Classic Burlesque: Beginners

Are you ready to shake and shimmy !?

Whether you’re a trained dancer or a total novice, burlesque is a sassy and sultry way to get moving, find joy in your body and gain some fun new skills, in a compassionate and open-minded space.

Classical burlesque is a low-impact, slower form of expressive dancing, where each week you’ll bump n’ grind in sultry pinup style, all while learning the techniques to tease and reveal. 

Burlesque for beginners is a 7 week course in which you’ll twirl your way through the fundamental movements of burlesque and learn a sizzling classical chair dance routine. The course will be broken down into 2 sections - in the first section you’ll learn a new fundamental movement and mini choreo each week, such as removing of gloves or stockings. In the second section, you’ll learn a classical burlesque routine incorporating all the techniques learned. 

Burlesque at its core is about self expression and finding joy in your body. Please wear whatever makes you comfortable to classes and feel free to reveal as much or as little as you’d like.

No prior experience necessary. Suitable for all levels of fitness. Everyone welcome. All abilities will be catered to.

Please bring long gloves, heels, stockings (hold ups or with suspenders belt) and a robe.

If for any reason you cannot source materials, please don’t let it stop you - you can borrow from the tutor.

About the Tutor

Rita Peach has been performing as a burlesque dancer since 2018, and has been a resident cast member at Belfast’s own Cabaret Supper Club since 2020.

A Doctor in a previous life, Rita began her burlesque dreams at the Crescent Arts Centre, attending beginner classes back in 2017! 

As well as performing, Rita is also a producer of Derry/Londonderry’s  own cabaret, The Maiden City Tease, and founder of the The Belfast Burlesque School, providing a variety of burlesque classes and workshops across the country. Through her classes, Rita wants to empower people of all genders to embrace their sensuality, and grow Belfast’s blossoming burlesque community.