Burlesque, Cabaret & Heels
Dance Workshops
|Sheffield
Welcome to The Velvet Burlesque Dance Workshops!
Celebrating over 35 years of multi-award-winning teaching & choreography!
(Est. 1991)
The Velvet Burlesque dance workshops are the perfect opportunity to try something new, explore a different performance style, build confidence, and enjoy expert-led choreography without the commitment of a weekly class.
Whether you are completely new to dance, heels, or burlesque, already attend our regular classes, want to add something different to your dance and performance training, or you just want a fun weekend activity alone or with friends, our upcoming workshops offer a supportive, immersive, and inspiring way to learn, experiment, and discover new skills.
Explore the upcoming workshops below and find your next Velvet Burlesque experience.
Which one will tempt you into the studio?
Upcoming Burlesque, Cabaret & Heels Dance Workshops in Sheffield
Discover the art of beautiful fan movement, classic burlesque styling, poise, control, and tease in this glamorous, expert-led afternoon workshop with Lara Gothique of The Velvet Burlesque.
Perfect for anyone who has wanted to try fan dance without having to invest in expensive specialist fans, this 2.5-hour workshop offers an accessible introduction to working with fans as a burlesque performance prop. And even better ... your own pair of silk dance fans is included in the workshop price, and they are yours to take home afterwards.
No previous dance, burlesque, or fan experience is needed - this workshop is designed to be accessible, fun, and welcoming for complete beginners, as well as more experienced dancers.
Strong. Controlled. Confident. Sensual.
Step into the darker, slower side of burlesque with EROTICA - Sensual Burlesque & Heels Dance Workshop, a deliciously different 2.5-hour experience from The Velvet Burlesque™, taught by multi-award-winning choreographer, teacher, performer, mentor, and producer Lara Gothique.
Explore sensual movement, musicality, eye contact, body language, stillness, tension, confidence, and stage presence before bringing it all together in a simple step-by-step routine carefully taught by Lara, with space to add your own personality, self-expression, and individual performance style.
No previous dance, burlesque, or heels experience is needed - this workshop is designed to be accessible, fun, and welcoming for complete beginners, as well as more experienced dancers.
LEARN THE ART OF BURLESQUE STRIPTEASE - WORKSHOP - 6.12.26
Something provocative is coming to The Velvet Burlesque this December.
STRIPTEASE BASICS - Learn the Art of Burlesque Striptease will be a fun, supportive introduction to the art, technique, and performance of striptease, taught by multi-award-winning choreographer, teacher, performer, mentor, and producer Lara Gothique.
We’ll explore the foundations that transform simply removing an item of clothing into a performance - tease, timing, anticipation, musicality, eye contact, body language, confidence, and control.
Because the secret isn’t just taking it off.
It’s making them wait for it.
No previous burlesque or striptease experience is needed - this workshop is designed to be accessible, fun, and welcoming for complete beginners, as well as more experienced dancers.
Our workshops sell out. Every time.
If there is a Velvet Burlesque workshop you have your eye on, don’t leave it too long - spaces always disappear fast!
Join our Workshop Newsletter and be among the first to hear about new workshop dates, themes, and booking announcements - giving you the best chance to get your name on the list before spaces sell out.
FIRST ACCESS. BEST CHANCE. NO REGRETS.
BURLESQUE FAN DANCE, POISE & PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP - 27.9.2026
Discover the art of beautiful fan movement, classic burlesque styling, poise, control, and tease in this glamorous, expert-led afternoon workshop with Lara Gothique of The Velvet Burlesque.
Perfect for anyone who has wanted to try fan dance without having to invest in expensive specialist fans, this 2.5-hour workshop offers an accessible introduction to working with fans as a burlesque performance prop.
And even better -
your own pair of silk dance fans is included in the workshop price, and they are yours to take home afterwards.
Date:
Sunday 27th September 2026
Time:
3pm - 5:30pm
(venue opens at 2:30pm for arrivals)
Venue:
Chapeltown Community Centre
Orchard Court
Burncross Road
Sheffield
S35 1TH
What3Words/// map location: https://w3w.co/yachting.leotard.given
There is a free, private car park at the venue.
Who Can Join This Dance Workshop:
- Adults aged 18+
- Absolute beginners
- Those with some dance experience
- Advanced dancers and performers looking to refine their skills and gain further experience
- Any ethnicity, shape, size, fitness or experience level.
