VERMONT BURLESQUE FESTIVAL
Class Schedule, Tickets, & Information
2025 Class 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 Hotel Champlain, 60 Battery Street, Downtown Burlington, VT in the conference & ballrooms on Saturday January 20, 2024. Check in at the entrance to the Adirondack Ballroom.
You will receive your specific classroom upon check in with the VTBF staff at the hotel. 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. There are short breaks between classes. Some classes may require special equipment, active wear, props, and/or require you to sign a liability waiver before participating. Please read all descriptions fully to be prepared.
All Classes Run Approximately 60-90 Minutes.
Scroll all the way down for class descriptions & tickets.
For Class Schedule Review the White Box Below.
PRICING: Varies depending on the class
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.
Classic Showgirl
Instructor: Kitty Kin-Evil
Let's bring things back to the golden era of the striptease! Where glamour met satire, sensuality and sass!
This is an active class where a beginner to intermediate choreo will be learnt.
***Heels with ankle strap no higher then 3inches are suggested if you are able to wear themWear 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. We all love receiving great action shots from photographers right?
Let's bring things back to the golden era of the striptease! Taking a page out of our legends playbook.
Learn how to slow down! Real slow, super slinky, no rushing, make the audience feel your movement with little movement.
Learning how to slow down benefits us by focusing on “poseable” choreography.
About the Instructor
In her 13th year of performing Kitty Kin-Evil is an internationally known indigenous burlesque performer. The Headmistress of Ottawa Burlesque Academy, director of Frisque Femme Productions, The Rump Revue, bingo princess for The Original Burlesque Bingo and fabricator of Evil Embellishments. First performer from Ottawa to be accepted at The Burlesque Hall of fame. Known as "The Superior Posterior"!
Burlesque 101: Technique Teaser
Instructor: Andro Genderson
Are you ready to dip your toes into the sultry and playful waters of Burlesque? Want to get dressed up and feel fabulous? Heck yes you do! Welcome to Burlesque 101! Explore the art of the tease with Andro Genderson of Curtain Call Performance, LLC. This class will provide you with basic Burlesque moves (shimmy, strut, bump, grind, caress, bounce and more) that will awaken your fire within! We will incorporate those saucy Burlesque moves into an easy to follow dance routine that includes removing gloves and one more layer.
Never taken a dance class? No problem! This class is created for the ultimate beginners who are tease curious, want to build confidence, and find ways to bring a burst of sensuality into their lives.This is also a great opportunity for more seasoned performers who want to polish off their Burlesque skills to take the stage with pizazz.
*This class is designed in celebration of all bodies and all levels of dance experience
What to wear:
Whatever makes them feel amazing! - dress up is encouraged
What to bring:
Gloves - satin, winter, whatever else you've got!
One outer layer to remove if desired (eg zip-up hoodie, robe, even a t-shirt)
Shoes - anything you want that feels comfortable: heels, character shoes, even sneakers or another type of regular shoe.
About the Instructor
"Andro Genderson of Curtain Call Performance, LLC has been teaching Burlesque style dance classes since 2018 with lifelong experience in a variety of styles of dance. Their intention is to create inclusive spaces where folx can engage in connection with others and personal self-expression while learning the many playful and sensual aspects of the art of Burlesque. Andro is delighted to facilitate spaces for all to find their sparkle!"
Make Your Boa Sing
Instructor: Jessabelle Thunder
Elevate your boa game by syncing it up to the music. It’s all about musicality! In this class you’ll learn a few basic moves then incorporate said moves into a mini routine to some not so classic music. Bring your boas or a long scarf.
About the Instructor
JESSABELLE THUNDER is an international and award-winning ecdysiast phenomenon.
With nearly a decade of experience and a background in various types of dance, she has studied and learned the art of the tease from multiple top performers in the industry. Her style is a touch of classic mixed with powerful neo influences making her one of the most sought out burlesque performers in the world.
Tantalizing Tricks - Chair Dance Choreography
Instructor: Andro Genderson
Chair dances can be a seductive aspect of Burlesque that incorporates techniques for teasing with enticing and dynamic choreography. Chair tricks deliver a visually exciting element to Burlesque dance and can invite one's inner naughtiness out to play. Whether you are aiming at seducing your audience onstage, your partner/s, or for personal enjoyment, this class will include choreography that is aimed at igniting your inner fire. You'll never look at that kitchen chair the same way again!
* Some dance experience is helpful but not a requirement.
Attendees should bring:
Any sturdy chair without arms will do - a folding chair tends to be ideal
Knee pads - there will be floor work incorporated into the chair dance choreography
Footwear: Heels or other indoor shoes. Bare feet or socks is fine too
Clothing: Make sure to wear clothing you can easily move in. This is a dance choreography focused class, so something constricting could limit movement.
About the Instructor
"Andro Genderson of Curtain Call Performance, LLC has been teaching Burlesque style dance classes since 2018 with lifelong experience in a variety of styles of dance. Their intention is to create inclusive spaces where folx can engage in connection with others and personal self-expression while learning the many playful and sensual aspects of the art of Burlesque. Andro is delighted to facilitate spaces for all to find their sparkle!"
