
VERMONT BURLESQUE FESTIVAL
Class Schedule, Tickets, & Information

BY PURCHASING AND/OR REDEEMING A TICKET TO AND/OR ATTENDING THIS OR ANY VTBF EVENT OR ACTIVITY, YOU AGREE TO THE VTBF
All classes will take place at the Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain, 60 Battery Street, Downtown Burlington, VT in the conference & ballrooms on Sunday January 22, 2023.
You will receive your specific classroom upon check in with the VTBF staff at the hotel. Check-in will be in the hotel lobby. Please arrive 10 minutes early with your class ticket and/or receipt for your class. Water is provided in all classes. You are welcomed & encouraged to bring a snack as there is no lunch break scheduled in the day. Some classes may require special active wear, props, and/or require you to sign a liability waiver before participating.
All Classes Run Approximately 50-60 Minutes.
Scroll all the way down for class descriptions & tickets.
For Class Schedule Review the White Box Below.
PRICING: Advanced $30, Advanced Take5 $135, Day Of $35
NOTICE:
COVID-19 Practices & Policies are Always Changing. Although Practices May Be Relaxing, We Can't Predict the Future.
Please Prepare Yourself for Any Standard Recent Covid-19 Practices.
ID, COVID-19 VACCINATION CARD or PROOF of NEGATIVE COVID TEST, & MASKS MAY BE REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASSES


Burlesque 101: Technique Teaser
Instructor: Doctor Vu
Bump & grind - then shimmy & shake - with burlesque dance. This teaser class uncovers the base movement textures we associate with burlesque style dance in a fun and welcoming environment. Learn bumps, grinds, shimmies, and other classic moves before applying your new or refreshed skills in a choreographed dance phrase. This class also takes time to work with your what to do with your hands in an exercise that also helps with the feeling of empowerment to enhance your stage presence. This class is geared for the individual who has an interest in burlesque movement or those seasoned performers wanting to take a refresher.
No experience is necessary. It is recommended to bring a pair of long opera gloves (or winter gloves) to class if you have them. Dress in clothes that allow you to move. If wearing heels, please make sure they do not prohibit movement. Class is welcoming to all gender expressions and the instructor designs class with the belief that Burlesque is for All Bodies.
About the Instructor
The Wibbly Wobbly Boobie Woobie Time Lady of Burlesque has been making audiences stop blinking and start saying "Oh, yes!" as a Sugar Shaker with the Green Mountain Cabaret since 2012 where she is now also a producer and choreographer.
She has served as Vermont's foremost burlesque instructor for over 6 years, currently offering classes and workshops at Burlington's RevolVT Studio space. Previously a highly popular "Performing Artist" for the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts and current independant instructor, Doctor Vu brings her dance pedagogy along with years of applicable burlesque knowledge to welcome both new and experienced students to embrace burlesque and explore this amazing multifaceted art form. Doctor Vu's performed as a soloist at the NOLA Nerdlesque Festival, Vermont Burlesque Festival, online Fierce! Queer Performing Arts Festival, and on stages throughout New England.
You won't want to go as she'll leave you proclaiming "Doctor Vu"!"

Intro to Burlesque Feather Fan Basics
Instructor: Mistress Manifest
Learn Fan Feather Basics from your “favorite Burlesque Influencer,” Mistress Manifest while she wields one of Burlesque's most infamous props, the Feather Fan.
You will not want to miss out on spending time with this fun and flirty performer (as seen on TikTok). Learn all the basics of holding, hiding, flirting and dancing with the feathers..
All movements will be put into a beautiful and fun routine for all levels of experience that you can showcase to friends, family and practice again and again.
Don’t miss the chance to find the Burlesque Feather Baby inside you!
What to wear:
Whatever makes you feel amazing! - dress up is encouraged
What to bring:
Feather fans - if you have them
Shoes - anything that feels comfortable: heels, character shoes, even sneakers or another type of regular shoe.
Movement/activity
Lots of arm, hand, finger, wrist, movement.
Some basic standing/sitting dance moves.
About the Instructor
Mistress Manifest comes with 37 years of dance experience and teaches regularly on line. You can learn more about Mistress Manifest by googling Manifest Ascension INC or by going to this link... https://ohh.me/mistressmanifest

