Welcome to The Velvet Burlesque Dance Workshops!

Celebrating over 30 years in business! (Est. 1991)

The Velvet Burlesque are proud to be one of the UK’s largest and longest-running burlesque and cabaret dance classes.

Founder Lara Gothique (also known as "Hells Belle"), is an internationally acclaimed Choreographer, Performer, Producer, and Teacher. With a spectacular, lifelong professional dance career, Lara has also been honoured with numerous prestigious awards, including:

• Top 5 Best British Burlesque Performer - The Burlesque Awards
• Best British Burlesque Troupe - The Burlesque Awards
• Burlesque Dance Tuition Business of the Year - Corporate LiveWire Global Awards
• Best Burlesque Dance Tuition Business - Northern England - Fitness and Nutrition Awards
• Adult Entertainment Specialists of the Year - Central England Prestige Awards

-  What Makes The Velvet Burlesque Dance Classes & Workshop So Unique?

With decades of professional experience, extensive training, and top-level qualifications, Lara has earned an outstanding reputation for her inclusive, supportive, and empowering teaching style. Her wealth of expertise ensures that every class is a fun, welcoming, and uplifting experience - a place where everyone can feel comfortable, confident, and celebrated.

At The Velvet Burlesque, inclusivity is at the heart of every session. You’ll find a supportive and judgment-free environment where everyone is encouraged to embrace their individuality, shed their inhibitions, and celebrate their body. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or an absolute beginner, you’ll experience the joy and freedom that dance can bring.

We believe in helping you feel confident in your own skin. Whether you’re here to try something new, get fit/improve your fitness, socialise with friends, or prepare for performances, our classes are designed to make you feel empowered and supported every step of the way.

-  What We Offer:

The show-stopping choreography within classes includes a wide range of styles such as:

• Classic Burlesque and Neo-Burlesque
• Heels Dance
• Lap Dance, & Chair routines
• Floorwork
• Fan, Silk, Veil & Isis Wing & various other prop-related Dances
• Aspects of Jazz, Contemporary, Charleston, Tap, and much more!

No prior dance experience is required. Routines are broken into small, manageable blocks of choreography, with plenty of repetition to ensure everyone feels comfortable before moving forward with the dance each week. Typically, routines are completed in around six weeks, but Lara constantly adjusts the pace of the teaching in each session to suit the groups, ensuring no one feels left behind.

- Who Can Join:

• Absolute beginners
• Those with some dance experience
• Advanced dancers and performers looking to refine their skills and gain further experience
• Any age (18+), gender, ethnicity, shape, size, fitness or experience level

- What To Expect:

• Inclusivity: Our classes welcome participants of all abilities
• A Confidence Boost: Celebrate your body, let go of inhibitions, and discover the freedom & joy of dance in a friendly and supportive environment
• Fitness: No prior fitness level is required! With regular attendance, you’ll find your strength, flexibility, and stamina improving week by week
• Community: Most attendees join on their own, but you’ll quickly feel part of our vibrant and welcoming group

- What To Wear:

Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable, and allows you to move safely:

• Sportswear, or leggings and a comfortable top. (Layers are best.)
• You don’t need special dance shoes if you don’t have any, or don't want to purchase any as yet; comfortable, heeled shoes or ankle-length boots, flat shoes, socks, or bare feet are all fine
• Please note: for safety within this style of dance class; no platform or pole dance-style shoes are allowed

- Accessibility:

The Velvet Burlesque welcomes members with disabilities, including those who are partially sighted, hard of hearing, or use mobility aids or wheelchairs. Please contact Lara in advance to discuss how we can accommodate your needs.