Welcome to The Velvet Burlesque Dance Workshop!

Celebrating 35 years of multi-award-winning teaching & choreography!

(Est. 1991)

WORKSHOP - 29.3.2026:

"Hollywood Showgirl - Classic Glamour - Dance Workshop"

Step into a Golden Age era with this Vintage Hollywood-inspired Burlesque & Showgirl Dance Experience in Sheffield.

This is more than a workshop - it’s a transformative experience for your mind, body, and soul. We welcome you into a seductive world where movement becomes empowerment - playful, poised, powerful, and unapologetically you.

This immersive dance workshop is inspired by the timeless elegance of classic Revue Showgirls and Silver Screen Sirens.

Designed and taught by renowned Burlesque Showgirl, Lara Gothique (aka "Hells Belle") - the Founder, Curator and Choreographer of The Velvet Burlesque™ -  this session blends professional stage technique with accessible choreography in a supportive, high-quality training environment built on over three and a half decades of expertise.

This Classic Showgirl dance workshop focuses on technique, posture, stage presence, and polished movement quality. Every movement is layered with clarity and intention - the Velvet Burlesque standard.

- What You’ll Learn in This Hollywood Showgirl Dance Workshop:

Over two and a half delicious hours, you’ll explore:

• A simple, structured Showgirl routine that feels luxurious and sensational.
• Traditional showgirl posture and carriage – lifted, lengthened, elegant - creating shape and silhouette through posture.
• Elegant choreography - fluid transitions, turns, and travelling steps that radiate confidence and glamour.
• The art of stillness and pacing - essential for commanding attention.
• Musical interpretation and timing in classic Golden Age Hollywood style.
• Explore the Art of the Tease - discovering how subtlety, timing, and energy can captivate without saying a word.

No dance or performance experience? No problem! This immersive workshop welcomes everyone - from absolute beginners to seasoned movers - in a warm, safe, inclusive atmosphere that encourages freedom, connection, laughter, self-expression, and self-discovery.

- Date: 

Sunday 29th March 2026

- Time: 

3pm - 5:30pm

(venue opens at 2:30pm for arrivals)

-  Venue: 

Chapeltown Community Centre, Orchard Court, Burncross Road, Sheffield, S35 1TH

- Who Can Join this Burlesque and Showgirl Workshop:

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

- Price:  £45.00

• Spaces are limited - book early to secure your spot!
• Split your purchase into 3x interest-free payments with PayPal's "Pay in 3" when you use our website PayPal checkout. Find out more HERE.
  

- What To Wear for the Dance Workshop:

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

• Sportswear, or leggings and a comfortable top. Tights and closer-fitting bodysuits (or a swimsuit) work well if you are adding additional clothing to remove in the striptease-style element of the session. (Layers are always best.)
• Special dance shoes are not compulsory - if you don't have any, feel free to wear comfortable heeled shoes or (ankle) boots, flat shoes, socks, or simply go barefoot
• Please note: for safety within this style of dance class; slingback, platform, or pole dance style shoes are not allowed
  
• Check out our Beginner's Guide To Choosing Dance Shoes

- Optional Striptease Element - What to Expect:

You are welcome (and indeed encouraged!) to bring a selection of extra clothing items to wear over your main outfit, or pieces you can easily remove during the session (e.g. a wrap, robe, sarong, scarf/shawl, gloves, bra).

Don’t worry about choosing the “perfect” items - just pop everything into a bag, and we’ll pick out a few pieces together to use during the session. It’s all about having fun, experimenting, and finding what makes you feel fabulous.

   Important:

• You do not have to participate in the optional striptease element - you can still enjoy the full movement workshop without it.
• No nudity within this session – this is all about the suggestion of tease!
  

- Why Train with Lara Gothique and The Velvet Burlesque™

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

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 & Workshops 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 session 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 & workshops are designed to make you feel empowered and supported every step of the way.

- What We Offer:

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

• Classic Burlesque and Neo-Burlesque
• Heels Dance
• Lap Dance, & Chair choreography and skills
• 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 session.

- What To Expect:

• Inclusivity: Our sessions 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!
• Community: Most attendees join on their own, but you’ll quickly feel part of our vibrant and welcoming group

- 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.

Discover More with The Velvet Burlesque

For the latest updates, exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, and a glimpse into the world of burlesque and cabaret, follow us on social media, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and connect with us on WhatsApp.

Did you know we also have a website BLOG? Well, you do now! 

From glamorous moments to hilariously outrageous antics, you won’t want to miss a thing. 

• Be the first to hear about upcoming shows, classes, workshops, and special announcements.
• See highlights from past performances and behind-the-scenes moments.
• Join our thriving community of performers, students, and cabaret enthusiasts.

Experience the magic beyond the stage, and follow us here: