Workshops
Workshop info & pre-registration links coming soon!
The workshops listed on this page are a sample of the classes offered by Mason Dixie Burlesque. If you are interested in bringing the ladies of MDB to teach in your town or studio, please contact MasonDixieBurlesque@gmail.com for a complete list of class offerings.
- Deanna's Workshops-
FLOOR WORK & FLEXIBILITY:
1 Hour
Combining the health boosting benefits of flexibility with fun and sexy floor choreography, this class will teach the student how to maximize their time on the floor. Students will learn how to condition their body for increased daily flexibility, and how to put that new found flex-i-ness to work on the stage (or in the bedroom)! No experience required, open to both women and men of all flexibility ranges. Students should wear tight fitting exercise type clothing, booty shorts and knee pads are recommended.
BUILDING SUSTAINABLE BURLESQUE:
1 Hour
The neo-burlesque movement reignited a nearly long & lost entertainment industry in the mid-nineties, and has since grown into an accessible industry found in all corners of the world today! How do we make sure burlesque doesn't meet another untimely demise? We work sustainably for it's future! This 1-hour lecture class will discuss ways in which burlesque professionals can create business models and standards that work towards our industry's longevity. If you envision a world where performers, producers, instructors, promoters, sound engineers, bartenders, curtain pullers, raffle girls and bus boys alike can earn a quality living from the burlesque industry alone, you'll want to bring plenty of pen and paper to this class! "Building Sustainable Burlesque" aims to put the Vaudeville Theatre circut BACK into daily business!
BALLET BASICS:
1 Hour
An intro to ballet class aimed to give students a basic understanding of ballet positions, movement, and technique. Set to fun and inspiring music, the session will include both ballet barre, and floor work, and is for students wanting to learn how to:
-maximize arm and leg extension lines
-correct torso, neck, and head posture
-hand and foot positioning
-balance and proper movement technique
-increase flexibility
Includes individual attention, and movement diagnosis for better performance! No experience necessary, open to both women & men. Please wear comfortable exercise clothing that doesn't restrict movement, ballet or jazz shoes preferred, barefoot otherwise.
MUSICALITY & BURLESQUE:
1 Hour
Music can typically be the first piece of the puzzle when creating a new burlesque routine, and can often be the major source of inspiration for the performance itself! Music and specifically timing with your music is of the utmost importance as a burlesque performer. Hitting all the hits, bumping on all the bumps and finding the best place for your grinds are some of the ways performers can use their music to their teasing advantage. This part-lecture, part-movement class will address how to select the perfect music, what makes a song appropriate for burlesque performance, how to build your choreography timing, and performing to live music. Music editing tips will also be covered! Students are encouraged to bring their own potential song selections for personal advice from the instructor! No dance or theater experience is required, however it is recommended that students have already taken basic burlesque (or equivalent dance/theater) instruction.
Please wear comfortable exercise clothing and a pair of sturdy heels. Open to women and men of all experience levels.
PRIVATE SESSION w/ Deanna Danger:
$45, 1-hour, $60, 1.5 hours
One-on-one private class session with the expert! Semi-private/group sessions also available, email masondixieburlesque.com for info and pricing.
- Üla's Workshops-
ACTING YOUR ACT -- Storytelling Through Burlesque (Level One):
1-1.5 hour
Improve your act and make your performances unforgettable! Drawing on her extensive training in acting, theatre and dance, Üla teaches the art of storytelling through the medium of burlesque. Many great dancers do beautiful routines that are lacking that special “something” that make them extraordinary. Using techniques found in her mentor’s book, “The Actor As Storyteller,” this workshop focuses on acting and specificity of movement to form a clear narrative – skills that will put your act over the top. Please bring a notebook and wear clothes and shoes for comfortable movement.
ACTING YOUR ACT -- Storytelling Through Burlesque (Level Two):
1- 1.5 hour
This is an intermediate level workshop -- for people who took the first level of the workshop, or who have been performing for 3 years or more.
Building on the foundations taught in the first level of this workshop, Üla takes you even deeper into the nuances of good acting and good storytelling. Drawing on her extensive training in acting, theatre and dance, Üla teaches the art of storytelling through the medium of burlesque. Using techniques found in her mentor’s book, “The Actor As Storyteller,” this workshop takes an even more in depth look at acting skills and specificity of movement to form a clear narrative. You will learn how to create a believable, well-rounded character, explore the nuances of comedic timing, and learn how to have a stronger connection to your audience.
OWNING IT! -- The Art of Stage Presence:
1 hour
Find your voice and bring your best self to the stage! Connecting to a strong stage presence acts as character development for your professional persona. Class will begin with a lecture and a series of questions to help define who you are when you put on your costume and lashes, followed by interactive exercises that illuminate how this work will enhance your onstage experience and make audiences love you! This class is perfect for burlesque, circus and variety performers as well as hosts and aspiring emcees.
