Classic Burlesque: Beginners

Ready to shake, shimmy, and unleash your inner showgirl?

This course is a playful, sultry way to move your body, celebrate your sensuality, and pick up some seriously glamorous new skills—all in a welcoming, judgment-free space.

Classical burlesque is a low-impact, expressive dance style inspired by vintage pin-up glamour. Over 12 weeks, you’ll build confidence, body awareness, and technique while learning to bump, grind, and tease with flair.

The course is split into two parts:

In the first half, you’ll explore foundational burlesque moves—like the glove peel, stocking strip, and bump ‘n’ grinds—through fun, bite-sized choreography. In the second half, you’ll bring it all together in a seductive chair-based routine that lets you showcase everything you’ve learned.

No dance experience? No problem. This class is for all levels, all bodies, and all genders. You’re encouraged to wear whatever makes you feel fabulous, and to reveal as much or as little as you’re comfortable with.

What to bring:

Long gloves, stockings (hold-ups or with suspenders), heels (optional), and a robe.If you don’t have these, don’t worry—items can be borrowed during class.

About the Tutor

Rita Peach is a burlesque performer and producer, feather fan dancer, and co-founder of the Belfast Burlesque Collective. Known for her vintage glamour and playful charm, she’s been a resident showgirl at Belfast’s Cabaret Supper Club since 2020 and a regular on stages across Northern Ireland since 2018.

A doctor in a past life, Rita swapped her stethoscope for sequins after taking her first burlesque class in 2017—and never looked back. She now produces The Maiden City Tease in Derry and co-produces the craic-fuelled Belfast Burlesque Brunch with Maiya Moo.

Over the past few years, Rita has been regularly teaching burlesque and feather fan dancing, sharing her passion and stagecraft with students across the country. Through the Belfast Burlesque Collective, she teaches with sass, sparkle, and heart—empowering students of all genders to embrace their sensuality, build confidence, and strut into their spotlight.