Price:
£60.00 - including a pair of silk dance fans to keep
- 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 We Will Explore:
This is not simply about learning a series of steps or poses.
Throughout the afternoon, Lara will introduce you to the fundamentals of working confidently and beautifully with open fans, combining fan technique with classic burlesque movement and performance skills.
We will explore:
- Fan placement and positioning
- Beautiful arm pathways and sweeping movements
- Framing the face and body
- Creating shapes, lines, and silhouettes
- Conceal and reveal
- Fan flourishes and transitions
- Posture, poise, body placement, and intention
- Slow, controlled movement
- Posing and stillness
- Confidence and stage presence
- Musicality and timing
- Classic burlesque tease
- Audience focus and performance
- How to make simple movement look polished, deliberate, and captivating
We will then bring these skills together through choreographed combinations, giving you the opportunity to explore how fans can become an extension of your movement rather than simply something you are holding.
The emphasis will be on finesse, control, confidence, and performance quality - learning not only what to do with your fans, but how to make every movement count.
No dance or performance experience? No problem!
This workshop is designed as an accessible introduction and is suitable for beginners, newcomers, regular Velvet Burlesque attendees, and more experienced dancers who would like to develop their fan technique, performance quality, and movement.
You do not need to be able to perform complicated choreography or have previous burlesque, dance, or fan dance experience.
Come ready to move, experiment, and have fun.
Your Silk Dance Fans Are Included
This workshop booking includes a pair of silk dance fans, selected specifically for the movement and choreography being taught during the session.
You will use them throughout the workshop and take them home with you afterwards, so you can continue practising what you have learned.
If you already own fans that you enjoy working with, you are very welcome to bring them with you too.
(However, your workshop price remains the same and your supplied pair of silk fans is still included with your booking.)
For some sections of the workshop, Lara may ask everyone to work with the supplied fans so that the group can explore the choreography using a consistent style and size of prop.
There is no need to purchase professional fans in order to attend.
What To Wear For The Dance Workshop:
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, such as sportswear, leggings, and a stretchy, fitted top.
- Layering is recommended so you can adjust your clothing as you warm up during the workshop.
- You may prefer tights with a closer-fitting bodysuit, swimsuit, top, shorts, or similar dancewear.
- Clothing that allows Lara to see your body lines and posture can be helpful when working on fan placement, poses, and movement. (Props can sometimes catch or become tangled in loose or flowing clothing, so closer-fitting clothing is recommended while learning and practising fan technique.)
- Feel free to add a little burlesque glamour if you wish - this is entirely optional.
- There will be no striptease during this workshop, so you do not need to wear removable layers or any specialist burlesque-style costume.
Special dance shoes are not compulsory.
You are welcome to wear:
- Dance shoes
- Comfortable heeled shoes or boots
- Flat shoes
- Socks
- Bare feet
For safety reasons, slingback shoes, platform shoes, and pole dance-style shoes are not permitted.
- Check out our Beginner's Guide To Choosing Dance Shoes
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, mentor, 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
- Burlesque Group of the Year - Yorkshire Prestige Awards
What Makes The Velvet Burlesque Dance Classes and 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
- Performance Skills
- Lap Dance, Chair choreography and related skills
- Floorwork
- Fan, Silk, Veil, Isis Wing, and 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
Come and Experience The Joy Of Dance:
A workshop can be the perfect way to try something new without feeling as though you are committing to an ongoing class.
You can simply turn up, immerse yourself in the music, and enjoy a few hours of movement, laughter, confidence, and unapologetic theatricality.
(Of course, you may leave wanting more, and looking to book a weekly class next too!)
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.
BURLESQUE FAN DANCE, POISE & PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP - 27.9.2026
£60.00
IMPORTANT:
- Please update your email address and contact telephone number, then click the ‘BUY NOW’ button below.
2. After completing checkout, please ensure that you fill out the Guest Information Form on the booking confirmation page.
BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS:
To provide clarity and ensure fairness, all bookings are subject to the website booking Terms and Conditions.
These policies help me to manage my time and resources effectively as a self-employed business owner, and are essential for maintaining the legality, sustainability, and transparency of my business, while also respecting your needs.
By proceeding with a booking, you confirm your agreement to the terms as stated:
- Payment must be made in full to confirm your workshop booking & secure your place.
