What to expect at your first burlesque class
Coming to your first burlesque class can be a bit daunting, right?
You book in through a vaguely anonymous booking system – maybe having seen a few photos or videos online.
If you aren’t coming with a friend, it can be a bit daunting to turn up for your first class.
You can be a bit anxious, sweaty, excited …..all of the above.
I’m here to reassure you that these are pretty normal feelings to have!
So what can you expect? How do you prepare for your class?
A week for so before your class you will normally get an e-mail from me with a few basic details on your first class.
It’s a good idea to just check your junk folder and make sure my e-mails aren’t going there too!
Have a read of your welcome e-mail – particularly just to check the date, time and location.
A couple of things I can suggest are:
· Checking Google Maps on the location
· Double checking any parking or public transport timetables
I usually include any relevant information in my welcome email too!
Am I expected to wear or bring anything special?
No!
It’s not a fashion show (though I encourage everyone to be our best self and wear what you love – if you are a fashionista just embrace that side of yourself!)
I just expect students to wear things to be comfortable in. This can be stuff like gym or yoga wear – leggings, tee shirts, or stretchy clothing.
High heels are optional.
You can also wear bare feet, sneakers or dance shoes.
I often suggest bringing heels with you and wearing a sneaker or a flatter shoe – particularly if you aren’t used to wearing high heels. This means you can just change your shoes if you want to try dancing in heels. But it gives you something supportive to fall back on if you just get too uncomfortable.
It’s a good idea to bring some water with you. I also suggest bringing a hand towel if you are a bit of a sweaty Betty or if it’s warmer weather.
In terms of props or fancy extras, for my classes you never have to bring anything special unless specified in the workshop (e.g. a Chair Dance workshop might request that you bring a chair from home).
The take home? Wear stuff that makes you feel comfortable, that you feel good in – and that can stretch and move with you!
What happens when I turn up?
I’m generally open 15 minutes before the class starts.
It can be a good idea to get in 5 minutes early just to give yourself a bit of time to get settled.
You might find yourself in a waiting area mingling with other students – some of them will be brand new like you. Other students might be regular or returning. Some people know each other and others don’t.
It’s important to not be scared or put off by the chatter before class. Some people seem confident and outgoing – but you will get to know everyone as the class progresses!
You will wait with your peers, until I come and welcome you to start the class. I’m pretty friendly so don’t be scared!
What happens in class?
While each class is a bit different in style and tone (especially if it’s focusing on a specific technique), there is definitely a formula you can expect in class.
When I welcome you into the class I’ll often try and go around the room and get everyone to introduce themselves – just so you can feel a bit at ease and break the ice.
If you hate public speaking, I promise this is the only bit of talking you have to do!
Then there is a pretty standard formula I work through:
· A warm up – so we can just destress, warm up our bodies and have brief stretch. Even though we don’t necessarily do a ‘workout’ as such, it’s still important to care for your body.
· A combination where I break down some basic movements slowly so everyone can follow along.
· A routine that we build up over the course of a workshop or a longer term
· A brief cool down – so you don’t just run back home.
What else should I know?
Often there are chances to chat with me, and offer your feedback (either in person or via an anonymous feedback form).
I also really welcome – as I know most burlesque teachers and schools do – online reviews on Google, Facebook etc. This, along with word of mouth, is the best way people find out about us.
This is one of the reasons I also like to keep a closed Facebook group for students – I love helping people connect and network with each other. And it’s also a safe space for us to leave feedback, share ideas and suggestions. This is so helpful for me in keeping my business running and making sure what I’m offering is meeting the needs of my community.
These are just my hints and guidance for a first class. But have I got it wrong? Leave me a comment if you feel like there’s something else a first time student should know!