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You’ve heard about a burlesque revival. You’ve seen snippets of this sensation in the press and on T.V. Now it’s time for you to get in on the action! Calling all divas, cool cats, harlots, dames hot mamas and daddy-o's,RED HOTS BURLESQUE SCHOOL OF SHIMMY is for you! If you have always dreamed of being a burlesque star or just want to learn what all this fun is all about you too can be Red Hot!

As famed ecdysiast Gypsy Rose Lee declared, "If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing slowly . . . very slowly." Whether comedy, tragedy or graceful classic dance; timing is everything. Bring a friend or meet some in the class. Burlesque is about having fun! Bring a smile and an open mind because we’re going to let loose as you learn to shake it with confidence and class!

Sign up today!

August 14th, 21st, 28th and 30th

Classes are from 7pm-9pm at 440 Studios (440 Lafayette St, NYC)
Space is limited and reservations are appreciated.
To reserve a spot email: redhotsburlesque@hotmail.com with S.O.S. in the subject line.


August 14th: Burlesque 101:
In this two-hour workshop, students will learn the history of burlesque, how to create a persona, working with props, costumes and basic choreography. As well as learning to build your burlesque attitude; feel great about your body, and an open dicussion about increased confidence and positive thinking. The class is open to students of any age or gender who want to shake it on stage or in the bedroom. No previous dance or performance experience is required.

August 21st: Burlesque 201
In this two-hour workshop, students are encouraged to come with an act or character in mind. We will develop personas and discuss song choice as well as having a hands on lesson on costuming and pastie making. The class is open to students of any age or gender who want to shake it on stage or in the bedroom. No previous dance or performance experience is required.

August 28th: Burlesque on a Budget, Costuming and Hair
We've all heard the saying "It's costs a lot of money to look this cheap!" well it doesn't have to. Join in this class where you're given the best places to find bargains and even learn how to make your very own pasties and hair accesories.

August 30th: Finishing Touches, Rehursal
Participants get a chance to go through each of their numbers and address practicle questions and concerns with bringing your first act to the famed Slipper Room stage the very next week.

September 5th- School of Shimmy Showcase! Your chance to sh-sh-shake it on stage!



See Us On WNBC:
"Burlesque is Back!"Just click and see Cat Greenleaf's coverage of one of our classes!

And
In the New York Times

And
In the World's leading Lesbian Magazine, Curve.


Who are these classes for?
Any gender. Any age. Any body!

When and where and what is the School Of Shimmy?
It's all up to you. See our scheduled classes above or invite us over for a private party. What that means is get a group of 5 or more friends together and contact us with a date. We get booked very quickly so that's the most important part. Then we can use a space that you provide (living rooms work just fine) or we can help you find a space. With a little wine and cheese these workshops are sure to bring it home!

Types of Classes we've had in the past:
Burlesque 101:
In this two-hour workshop, students will learn the history of burlesque, how to create a persona, working with props, costumes and basic choreography. The class is open to students of any age or gender who want to shake it on stage or in the bedroom. No previous dance or performance experience is required.

Burlesque 201
In this two-hour workshop, students are encouraged to come with an act or character in mind. We will develop personas and discuss song choice as well as having a hands on lesson on costuming and pastie making. The class is open to students of any age or gender who want to shake it on stage or in the bedroom. No previous dance or performance experience is required. No deposit needed for this class, however space is very limited and reservations are encouraged. To reserve a spot email: redhotsburlesque@hotmail.com with S.O.S. in the subject line

Costuming Intensive: A more intense look at the 201's overview of costuming. Including burlesque on a budget, where you will leave with a list of places to get the most bling for your buck and ways to make huge ideas into compact do-able designs.
This class brings your professors Dottie Lux and professional costumer, Laura M. Shrewsbury a.k.a. Boobie Von Trapp in an upfront and hands on lecture on building an act complete with song choice, character development and refined costumes right down to the pasties.