- All workshop bookings are non-refundable.
- No credit or transfer will be provided if you do not cancel your booking at least 72 hours before the workshop start time, or if you fail to attend your scheduled workshop.
- For all enquiries or cancellations, please use the website contact form. Cancellations sent via social media, text, WhatsApp (etc.) will not be classed as valid business correspondence.
- CHOREOGRAPHY AND COPYRIGHT - © All Rights Reserved.
- All choreography taught within The Velvet Burlesque™ classes and workshops is protected by copyright.
- The choreography must not be copied, taught, shared, publicly performed, recorded, reproduced, or used commercially, either in part or in full, outside of the classes and workshops without the express written consent of Lara Gothique - The Velvet Burlesque™.
- Unauthorised use may result in legal action being taken.
- Due to GDPR, and to protect the privacy of everyone attending, filming is prohibited during the dance workshop unless explicitly approved by Lara Gothique - The Velvet Burlesque.
- Meta smart glasses and other wearable recording devices are not permitted.
All bookings are responded to within 24hrs Monday - Friday, during our business hours.
Please check your spam/junk email folder as our booking reply emails sometimes get filtered there.
PayPal Pay in 3
Workshop payments for The Velvet Burlesque are fully encrypted by PayPal, but did you know that you could budget and split your purchase into 3x interest-free payments, with no set-up fees or charges with PayPal's "Pay in 3" when you are using our website PayPal checkout?
- Checkout with PayPal via our ticket purchase page(s)
- Choose “Pay in 3” and complete your purchase.
- Make the first payment now, the rest in two payments every month on the same date.
“EROTICA” - SENSUAL BURLESQUE & HEELS DANCE WORKSHOP - 1.11.2026
Dark. Controlled. Confident. Sensual.
Step into the darker, slower side of burlesque with EROTICA - Sensual Burlesque & Heels Dance Workshop, a deliciously different 2.5-hour experience from The Velvet Burlesque™, taught by multi-award-winning choreographer, teacher, performer, mentor, and producer Lara Gothique.
Explore sensual movement, musicality, eye contact, body language, stillness, tension, confidence, and stage presence before bringing it all together in a simple step-by-step routine carefully taught by Lara, with space to add your own personality, self-expression, and individual performance style.
No previous dance, burlesque, or heels experience is needed - this workshop is designed to be accessible, fun, and welcoming for complete beginners, as well as more experienced dancers.
Date:
Sunday 1st November 2026
Time:
3pm - 5:30pm
(venue opens at 2:30pm for arrivals)
Venue:
Chapeltown Community Centre
Orchard Court
Burncross Road
Sheffield
S35 1TH
What3Words/// map location: https://w3w.co/yachting.leotard.given
There is a free, private car park at the venue.
Who Can Join This Dance Workshop:
- Adults aged 18+
- Absolute beginners
- Those with some dance experience
- Advanced dancers and performers looking to refine their skills and gain further experience
- Any ethnicity, shape, size, fitness or experience level.
Price:
£50.00
- 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 You’ll Learn In This Dance Workshop:
A simple, step-by-step routine will be carefully taught by Lara Gothique, bringing together the techniques explored throughout the workshop while also allowing space for your own self-expression, individuality, and personal performance style.
You will explore how seemingly simple movements can become extraordinarily powerful when performed with intention - learning how to use stillness, timing, posture, transitions, expression, and beautifully controlled movement to create tension, confidence, and genuine sensuality.
Whether you are completely new to burlesque and heels, already attend The Velvet Burlesque™ classes, or want to develop a more sophisticated sensual quality within your performance, EROTICA offers the opportunity to experiment, learn, and discover a different side of your movement.
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.
What We Will Explore:
- Slow, controlled sensual movement
- Body lines, posture, and placement
- Walking, posing, and transitions
- Musicality and timing
- Eye line, eye contact, and facial performance
- Weight shifts and body isolations
- Using stillness and pauses effectively
- Creating tension and anticipation within choreography
- Confidence, presence, and performance quality
- Developing sensuality without over-performing it
The emphasis is not simply on learning the steps for the routine, but also on understanding how to perform them.
You will be encouraged to work at your own level throughout, with adaptations available where needed.
What To Wear For The Dance Workshop:
Wear clothing that you feel comfortable and confident moving in.
- Sportswear, leggings, stretchy tops, tights, bodysuits, fitted dancewear, or lingerie-inspired layers over appropriate coverage are all suitable.
- Choose clothing that allows you to move freely and see your body lines.
- Layering is recommended so you can adjust your clothing as you warm up during the workshop.
- There is no striptease element within this workshop - the focus is entirely on sensual movement, choreography, performance, and self-expression.
- Please bring a pair of knee pads if you would like to try the optional floorwork.
- Floorwork is completely optional. You are very welcome to remain standing throughout the workshop.
Special dance shoes are not compulsory.
You are welcome to wear:
- Dance shoes
- Comfortable heeled shoes or boots
- Flat shoes
- Socks
- Bare feet
For safety reasons, slingback shoes, platform shoes, and pole dance-style shoes are not permitted.
- Check out our Beginner's Guide To Choosing Dance Shoes
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, mentor, 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
- Burlesque Group of the Year - Yorkshire Prestige Awards
What Makes The Velvet Burlesque Dance Classes and 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
- Performance Skills
- Lap Dance, Chair choreography and related skills
- Floorwork
- Fan, Silk, Veil, Isis Wing, and 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
Come and Experience The Joy Of Dance:
A workshop can be the perfect way to try something new without feeling as though you are committing to an ongoing class.
You can simply turn up, immerse yourself in the music, and enjoy a few hours of movement, laughter, confidence, and unapologetic theatricality.
(Of course, you may leave wanting more, and looking to book a weekly class next too!)
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.
“EROTICA” - SENSUAL BURLESQUE & HEELS DANCE WORKSHOP - 1.11.2026
£50.00
IMPORTANT:
- Please update your email address and contact telephone number, then click the ‘BUY NOW’ button below.
2. After completing checkout, please ensure that you fill out the Guest Information Form on the booking confirmation page.
BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS:
To provide clarity and ensure fairness, all bookings are subject to the website booking Terms and Conditions.
These policies help me to manage my time and resources effectively as a self-employed business owner, and are essential for maintaining the legality, sustainability, and transparency of my business, while also respecting your needs.
By proceeding with a booking, you confirm your agreement to the terms as stated:
- Payment must be made in full to confirm your workshop booking & secure your place.
- All workshop bookings are non-refundable.
- No credit or transfer will be provided if you do not cancel your booking at least 72 hours before the workshop start time, or if you fail to attend your scheduled workshop.
- For all enquiries or cancellations, please use the website contact form. Cancellations sent via social media, text, WhatsApp (etc.) will not be classed as valid business correspondence.
- CHOREOGRAPHY AND COPYRIGHT - © All Rights Reserved.
- All choreography taught within The Velvet Burlesque™ classes and workshops is protected by copyright.
- The choreography must not be copied, taught, shared, publicly performed, recorded, reproduced, or used commercially, either in part or in full, outside of the classes and workshops without the express written consent of Lara Gothique - The Velvet Burlesque™.
- Unauthorised use may result in legal action being taken.
- Due to GDPR, and to protect the privacy of everyone attending, filming is prohibited during the dance workshop unless explicitly approved by Lara Gothique - The Velvet Burlesque.
- Meta smart glasses and other wearable recording devices are not permitted.
All bookings are responded to within 24hrs Monday - Friday, during our business hours.
Please check your spam/junk email folder as our booking reply emails sometimes get filtered there.
PayPal Pay in 3
Workshop payments for The Velvet Burlesque are fully encrypted by PayPal, but did you know that you could budget and split your purchase into 3x interest-free payments, with no set-up fees or charges with PayPal's "Pay in 3" when you are using our website PayPal checkout?
- Checkout with PayPal via our ticket purchase page(s)
- Choose “Pay in 3” and complete your purchase.
- Make the first payment now, the rest in two payments every month on the same date.
LEARN THE ART OF BURLESQUE STRIPTEASE - WORKSHOP - 6.12.26
STRIPTEASE BASICS - Learn the Art of Burlesque Striptease is a fun, supportive introduction to the art, technique, and performance of striptease, taught by multi-award-winning choreographer, teacher, performer, mentor, and producer Lara Gothique.
We’ll explore the foundations that transform simply removing an item of clothing into a performance - tease, timing, anticipation, musicality, eye contact, body language, confidence, and control.
Because the secret isn’t just taking it off.
It’s making them wait for it.
