Frequently Asked Questions

Excited to give it a go, but there's just a couple of things you're wondering first?

Do I need any special clothes or equipment?

Nope!  I suggest wearing something you are comfortable in and can move freely in.  If you want to see how well you are getting things, you can wear workout clothes that are body conscious and will show off your moves, but that is not required.  Bare feet are fine.

Can I do this course if I'm not coordinated?

Absolutely!  I designed this class to be easy for beginners and I break everything down very slowly and give you hints to help you actually be more coordinated!

Do I have to be skinny to do Burlesque?

Absolutely not!  Many talented burlesque dancers are quite full figured and love showing off their curves.  That's the beauty of burlesque.  It is about finding what is uniquely lovely about yourself and maximizing that while also gaining confidence with it.

What if I haven't worked out in years?

No worries.  You can go at your own speed with this class and I always give modifications for things that might require some flexibility.  
* DO check with your doctor first to make sure it is safe for you to dance.  Just to be certain.  :) *

I don't have much space in my place. Is that a problem?

Not at all.  You only need enough room to move your arms out to the sides and overhead....and take a couple of steps in each direction.

What if I need help or have a question?

No worries.  You can always message me and I will get back to you with an answer!

Can I REALLY learn a whole burlesque routine??

YES!!  I teach you all the moves you need to know, then show you the transitions and styling to make it attractive.  Plus I will take you through the whole routine SLOWLY.  And you can always pause to practice more, go back and see something again, and then continue.  Finally, we will do the whole routine together with me calling out the steps so you can have fun without worrying about remembering what comes next!

What if I have no rhythm?

In many years of teaching dance, I have never run across someone who couldn't sense the beat of the music once they really had an opportunity to immerse themselves in it.  Give it a shot!  And know that there are many styles of burlesque that are more improvisational and fluid, where it isn't about hitting a specific accent in the song.  And besides, your audience (whomever that may be) is more focused on you than the music anyway!

I have tried other online classes and they all go too quickly!

I feel your pain! If you are trying to learn something new it takes a little while to get the hang of it, right?  That's why I take my time explaining everything and showing you EXACTLY how it is done.  No assuming you just "get it." And you can always pause the lesson to practice a bit more before moving on to the next thing!

Isn't burlesque really just stripping?

Not by a long shot!  Burlesque is about the art of the tease with a healthy dose of humor and attitude.  And there are many different forms.  That means it can be technical dance steps and combinations like famed choreographer Bob Fosse used in Broadway shows like Cabaret and Chicago (where there was NO nudity at all)....to classic "Peel and Reveal" old school burlesque numbers with extravagant costumes, characters, storylines and routines....to Neo Burlesque numbers that combine a bit from both worlds and use modern music in various genres.  So it is really what YOU want to make it!

Do I have to take anything off?

Nope.  This Burlesque Basics course is designed to give you a foundation in the actual DANCE techniques of burlesque.  So if you want to go on and learn how to use boas, chairs, do floor work or a peel and reveal routine later, you can!  And by the way, you never have to get naked in the class.  Everything can be learned and practiced over body hugging clothing.  :)

What if I WANT to learn how to do a strip tease? Or dance with a feather boa?

Terrific! And a LOT of fun! Check out my specialty classes and if you subscribe to my newsletter, I'll make sure to let you know when new ones are online!  Plus, by taking this Burlesque Basics course FIRST, you'll already have a big head start in the specialty classes and have a lot more fun!

What Students Say

I just completed the Burlesque Basics, and wow what a workout! Crystal takes you through step by step, so it’s very easy to follow along at the pace that suits you. She makes it so much fun and challenges you a little more each time until you have the whole routine to practice and perfect. I love that I can just replay any part of the course to work on specific moves, or practice the whole routine as a workout whenever I want. Thanks Crystal for helping me bring sexy back! - Rebecca L, NZ

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