About the Professors:
Dottie Lux has a degree in Writing for Performance, Publication and Media from Pratt Institute and infuses her prose background with five years of professional burlesque experience. She has been called “strangely sexy” and “brilliant” and encourages students to fully develop their characters no matter how dark, humorous or glamorous!
Laura M. Shrewsbury a.k.a. Boobie Von Trapp gained her BFA BFA in Costume Design from Florida Atlantic University, and worked up and down the Atlantic seaboard as a freelance costume designer for regional theaters. She owned a rock-n-roll/gothic clothing company for ten years called Underbelly. She has dressed the likes of Queen Latifah, Alec Wek, Anna Nicole Smith and Kathy Najimi and continues to do costume work for The Public Theatre, Grace Costumes, HERE theater, Madison Square Garden and Beauty and the Beast. No previous dance or performance experience is required.
Diva for a Day:
Spoil yourself; you deserve it! This class is for those looking for a full day of pampering the BurlyQ way. We all come from a long line of sexy, smart, creative people. The Red Hots will help you realize that person inside of you by instructing on history, moves, hair and make-up, costuming and pastie making, confidence, poise, attitude and you will get to play with props as we dance about discovering the diva within.
Once the class is over, get inspired with V.I.P. seating at Red Hots Burlesque Show and go home invigorated as a whole new you! No previous dance or performance experience is required.

Hair and Make-up:
The ladies of Red Hots Burlesque each have very distinct looks. In this practical workshop, Nasty, Veronika and Dottie will help you create your own style, as well as giving general tips and techiques.
Make-up kits available for purchase or bring your own.

Costuming (and pastie making!):
Practical tips on how to build or assemble the perfect costume with personality. Plus pastie making workshop and how to's.
Basic Pastie making kits provided. Additional trimming packages available for purchase or bring your own.


More about Private Classes:

Who are these classes for?
Burlesque is for everyone and these classes are perfect for an evening/afternoon with the girls, bachlorette parties or for the group of friends who want to rock it on stage.

What will be included in the class?
We will teach you the history of burlesque, how to create a persona and characters, how to make the most of your beautiful self for an audience, the in's and out's of the business, how to use props, costumes & makeup, and basic choreography. If you would like to take your buly-q education a bit further we can provide a series of classes where we workshop specific numbers and get you booked for a real live Red Hots show!

When and where are these classes?
The Red Hots schedules can get booked pretty fast, so we suggest contacting us as soon as you know the approximate date of your party so that we can ensure your event! The location of the classes really depends on your convience. We are happy to work out of your apartment, but if you do not have any available space we can work with you to find the perfect spot.

How much do the classes cost?
It is hard to estimate a price without knowing how many students there would be or if this will be a series or just one class. We will work with you and your budget to make sure everyone gets what they need.


Some testimonials from recent Grads.
Photos from the Sept '07 Class! See here!
*Rubie*Fizz* says:
Some of the most important things I gained from the classes were increased body confidence, and the friends! Performing was such a wonderful experience, with the Red Hots all cheering us on. And knowing that we have access to all the knowledge Dottie, Nasty, and Veronika possess is a powerful thing.
Paige Tourner says:
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. What a fun class!
Miss Mary Cyn says:
Once again I'd like to thank you so much for the class. I can't remeber the last time I got such a rush!
Loralie Lullabye says:
The class is a really gratifying experience. I really liked the whole history of burlesque part because who doesn't like to learn something new and interesting. I was also into hearing performers'experiences and the pearls of wisdom to pass along. The class gives amateurs a chance to express themselves and the chance to watch you guys perform after the class which really was a great way to learn and a fun way to spend the night.
Violet Valentino Says:
I had such a great time with you and met so many other wonderful performers! I'm holding down the fort back in good 'ole CT! I've been experimenting with "my look" and decided to try some high-femme glamour! I hope it'll make my School of Shimmy mentors proud!
Garnet Says:
The School of Shimmy was great! Not only did I have a good time going with one of my friends, I got to meet a bunch of lovely ladies who all are so talented I hope to grace the stage with them again! The Red Hots helped me define performance in different terms than I was accustomed to by giving me ideas and advice on getting shows and working in the established community. They made it such a body positive environment that my greatest takeaway was feeling fantastic about my self.

If you have any other questions or would like to book an event please contact:
redhotsburlesque@hotmail.com

illustration by: Molly Crabapple