Intro to Mime/Miming for Burlesque
Instructor: Lola LaColombe
THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO AN INJURY -- The class would cover the basics such as: body isolations, pointe fixe, negative space , object work and illusion of weight.
Open level
Water and clothes to move in.
About the Instructor
Lola LaColombe studied mime intensively for three years at Studio Magenia in Paris, France. Then took clowning with Fabrice Salé and Ira Seidenstein. Lola is also a mime when not a contortionist.

Belly Dance Basics for the Stage: Shimmies and Undulations
Instructor: Rosebud Red
Perfect for burlesque performers who want to take their tease to the next level, this class will teach you the beautiful, sexy, and controlled shimmies and undulations I’ve learned from my seventeen years studying and performing belly dance (and that I incorporate into my burlesque acts). We end the class with a short choreography that will demonstrate how to incorporate and personalize these movements for your own performances. This class is open to all levels of dance experience. Students should wear comfortable workout/yoga clothes and can take the class barefoot (or with dance shoes if you prefer). No props are required; all you need is your sexy self!
About the Instructor
For the past 17 years, Rosebud Red studied with many of the world's top dancers, and has won awards for belly dance choreography and performance.

Poise & Polish, Incarnate Self Confidence
Instructor: Scarlett James
WE'RE SORRY, THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED -- All Level
Bring comfy heels and clothes
Dance class to explore your self confidence, detailing for a polish act, work on poise for a greater impact.
About the Instructor
Scarlett James is an internationally recognized performer with 15 plus years of experience performing around the world. Learn more about Scarlett at http://scarlettjames.com

Talk Nerdy to Me
Instructor: Ellie Quinn
Are you a nerd or burlesque performer wanting to take the plunge into nerdlesque, but are worried the audience won't get it? This class will discuss fandoms and character considerations within nerdlesque in order to create niche tribute acts or sustainable mainstream reference acts, focusing on character selection, act creation and storytelling, music choices, and intentional costuming and prop choices to create acts anyone can enjoy whether they know the reference or not! Bring a pen and paper for note taking. Handouts will be provided.
About the Instructor
Ellie Quinn has been performing for almost 12 years with a primary focus on nerdlesque. Ellie has performed in burlesque festivals all over the United States and internationally.

A Small Delicious Fan
Instructor: Lady Roberta Kent
In this workshop a “small” fan is used and not fandance ones (much easier to find).
the workshop includes:
- small heating;
- study of some movements that will be repeated by the students on different music in order to understand the adaptability of the sequences to different rhythms;
- realization of a choreographic sequence in such a way that the movements remain more impressed on the students.
For the workshop you need: 1 small fan (to be clear: classic Spanish fan), comfortable but tight clothing, shoes with heels.
- Difficulty level: open
About the Instructor
In Lady Roberta Kent's own words... I am an Italian performer who has been performing for 28 years and who has studied: ballet, modern dance, belly dance, and many other dance styles. I am a burlesque dance teacher and I specialize in workshops. Even in a short time I can teach a complete choreography, I have an excellent teaching method.

Let's Be Fierce
Instructor: Caramel Knowledge
In this class we'll dive into what makes a performance "fierce". Get ready to sweat and tap into that well of "This is my stage, you're welcome." Caramel will be creating this class to be accessible to all students, so please reach out to your instructor know beforehand if you have any mobility issues.
About the Instructor
CANCELED TO DUE TRAVEL ISSUES - Caramel Knowledge has taught burlesque for five years and performed for 11.