Covered in this session:
-The strong entrance and exit
-What to do about curtain call
-How to speak on the microphone
-Audience interaction
-how to handle all those "unchoreographed" moments on stage
-what to do when things don't go as planned.
STRIP FOR YOUR LOVER -- Burlesque in the Bedroom:
1 hour
Have you always wanted to move like a burlesque goddess? Do you wish you could bring glamour and mystique to your personal life? In this class you will learn striptease techniques and how to apply them to your own wardrobe. Practice moves that exude femininity and embody sex appeal. Build body confidence and connect to your inner sexpot. Women come in all beautiful shapes and sizes and we can all be sexy goddesses. Get comfortable with your gorgeous, fabulous self and learn to thrill your lover as you disrobe.
Women and Female Identified Only - no experience required, for beginners and non-performers. Please wear fitted dance or exercise clothes and heels. Please bring a sexy bra and a dress you would like to practice removing. Nudity is not required.
PRIVATE SESSION w/ Ula Uberbusen:
$45, 1-hour, $60, 1.5 hours
One-on-one private class session with the expert! Semi-private/group sessions also available, email masondixieburlesque.com for info and pricing.
- Hazel's Workshops-
BURLESQUE COSTUMING:
1-hour
This class covers the most popular burlesque costume materials and techniques, with insider tips to take your costumes to the next sparkly level!
Covered in this class:
- Rhinestones (types, colors, sources)
- Sequins (appliqués, fringe, fabric)
- Feathers (fans, boas, trim)
- Bases (bras, panties, corsets, fascinators)
- Pasties (construction, materials, tassels)
Students will learn the best options and techniques for affixing rhinestones and other embellishments on various materials. Find out how to best care for and clean your embellished pieces. We will share tips and tricks on how and where to use rhinestones on a costume to most effectively sparkle and shine! No sewing or crafting experience is required. Students are encouraged bring items they wish to embellish and get personalized advice.
BURLESQUE MAKEUP & HAIR:
1-hour
Makeup and hair are integral parts of the burlesque or pinup look. What are the differences between a look for a night out on the town and one made for the stage? What changes should you make to your face for a photoshoot? This class will focus on the specific needs of stage and modeling makeup. We will also go over wigs, vintage looks from different eras, and tips for great glitter application. Students are encouraged to bring wigs or hair pieces they have questions about.
ALL ABOUT PASTIES:
1.5-hours
This class covers the most iconic burlesque costume piece: the pastie! Like jewelry for your boobs, the pastie is one of the most important parts of your burlesque costume. Pasties come in all shapes, sizes and materials, and they can be as unique as you are. No sewing or crafting experience is required. Students will receive handouts with information for online sources, patterns, and twirling techniques.
The class will be split into the following sections-
Lecture: History of the pastie.
Construction (materials, shape, tassels, etc.)
Hands-on: Crafting time! Every student will make their own set of rhinestone pasties using materials provided (students are encouraged to bring their own materials as well if they wish!).
Practical Application*: Students will all be given a pair of practice pasties to wear, and will be instructed in the different methods of twirling tassels!
*While the class is open to everyone (men can twirl tassels too!), the Practical Application section of the class will
be limited to women only.
This class has an additional $5 materials fee. No experience necessary. Open to men and women, EXEPT for the final part of the class which is women only. (Men recieve a $10 discount). Please wear a tight tank top or bra you are comfortable wearing for the twirling lesson, if you are not comfortable going full topless with pasties.
Hide and Peek - The Fan Dance:
1 hour
Fans are one of the most iconic props in burlesque. Learn how to use them to tease, tantalize, and drive your audience wild!
No experience necessary, this class is for performers and non-performers. Students should bring fans if they own them, if not substitutes will be provided.
-Act Workshopping and Peer Review-
Led by Deanna, Ula and Hazel:
1.5-2 hours (9 student minimum)
Take advantage of this is a rare opportunity to get direct feedback on your work from industry professionals! Whether you are brushing up an old favorite, or working the kinks out of a brand new piece - this is an excellent and affordable way to gain constructive criticism from seasoned performers in a safe and supportive environment.Students will perform their full act in front of the teachers and other students. Each performer will be given 15 minutes to perform, receive notes from the teachers, and if time permits, to perform the act again incorporating the feedback. The rest of the students will act as the "audience" helping to provide the much needed in-the-moment feedback that is necessary for a complete burlesque act.
Students should bring an act they are ready (or nearly ready) to perform. This class is open to beginners and seasoned professionals - all you need is an act! Please bring your music, costumes and props, and a notebook.