TBF University Classes

12 - 1 PM at B Street

Feather Fanatics Welcome! Ever dreamed of gliding across the stage with mesmerizing fan choreography? This beginner-friendly workshop, led by renowned New Orleans burlesque peformer Qween Quan, is for you! This workshop is dedicated to eager beginners or seasoned performers with stiff wrists who want to level up thier movement with fans. Most, not all, of the techniques taught also translate to vegan, non ostrich and non-feather fans.

Requirements:
No fans? No problem! Bring your favorite fans to class or just soak it all in.

1-2 PM at The Funktion House

In this class, you’ll fall head-over-heels in love with chair tricks — literally. From backwards shoulder rolls to gravity-defying inversions, Will X. Uly will introduce you to chair acrobatics that will leave your audiences begging for more. Come prepared (and dressed) to move: we’ll start with an energizing warmup and then dive headfirst into safe ways to enter, hold, and exit inversions.

Requirements: This is an intermediate class: Students should be able to perform a shoulder roll and safely lift themselves into a headstand against a wall, but are not required to have mastery of hand or arm balances. Please also bring a metal folding chair (preferably one without padding!), as you should be practicing on the apparatus you will use in performance.

2-3 PM at B Street

In this part lecture/part movement workshop we will explore the art of stillness, building tension on stage and making your audience sit in the palm of your hand. Students will explore ways to work through nervousness moving on stage, embrace being the sole focus in the room and take inspiration from multiple disciplines as we tell both ourselves and the audience.....you're welcome.

Requirements: Some performance experience is welcomed. Students should bring shoes, pen, paper and a willingness to be open and vulnerable.

3-4 PM at The Funktion House

Known as Toronto’s Urban Desire and Canada’s traplesque seductress, Zyra often uses elements of classic costuming and classic movement against urban trap music to create dynamic, edgy and fun neo acts. Dancing to trap music is all about attitude, saying “FU!” to respectability politics, unapologetically living, confidence and having fun! In this class, Zyra will teach you how to own all of that as well as do the burlesque
basics (such as bumping and grinding), but to trap music! This class will be broken down into the four elements of how to create a Traplesque routine! Learn how to move comfortably to trap music while still teasing! This is a movement based class with interact exercises and choreography sections!

Level: Beginner/All Levels

Accessibility Information: Movement based class but choreo and exercises can be adapted to people with limited mobility.

What to Bring: Comfy shoes or heels! An item to tease with (sweater, scarf, glove, etc.)

10:30 - 11:30 AM at B Street

Professional tips for burlesque project planning, goal setting, and accelerating your journey as a performer! In this lecture-style workshop, students will learn how to identify and achieve their burlesque goals. Topics covered will include: project planning, goal setting, funding/resources, mentorship, competitions, festivals, and more!

Requirements: Please bring note-taking supplies.

11:30 - 1 PM at The Funktion House

Improv with Sweet Rosie Mae is a workshop designed for performers to intentionally create movement inspired by music, environment, character, and costume. The workshop guides participants through concepts related to various styles of music, helping them craft deliberate, well-designed movement in the moment. While this class centers on improvised movement, the principles taught can also be applied to crafting choreography and stage acts. This workshop draws from Sweet Rosie Mae's extensive experience with live band burlesque shows and her background in jazz music and dance. You can find ongoing information about Rosie’s shows and workshops at @thefunktionlive or thefunktionlive.com.

Requirements:
Movement clothes and a bottle of water! This class is open to all levels.

1 - 2 PM with Aquarius Moon

Come join the DC, Maryland, and Virginia Women’s Vogue Performer of Year (2024) on the floor as you explore the history and elements of ballroom dancing. Expect to learn the five class elements and gain the confidence to express yourself in style. If you have ever been interested or curious about voging this is your chance to learn!

Optional: Knee Pads

2-3 PM at B Street

Learn some of the key foundational movements of Hawaiian and Tahitian dance with Legend Ka’ena! The focus of the class will be working through strengthening the students centre, with a focus on core, hip, and feet technique. Kaena will describe how she incorporates these movements into her own burlesque practice.

Ka’ena began her burlesque career in Hawaii in the 1950s, quickly becoming an international marquee performer, working throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and Japan. She captured audiences with her performances and dances of the traditional past and stimulated them with those of the present. An exciting highlight of her performances was her dangerous knife and fire dance, a feat performed by few. However, Ka’ena’s performance skills exceed burlesque alone. She also maintains her practice as a traditional Polynesian performer to this day! Impossible to duplicate, the captivating Ka’ena!

Requirements:
Students should bring 3 yards of material to tie around their hips and should wear comfortable clothes to move in.

3-4 PM at The Funktion House

After traveling the United States for the past 15 years, Chola Magnolia has become a renowned Dance and confidence instructor, as well as an award-winning Burlesque performer. Known for her powerful stage presence, Chola has combined her skills and experience to bring you an hour long class that approaches several concepts when it comes to taking up space on the stage. During the session, you will learn how to take up space, gain power in your stillness, discover your own power stance, and learn how to let loose with improv. Let’s be chingonas together!!!

Requirements:
Dance shoes are always encouraged for this class, but never necessary. Just come dressed comfy, and ready to move your body!