ExperTease Fitness
Burlesque Fit Level 1
This Journey Belongs To
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My class days
Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun
Closed Dates
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My Performance
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Dance Fitness is an intense workout and sport. It can be hard on your body so PLEASE if at any
time you feel uncertain about a move STOP. Ask questions or request a modified version of the
move. Inform the instructor of any previous injuries and NEVER attempt a move you are not
ready for. Your safety is number one.
All rights reserved Copyright © ExperTease ™ Fitness and Dance Alternative ™ 2011
Burlesque is both glamorous and empowering. It is a theatrically based dance in which
you first learn the art of sensual tease and peeling. In this class you will learn how to
embrace your body and highlight your creative abilities with your peers.
Attire For Class: Shorts- Tank-Top/T-shirt/Sports-Top - Heels with Ankle Straps
Your heels MUST have ankle straps. You will not be allowed to dance is strapless
heels- this is for your safety.
You will be informed of other attire requirements as they arise.
Water- Bring IT and Drink IT. We will take two water breaks during each class but it is
encouraged to drink fluids throughout the workout. Proper hydration helps prevent
muscle fatigue and joint stress.
Stretching and Deep Breathing-Helps deliver oxygen to your muscles and
prevent soreness. We will stretch at both the beginning and end of each class.
Prop Maintenance and Safety- Your safety is number one; if your chair feels
unsafe STOP and inform the instructor. You will be provided with a wipe down towel
and cleaner for your chairs. Feather boas and fans will be stored at the studio for you
for the duration of the session to prevent breaking. Nylons run very easily, we
recommend buying one practice pair and one performance pair.
All rights reserved Copyright © ExperTease ™ Fitness and Dance Alternative ™ 2011
Week 1
Intro/Character Creation
What is Burlesque?
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Burlesque means to make fun of.
Comedy of the exaggerated femininity.
4 types of Burlesque: Classic, Modern, Message, Comedy.
What can I get from Burlesque?
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Empowerment
Differences between striptease as necessity and privilege.
Learn common vocabulary and become familiar with the foundational skills for this art.
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Performance at the end of class
Stage Kitten
Peel/Reveal
Pastie
Counts in a routine
Students will create their own stage name and character.
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Compartmentalization- Critique your character not you.
Alliteration makes for great stage names
Other Languages can add “exotic” sound to your name
Draw from your life experiences
Home Work
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Finalize your stage name and character.
Come with group song ideas.
Bring Heels!
All rights reserved Copyright © ExperTease ™ Fitness and Dance Alternative ™ 2011
Week 2
The Walk/Strut/Sit & Seduction Signals
Learn how to walk and strut in heels confidently and learn to convey different attitudes,
characters and styles with your walk. Also learn the basics of female seduction signals.
1st
Warm Up
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
Dance positions
Walks
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Basic – Find your neutral (Shoulders back, pelvic cage tucked, feet under shoulder)
Smoldering Temptress – Lead from the chest, playful back and forth
Pretty Princess – Lead from head, prey character
Queen of the World- Lead from pelvis, predator character
Feminine Seduction Signals
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Tossing head and flicking hair- Whether your hair is long or short, the gesture is a subtle way of emphasizing your
health. This act is also called preening.
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Showing Neck - Raise your chin slightly or turn your head so the viewer can see your neck. By showing your soft
skin on a vulnerable part of your body you are inviting intimacy and signaling you are open for interaction.
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Touching Yourself -. Performers who are aware of the effect this behavior elicits become adept at performing selftouching actions to call attention to themselves and their best assets.
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Exposing your Wrists and Limp Joints-Exposed wrists and limp joints are signs of availability and submission. This
triggers a protective and dominating reaction in the viewer.
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Glancing Sideways over a Raised Shoulder -A woman who raises her shoulder is performing an act of self-mimicry
by using her shoulder to emulate her rounded breasts.
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Entwining Legs- When one leg is pressed up against the other it gives the appearance of highly toned muscles. It
can also increase the roundness of the buttocks by engaging the gluteus.
