"The Velvet Burlesque"   (TM)    are proud to be one of the largest, and the longest-running burlesque & cabaret dance classes in the U.K.  International Choreographer, Teacher, Curator, Producer, & Performer;     Lara Gothique - "Hells Belle"     was voted into the  "Top 5 Best British Burlesque Performer"   category by The Burlesque Awards, and The Velvet Burlesque show troupe won the award for    "Best British Burlesque Troupe".  Lara Gothique/The Velvet Burlesque have also been awarded   "Burlesque Dance Tuition Business of the Year"  - Corporate LiveWire Global Awards,  "Best Burlesque Dance Tuition Business - Northern England"    by the Fitness and Nutrition Awards,   "Adult Entertainment Specialists of the Year"   by Central England Prestige Awards,   and  "Best Pilates Studio in Sheffield"  by Distinguished Teaching.

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

Lara Gothique is a well established, fully qualified, and highly respected international Choreographer, Performer, Show Producer, Dance & Fitness Teacher, and Personal Trainer, with an excellent reputation in her field of business since 1991.

Lara runs all her sessions with absolute inclusivity in mind, and these dance classes have proved to be a fantastic social experience. If you ever feel that you are always one of those left out in any group environment; not here at The Velvet Burlesque - you will soon feel that you are a very welcome and valued member of the class group, and you will become more relaxed and confident to simply be yourself.

Class members come in all genders, ethnicities, ages   (18+), shapes and sizes. You will learn to celebrate the body you have, let go of your inhibitions, and feel the absolute freedom that dance can give you! 

You do not have to be fit (or a certain shape or size) to attend classes - once you join, you will find that your fitness starts to improve week by week, and it's a fun way to keep fit and healthy. Lara's goal is to help you to gain a healthier, more confident attitude towards your body and how you use it, and these classes can really help to boost your body confidence/self-image.

Lara's teaching is set out in such a way that along with guidance and gentle encouragement; even non-dancers can become dancers! Our Monday & Thursday classes are ideal for beginners/newcomers onwards, and no previous dance experience is necessary.   (The Friday class can sometimes be a more intermediate-advanced level choreography and performance class - generally attended by our regular class members & show troupe members. Beginners/newcomers are still welcome to join, though, but please contact Lara in advance to discuss.)

You will learn a very wide variety of burlesque, vaudeville, and cabaret show style dance routines ranging from classical burlesque; fan-dances; neo-burlesque; heels, lap dance; floorwork; chair dance; tap; jazz; pop; contemporary; Charleston, and many more styles. There's a lot more to these genres of dancing than most people think, so be prepared for an energetic medley of fabulously choreographed dance routines! 

Dance routines are broken down into small 'blocks' of choreography which are added weekly until the whole routine has been completed. Rest assured that no one will be left behind in the class tuition, and careful repetition of each block of choreography will be mastered before the class progresses to the next block. Each dance routine generally takes six weeks from start to finish, however, Lara will always work with the class to ensure everyone is comfortable with the pace of teaching, so some routines may be finished within six weeks, whilst others may take a week or so longer. Teaching & learning is always fluid.

It doesn't matter if you've never danced before, or you think you've got two left feet - that's why Lara is here! She will teach and help you every step of the way. Just take the bull by the horns and come along! The sense of achievement you'll get once you master a routine or two is a great feeling! 

On your own? Most of our class members come along on their own, so please don't worry - you will be made to feel 

very welcome, and any first-time nerves will soon disappear - we promise! 

Missed the start of the current routine? You are still welcome to jump in and join us whenever you want, or you can join our Waiting List below, and Lara will then be in touch with you in advance of the next routine's start date.

What to wear: Sportswear or leggings & a top are fine. You don't have to have heels or dance shoes - you can wear flat shoes, socks or bare feet - please wear what you are comfortable in, and what feels safe and steady to dance in shoe-wise. (No platform/pole type shoes.)

We welcome class members who are partially-sighted, hard-of-hearing, have a prosthetic limb, use a mobility aid, or a wheelchair. Please just let Lara know in advance so that we can position you in the best place for your needs during class.

Video Testimonials from class members: