Welcome to The Velvet Burlesque Dance Classes!
Celebrating 35 years of multi-award-winning dance classes!
(Est. 1991)
The Velvet Burlesque are proud to be one of the UK’s largest and longest-running burlesque and cabaret dance class programmes.
Founder Lara Gothique (also known as “Hells Belle”) is a multi-award-winning choreographer, teacher, performer, mentor, and producer. 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 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 Dance Routines
- Floorwork
- Fan Dance, Silk, Veil, Isis Wing & Other Prop-Based Choreography
- 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 Gothique will constantly adjust 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 adult 18+, regardless of gender, ethnicity, shape, size, fitness or experience level
- Class Levels:
Beginners & Newcomers – Monday or Thursday
- Perfect for those with little or no dance experience, as well as dancers who are new to The Velvet Burlesque.
- These sessions focus on building confidence while developing essential dance technique, performance skills, and choreography.
- Intermediate and advanced dancers are also welcome to attend these classes to continue refining their technique and performance quality.
Intermediate to Advanced – Friday
- Fine-tuned for technique and performance development, this class is designed for regular attendees who are already familiar with The Velvet Burlesque repertoire and class format.
- Alongside the current choreography block, we regularly revisit and refine previous routines while placing greater emphasis on technique, performance quality, musicality, stage presence, and choreography development.
- Experienced dancers and performers who are new to The Velvet Burlesque are very welcome; however, please contact Lara Gothique before booking to discuss whether this class is the most suitable starting point.
- 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.)
- 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; slingbacks, platform, or pole dance style shoes are not allowed
- Bring a pair of dance knee pads if you wish to join in with any (optional) floorwork. (Not all routines have floorwork; however, it's best to be prepared.)
- Check out our Beginner’s Guide To Choosing Dance Shoes
- Missed The Start Of A Routine?
No problem! You can still join mid-routine, or sign up to our waiting list to start from the beginning with the next dance. Either way, you’ll be guided and supported to feel confident and comfortable.
Anyone is welcome to start at any point during a routine; however, we tend to suggest that some newcomers to our classes or to dance in general begin at the start of a new choreography block, as this can help avoid any potential overwhelm, and allows them to build confidence right from the very first steps.
- 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 Gothique in advance to discuss how we can accommodate your needs.
- Take The First Step!
BOOK NOW
to secure your place and start your dance journey with The Velvet Burlesque. Class spaces fill quickly, so act fast!
Venue:
What3Words///
https://w3w.co/yachting.leotard.given
The Velvet Burlesque Dance Classes:
Time: 8pm-9:30pm
Price: £15.00
Intermediate/Advanced
Beginners/newcomers - please contact Lara in advance to discuss attendance.
Dance Class Waiting List:
Complete the form below to express your interest in the next start date of our exciting new choreography, or to be notified if spaces become available in a sold-out class. Class spaces are limited, so don’t miss your chance to join the fun!
AUGUST 2026 - New Choreography Start Dates:
- Monday 10th August
– Beginners & newcomers welcome
- Thursday 13th August – Beginners & newcomers welcome
- Friday 14th August
– Intermediate/Advanced level
Missed The Start Of A Routine?
No problem! You can still join mid-routine, or sign-up to our
waiting list to start from the beginning with the next dance. Either way, you’ll be guided and supported to feel confident and comfortable.
Dance Class Waiting List:
Booking:
Monday
7:30pm - 9pm
NO CLASS 31.8.26
Step into the spotlight with our signature Burlesque, Heels & Cabaret Dance Class.
Beginners are warmly welcomed, and no previous dance experience is needed.
Whether you are completely new to dance, new to The Velvet Burlesque, an experienced dancer, or a seasoned performer, these sessions offer a dynamic mix of routines, and you'll enjoy a welcoming and supportive environment where confidence, creativity, and individuality are encouraged.
Classes focus on building confidence while developing essential dance technique, performance skills, musicality, and choreography.
For those who wish to explore performance further, there are also opportunities to develop stage presence, expression, and performance quality.
Intermediate and advanced dancers are very welcome, with plenty of scope to continue refining their technique, artistry, musicality, and overall performance.
- Age Requirement: 18+
- New Members & Beginners Welcome!
