Frequently Asked Questions
*I'm under 18, can I come to this class?
Unfortunately, as these classes are preparing learners to perform burlesque in public, you must be over 18 to attend these classes.
*Can gentlemen attend this class or is it ladies only?
As any striptease will be completely optional and later on in the class (when we've all got to know each other!) both male and female students are welcome, however, we would ask that any gentlemen who wish to attend drop us a line using the contact form before booking, just to establish that you wish to attend for the right reasons.
*How large are your classes?
Our class sizes are small to make sure that all learners get the time, attention and support they require. We try to keep our classes no larger than twelve learners.
*Why should I take this class rather than a burlesque dance class?
Burlesque dance classes are great for improving your dance skills, getting fit or just for fun. This class is focused on giving you the performance, characterisation and act creation skills you need to perform burlesque well. If you do want to perform acts with a strong dance element you might find taking this class alongside a dance class is helpful.
*Why should I take this class and not a drama class?
A drama class will have a lot of content that is really useful for burlesque performers but it will also have some areas of study that are less relevant to most burlesquers (eg voice, working with text, performing as part of a group). In this class we have taken content used in drama teaching and tailored it specifically to the needs of burlesque performers. We think you'll find it really useful, and if there is any particular drama technique you want to study in relation the burlesque just let us know and we'll try to include it.
*What should I wear to class?
Some burlesque classes advocate glamour and a vintage pin-up aesthetic in their classrooms. At Drama Queens Burlesque we do a fair bit of practical work so you need to wear clothes and shoes that leave you free to move. Tight pencil skirts and skyscraper heels are probably not the best choice! With the six week classes you may, as the weeks progress, start wanting to work in character appropriate shoes or to bring in costume items but at least to begin with, dressing for comfort and ease of movement is a must.
*Do I have to come to every class?
Some burlesque classes have a drop-in format where you can come when you fancy but don't need to attend every week. At six week classes the lessons will follow on from each other so unless it's unavoidable you would need to attend the whole six week course. For the one day workshops you may drop in and pay on the day, subject to availability. Keep an eye on Emerald Ace's facebook to see if workshop spaces are still available on the day.
*What happens if I miss a class?
You will be issued with the teacher's mobile number so if you have to miss a class (or if you're going to be late) just send a quick text and let us know. Your teacher can then email you the lesson materials so you don't miss out. NB - If you do miss a lesson we would not be able to refund you for that class. Sorry!
*I really want to learn a particular style of burlesque - will this class be right for me?
A lot of burlesque dance classes teach set routines to the whole group. At Drama Queens Burlesque we don't teach you dance routines, we teach the skills you need to create and perform great burlesque in any style. If there is a particular style you want to work towards, have a chat with your teacher to see how we can help you achieve it.
*I am not much of a dancer - will this class be right for me?
At Drama Queens Burlesque we teach performance and act creation skills for burlesque, not dance routines. We see dance as just one of many skill sets that can be brought to burlesque so if you're a dancer and you want to dance, that's great! If not, you don't have to!
*I'd like to bring my friends to your class for my hen party, would that be ok?
Drama Queens specialises in drama and performance techniques for burlesque and our workshops probably won't be the kind of party event you are looking for. If you drop us a line, however, we can offer you a quote for a tailor made one off burlesque-for-fun class for your hen party.
*I don't want to perform burlesque but I'd still like to take the class, is that ok?
Of course! This class is made with aspiring performers in mind but if you'd like to come simply to learn the skills of creating burlesque performance, we'd love to have you!
*I have limited/restricted mobility - is this class suitable for me?
Although the content of the class is suitable for people with restricted mobility, unfortunately the venue we are currently using does involve taking stairs to access the space. If you have any questions about whether our venue will be accessible for you just drop us a line using the contact form.
Unfortunately, as these classes are preparing learners to perform burlesque in public, you must be over 18 to attend these classes.
*Can gentlemen attend this class or is it ladies only?
As any striptease will be completely optional and later on in the class (when we've all got to know each other!) both male and female students are welcome, however, we would ask that any gentlemen who wish to attend drop us a line using the contact form before booking, just to establish that you wish to attend for the right reasons.
*How large are your classes?
Our class sizes are small to make sure that all learners get the time, attention and support they require. We try to keep our classes no larger than twelve learners.
*Why should I take this class rather than a burlesque dance class?
Burlesque dance classes are great for improving your dance skills, getting fit or just for fun. This class is focused on giving you the performance, characterisation and act creation skills you need to perform burlesque well. If you do want to perform acts with a strong dance element you might find taking this class alongside a dance class is helpful.
*Why should I take this class and not a drama class?
A drama class will have a lot of content that is really useful for burlesque performers but it will also have some areas of study that are less relevant to most burlesquers (eg voice, working with text, performing as part of a group). In this class we have taken content used in drama teaching and tailored it specifically to the needs of burlesque performers. We think you'll find it really useful, and if there is any particular drama technique you want to study in relation the burlesque just let us know and we'll try to include it.
*What should I wear to class?
Some burlesque classes advocate glamour and a vintage pin-up aesthetic in their classrooms. At Drama Queens Burlesque we do a fair bit of practical work so you need to wear clothes and shoes that leave you free to move. Tight pencil skirts and skyscraper heels are probably not the best choice! With the six week classes you may, as the weeks progress, start wanting to work in character appropriate shoes or to bring in costume items but at least to begin with, dressing for comfort and ease of movement is a must.
*Do I have to come to every class?
Some burlesque classes have a drop-in format where you can come when you fancy but don't need to attend every week. At six week classes the lessons will follow on from each other so unless it's unavoidable you would need to attend the whole six week course. For the one day workshops you may drop in and pay on the day, subject to availability. Keep an eye on Emerald Ace's facebook to see if workshop spaces are still available on the day.
*What happens if I miss a class?
You will be issued with the teacher's mobile number so if you have to miss a class (or if you're going to be late) just send a quick text and let us know. Your teacher can then email you the lesson materials so you don't miss out. NB - If you do miss a lesson we would not be able to refund you for that class. Sorry!
*I really want to learn a particular style of burlesque - will this class be right for me?
A lot of burlesque dance classes teach set routines to the whole group. At Drama Queens Burlesque we don't teach you dance routines, we teach the skills you need to create and perform great burlesque in any style. If there is a particular style you want to work towards, have a chat with your teacher to see how we can help you achieve it.
*I am not much of a dancer - will this class be right for me?
At Drama Queens Burlesque we teach performance and act creation skills for burlesque, not dance routines. We see dance as just one of many skill sets that can be brought to burlesque so if you're a dancer and you want to dance, that's great! If not, you don't have to!
*I'd like to bring my friends to your class for my hen party, would that be ok?
Drama Queens specialises in drama and performance techniques for burlesque and our workshops probably won't be the kind of party event you are looking for. If you drop us a line, however, we can offer you a quote for a tailor made one off burlesque-for-fun class for your hen party.
*I don't want to perform burlesque but I'd still like to take the class, is that ok?
Of course! This class is made with aspiring performers in mind but if you'd like to come simply to learn the skills of creating burlesque performance, we'd love to have you!
*I have limited/restricted mobility - is this class suitable for me?
Although the content of the class is suitable for people with restricted mobility, unfortunately the venue we are currently using does involve taking stairs to access the space. If you have any questions about whether our venue will be accessible for you just drop us a line using the contact form.