Whether you are completely new to burlesque, already attend dance classes, or are an existing performer who wants to polish the way you handle clothing on stage, this 2.5-hour workshop will introduce you to practical striptease techniques that can make even the simplest removal feel deliberate, confident, and beautifully performed.
No previous striptease, burlesque, or dance experience is required.
Date:
Sunday 6th December 2026
Time:
3pm - 5:30pm
(venue opens at 2:30pm for arrivals)
Venue:
Chapeltown Community Centre
Orchard Court
Burncross Road
Sheffield
S35 1TH
What3Words/// map location: https://w3w.co/yachting.leotard.given
There is a free, private car park at the venue.
Who Can Join This Dance Workshop:
- Adults aged 18+
- Absolute beginners
- Those with some dance experience
- Advanced dancers and performers looking to refine their skills and gain further experience
- Any ethnicity, shape, size, fitness or experience level.
Price:
£50.00
- 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 Is Burlesque Striptease?
Striptease is not simply about taking clothing off.
In burlesque, the clothing itself can become part of the performance.
A glove can take an entire musical phrase to remove.
A jacket can become a prop.
A zip can become a moment of anticipation.
A pause before a reveal can be far more powerful than rushing towards it.
The skill lies in learning how to tease an audience with the possibility of what might happen next - using movement, timing, confidence, personality, humour, sensuality, character, and musicality to turn a practical action into entertainment.
That is what we will begin exploring in STRIPTEASE BASICS.
What We Will Explore:
During the workshop, Lara will introduce you to the foundations of burlesque striptease, including:
- Building tease and anticipation before removing an item
- Working with clothing rather than simply taking it off
- Smooth, deliberate clothing removals
- Timing removals to music
- Using eye contact and facial performance
- Body language, posture, and presentation
- Pauses, stillness, and changes of pace
- Reveals and concealment
- Transitions between different items of clothing
- Making simple actions feel intentional and polished
- Handling those inevitable moments when clothing refuses to behave
- Developing confidence and stage presence
- Bringing your own personality and performance style into the movement
The emphasis is on how you perform the removal, rather than how much clothing you remove.
Learn a Simple Striptease Routine:
A simple step-by-step burlesque striptease routine will be carefully taught by Lara Gothique, allowing you to bring together the different techniques explored during the workshop.
The choreography will give you a structure to work within while still leaving room for self-expression, individuality, character, and your own interpretation of the movement.
You will not be expected to perform exactly like Lara - part of the workshop is discovering what feels natural, confident, and authentic for you.
What To Wear For The Striptease Workshop:
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, such as sportswear, leggings, and a stretchy top. Layering is recommended.
You may also wish to wear tights with a closer-fitting bodysuit, swimsuit, top, or shorts underneath if you would like to experiment with any of the optional clothing-removal elements.
Special dance shoes are not compulsory.
You are welcome to wear:
- Dance shoes
- Comfortable heeled shoes or boots
- Flat shoes
- Socks
- Bare feet
For safety reasons, slingback shoes, platform shoes, and pole dance-style shoes are not permitted.
Check out our Beginner's Guide To Choosing Dance Shoes
Optional Clothing Removal - What To Bring and Expect:
You are welcome - and indeed encouraged - to bring a selection of additional clothing items to wear over your main workshop outfit, or pieces that can be easily removed as part of the routine.
Suitable items might include:
- Satin gloves
- A robe, wrap, jacket, pashmina, or shawl
- A scarf, tie, or tulle boa (No feathers, please).
- A sarong, skirt, or loose trousers
- A shirt or blouse
- A bra or harness worn over your workshop clothing, or incorporated into a fuller clothing-removal sequence
- Nipple tassels or pasties, if you choose to explore a complete burlesque striptease sequence
Please do not worry about choosing the “perfect” items. Simply pop what you've got into a bag, and we can select some suitable pieces together during the session.
It is all about having fun, experimenting, and discovering what makes you feel fabulous.
IMPORTANT
You do not have to participate in the optional striptease element. You can still learn and enjoy the complete dance routine without removing any clothing.
Those who wish to perform a burlesque striptease may remove upper body clothing down to nipple tassels or pasties.
Lower-body clothing may also be removed, provided that a minimum of knickers or pants remains in place.
Full nudity is not permitted within the session - burlesque is all about the art, performance, and suggestion of tease.
Do I Have to Get Naked?