- Price: £15.00 per session
- Payment: SECURE Bank Transfer preferred
- Full payment details will be sent via auto-responder email upon completing the booking form below
(Please check your spam/junk folder if you don’t see the booking email in your main inbox)
- Payment must be made immediately to secure your place
You are welcome to join at any time! If you’d prefer to begin with a brand-new routine,
contact Lara Gothique
to check the next choreography start date.
BOOKING FORM - Burlesque, Heels, & Cabaret Dance (Monday)
BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS:
To provide clarity and ensure fairness, all bookings are subject to my website stated booking Terms and Conditions. These policies help me 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 on this website.
- Payment must be made immediately after submitting your booking form to confirm your class booking and secure your place. Due to high demand for class spaces, non-payment within 24 hours will result in your booking reservation being cancelled.
- All class bookings are non-refundable.
- No class credit or transfer will be provided if you do not cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the class start time, or if you fail to attend your scheduled class.
- For enquiries or cancellations, please use the website contact form. Cancellations sent via social media, text, WhatsApp (etc.) will not be classed as valid correspondence.
- © 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.
- Due to GDPR, and to protect the privacy of everyone attending, filming is prohibited during the class unless explicitly approved by Lara Gothique - The Velvet Burlesque.
- All bookings are responded to within 24hrs Monday - Friday during my business hours. Please check your spam/junk email folder as our booking reply emails sometimes get filtered there.
- Class FAQs can be found here.
Emergency SMS/Text Alert System:
The Velvet Burlesque offers an optional, additional emergency SMS/text alert system to notify clients of any urgent class cancellations or schedule changes.
This additional SMS/text service is used solely for essential updates and not for marketing or promotional purposes. Clients may opt in to receive these additional alerts via the consent box on the booking form.
By providing consent, you agree to be contacted by SMS/text in the event of an urgent update.
You may opt out of this service at any time by contacting The Velvet Burlesque directly.
Please note: while Lara does her very best to update the website and contact everyone promptly, this system cannot always be guaranteed to be foolproof - particularly in the rare situation where Lara herself is experiencing the emergency and is temporarily unable to access her phone, email, or website.
While every reasonable effort will be made to notify clients of any urgent changes, The Velvet Burlesque™ cannot be held responsible for missed messages due to technical issues, incorrect contact details provided by clients, messages filtered to spam/junk folders, or where clients have not read or responded to notifications sent.
Thursday
8pm - 9:30pm
Step into the spotlight with our signature Burlesque, Heels & Cabaret Dance Class.
Beginners are warmly welcomed, and no previous dance experience is needed.
Whether you are completely new to dance, new to The Velvet Burlesque, an experienced dancer, or a seasoned performer, these sessions offer a dynamic mix of routines, and you'll enjoy a welcoming and supportive environment where confidence, creativity, and individuality are encouraged.
Classes focus on building confidence while developing essential dance technique, performance skills, musicality, and choreography.
For those who wish to explore performance further, there are also opportunities to develop stage presence, expression, and performance quality.
Intermediate and advanced dancers are very welcome, with plenty of scope to continue refining their technique, artistry, musicality, and overall performance.
- Age Requirement: 18+
- New Members & Beginners Welcome!
- Price: £15.00 per session
- Payment: SECURE Bank Transfer preferred
- Full payment details will be sent via auto-responder email upon completing the booking form below
- (Please check your spam/junk folder if you don’t see the booking email in your main inbox)
- Payment must be made immediately to secure your place
You are welcome to join at any time! If you’d prefer to begin with a brand-new routine, contact Lara Gothique to check the next choreography start date.
BOOKING FORM - Burlesque, Heels, & Cabaret Dance (Thursday)
BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS:
To provide clarity and ensure fairness, all bookings are subject to my website stated booking Terms and Conditions. These policies help me 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 on this website.
- Payment must be made immediately after submitting your booking form to confirm your class booking and secure your place. Due to high demand for class spaces, non-payment within 24 hours will result in your booking reservation being cancelled.
- All class bookings are non-refundable.
- No class credit or transfer will be provided if you do not cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the class start time, or if you fail to attend your scheduled class.
- For enquiries or cancellations, please use the website contact form. Cancellations sent via social media, text, WhatsApp (etc.) will not be classed as valid correspondence.
