FOSSE + ALL THAT JAZZ
Portland Dance Studio
Room 103
232 SE Oak St,
Portland, OR 97214
Class Description: Bob Fosse used his imperfections to create his own signature style. Sultry hip rolls, smooth finger snaps + turned in knees were just a few of the specific, detailed movements that became known by dancers and choreographers around the globe. Ariel Helvetica will teach you her own choreographed Fosse routine using the isolations, small movements, repetitions and stillness that create a story in the Fosse technique. Come and learn some of the moves you have seen famous movies like Chicago, Cabaret and All That Jazz!
Class Length: 1.5 hours
Cost: $20 (FREE FOR FESTIVAL CAST/CREW)
*PAY AT THE DOOR
**NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
WEIRD SHIT + IMPROV TECHNIQUES
Portland Dance Studio
Room 103
232 SE Oak St,
Portland, OR 97214
Class Description: In this workshop you can expect the unexpected as we create flexible choreography through the development of motifs and themes that can be adapted to any stage. Rather than focusing on traditional shapes and sequences we'll work to strengthen improvisation skills and explore experimental choreographic techniques from the postmodern era. Open Level. No experience required. Bring water and wear comfortable clothes.
Class Length: 1 hour
Cost: Sliding Scale $10-$25 - Venmo (@BettyVP) or Cashapp ($BettyVou) or can pay at the door
THE ART OF HEAVYLESQUE
Portland Dance Studio
Room 104
232 SE Oak St,
Portland, OR 97214
Class Description: Burlesque gives us a platform to share stories. But stories aren't all rhinestones and glitter. In this class we will discuss the art of creating impactful acts with heavy content. Whether that's personal stories, political, or cultural pieces- there is room for everything. We'll discuss intention, therapeutic processing, and artistry. The class will end with expressive art therapy activities to get started on your journey.
Intention:
What story do you want to tell?
How do you want to feel?
How do you want the audience to feel?
Therapeutic Process:
Techniques for healing
How to avoid retraumatizing yourself
Focus on transformation
Artistry:
The importance of creating a solid act that's aesthetically pleasing
The use of symbolism
Costuming that tells a story
Class Length: 1.5 hour
Cost: Sliding scale $10 to $25 pay via Venmo @venakahlo or CashApp $venakahlo or pay at the door
LEVEL UP YOUR COSTUME AND ACT!
Portland Dance Studio
Room 103
232 SE Oak St,
Portland, OR 97214
Class Description: This course is an open discussion that includes helpful, tips, tricks and instructions on:
•How your act evolves with you;
•How to administer helpful self critiques when reviewing footage of your acts;
•How to make adjustments and improvements to choreography;
•How to utilize costume pieces multiple ways;
•How to upgrade hair and shoes;
•How toPrepare your act for bookings, festivals, competitions and more.
Class Length: 1 hour
Cost: Sliding scale $15-30 pay via Venmo @SepiaJewel or CashApp $SepiaJewel or pay at the door
PASSPORT TO PASTIES: GLOBAL TRAVELING SHOWGIRL INTENSIVE
Portland Dance Studio
Room 100B
232 SE Oak St,
Portland, OR 97214
Class Description: Come learn from one of the most traveled Black burlesque performers and drag kings in the world! Ever asked yourself… how tf does Sarge do it?! Here’s your chance to find out! From Barcelona to middle of theTankwa Playa realness, I’m breaking down exactly how I’ve built an international touring career that’s equal parts friends, glam, fam, and getting paid
In this class, we’re diving into: How to book gigs across borders; Travel hacks that save coins and your sanity; Adapting your act for different cultures & audiences; Packing like a pro (yes, the lashes AND the look fit in a carry-on); Branding yourself so you’re booked worldwide, not just locally!
This isn’t theory, baby. This is lived, stamped, and slayed experience. If you’re ready to stop dreaming about touring and actually touch down in it… this is your moment.
Class Length: 1 hour
Cost: $20 (FREE FOR FESTIVAL CAST/CREW)
*PAY AT THE DOOR
**NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
ENCHANTING ISOLATIONS
Portland Dance Studio
Room 100B
232 SE Oak St,
Portland, OR 97214
Class Description: You will be guided in a dynamic and transformative dance workshop where you will delve deep into the realm of intentional movement through isolation, connecting with your body in profound ways. Through a series of vigorous, dynamic exercises (“drills”) and short choreography prompts, you'll discover the power of deliberate motion, every gesture, imbued with purpose and meaning. From head rolls to chest pops, hip isolations to shoulder shimmies, you'll learn how to move with precision and fluidity, commanding attention with every nuanced movement.
Class Length: 1 hour
Cost: $25 sliding scale
Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986114335442
STORYTELLING FOR BURLESQUE
Portland Dance Studio
Room 100B
232 SE Oak St,
Portland, OR 97214
Class Description: Create and improve narratives in your burlesque acts. You will learn to use your body, your facial expressions and your costume pieces as a tool for storytelling.
Prepare to practice a variety of acting techniques and use them to connect with the audience, gain new improvisation skills and communicate your story through body language.
Bring comfy shoes and wear stretchy clothing because you will move and dance around!
Class Length: 1 hour
Cost: Sliding scale Venmo @Sneaky-boo
IT’S TRICKY: BEGINNER CHAIR TRICKS
Portland Dance Studio
Room 100B
232 SE Oak St,
Portland, OR 97214
Class Description: A playful, beginner-friendly introduction to chair based burlesque movement. This class focuses on building confidence with a few simple chair trick combos, smooth transitions, and stage presence while using a chair as your dance partner. Students will learn foundational techniques, safe movement, and fun sequences they can incorporate into acts or performances. No prior chair experience required just a willingness to try something new.
Class Length: 1 hour
Cost: $10 to $20 sliding scale pay at door
Register at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/its-tricky-beginner-chair-tricks-tickets-1986127830807