The Academy of Burlesque, founded in 2003 by Indigo Blue, offers courses in basic through intermediate Burlesque Arts. The Academy is the only institution of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. The courses are fun and informative, providing students with rich experiential knowledge about Burlesque history and culture. The practical application of the strip- and the -tease have transformed students’ experience of their own bodies, and has launched some into semi professional performance. Courses are offered year- round. The Academy also offers private parties and/or performances for bachelorettes, bachelors, birthdays, and more.
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Price Range: $250-$500
Gig Length: 30 - 120 minutes
Languages: English
Insurance: Yes
FAQ's
Are men welcome?
Absolutely! Unless the class is specifically listed as open only to a specific sex or gender, all are welcome!
I’m plus-size/skinny/disabled/over60/have tattoos/have cellulite/under 18… do I fit in?
Absolutely! We do require participants in all activities to be 18 & over unless they have parental permission. Classes are open to persons of all backgrounds, sizes, ethnicities, languages, abilities, and experience levels. West Hall is wheelchair accessible.
Is Burlesque all glamour and glitter?
Burlesque, and particularly modern Burlesque, has many different manifestations. Glamour and glitter are just one! There is also punk-rock Burlesque, goth Burlesque, comic narrative Burlesque, Clown Burlesque, Boylesque, and more.
How is Burlesque different from Stripping?
Burlesque and Stripping have uniquely different objectives and dance techniques. Stripping’s objective is revealing nudity. Burlesque’s objective is to call attention to all the moments of revealing, and to tease just shy of nudity. Burlesque also encourages mockery and parody, so tends to be funnier and more lighthearted than Stripping.
What if I don’t live in Seattle?
No problem. The Academy regularly teaches classes in South Seattle, Kirkland, and Bellevue. The Academy courses are also taught all over the world. If you’d like to host a class in your city, please contact The Academy to find out how you can book her in your town!
The Academy of Burlesque will make your event sparkle! We offer the following packages and can also customize package just for you.
Tassel Twirling $350
60 minutes of wiggle and jiggle. Can you go clockwise? In opposite directions? Learn the ancient alluring skill of tassel twirling! Open to all bodies with chests. Pasties are provided for use in class, AND available for purchase.
Art of the Tease $350
In this 60-minute saucy little workshop students learn historical examples of Burlesque legends and exercises to practice the skills they developed. Students are empowered to explore and discover their own inner tease-artiste in a safe and friendly environment. Gloves, boas, and hand-fans are provided, no dancing or dance skill required. Learn the who and what of the how and why!
Just STRIP! $400
Our signature Just STRIP class is designed specifically for our bachelorette events. Students will be guided through step by step on planning and executing the perfect STRIP. Learn how to set the stage, choose music and classic remove and reveal techniques that will give you the ultimate confidence in your STRIP. This 75-minute workshop will leave you will something to talk about for ages.
The Showgirl Deluxe package $500
This 90 minutes session is the ultimate burlesque workshop experience. Guests will have a taste of all things Burlesque. Be introduced to basic bump and grind technique in your warm up. Learn classic elements of the remove and reveal then end your experience with your choice of an add on. This is the perfect package to cater to your groups needs and personality. Let us create the ultimate showgirl experience for you!
Add-ons
Tassel Twirling
Boa Tease
Walking in Heels
Pasties, Gloves, and Boas available for purchase!
$250-$750
Party Performance
Just want a performer... or two... or three to do one of their signature acts for you and your guests and mix and mingle for a bit afterwards? This package is just for you. Our instructors are world class performers and Octavia Sexton is a professional songstress (for those extra special occasions). Your event will shine like a Swarovski Crystal with the addition of our amazingly talented burlesque performers.
The Academy offers the option for photo packages with our own photographer, Sassy Mezcla.
Other option you may be interested in:
Pin-Up Photography
Make-Up
Hula
Ballet
** All prices listed are for up to 10 people. Additional fees apply for attendees above 10 people.
The Academy is a self-contained unit. We bring all that you will need for classes with us. We also host classes at several location in Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland. If you are interested in performance, then we will need to know some specific details about your venue in order to provide the best experience for your event.
More testimonials about The Academy of Burlesque:
“The film (A Wink and A Smile) is as much about their quest for self discovery, personal liberation and empowerment as it is about the show they ultimately present. As such, it allows you to reflect on your own curiosity, while watching and enjoying their successes. But, if you’re scandalized by nudity, suggestive dancing and sexual fantasy, this may not be the film for you–although you might actually find it liberating, too. Anyway, for a bit of a guilty pleasure, take a peek at the trailer.” Jennifer Merin, (link hidden)
“When I met a woman who was studying burlesque at Miss Indigo Blue’s Academy of Burlesque in Seattle, however, I almost fell over. I knew burlesque would contain everything that would make a film I could be proud of: cultural revolution, fantastic music, beautiful costumes, true tales, and sex appeal that would speak to every age, race, gender and size.” Deirdre Timmons, Director of A Wink and A Smile, Alarm Press
“The Art of the Tease is sweeping the nation and the Northwest for that matter. I wasn’t sure what I would learn, or have to wear for that matter, when I signed up to go and see what Burlesque is all about – but what I found was a group of people so comfy in their own skin that it put me at ease instantly. From the gloves, to the feather fans, and the pasties, (yes you read that right….pasties) the clothing was so feminine and beautiful. It really is a fun way for adults to play.” Christie Johnson, King 5 News
“Check out the Seattle Academy of Burlesque. Their Web site contrasts the objective of stripping (revealing nudity) with the objective of burlesque — to “call attention to all the moments of revealing, and to tease just shy of nudity. Burlesque also encourages mockery and parody, so tends to be funnier and more lighthearted than stripping.” The Academy of Burlesque offers a smorgasbord of classes and workshops to help you release your inner diva, from tassel twirling workshops (“for all budding Helicopter girls”) to multi-week Burlesque classes that culminate in performances. Want to learn to walk in heels? Learn to bump and grind? Dance with feathers and boas? Learn the seductive art of stocking and glove removal? Get introduced to belly dance or hula? Simply imagining yourself in one of these classes might raise your pulse.” Eileen Nicol, Seattle Woman Magazine
“The Seattle Burlesque scene is populated with a number of beautiful and talented women, but burlesqueis not limited by gender. Burlesque performers that are male or simply wish to represent masculine or alternatively-gendered performances on stage comprise a category of burlesque performance known as “boylesque.” Stevi Costa, (link hidden)
Our class packages are self-contained. Performances can be added into your own events set-list or timeline or can stand alone.
The Academy of Burlesque is influenced by the original women and men of burlesque, whom we lovingly refer to as Legends, and the spectacular neo-burlesque performers of today. However, our main influence comes from our students. Here is what some of them have to say about us:
For Sarah, a 23-year-old University of Washington student who recently saw her first burlesque act at the graduation of the fall class of the The Academy, “This was the first time I have ever seen dancers on a stage who look just like me,” she says. “I have hips, I have thighs, I have boobs and I’ve never felt sexy. They were so beautiful. I’m signing up!” Cheryl Murfin, Seattle Woman Magazine
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