Get Familiar with Chair Dynamics
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Lady Sit______________________________________________________________
Kneel Sit_____________________________________________________________
Cowboy______________________________________________________________
Fan Legs_____________________________________________________________
Flutter Kick____________________________________________________________
Captain Pose__________________________________________________________
Home Work
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Become familiar with group song.
Practice your chosen walk and seduction signal in the mirror X 10
All rights reserved Copyright © ExperTease ™ Fitness and Dance Alternative ™ 2011
Week 3
Gloves/ Audience Participation/ Floor Work
Glove Peels are the classic calling card of Burlesque
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Classic_________________________________________________________________
Teeth Pull_______________________________________________________________
Elbow Peel _____________________________________________________________
Knee Peel______________________________________________________________
Stand Peel______________________________________________________________
Flick Release____________________________________________________________
Twirl Release_____________________________________________________________
Partner Peels
Your gloves are your first way to tease and interact with audience members. Remember how
you approach is important!
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Never approach dead on- this triggers a flight or fight response
Take control of the situation. Tell them what to do, how to do it and that they are
done. This will prevent any misunderstandings
Floor Work
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Leg Show____________________________________________________________
Peep Show ___________________________________________________________
Tush Push____________________________________________________________
Home Work
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Soloists Finalize ideas and songs.
Bring stockings (NO fishnet), garters, bras, corsets, skirts and top layers
(jacket, blazer, dress, hoodie etc) for striptease practice.
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Week 4
The Striptease
We are peeling those layers to reveal the Goddess underneath. Remember to take your
time and keep the hips moving!
4 Layer Guide to a Burlesque Costume
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Character Layer- This layer sets the tone of the performance and informs the audience
who your character is IE House wife, Doctor, Giant Banana etc
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Surprise LayerIntimate LayerFinal Reveal Layer-
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Top Layer (s)____________________________
Corset/Shirt __________________________
Shoes_______________________________
Stockings ____________________________
Bra_________________________________
Put in for solo lottery and finalize group routine costume
Group Routine Costume Notes
Home work
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Review group routine.
Soloists practice your routine in mirror x 5
Bring: blush, foundation, eyelash glue, eye shadow, hair brush and hairspray.
All rights reserved Copyright © ExperTease ™ Fitness and Dance Alternative ™ 2011
Week 5
Pin-up Make Over Day
Learn how to do Pin-up Makeup
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Foundation_____________________________________________________________
Brows_________________________________________________________________
Lips___________________________________________________________________
Cheeks________________________________________________________________
Eyes Shadow___________________________________________________________
Eye Liner______________________________________________________________
Vintage eye makeup looks start with well plucked eyebrows brushed over with matte shadows.
Make a clear defined arch on the edge of the brow with your pencil. Eyeshadow techniques
concentrated on the sockets and left the brows untouched. Finish off the eye look with liquid or
gel eyeliner and sweep up into a nice cat eye.
Homework
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Prep for solo presentations- check all props, costumes and bring music!
Bring solo and/or group routine costumes and crafts.
All rights reserved Copyright © ExperTease ™ Fitness and Dance Alternative ™ 2011
Week 6
Solo Presentations/Group Routine
Perform your solo routine for the class. Get group feedback to improve and clarify your
story and performance. Remember all critique is for your character.
My Solo Routine Notes
We are ready to finalize the Group routine. We will begin to work the choreography and
create our story.
Group Routine Notes
Home Work
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Practice solo and/or group routine x 10
Bring solo and/or group routine costumes.
All rights reserved Copyright © ExperTease ™ Fitness and Dance Alternative ™ 2011
Week 7 & 8
Choreography Notes
All rights reserved Copyright © ExperTease ™ Fitness and Dance Alternative ™ 2011
Self Tracking
Week 1
Three things I find sexy about myself
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2
3
Self Confidence Level
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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Week 8
Three things I find sexy about myself
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2
3
Self Confidence Level
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
In 5 words what is burlesque to me?
All rights reserved Copyright © ExperTease ™ Fitness and Dance Alternative ™ 2011