Welcome to The Velvet Burlesque Dance Workshops!

Celebrating over 35 years of multi-award-winning teaching & choreography!

(Est. 1991)

WORKSHOP - 23.8.2026:

"Lady Marmalade"

Learn “Lady Marmalade” - one of the signature dance routines from the Velvet Burlesque show repertoire - in full!

Led by multi-award-winning choreographer, teacher, performer, and producer Lara Gothique, this fun, expert-led workshop will teach you a complete, high-energy theatrical burlesque dance routine filled with attitude, confidence, and plenty of sass.

Whether you are completely new to burlesque, returning to dance after some time away, or already have performance experience, you will be warmly welcomed and encouraged to work at a level that feels right for you.

- Date: 

Sunday 23rd August 2026

- Time: 

3pm - 5:30pm

(venue opens at 2:30pm for arrivals)

-  Venue: 

Chapeltown Community Centre

Orchard Court

Burncross Road

Sheffield

S35 1TH

What3Words/// map location: https://w3w.co/yachting.leotard.given

 

There is a free, private car park at the venue.

- What You’ll Learn In This Dance Workshop:

During the workshop, you will learn the full choreography step by step, with plenty of time to practise, ask questions, and bring your own personality to the routine.

The session will include:

• Burlesque-inspired choreography
• Musicality, timing, and performance skills
• Confident movement and character
• Optional clothing-removal and striptease elements
• Opportunities to adapt movements to suit your experience, mobility, and confidence level

Any striptease elements are completely optional. You are welcome to enjoy the routine purely as a dance piece, experiment with selected clothing-removal elements, or perform the full burlesque striptease down to nipple tassels or pasties if you wish.

There is absolutely no pressure to remove any clothing, and you should participate only at a level that feels comfortable and enjoyable for you.

No dance or performance experience? No problem! This immersive workshop welcomes everyone - from absolute beginners to seasoned movers - in a warm, safe, inclusive atmosphere that encourages freedom, connection, laughter, self-expression, and self-discovery.

- Who Can Join This Dance Workshop:

• Absolute beginners
• Those with some dance experience
• Advanced dancers and performers looking to refine their skills and gain further experience
• Adults aged 18+
• Any ethnicity, shape, size, fitness or experience level.

- Price:  £45.00

• Spaces are limited - book early to secure your spot!
• Split your purchase into 3x interest-free payments with PayPal's "Pay in 3" when you use our website PayPal checkout. Find out more HERE.
  

- What To Wear For The Dance Workshop:

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, such as sportswear, leggings, and a stretchy top. Layering is recommended.

You may also wish to wear tights with a closer-fitting bodysuit, swimsuit, top, or shorts underneath if you would like to experiment with any of the optional clothing-removal elements.

Special dance shoes are not compulsory.

You are welcome to wear:

• Dance shoes
• Comfortable heeled shoes or boots
• Flat shoes
• Socks
• Bare feet

For safety reasons, slingback shoes, platform shoes, and pole dance-style shoes are not permitted.

• Check out our Beginner's Guide To Choosing Dance Shoes

- Optional Striptease Element - What To Bring and Expect:

You are welcome - and indeed encouraged - to bring a selection of additional clothing items to wear over your main workshop outfit, or pieces that can be easily removed as part of the routine.

Suitable items might include:

• Gloves
• A robe or wrap
• A scarf
• A sarong
• A shirt or blouse
• A bra worn over your workshop clothing, or worn as part of the full clothing-removal sequence
• Nipple tassels or pasties, should you wish to perform the complete burlesque striptease

Please do not worry about choosing the “perfect” items. Simply pop what you've got into a bag, and we can select some suitable pieces together during the session.

It is all about having fun, experimenting, and discovering what makes you feel fabulous.

IMPORTANT

You do not have to participate in the optional striptease element. You can still learn and enjoy the complete dance routine without removing any clothing.

Those who wish to perform a burlesque striptease may remove upper body clothing down to nipple tassels or pasties.

Lower-body clothing may also be removed, provided that a minimum of knickers or pants remains in place.

Full nudity is not permitted within the session - burlesque is all about the art, performance, and suggestion of tease.

- Why Train With Lara Gothique and The Velvet Burlesque™

The Velvet Burlesque is proud to be one of the UK’s largest and longest-running burlesque and cabaret dance classes and workshop providers.

Founder Lara Gothique (also known as "Hells Belle"), is an internationally acclaimed Choreographer, Performer, Producer, and Teacher. With a spectacular, lifelong professional dance career, Lara has also been honoured with numerous prestigious awards, including:

• Top 5 Best British Burlesque Performer - The Burlesque Awards
• Best British Burlesque Troupe - The Burlesque Awards
• Burlesque Dance Tuition Business of the Year - Corporate LiveWire Global Awards
• Best Burlesque Dance Tuition Business - Northern England - Fitness and Nutrition Awards
• Adult Entertainment Specialists of the Year - Central England Prestige Awards

- What Makes The Velvet Burlesque Dance Classes and Workshops So Unique?

With decades of professional experience, extensive training, and top-level qualifications, Lara has earned an outstanding reputation for her inclusive, supportive, and empowering teaching style. Her wealth of expertise ensures that every session is a fun, welcoming, and uplifting experience - a place where everyone can feel comfortable, confident, and celebrated.

At The Velvet Burlesque, inclusivity is at the heart of every session. You’ll find a supportive and judgment-free environment where everyone is encouraged to embrace their individuality, shed their inhibitions, and celebrate their body. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or an absolute beginner, you’ll experience the joy and freedom that dance can bring.

We believe in helping you feel confident in your own skin. Whether you’re here to try something new, get fit/improve your fitness, socialise with friends, or prepare for performances, our classes & workshops are designed to make you feel empowered and supported every step of the way.

- What We Offer:

The show-stopping choreography within workshops includes a wide range of styles such as:

• Classic Burlesque and Neo-Burlesque
• Heels Dance
• Performance Skills
• Lap Dance, Chair choreography and related skills
• Floorwork
• Fan, Silk, Veil, Isis Wing, and various other prop-related Dances
• Aspects of Jazz, Contemporary, Charleston, Tap, and much more!

No prior dance experience is required.

Routines are broken into small, manageable blocks of choreography, with plenty of repetition to ensure everyone feels comfortable before moving forward with the session.

- What To Expect:

• Inclusivity: Our sessions welcome participants of all abilities
• A Confidence Boost: Celebrate your body, let go of inhibitions, and discover the freedom & joy of dance in a friendly and supportive environment
• Fitness: No prior fitness level is required!
• Community: Most attendees join on their own, but you’ll quickly feel part of our vibrant and welcoming group

- Come and Experience The Joy Of Dance:

A workshop can be the perfect way to try something new without feeling as though you are committing to an ongoing class.

You can simply turn up, immerse yourself in the music, and enjoy a few hours of movement, laughter, confidence, and unapologetic theatricality.

(Of course, you may leave wanting more, and looking to book a weekly class next too!)

- Accessibility:

The Velvet Burlesque welcomes members with disabilities, including those who are partially sighted, hard of hearing, or use mobility aids or wheelchairs. Please contact Lara in advance to discuss how we can accommodate your needs.

Discover More with The Velvet Burlesque

For the latest updates, exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, and a glimpse into the world of burlesque and cabaret, follow us on social media, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and connect with us on WhatsApp.

Did you know we also have a website BLOG? Well, you do now! 

From glamorous stage moments and hilariously outrageous antics, to dance tips, performance advice, behind-the-scenes adventures, and the occasional glimpse into the wonderfully chaotic world of The Velvet Burlesque, you won't want to miss a thing.

• Be the first to hear about upcoming shows, classes, workshops, and special announcements.
• See highlights from past performances and behind-the-scenes moments.
• Join our thriving community of performers, students, and cabaret enthusiasts.

Experience the magic beyond the stage, and follow us here: