How to Dance Burlesque

Posted on May 19th, 2009 by Carmelia

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With the growing popularity of Dita Von Teese and to some extent, The Pussycat Dolls, Burlesque dancing is enjoying a comeback. Burlesque dancing is a league of its own, and it’s definitely more than just sexy dancing. Learn about the art of Burlesque dancing with these steps:

Materials

Burlesque dancing costume
Burlesque dancing music

Dancing Burlesque

There are two ways to dance Burlesque. First is to perform a chorus-type of Burlesque performance, either on your own or with a group of dancers. The second is to dance Burlesque while taking off your clothes one by one, but not stripping.

Remember that Burlesque music is compromised of jazz tunes, 1940s show bands and big band tunes. This means that the beat to Burlesque dancing is usually mid-tempo, to make it look more tantalizing. Start practicing with different parts of your body to make a pleasing choreograph. Remember, dance coyly, just a little seductively and most importantly, don’t hurry.

First, you have to learn how to peel off your gloves. Most gloves used in Burlesque dances are elbow-length, so to remove them without too much struggle, first remove your left glove finger by finger using your right glove. Once all the glove’s fingers are loosened, you can use either your hand or mouth to remove it completely. Toss it aside with a flourish, and do the same to the right hand. Keep a straight back and legs, stretching out one leg at a time. Use exaggerated movements.
Keep your feet together, knees slightly bent. Closed feet hints at shyness which lends your performance a bit of a coy nod.
Learn to sway your hips from side to side in a slow, seductive mid-tempo.
Learning how to shimmy can also give your hip swaying a little more boost. To do this, alternatively shake your shoulders to give your bosom a quiver. Do not include your torso when shimmying. To improve the shimmy, extend your arms out open, as if to hug someone. You can also clasp your arms behind you to look coy. Pout. You can also shimmy using the grapevine step, moving sideways by crossing one foot over the other.
Do a booty shake by getting out of your high heels. Stand on the balls of your feet, and bend each knee alternatively. Thrust your bottom out and shake, arms extended, wide smile!
Learning how to strip other portions of your costume is also an acquired skill in burlesque dancing. Practice in front of a mirror to see if you are stripping correctly in what can be deemed a sexy way.

Dressing Burlesque

Your costume when dancing Burlesque is part of the whole experience. Burlesque stands for a bygone era that you are trying to revive. Costumes are usually elaborate leotards that have furs, feathers, ruffles, lace and other romantic embellishments. Pin-up girls of the 50’s is usually a good place to start, costume-wise.

Burlesque also means your hair should be perfectly coiffed in the 50’s to 60’s era of hairstyle, not a hair out of place. Red, red lipstick is also required. High-heeled shoes, well-defined eyes, manicured fingernails and netted stockings are all part of the illusion you are about the play. The overall should be pleasing and of course, sexy.