Furlesque: Mascotting in Burlesque
Instructor: Lady Fingers
This class will encourage and instruct students on how to incorporate mascot suits and/or character-specific mask work into their burlesque repertoire. We will explore: Developing an act; finding inspiration in costumed characters and making them your own. Deciding on whether to reveal your face/head and how that will alter the dynamic of an act. Will you be removing the suit at all? How weird do you want to get? Modifying a mascot suit or creating pieces that will work within the unique requirements of burlesque. What alterations need to be made to accommodate easy removal of key pieces? Where to add embellishments most effectively to an existing suit. Where best to find mascot suits. Making the most out of a suit by developing multiple acts around it. Discussing limitations ie: travelling with your costume, what kind of shows or genres best incorporate these types of acts, contemplating costs, navigating copyright parameters, due diligence in researching what other performers might have this kind of act, etc. All levels welcome! While this is more of a static, informational class (please bring writing implements), students are encouraged to bring potential materials/pieces if they have them and to explore the various costume pieces I will bring as examples. There will be time to play and move around at the end of the class!
About the Instructor
Lady Fingers currently has 9 costumed mascot-based and/or character-specific masked acts in rotation, as well as 3 currently in development.

Divine Feminine Expressions
Instructor: Viper
Divine Feminine Expressions class is designed for all skill levels. Students enrolling in this course can expect to learn movements and light choreography that allows them a safe space and way to express themselves in a sensual manner. Students are welcome to choose which variation of each movement fits best for their body and makes them feel the most empowered in the choreography. This class is designed to help empower students and bring out their Divine Feminine. Class will begin and end with light stretching. Please bring items that make you feel empowered; heels if you are comfortable, extra layers for pants and shirt peels (not required to peel, but one variation will have peels).
About the Instructor
Viper's bio: I have been taking theatre and dance classes for the majority of my life. I have performed Dance professionally for three years, have performed non-professionally for an additional three years, and have been teaching this dance class specifically for the past 6 months.

Bump & Grind Italian Style
Instructor: Lady Roberta Kent
the workshop includes:
- Warm-up and stretching;
- study of movements, and creation of a choreographic sequence that recalls the Italian star of the 50s Sophia Loren: Mambo Italiano!
- For the workshop you need: comfortable but tight clothing, shoes with heels.
- Difficulty level: open
About the Instructor
In Lady Roberta Kent's own words... I am an Italian performer who has been performing for 28 years and who has studied: ballet, modern dance, belly dance, and many other dance styles. I am a burlesque dance teacher and I specialize in workshops. Even in a short time I can teach a complete choreography, I have an excellent teaching method.

Improv with an Emphasis on Character
Instructor: Rha-Bea
This improv class will have an emphasis on making characters. Come as you are and be ready to interact with others. Learn from Rha-Bea's years of experience.
About the Instructor
Rha-Bea has been acting and has been a clown performer for about four years.

Drop It!
Instructor: Andro Genderson Starlight
Welcome to Drop It! In this class we will get down and dirty with Burlesque floor work. Explore the art of Burlesque through sultry choreography incorporating a fun and tantalizing floor combo with elements of Burlesque strip tease. Andro Genderson Starlight with Curtain Call Performance, LLC is thrilled to guide all levels of dance experience through this empowering class. Drop It will naturally help students work on strength and flexibility while building confidence. Andro is beyond binaries, and creates a space for all to feel celebrated and encouraged to sparkle. Whether you are a beginner or more advanced dancer, Drop It will include options for choreography that fit your level of dance experience.
What to wear:
Wear something that helps you feel fabulous while also allowing for ease of movement on the floor (leggings, fishnet tights w/ shorts, even sweatpants!) Beginners: bring an out layer such as a zip-up hoodie, and an under layer such as a t-shirt. Int/Advanced students who are more familiar with the Burlesque strip tease can bring three layers including a bottom layer such as bra top, and pasties beneath. Heels are encouraged but not required. Bring knee pads!
About the Instructor
From Andro Genderson Starlight's own bio: I have been teaching the art of Burlesque style dance in Vermont since around 2018. I currently teach "Journey Into Burlesque" at Spotlight Vermont Dance Studio, and am the creator of the Burlesque program at Lines Vermont Dance Studio including Burlesque I / Burlesque II / Burlesque III and Burlesque Strengthening. During the warmer months I am contracted to teach in Montpelier at The Everything Space. I performed with Spielpalast Cabaret for 8 years, and am an experienced performer, dancer, and teacher for over a decade. I am the owner and creator of Curtain Call Performance, LLC - a performance coaching business with the intention of creating inclusive , encouraging and supportive spaces for all genders, races, and dance abilities to find their sparkle. As a transgender individual it is my goal to create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ to explore dance and movement in an environment that helps them feel confident and empowered. I am a motivator, and passionate about guiding students toward discovering their own inner fire, building confidence, and connection to personal expression of sensuality through movement, and through the art of Burlesque.

Advanced Fan Dance
Instructor: Lady Roberta Kent
The workshop includes:
- small heating;
- brief notes on various types of fans on the market and the difference in grip;
- study of some movements that will be repeated by the students on different music in order to understand the adaptability of the sequences to different rhythms;
- realization of a choreographic sequence in such a way that the movements remain more impressed on the students.
For the workshop you need: a pair of fans, comfortable but tight clothing, shoes with heels.
- Difficulty level: Medium to Advanced
About the Instructor
In Lady Roberta Kent's own words... I am an Italian performer who has been performing for 28 years and who has studied: ballet, modern dance, belly dance, and many other dance styles. I am a burlesque dance teacher and I specialize in workshops. Even in a short time I can teach a complete choreography, I have an excellent teaching method.

Floorwork
Instructor: Lady Roberta Kent
The workshop includes:
- Targeted warm-up and stretching on the legs;
- brief notes on floorwork and its origins;
- study of some floorwork figures that will be repeated by the students on different music in order to understand the adaptability of the sequences to different rhythms;
- realization of a choreographic sequence in such a way that the movements remain more impressed on the students.
For the workshop you need: comfortable but tight clothing, shoes with heels, knee pads.
- Difficulty level: open
About the Instructor
In Lady Roberta Kent's own words... I am an Italian performer who has been performing for 28 years and who has studied: ballet, modern dance, belly dance, and many other dance styles. I am a burlesque dance teacher and I specialize in workshops. Even in a short time I can teach a complete choreography, I have an excellent teaching method.

Musicality and Movement: Peeling Back The Layers
Instructor: Stormy Divine
In this workshop Stormy Divine will lead you through active listening and dance exercises to help diversify your movement and choreography. Students will work on ear training to gain a deeper awareness of song layers and how to move between them naturally and intentionally in their acts. By learning more about musicality, performers can provide more impactful reveals, powerful accents and surprising moments in their performances. A portion of the class will be seated and a portion will be active with movement and choreography. Please wear a comfortable outfit and bring a shirt that opens in the front for a reveal. You do not need a background in music to take this workshop and it is open to all levels. Stormy Divine holds a Bachelor's Degree in Popular Music Studies and is an Ottawa based burlesque performer, choreographer and producer who can't wait to dance with you!
About the Instructor
Stormy Divine has a Bachelor Degree from Western University in Popular Music Studies. Stormy is the assistant director of Rouge Studio of Dance and has been teaching burlesque for over three years.

Flexibility and Dynamic Movement for Burlesque Choreography
Instructor: Scarlet Starlet
Learn an effective and safe stretch routine to gain flexibility over time. We will go through a quick warm-up and series of static stretches followed by a variety of ways to move across the floor and take up space on stage. Then we will go into larger movements across the floor (kicks, jumps, laybacks- as many as time allows) focusing on technique and working within each individual's current range of motion.
Wear comfortable clothes you can move and stretch in. If you have jazz shoes or ballet shoes, those are great. Bare feet/socks work totally fine as well.
I try to keep this class very beginner-friendly, but it is open to all levels and has modifications to make moves and stretches more or less challenging for each individual.
Each student in class can be given a video link to the stretch routine we go over so they are able to practice it at home.
About the Instructor
Scarlet Starlet has been performing burlesque for 11 years and was a competitive baton twirler for 13 years prior. With that came a wide variety of stretch and dance training. Scarlett also has a bachelor's degree in Health/Physical Ed/Exercise Science. Scarlett is also a part time massage therapist and works with muscles stretching people on the regular!