No. There is no nudity within this workshop.
You are always in control of what you choose to remove.
Striptease technique can be learnt and practised by removing outer layers while remaining appropriately covered underneath.
You may decide to remove one item, several items, or simply practise the technique without taking a particular layer off at all.
Your personal boundaries will always be respected.
The aim of STRIPTEASE BASICS is to teach you the craft and performance technique of striptease, not to see how much clothing you are prepared to remove.
Striptease Is About More Than Clothing Removal
One of the biggest mistakes in striptease is believing that the reveal itself is the whole performance.
Often, the most compelling part happens before anything comes off.
The glance.
The hesitation.
The hand reaching towards a fastening and then changing its mind.
The pause.
The audience wondering whether you are finally going to do it.
Striptease is built around anticipation.
And once you begin understanding how to use that anticipation, even very simple choreography can become enormously effective.
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, mentor, 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
- Burlesque Group of the Year - Yorkshire Prestige Awards
What Makes The Velvet Burlesque Dance Classes and 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
- Performance Skills
- Lap Dance, Chair choreography and related skills
- Floorwork
- Fan, Silk, Veil, Isis Wing, and 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
Come and Experience The Joy Of Dance:
A workshop can be the perfect way to try something new without feeling as though you are committing to an ongoing class.
You can simply turn up, immerse yourself in the music, and enjoy a few hours of movement, laughter, confidence, and unapologetic theatricality.
(Of course, you may leave wanting more, and looking to book a weekly class next too!)
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.
LEARN THE ART OF BURLESQUE STRIPTEASE - WORKSHOP - 6.12.26
£50.00
IMPORTANT:
- Please update your email address and contact telephone number, then click the ‘BUY NOW’ button below.
2. After completing checkout, please ensure that you fill out the Guest Information Form on the booking confirmation page.
BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS:
To provide clarity and ensure fairness, all bookings are subject to the website booking Terms and Conditions.
These policies help me to manage my time and resources effectively as a self-employed business owner, and are essential for maintaining the legality, sustainability, and transparency of my business, while also respecting your needs.
By proceeding with a booking, you confirm your agreement to the terms as stated:
- Payment must be made in full to confirm your workshop booking & secure your place.
- All workshop bookings are non-refundable.
- No credit or transfer will be provided if you do not cancel your booking at least 72 hours before the workshop start time, or if you fail to attend your scheduled workshop.
- For all enquiries or cancellations, please use the website contact form. Cancellations sent via social media, text, WhatsApp (etc.) will not be classed as valid business correspondence.
- CHOREOGRAPHY AND COPYRIGHT - © All Rights Reserved.
- All choreography taught within The Velvet Burlesque™ classes and workshops is protected by copyright.
- The choreography must not be copied, taught, shared, publicly performed, recorded, reproduced, or used commercially, either in part or in full, outside of the classes and workshops without the express written consent of Lara Gothique - The Velvet Burlesque™.
- Unauthorised use may result in legal action being taken.
- Due to GDPR, and to protect the privacy of everyone attending, filming is prohibited during the dance workshop unless explicitly approved by Lara Gothique - The Velvet Burlesque.
- Meta smart glasses and other wearable recording devices are not permitted.
All bookings are responded to within 24hrs Monday - Friday, during our business hours.
Please check your spam/junk email folder as our booking reply emails sometimes get filtered there.
PayPal Pay in 3
Workshop payments for The Velvet Burlesque are fully encrypted by PayPal, but did you know that you could budget and split your purchase into 3x interest-free payments, with no set-up fees or charges with PayPal's "Pay in 3" when you are using our website PayPal checkout?
- Checkout with PayPal via our ticket purchase page(s)
- Choose “Pay in 3” and complete your purchase.
- Make the first payment now, the rest in two payments every month on the same date.
Dance Workshop Venue in Sheffield:
Chapeltown Community Centre
Orchard Court
Burncross Road
Chapeltown
Sheffield
S35 1TH
What3Words///
https://w3w.co/yachting.leotard.given
Free, private car-park on site
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Discover More with The Velvet Burlesque
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Did you know we also have a website BLOG? Well, you do now!
From glamorous stage moments and hilariously outrageous antics, to dance tips, performance advice, behind-the-scenes adventures, and the occasional glimpse into the wonderfully chaotic world of The Velvet Burlesque, 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: