Workshops

2026 Workshops

Registration & Payment Details

All workshops are on a sliding scale of $15 – $25, with the exception of The History panel, which is pay-what-you-can. If you would like to sponsor a workshop space for someone who may not be able to otherwise afford, you can select the “pay it forward” option in the registration form. Payment can be sent to: isleoftease@gmail.com via E-transfer or PayPal (please use friends & family option for Paypal). Any questions can be sent to itbf.edu@gmail.com.

Friday Workshops

12:15pm – 1:45pm  – The Art of Heavylesque – Vena Kahlo (she/Her)

There is space for every part of you in burlesque, even the parts that hurt. There is an art to sharing what is beautiful and heavy in a way that honors your story and the experience of the audience. From costume to movement to symbolism, this class will walk you through the process of act creation. After lecture and discussion, we will use expressive art therapy techniques to explore what transformation means to you and how your story lives in your body. 

Level: All 
Style: Combination Lecture and movement
Participants need to bring: Something to write and clothes for gentle movement

2:00pm – 3:30pm – Get That Gig – Cheesecake Burlesque Revue

So you’ve got some great acts? What’s next? How do you to get yourself booked regularly? How do you get booked to travel? Being a great performer is only one piece of the pie for becoming professional performing artist. In this class you’ll learn about the business side of Show Business. Includes access to useful downloadable resources.

Learn about:

  • how to approach a producer or venue
  • money talk (negotiating)
  • contracts
  • promotional materials
  • technical requirements
  • communications
  • etiquette
  • follow up
  • AND MORE!!!

Level: All
Style: lecture
Participants need to bring: note taking supplies, questions

3:45pm – 5:15pm – Crown Choreo – Vita Devour (she/her)

Get ready to flip, whip, and own every strand in Crown Choreo — a high-energy workshop dedicated to the art of hairography. This class is all about expressive movement, bold attitude, and finding fun ways to use our hair as a prop! In this class, you’ll learn choreography that highlights dynamic hair movement, body isolations, and fluid transitions. Whether you rock straight long locks, a buzzcut, or a slick pony, this class invites you to own your crown and move with intention.
prior dance/freestyle experience encouraged but not necessary. Choreo is designed for all hair types!

Level: All
Style: movement
Participants need to bring: Water bottle, comfortable clothes to move in (pants and socks recommended for carpet), & hair-tie (for folks with long hair), heels optional

Saturday Workshops

10:00am – 11:30am – Level Up Your Act – Sepia Jewel (she/her)

Sepia Jewel is an international award-winning performer and costume creator. Level up your act is a discussion on how to upgrade your act and costume.

  • How to administer helpful self critics when reviewing footage of your act
  • How to make adjustments to choreography
  • How to upgrade costume, wigs and shoes on a budget
  • How to use costume pieces multiple ways
  • Learn how to choose what kind of fasteners is best for your reveals.

Level: All
Style: Lecture
Participants need to bring: Video of act and/or costume if they want input. Note taking materials

11:35am – 1:05pm – Make Them Watch: Stage Presence & Art of Tease – Foxy Lexxi Brown (she/her)

Stage presence isn’t about doing more, it’s about being seen. This class focuses on confidence, clarity, and presence rather than choreography, Learn how to command the stage, captivate an audience, and make every movement intentional. Presence is the performance and this class shows you how to own it.

Level: mixed
Style: movement
Participants need to bring: Bottle of water, comfortable dance outfit that you feel cute in, heels are optional (if we have time), note pad (if you want to take notes)

1:30pm – 3:00pm – HistorTEASE: Uncovering Victoria’s Burlesque Revival – Multiple panelists

We are excited to announce this year’s new addition to our Education programming HistorTEASE: Uncovering Victoria’s Burlesque Revival. This year we have added a panel of local icons to bring their personal stories and experiences from the “early years” of burlesque in “Victoria” (2006-2011). Attendance is pay what you can, but please pre-register so we know what numbers to expect.

Panelists; Champagne Sparkles, Jaybird McLaughlin, kieth Sonic, Midori Colada, Rosie Bitts
Level: All
Style: Lecture

3:05pm – 4:35pm – Pleasure n Play – Nami flare (she/her)

This movement workshop is for all levels! Participants will be guided to explore pleasure, self awareness and collective investigation through sensory play, improv and choreography. Come ready to share and explore what brings your body joy!