The Spare Rib Burlesque Course
Many of the burlesque classes out there are largely dance classes - but we're bringing something a little different. Our course is focused on self-development and community building elements alongside the crafting and development of burlesque as a theatrical art form.
Date: 4th May 2024 at 11.30am-1pm for 12 weeks (excluding 22nd June 2024) plus optional graduation performance
Location: Indigo Cafe, Wirral, CH42 2AS (15 mins from Liverpool Central via train)
Accessibility: Indigo does not have wheelchair access and is up a flight of stairs. If this is an access barrier for you, please contact us at thesparerib@outlook.com about our classes hopefully starting later this year in Liverpool which will have wheelchair accessibility. Our classes can be adapted for your accessibility needs - please input these when booking your place, email us at thesparerib@outlook.com and/or have a chat with us in class. Whatever your access needs, disabilities or neurodivergences, we will strive to ensure that you are included and celebrated and work with you to ensure that we can overcome any barriers to your experience.
By signing up to this course, you are agreeing to our Safer Spaces policy which you can find here: https://thesparerib.co.uk/safe-space/
Our burlesque classes are for EVERYONE aged 18 and over. We strive to provide spaces that are safe and accessible for all. We are pro LGBTQIA+, Black, POC, d/Deaf and disabled, fat, immigrant, women, sex worker and other marginalised identities; and we will always be political until there is no longer a need to be. Tilly Mint & Minxie Coquette are funding a minimum of 3 FREE spaces on this course that are available for people from additionally marginalised and underrepresented groups. If you would like to apply for one of these free spaces, please email thesparerib@outlook.com. We particularly encourage Black people, people of colour, trans people and visibly disabled people to apply for these places.
Topics covered include:
- Burlesque history
- Who am I as a performer?
- Personal barriers
- Building an act and creating a burlesque persona
- Putting an act together
- Career development
- Practical performance of a burlesque act
Practical themes include:
- Travelling across the stage and musicality
- Use of the facial expression and finishing lines
- Use of stage furniture and props including chairwork
- Floor work (where possible for the performer)
- Tackling nerves through breath work
- Acting through your performance and comedy
- Support through developing a solo performance
