Class Title: Burlesque 101

Location: AS220 Dance Studios: 95 Empire St, Providence RI 02903

Date/Time: Sundays at 3:00pm (1hr duration); November 12th - December 17th

Age restrictions: 18+

Previous experience required: none

Price: $20 drop in // $105 full class series. Register at as220.org/dance

One full and one partial scholarship available for current low-income performer looking to brush up on their skills! Email sam@thirdhouseevents.com for easy application details. 

Bonus: Each student enrolled in the full class series will automatically receive first dibs to sign up to compete at Third House Event's amateur burlesque competition at The Met on 12/22. Not ready to show 'em whatcha got? All good-- each student will receive 1 free ticket to cheer their new friends on. 

Class Description: 

Unleash your inner diva and explore the art of seductive and empowering movement in this six-week intro to burlesque class. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a curious babe plucked from the audience, this course is designed to help you discover the world of burlesque, one of the most captivating and confidence-boosting dance styles in existence.

Each week we will dig into a different element of this rich artform: a brief history, posing and stage presence, basic technique and movement, making friends with props, choreography, and how to develop an act. For those who catch the fever, our final class will be an opportunity for any students who wish to showcase an act they've built!

Materials + Attire: All you need to do burlesque is a body. Got one? You're qualified! Though we won't discriminate against truly eager disembodied spirits...

Beyond this, it is recommended to arrive in comfortable clothing you can move and stretch freely in. As class progresses, you may choose to utilize the following [please note that this list is completely optional]:

A button-down shirt

An extra bra

High heels

Long gloves

Thigh-high stockings

Basic props will be provided by the teacher, but all are welcome to bring items they would personally like to learn to work with (feather fans, boas, etc.).

All genders and bodies are welcome! Throughout the course, we emphasize the importance of cultivating an energizing and supportive space for each other. We believe in the power of a strong, inclusive community where everyone can thrive and express themselves freely. Because of Belle's own training and experience, her teaching style will have a strong high-femme flair. All students are encouraged to take these techniques and make them their own, but should they desire a more masc-leaning influence that the class doesn't quite satiate, Belle would be thrilled to refer any student to local drag and boylesque artists who are also phenomenal teachers.

So join us for an exciting and transformative six weeks of exploration, self-discovery, and, of course, the sultry world of burlesque dance. No previous dance experience is required; just come with an open mind and a desire to have fun! 

This is an 18+ class series. 

Teacher bio:

Belle Gunz (she/they) is a stereotypical Sagittarius with a diverse background that spans traditional theater and the underworld of burlesque. Her journey as a performer began with rigorous training in classical ballet, instilling in her a deep appreciation for movement and expression.

Since 2007, Belle has been captivating audiences as a burlesque dancer, a journey that has seen her perform with various esteemed organizations, including multi-award-winning troupes The Slaughterhouse Society and The Lipstick Criminals.

Belle's creativity and artistic prowess were further showcased as an original cast member of "The Slutcracker" from 2008 to 2021, exposing her to an incredibly rich and diverse world sex nerds and wickedly talented performers. Her commitment to the arts extends beyond the stage, as she recently co-founded Third House Events alongside burlesque queen, Jane Doe. 

As a board member of The Church of Slut, Belle actively supports and shapes the mission of this influential organization, embracing the values it represents. She also takes on roles as a co-producer of "B!tch Snot" and serves as production manager for both Grrrl At The Rockshow Productions and Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys.

Belle Gunz's extensive experience and passionate involvement in the worlds of theater, community building and event production make her a prominent and influential figure, both on and off the stage. Her dedication to the arts and her diverse range of roles in the entertainment industry showcase her as a true powerhouse in her field.

Follow her adventures on IG: @bellegunz  @thirdhouseevents