Aussie Rock
Instructor: Megara Fury
Choreography to classic Aussie Rock. It’s an active class so participants will need to wear comfortable active wear, runners (not heels) & water
About the Instructor
Megara Fury was born & raised on rock ‘n’ roll & has been teaching burlesque since 2019. She is well known for her rock based routines & loves to share her passion for Aussie Rock & burlesque with others.
Intro to Assel Twirling
Instructor: Tito Bonito
Everyone loves butts and they cannot lie! Give your shimmies a break and learn the art of assels with this hour-long course that will put your booty to work! You will be twirling butt tassels before you know it. Add a little extra tease to your next routine or just learn a new trick! Tito has taught this course all over the world in person and through private online sessions. You do not need to be butt naked to take this class... just bring a tight fitting pair or bootie shorts, leggings, or other ass hugging bottoms.
About the Instructor
Tito Bonito, also known as the Cuban Missile Crisis of Burlesque, is an international and award-winning performer and host. Tito has also been listed in 21st Century Burlesque's Most Influential Industry Figures in the World consecutively since 2018, charting his highest in 2020, at #7. In 2024, Tito started the year winning four awards at the 8th Annual Silver Tusk Awards including 'Entertainer of the Year'.
Intro to Burlesque Feather Fan Basics
Instructor: Mistress Manifest
Step into the enchanting world of Feather Fan Dancing with our introductory class! Whether you're a curious beginner or someone looking to explore a new avenue of expression, this course offers a captivating entry into the art of fan manipulation.
Discover the elegance and allure of feather fan dancing as you learn fundamental techniques, graceful movements, and the foundational skills needed to wield these beautiful props with finesse. Explore the basics of fan handling, including grips, openings, and fluid transitions, allowing you to create stunning visual displays. NOTE: Small pairs of 10 inch feather fans will be available for purchase for $5 at the beginning of this class (cash only). A limited number of medium sized fans will be available to share. Students are welcome to bring their own fans into this class.
About the Instructor
Mistress has studied dance since childhood at the Berkshire Dance Theatre in Adams, MA and continued her pursuit at Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York. She continued her love of performing and the arts through countless workshops and national events most recently wielding the feather fans every week on her Live Events via TikTok where she has over 100k followers and friends.
Productive Performer
Instructor: Kitty Kin Evil
Feeling like you're stuck in place?
Or maybe you're all over the place?
Want to take things to the next level as a performer but not sure where to start or what steps to take?
Be a productive performer!
We're covering everything from creating a visually effective media kit, what to include in the kit, merchandising, self promotion to producers, email etiquette, organizational tips and how to invest in yourself in a streamline way to get to the next level.
Bring a note pad and pen.
About the Instructor
In her 13th year of performing Kitty Kin-Evil is an internationally known indigenous burlesque performer. The Headmistress of Ottawa Burlesque Academy, director of Frisque Femme Productions, The Rump Revue, bingo princess for The Original Burlesque Bingo and fabricator of Evil Embellishments. First performer from Ottawa to be accepted at The Burlesque Hall of fame. Known as "The Superior Posterior"!
Intro to Silk Fans
Instructor: Sonya Lex
Learn mesmerizing silk fan technique to create captivating shapes with this ethereal and flowing prop!
Silk fans are provided, but you can also bring your own.
No experience necessary. This is an all-levels workshop; for all bodies, for everyone.
Please bring comfortable clothing you can dance in. Heels are optional.
About the Instructor
With legs for days and a hypnotizing gaze, Sonya Lex has been performing on burlesque stages for over 5 years. She is a lifelong dancer, a certified personal trainer with over 10 years of dance and fitness instruction experience, and currently teaches burlesque at the Ottawa Burlesque Academy run by headmistress Kitty Kin-Evil.
Sonya Lex has performed at VTBF for the last two years in a row, and recently performed at the New York City Burlesque 2024 festival with a silk fan act.
Musicality
Instructor: Jessabelle Thunder
Do you want to take you performances to another level. Add some musicality to your movement and more. Part lecture and part movement. This class will cover ways to develop and strengthen your musicality muscle. To put some words into practice, we’ll conclude with freestyle movement; using our ear to hear music differently. No props necessary. Shoes are optional. If you’d like, you can bring something to take notes on.
All genders and levels welcomed!
About the Instructor
JESSABELLE THUNDER is an international and award-winning ecdysiast phenomenon.
With nearly a decade of experience and a background in various types of dance, she has studied and learned the art of the tease from multiple top performers in the industry. Her style is a touch of classic mixed with powerful neo influences making her one of the most sought out burlesque performers in the world.
Hosting 101
Instructor: Tito Bonito
A lecture and discussion workshop exploring the key elements of a strong emcee both on and off stage. In this course, students will learn how to be respectful on, off, and backstage as well as how to handle the inevitable and dreaded last minute changes. On top of that, Tito shares how to find your own voice as well as the technical needs of a production and how to keep the flow of the event running smoothly. A great beginners course for any person whether you just need help with public speaking or if you desire the skills to help you become a sought after host in the world of burlesque and beyond.
About the Instructor
Tito Bonito, also known as the Cuban Missile Crisis of Burlesque, is an international and award-winning performer and host. Tito has also been listed in 21st Century Burlesque's Most Influential Industry Figures in the World consecutively since 2018, charting his highest in 2020, at #7. In 2024, Tito started the year winning four awards at the 8th Annual Silver Tusk Awards including 'Entertainer of the Year'.