- © 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.
- Due to GDPR, and to protect the privacy of everyone attending, filming is prohibited during the class unless explicitly approved by Lara Gothique - The Velvet Burlesque.
- All bookings are responded to within 24hrs Monday - Friday during my business hours. Please check your spam/junk email folder as our booking reply emails sometimes get filtered there.
- Class FAQs can be found here.
Emergency SMS/Text Alert System:
The Velvet Burlesque offers an optional, additional emergency SMS/text alert system to notify clients of any urgent class cancellations or schedule changes.
This additional SMS/text service is used solely for essential updates and not for marketing or promotional purposes. Clients may opt in to receive these additional alerts via the consent box on the booking form.
By providing consent, you agree to be contacted by SMS/text in the event of an urgent update.
You may opt out of this service at any time by contacting The Velvet Burlesque directly.
Please note: while Lara does her very best to update the website and contact everyone promptly, this system cannot always be guaranteed to be foolproof - particularly in the rare situation where Lara herself is experiencing the emergency and is temporarily unable to access her phone, email, or website.
While every reasonable effort will be made to notify clients of any urgent changes, The Velvet Burlesque™ cannot be held responsible for missed messages due to technical issues, incorrect contact details provided by clients, messages filtered to spam/junk folders, or where clients have not read or responded to notifications sent.
Friday
8pm - 9:30pm
This is our Intermediate - Advanced Choreography & Performance Class
Fine-tuned for technique and performance development, this class is designed for regular attendees who are already familiar with The Velvet Burlesque™ repertoire and class format.
Alongside the current choreography block, we regularly revisit and refine previous routines while placing greater emphasis on technique, performance quality, musicality, stage presence, and choreography development.
Whether you’re refining established skills or developing your performance further, this class offers a welcoming, exciting, and inspiring environment in which to progress.
Experienced dancers and performers who are new to The Velvet Burlesque are very welcome; however, please contact Lara Gothique before booking to discuss whether this class is the most suitable starting point.
- Age Requirement: 18+
- New Members Welcome!
- Price: £15.00 per session
- Payment: SECURE Bank Transfer preferred
- Full payment details will be sent via auto-responder email upon completing the booking form below
(Please check your spam/junk folder if you don’t see the booking email in your main inbox) - Payment must be made immediately to secure your place
You are welcome to join at any time! If you’d prefer to begin with a brand-new routine,
contact Lara Gothique to check the next choreography start date.
BOOKING FORM - Burlesque, Heels, & Cabaret Dance (Friday)
BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS:
To provide clarity and ensure fairness, all bookings are subject to my website stated booking Terms and Conditions. These policies help me 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 on this website.
- Payment must be made immediately after submitting your booking form to confirm your class booking and secure your place. Due to high demand for class spaces, non-payment within 24 hours will result in your booking reservation being cancelled.
- All class bookings are non-refundable.
- No class credit or transfer will be provided if you do not cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the class start time, or if you fail to attend your scheduled class.
- For enquiries or cancellations, please use the website contact form. Cancellations sent via social media, text, WhatsApp (etc.) will not be classed as valid correspondence.
- © 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.
- Due to GDPR, and to protect the privacy of everyone attending, filming is prohibited during the class unless explicitly approved by Lara Gothique - The Velvet Burlesque.
- All bookings are responded to within 24hrs Monday - Friday during my business hours. Please check your spam/junk email folder as our booking reply emails sometimes get filtered there.
- Class FAQs can be found here.
Emergency SMS/Text Alert System:
The Velvet Burlesque offers an optional, additional emergency SMS/text alert system to notify clients of any urgent class cancellations or schedule changes.
This additional SMS/text service is used solely for essential updates and not for marketing or promotional purposes. Clients may opt in to receive these additional alerts via the consent box on the booking form.
By providing consent, you agree to be contacted by SMS/text in the event of an urgent update.
You may opt out of this service at any time by contacting The Velvet Burlesque directly.
Please note: while Lara does her very best to update the website and contact everyone promptly, this system cannot always be guaranteed to be foolproof - particularly in the rare situation where Lara herself is experiencing the emergency and is temporarily unable to access her phone, email, or website.
