looking to deepen your connection to yourself? Work through creative blocks? Heal the body/soul/mind connection? Do you want to work on your burlesque character while also working on your confidence?
Maybe you’re new to the scene and want to feel more grounded? Maybe you’re a seasoned performer and want to deepen your artistic connection?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, this is the class for you! Open to all creatives with a focus on burlesque, this class involves; themed reflections inspired by major arcana tarot cards, somatic grounding techniques, playful prop work to explore different characters, and chance to make connections and realizations that will last a life time!
This class is led by Mina Minou, a queer Iranian-American performer with 10 years of experience known for her creative character work, her sensual movements, and her deconstructive politics. With over 15 years of experience as a practicing witch and over 10 years of experience facilitating growing containers for vulnerable bodies and marginalized voices, Mina believes in working towards solidarity, joy, and expression in all avenues. Come play and learn with the surreal fairy tale of burlesque!
This class is available in person and on zoom and will include a pdf of a follow along zine with extra prompts and activities to explore between sessions.
No experience necessary! You need to be ready to move your body and discover your sensuality. You also need to be able to get up stairs to access the studio.
Level 1 : Flexibility For Burlesque (Eng/Fr)
Looking to increase your body control and connection for sensual movement and (perhaps) burlesque choreographies? This 1 hour class has stretching series that can help you achieve your splits, high kicks, back bends, etc. It combines these series with a burlesque-style dance flow aimed at keeping you distracted and stimulated. Stretching can be scary for beginners! As we learn, we will do our best to prioritize safety and offer modifications. That being said, your teacher is still learning to accommodate different bodies in this type of movement. They invite you into a space where we will learn together. The first two weeks will be similar to a Sl*t Stretch class. Starting week 3, each week we will build on what has come before. At the end of the session we will string our bendy moves together in a sensual flexibility routine that we can play with in the classroom.
Level 2 : Burlesque & Costume (Fr)
A course that explores burlesque performance through the manipulation of costume props and stage movements. You will create a burlesque number based on songs that have been chosen by your teacher. Your burlesque solo will be created with costumes provided by Arabesque Burlesque, but you will have the opportunity to make one or two costume pieces yourself! In class, you will receive personalized, constructive feedback from your professor and peers. Ending in an intimate student show that takes place in our studios, it's the perfect way to get a first introduction to the world of performing without too much pressure.
Pre-requisites: This is a Level 2 class. You need to have completed at least 1 level 1 class to register.
Level 3 : Filthy Advanced Floorwork (Eng)
"Filthy advanced floorwork" progressive class, where slinky sensuality intertwines with silky smooth filthy floorwork. Explore the primal connection between body and ground, embracing the uninhibited essence of your sexuality. Discover the art of slinky rolls and seductive balances as you master a repertoire of advanced moves designed to push your boundaries and ignite your passion. Join Gigi in this exhilarating class as we explore the seductive allure of advanced floorwork.
Pre-requisites: This is a Level 3 class. You need to have completed at least at least burlesque floorwork level 2 to take this class at Arabesque.
Level 2 : Burlesque Floorwork
Join Gigi on a 10 week exploration of beginner level floorwork! Learn to get down and dirty on the floor and back up on your feet again with style and grace, while utilizing various burlesque props. This progressive course ends in a performance at the student showcase. Open to modifications for all body/mobility types.
Pre-requisites: This is a Level 2 beginner class. You need to have completed at least one beginner level class at Arabesque.
Level 3 : Burlesque Chair Dance
Ready to fall in love with chair dancing and get stronger doing it? Coming to you from a veteran burlesque dancer who is terminally obsessed with her chair - this class will get you super familiar with the more advanced sensual movements we can do on a chair. And, give you routines that build the muscles and flexibility those moves require. We'll integrate striptease elements into our chair poses and movements. By the end of the class, you'll have all the vocabulary you need to start making your own burlesque chair dances and you'll perform a group act in the student showcase.
Each class starts 10mins of team building, then 35mins of dance-workout and stretching (on the chair) and continues with 45mins of choreography and breaking down moves. For the Fall 2024 session we will visit 4 mini choreos and choose one for the showcase: "One Time" by Marian Hill, "Good Puss" by Cobra, "Lay me Down" by Sam Smith and "Never Slow Down" by Elko Fields.
Pre-requisites: Have completed a level 1 AND level 2 class at Arabesque OR a level 1 class and 3+ years of dance experience.
Level 2 : ShowPonies (Fr/Eng)
(EN) A burlesque movement class that explores both the dance and performative aspects of this art form. This class is equally focused on building captivating sensual energy and stage presence as it is on learning burlesque dance vocabulary. Each class includes a warm up, movement in heels, and work on the group choreography. Each session your teacher will choreograph a unique group burlesque choreography that you will work together to polish for the stage.
Pre-requisites: This is a Level 2 class. You need to have completed at least 1 level 1 class to register.
Level 4 : Class B (Fr/Eng)
In this 10-week course, we will build your knowledge of the art of burlesque from the ground up. The session starts with neo-burlesque theory and ends with the guided construction of a solo burlesque act. Students are expected to complete weekly homework assignments and will be given the opportunity to perform their act in the school showcase at the end of the session. Homework assigned, 5 student maximum.
Pre-requisites: This is a Level 4 class. Please email us before registering.
DROP-IN CLASSES
The drop-in classes are perfect for beginners or people with variable schedules. Most drop-in classes are offered In-Studio and on Zoom (unless they are a park class!). If you’d like to follow classes from home on your own schedule, check out the 50+ video classes on our On Demand channel!
You've never tried a drop-in class before? Everyone is welcome. You can sign up in advance (cut-off time is 1hr before class starts) and pay using your credit card. We recommend this since classes are often full. Or, you can take your chances and register when you arrive (pay in-person by credit or e-transfer). This is great way to bring a friend to try the class without too much advance planning!
Booty Grind (FR/EN) - LEVEL 1/2
Bump, Grind, Roll, Shake - that's all we offer you in this workout targeted on hip mobility and fluidity. A training class to have fun and love yourself even more. Shake everything you've got and give your butt the attention it deserves every week while feeling sexy and confident.
Sl*t Stretch (FR/EN) - LEVEL 1/2
Nothing feels better than sl*tty moves on your mat. This class has a 20min burlesque dance warmup. Then, we do 40mins of luxurious flow-stretching and touching ourselves. Staying on the floor is great for core practices and controlled movement. Great for flexibility and self love.
Wondering what class to take?
I want to get on stage: Our program for stage performance is here to take you from zero to stage-ready! We will support you every step of the way and give you all the resources and guidance you need to make a burlesque debut. But, it’s not a quick process. We ask that you train with us by following at least 3 of our progressive classes of 10-weeks each (yes, even if you already have experience in dance and/or other stage genres). Start with a beginner-level class like Beginners or Puissance et Sensualité, then join “Show Ponies” to build a group act and make your first costume, and then follow our signature “Class B” to create and perform your first burlesque solo.
I want a work out and dance: We have several different styles and levels of Burlesque Fitness classes that will have you shimmying and sweating. Students always tell us they keep coming back for these classes because the dance and sexy tone keeps them motivated and excited to keep moving. Each teacher has a different style so we really recommend trying out each one to find your best fit!
I want an introduction to Burlesque: We have several Level 1 classes that are great introductions to the world of burlesque with a group over 10 weeks. Refer to the class descriptions for more details on the differences. Also, at the end of every session we offer a Teaser Burlesque of 3-classes to wet your palette and let you try things out (send us a quick email here if you’d like to be added to the wait list for the Teaser class). Both are a combination of dance moves and learning to tease with burlesque accessories.