ST. LOUIS' HOME OF BURLESQUE, VAUDEVILLE & VARIETY EDUCATION & ENTERTAINMENT

Van Ella Studios

Burlesque, movement, dance, special events, parties and more!

Spring Classes 2013

Burlesque Classes

Just Added! Beginning April 4th

Doing It With A Friend

Learn the basics of some classic social dances in this 4-week foray into dancing with a partner! Ever wanted to look like those dancers you see out at live music shows around St. Louis? Have some weddings coming up this spring? Partner dancing is for everyone! We’ll cover technical foundations of how to connect with a partner, how to use lead/follow technique, and how to move to the music the way people did back when social dancing was THE thing to do for fun. You’ll learn the moves and steps in a variety of vintage styles, including swing, Charleston, and foxtrot/two-step. Class environment will be low pressure, high fun! Wear comfortable shoes without too much tread. All individuals and partnerships (gents&gents, ladies&ladies, ladies&gents, person&person) warmly welcomed.

Click date to order
Thursday (4/4 – 4/25) 8:00pm
Cost: $60/Individual or $100/Couple

Burlesque Basics 1 with Greta Garter

In this introductory class, students will learn all the basic, classic burlesque moves that will get any budding burlesque star or curious thrill seeker started. The shimmy, bump and grind, struts, floor work, boa moves, glove peels and much more will be covered. Open to all levels and experience. This class is required for all new burlesque students. There is no nudity of any kind involved in this class. Gloves and boas will be provided in class, though you are welcome to bring your own.

Click date to order
Tuesday (3/19 – 4/9) 7:00 pm
Monday (4/15 – 5/6) 7:00 pm
Cost: $60

Burlesque Basics 2 with Greta Garter

In this continuation of Burlesque Basics, students will continue in learning the FUNdamentals of burlesque! More floor work will be added, new boa tricks will be learned and lots of new ideas will be studied, including basic chair work, simple striptease technique, and beginning transitions between dance moves. Focus will be placed on confidence and finding the sensuality in movement. Prerequisite: Burlesque Basics. There is no nudity of any kind involved in this class. Gloves and boas will be provided in class, though you are welcome to bring your own.

Click date to order
Monday (3/18 – 4/8) 7:00 pm
Tuesday, (4/16 – 5/7) 7:00 pm
Cost: $60

Burlesque 3 – Intermediate with Foxy la Feelion

Get ready to dance! In this extension of Burlesque Basics, students will focus on all of the skills they’ve developed in previous classes, and apply them to a fun choreographed group routine. The focus will be on learning choreography quickly, polishing moves and transitions, stage presence and confidence. Stage persona and personality will be touched on as well as costuming ideas and some striptease, though no nudity will be required in class. There may be an opportunity after finishing this class to perform with the group in a public show. There is no requirement or expectation to perform in this class. Prerequisite: Beginning Burlesque or placement by instructor. Gloves and boas will be provided in class, though you are welcome to bring your own.

Click date to order
Monday 3/18 – 5/6, 9:00 pm
Cost: $120

Burlesque 4/Advanced – A Master Class with Lola Van Ella

Ready to take it to the next level? Whether you want to hit the stage as a solo burlesque starlet, or you’re
just looking for the challenge of creating your own piece of burlesque theater, this is the class for you!
Students will take all the skills they’ve learned in previous classes and apply it to creating a solo act.
Focus will be on choosing music, creating a story, developing a stage persona and name, and working
to craft a strong, complete and unique burlesque act to perform on stage or for that special someone!
There will be an opportunity to perform the completed act in a public show. Prerequisite: Intermediate
Burlesque or placement by instructor. Some nudity will be a part of this class as part of developing a
striptease act.

Click date to order
Wednesday 3/19 – 4/24, 9:00 pm
Cost: $60

Dance and Fitness Classes

(Classes are offered weekly, beginning March 18th)

Cardio Tease with Lola Van Ella

Get ready to feel the burn and feel sexy while doing it! In this high energy, action packed hour, we will be strutting, shimmying, bumping and grinding and glistening to the oldies, while we burn calories, tone muscles and gain flexibility. This class is great for dancers and non-dancers alike looking for something more exciting in their workout. No dance experience required. Dress to move and bring a pair of “comfy”, sturdy heels no more than 4 inches. A pair of character type shoes works great.

Click date to order
Wednesday, 3/20 – 5/8 7:00 pm
Cost:$50
(4-class punch card…save $10!) or $15/drop-in class

Twerk & Jerk Urban Burlesque Choreography with Jeez Loueez

This high-energy choreography intensive is not for the faint of heart! Fusing the sensuality of burlesque with the sharp attitude of hip hop movement, this class will focus on isolations, footwork, and of course…the booty! Class will begin with a warm up and stretch and move into short combinations that will vary each week. Some dance experience is recommended.

What to bring/wear: Wear comfortable, form-fitting clothing in which you can easily move. Tennis shoes/sneakers recommended.

Click date to order
Tuesday, 3/19 – 4/9 8:00 pm
Tuesday, 4/16 – 5/7 8:00 pm
Cost: Cost: $60
(4-class punch card…save $20!) or $20/drop-in class

Exotic Rhythms with Ami Amore’

In this class, we’ll isolate, pulsate and undulate to exotic rhythms and beats. We’ll also rock some strengthening exercises such as squats, abs and buns! We’ll learn a relatively simple fusion bellydance combination taking the moves we learn in each class that can be added to your own dance repertoire or strung together with other combos from the class to create a choreographed piece. Each class will be topped with a short but sweet stretch at the end. All levels welcome. Please note – This is the only Beginner/Intro Belly Dance class that Ami will be teaching this session at either studio.

Click date to order
Mon 3/18 – 4/8, 8:00 pm
Mon 4/15 – 5/6, 8:00 pm
Cost: $50
(4-class punch card…save $10!) or $15/drop-in class

Jazz with Jeez Loueez

In this all-level class you will explore the various styles of one the most popular styles of dance. Students will learn basic techniques, vocabulary, and combinations ranging from musical theater to lyrical. Each class begins with a traditional warm-up designed to improve strength, rhythm, coordination, and flexibility. From Bob Fosse to Alvin Ailey, the variety of choreography will keep you on your toes! Let’s dance!

Please wear form fitting clothing in which you can move. Jazz/ballet shoes recommended.

Click date to order
Wednesday, 3/20 – 5/8 8:00 pm
Cost:$50
(4-class punch card…save $10!) or $15/drop-in class

Body Make Over Boot Camp with Tanis Lee

Whatever your goals are, from losing weight to toning up, this class offers an all over body tune-up using a high intensity cardio and muscle building workout. We will incorporate the HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) Method which has been scientifically proven for maximum calorie burning and fat loss and then go into overall strength training movements to build muscle and tone up. With your favorite music playing we will work every muscle in your body getting you closer to your personal goals. During every class you will also receive nutrition tips to help keep your diet on track as well as breathing techniques to keep your muscles oxygenated. GET READY TO SWEAT!

Click date to order
Thursday 3/21 – 5/9 7:00pm
Cost: $50
(4-class punch card…save $10!) or $15/drop-in class