While every reasonable effort will be made to notify clients of any urgent changes, The Velvet Burlesque™ cannot be held responsible for missed messages due to technical issues, incorrect contact details provided by clients, messages filtered to spam/junk folders, or where clients have not read or responded to notifications sent.
Dance Classes & Dance Workshops Newsletter
Be the first to hear about new classes, workshops, and exclusive updates! Submit your details below and never miss a moment of the magic.
Dance Classes Newsletter
Frequently Asked Questions About Burlesque & Heels Dance Classes
Can complete beginners join a burlesque class?
Yes. The Velvet Burlesque Beginners & Newcomers sessions welcome adults with little or no previous dance experience.
Choreography is carefully taught, broken down, and repeated each session so that beginners have time to learn the movement, build confidence, and develop technique at a manageable pace.
Can beginners take a heels dance class?
Yes. Choreography is carefully taught, broken down, and repeated each session so that beginners have time to learn the movement, build confidence, and develop technique at a manageable pace.
You do not have to wear heels straight away either - you can learn the choreography in flats, socks, or bare feet first, then gradually introduce suitable heels if and when you feel comfortable doing so.
Do you need to be fit before starting dance classes?
No particular fitness level is required before joining.
Regular dance practice can itself help to develop strength, stamina, mobility, coordination, and body awareness.
Do you have to be flexible to do burlesque?
No. Exceptional flexibility is not a prerequisite for beginning a burlesque or heels dance class.
Flexibility, mobility, and range of movement can gradually improve with regular practice, so you can simply start from wherever you are now.
What should a beginner wear to burlesque class?
Comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely is ideal. Leggings, sportswear, shorts, tops, bodysuits, and dancewear can all work well.
Do you have to wear heels to burlesque or heels class?
No. Heels are absolutely optional at The Velvet Burlesque.
Suitable flats, socks, or bare feet can also be worn depending upon your personal preference.
Are burlesque classes only for women?
No. The Velvet Burlesque welcomes all adults aged 18+, regardless of gender, ethnicity, shape, size, fitness level, or previous dance experience.
Do I have to perform on stage if I take burlesque classes?
No. Many people attend because they enjoy dance, choreography, fitness, confidence-building, or learning something new.
Performance skills can be developed in class without any obligation to become a public performer.
Will I be filmed during a burlesque or heels class?
No routine class filming is permitted at The Velvet Burlesque unless it has been explicitly approved by Lara Gothique.
Meta smart glasses / Meta glasses are not permitted in any The Velvet Burlesque class or workshop.
Can I attend a dance class by myself?
Yes. Many students attend their first class alone.
Are The Velvet Burlesque classes only for experienced dancers?
No. Beginners, newcomers, experienced dancers, and performers are all catered for, with different class levels available.
Are the classes just burlesque dance?
No. The choreography encompasses burlesque, cabaret, heels dance, fan dance, chair and floorwork, theatrical dance, prop work, jazz influences, Charleston, contemporary elements, and other performance styles.
Where can I find burlesque and heels classes in Sheffield?
The Velvet Burlesque runs regular adult Burlesque, Heels & Cabaret Dance Classes at Chapeltown Community Centre in Sheffield, S35.
Thinking about trying your first burlesque or heels dance class?
You do not need to wait until you are fitter.
You do not need to buy the perfect heels.
You do not need previous dance training.
You do not need to bring a friend.
You do not need to want to become a performer.
And you certainly do not need to somehow learn how to dance before coming to a dance class.
You just need to begin.
Whether you are searching for burlesque classes in Sheffield, heels dance classes, adult beginner dance classes, cabaret dance training, or simply something exciting and completely different to do, The Velvet Burlesque offers expert-led classes where beginners can learn alongside experienced dancers in a supportive, professional, and wonderfully theatrical environment.
Come and discover what you are capable of.
Explore
The Velvet Burlesque Burlesque, Heels & Cabaret Dance Classes in Sheffield and book your next class.
Video Testimonials from class members:
How Velvet Burlesque classes make you feel
Layla talks about being a member of The Velvet Burlesque Dance Classes - Sheffield
Clare ACTUALLY LOVES our dance classes!
Kristina talks about being a member of The Velvet Burlesque Dance Classes - Sheffield
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 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: