Big Mean Boa with Tessa TrueHeart
Saturday July 12th 10:30 - 12:30
Bees Knees Burlesque Academy
$35
Members can use class card or membership credits
It’s sassy, it’s slinky, it’s a little bit mean! In Big Mean Boa, you’ll learn to tame (or unleash) that feathery beast with Head Mistress Tessa TrueHeart. This class will teach you how to wrangle your boa like a pro, incorporating seductive tosses, slaps, humps, thrusts, and fierce floorwork. Whether you’re caressing or commanding, we’ll help you master the art of boa play and add some serious sass to your burlesque repertoire.
Get ready to roll, slither, and strut your stuff in this high-energy, full-bodied experience designed for all levels and all bodies. Bring your boa and your boldest attitude—you’ll leave feeling confident, powerful, and maybe just a little wicked!
Please Bring Boa or Scarf
Class held at Bees Knees Burlesque Academy
in the Cortland Corset Factory
75 East Court Street, Cortland NY
3rd Floor
Limited Space! Please Register Here
Vintage Jazz for Burlesque with Jo Monroe
Saturday July 26th 11:00 - 1:00
Bees Knees Burlesque Academy
$35
$25 members
From the jazz clubs of New Orleans to the ballrooms of Harlem, vintage jazz dance had a widespread influence and lives on in many modern dance forms, including burlesque of the past and present! In this workshop, you will learn the fundamental elements of early jazz dance, gain building blocks to embody vintage-style movement, and explore important cultural context.
We’ll start out with the groove and rhythms of 1930s jazz and blues, and dive into what exactly makes this style distinctive. Then, we’ll pick up the pace with the Charleston, and learn how to make our movement look and feel relaxed even when the tempos increase. Throughout, we’ll explore connection to the music and embodiment of jazz values.
Important Notes:
Bring a water bottle and wear clothes that are supportive and comfortable.
For footwear, please wear something that can slide on the floor. A smooth leather or suede sole will be best. Good options include character shoes, dance heels, jazz shoes, smooth-soled sneakers, or ballet slippers. No bare feet, sneakers with grippy soles, or heels over 3 inches
Jo Monroe (she/her) has been dancing for her whole life, and in adulthood has explored a variety of styles - most notably jazz roots, Lindy Hop, blues, burlesque, and Irish dance.
Jo’s dance philosophy is rooted in the belief that movement is a venue for sharing powerful and vulnerable truths that words cannot fully express. In her classes, she champions embodiment of the music, improvisation, and historical and cultural context.
Jo has been teaching vintage jazz dance forms since 2017. She has been the head instructor and choreographer with the Reverie Chorus Line since 2023. Find out more about the chorus line at www.ReverieChorusLine.com.
Limited Space! Please Register Here
Acro Chairlesque with Mindi Matera
Saturday August 9th 11:00 - 1:00
Bees Knees Burlesque Academy
$35
$25 members
Ready to blend sultry burlesque with jaw-dropping acro moves? This beginner-friendly workshop introduces you to the basics of Acro ChairLesque—a playful, sexy fusion of acrobatics and chair dance! Learn foundational strength, balance, and flexibility techniques as you explore smooth transitions, confident poses, and eye-catching tricks using a chair as your stage prop. Perfect for all body types and skill levels, this class will boost your body confidence, coordination, and stage presence. No experience necessary—just bring your sass and curiosity!
Limited Space! Please Register Here
What the Improv with Tessa TrueHeart
Saturday August 23rd 10:30 - 12:30
Bees Knees Burlesque Academy
$35
Members can use class card or membership credits
What the Improv?!
An Improvisation Workshop for Burlesque Dancers
Ever blanked on stage and had no idea what to do next? Or maybe you're ready to ditch the choreography and let your body tell the story in real time? "What the Improv?!" is your invitation to explore the thrilling, freeing, and essential art of improvisation for burlesque!
In this workshop, we’ll dive into tools and techniques to help you perform with confidence—whether you're dancing completely off-the-cuff or recovering from a mid-routine brain fog. Through guided exercises, musicality drills, and playful prompts, you’ll learn to trust your instincts, stay in the moment, and keep the tease alive no matter what.
Perfect for all levels, this class is especially helpful for performers who want to:
- Embrace full-song improvisation
- Add moments of spontaneity to choreography
- Recover gracefully when things don’t go as planned
- Build confidence and presence on stage
Come ready to move, play, and discover how improvisation can elevate your burlesque, boost your confidence, and turn "oops" into "ooh la la!"
Class held at Bees Knees Burlesque Academy
in the Cortland Corset Factory
75 East Court Street, Cortland NY
3rd Floor
Limited Space! Please Register Here