The Velvet Burlesque Backstage Blog ... Can you hear me at the back?!

35 Years of The Velvet Burlesque™ | Est. 1991

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:17:23 GMT

35 Years in Business: The Velvet Burlesque – Est. 1st September 1991

On 1st September 1991, Lara Gothique began a journey that would become The Velvet Burlesque . Thirty-five years later, she reflects on three and a half decades of teaching, choreography, performance, production, reinvention, and doing things very much her own way.

Thirty-Five Years. Today.

On 1st September 1991, I started a business.

Today, 1st September 2026, that business is 35 years old.

THIRTY-FIVE YEARS.

Three and a half decades of teaching, choreography, performing, producing, creating, mentoring, experimenting, learning, adapting, occasionally swearing profusely, and absolutely refusing to stand still.

It is a strange thing to write down.

When something has been such an enormous part of your life for so long, you don't necessarily stop to count the years.

You just keep going.

Another class.

Another routine.

Another student.

Another show.

Another performance.

Another idea scribbled down somewhere ridiculous.

Another problem to solve.

Another costume to repair.

Another person who walks through the door convinced they can't dance.

Another audience waiting for the lights to go down.

And then one day you look at the calendar and realise:

Bloody hell - I've been doing this for 35 years!

The Spark Came Much Earlier

The business officially dates from 1st September 1991.

But the spark behind it began many years before that.

I have already written about the childhood experience in Spain that changed everything for me: sitting in a cabaret venue at around five years old and being utterly mesmerised by one extraordinary performer standing alone beneath a blue spotlight.

I didn't know what burlesque was.

I didn't understand cabaret.

I certainly didn't have a business plan.

I just knew:

"THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO DO!"

That moment never left me.

If you haven't read that story yet, you can find it here: Where It All Began: The Spark Behind The Velvet Burlesque

35 Years of Reinvention

The Velvet Burlesque™ of 2026 is not the same business it was in 1991.

Nor should it be.

Thirty-five years in business does not happen because you discover one successful idea and repeat it forever.

It happens because you evolve.

You learn.

You make mistakes.

You listen.

You take risks. HUGE risks.

You recognise when something has run its course.

You protect the things that still matter.

And sometimes you tear the entire bloody thing apart and build something better.

Over the decades, my professional life has encompassed dance, fitness, choreography, performance, burlesque, cabaret, theatre, teaching, mentoring, show production, event entertainment, private tuition, creative direction, wedding choreography, workshops, and an increasingly ridiculous collection of costumes, props, feathers, fans, shoes, rhinestones, and mysterious boxes of things that apparently cannot ever be thrown away.

The work has changed.

The industry has changed.

Audiences have changed.

How we market businesses has changed beyond recognition.

Technology has changed.

Social attitudes have changed.

Burlesque itself has changed.

And I have changed.

But underneath all of that evolution are some things that have remained remarkably consistent:

Creativity.
Professionalism.
Independence.
Attention to detail.
A refusal to treat people as numbers.

And the belief that performance and movement can genuinely make people feel something.

Thousands of People Have Become Part of the Story

One of the strangest things about reaching a milestone like this is trying to comprehend the sheer number of people who have passed through your life because of your work.

Thousands upon thousands of people.

Students who arrived nervous and gradually discovered what their bodies could do.

People who hadn't danced since childhood.

People who had never danced at all.

Experienced dancers looking for something completely different.

Performers developing acts and finding their stage presence.

Cast members standing in the wings waiting for their cue.

Audience members cheering from packed theatres.

People celebrating birthdays, hen parties, weddings, private events, and enormous life moments.

Couples trusting me to choreograph the first dance of their married lives.

Clients placing an entire event in my hands.

People who came for one class and stayed for years.

People I haven't seen for decades who still occasionally pop up and remind me of something we did together that I had completely forgotten.

Some came into my world briefly.

Others became friends.

Some became performers.

Some became teachers themselves.

Some simply discovered a version of themselves they hadn't met before.

Every single one became a tiny part of the history of this business.

Teaching Has Always Been About More Than Steps

Dance technique matters.

Choreography matters.

Musicality, lines, placement, timing, performance quality, safety, and detail matter enormously to me.

Anyone who has ever been taught by me will be painfully aware of that.

But teaching has never only been about getting somebody's right foot in the correct place on count eight.

Over 35 years, I have watched people discover confidence that they genuinely did not believe they possessed.

I have watched frightened beginners eventually walk into a room differently.

I have watched people learn to take up space.

Make eye contact.

Trust themselves.

Ask questions.

Laugh at themselves.

Stop apologising for not knowing something they have never previously been taught.

I've watched people discover strength after difficult periods in their lives.

I've seen movement provide distraction, connection, friendship, purpose, challenge, escapism, and occasionally the emotional release somebody desperately needed that week.

Those things matter.

Performance confidence is learned.

Stage presence is learned.

Movement skills are learned.

Self-belief can be learned too.

Watching those transformations is still one of the greatest privileges of doing this job.

From The Studio to The Stage

The Velvet Burlesque™ has never existed solely in a dance studio.

Performance has always been part of its heartbeat.

Over the years, I have performed, choreographed, curated, and produced alongside an extraordinary range of burlesque, cabaret, circus, comedy, drag, magic, variety, and speciality artists.

Productions have evolved from traditional stage shows into increasingly ambitious theatrical experiences, with audiences coming from across the UK and beyond.

There have been beautiful moments.

Chaotic moments.

Last-minute disasters.

Costume malfunctions.

Technical problems.

Acts that made an entire room fall silent.

Acts that made audiences roar.

Performances I will never forget.

And backstage incidents I probably shouldn't put in writing.

Every production has added another layer to the story.

And after 35 years, I'm still interested in what else a live show can become.

Perhaps more so than ever.

Still Fiercely Independent

One thing I am particularly proud of is that The Velvet Burlesque™ remains independent.

There has never been some enormous corporate machine quietly sitting behind it.

There isn't a mysterious billionaire benefactor funding my creative whims.

There is me.

A laptop.

A phone.

A frightening number of spreadsheets.

Thirty-five years of experience.

A spectacular collection of contacts.

A brain that does not appear to understand the concept of switching off.

And, when required, an exceptional team of performers, creatives, technicians, venues, photographers, filmmakers, and other professionals who help turn the ideas in my head into something real.

Our public shows have always been independently produced, with income reinvested into creating the work.

That independence isn't always the easiest route.

But it has allowed me to make decisions based on what I believe is right for the business, the work, the people involved, and the audience.

It has allowed The Velvet Burlesque™ to remain unmistakably itself.

The Awards Are Lovely. The Longevity Means More.

Over the years, my work and The Velvet Burlesque™ have received recognition, including awards for burlesque performance, troupe work, dance tuition, business, entertainment, and fitness.

And yes - I'm incredibly proud of them. Recognition from your industry is wonderful. But there is something about reaching 35 years that feels different.

You cannot manufacture longevity.

You cannot fake 35 years of showing up.

Thirty-five years means surviving recessions, shutdowns (Covid!), changing industries, changing trends, personal upheaval, business challenges, difficult decisions, spectacular mistakes, wonderful opportunities, disappointments, successes, and all the completely ordinary Tuesdays when you still have to open the door and do the work.

The awards represent individual moments.

Thirty-five years represents endurance.

I Have Never Wanted To Stand Still

Longevity should never mean becoming a museum piece.

I don't want The Velvet Burlesque™ preserved in amber as something people remember fondly from years ago.

I want it alive.

Relevant.

Interesting.

Creative.

Occasionally surprising.

And still capable of making me think: "Can I actually pull that off?"

There are still things I want to create.

Things I want to change.

Ideas I haven't developed yet.

People I haven't met.

Music I haven't choreographed.

Performers I haven't discovered.

Students who haven't yet walked through the door.

Audiences who haven't yet experienced one of our shows.

That is what makes 35 years exciting rather than nostalgic.

To Everyone Who Has Been Part of These 35 Years

There is absolutely no way to name everybody.

But I do want to say this.

To every student, dancer, performer, audience member, client, couple, colleague, venue, photographer, filmmaker, technician, collaborator, friend, supporter, and wonderfully peculiar human who has been part of The Velvet Burlesque™ at any point since 1991:

Thank you.

Thank you for booking.

For turning up.

For learning.

For performing.

For applauding.

For recommending me.

For trusting me.

For coming back.

For bringing your friends.

For buying a ticket.

For taking a chance on a class.

For placing an event in my hands.

For standing on my stage.

For helping backstage.

For laughing when everything went slightly feral.

For allowing me to do a job that still excites me after three and a half decades.

You are part of this history too.

1st September 1991 - 1st September 2026

Thirty-five years.

I still love music.

I still love movement.

I still love theatre.

I still love watching somebody suddenly understand a piece of choreography.

I still love watching an audience react.

I still love that strange few seconds before a performance starts.

I still love creating something that didn't exist before.

I still get ridiculously excited (and overly obsessed!) by a new idea.

I am still learning.

Still teaching.

Still choreographing.

Still producing.

Still performing.

Still mentoring.

Still evolving.

Still independent.

Still pushing.

Still here.

And very definitely not finished.

So, What Happens Next?

That's an excellent question.

I have ideas.

Obviously.

Some are sensible.

Some are ambitious.

Some are probably completely ridiculous.

And historically, those are often the interesting ones.

The Velvet Burlesque™ began officially on 1st September 1991. Thirty-five years later, I am enormously proud of everything it has become. But I am far more interested in what it becomes next.

So here's to the first 35 years.

And to whatever the hell I decide to do next.

STAY TUNED!

Discover The Velvet Burlesque today - classes , workshops , shows , private events , choreography , and more !

Boss Lady – Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Teacher, Mentor, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

Est. 1st September 1991

All content, text, and imagery are the original work of Lara Gothique – The Velvet Burlesque™ unless otherwise stated.

You are very welcome to share this blog post in its original form, but please do not reproduce, reuse, or quote any part of it without prior written permission.

Bespoke Wedding First Dance Choreography Sheffield | The Velvet Burlesque

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 14:52:36 GMT

Bespoke Wedding First Dance Choreography Sheffield | The Velvet Burlesque

Bespoke wedding first dance choreography in Sheffield with multi-award-winning choreographer Lara Gothique. Private lessons, personally created routines, and expert tuition for couples of all abilities.

Bespoke Wedding First Dance Choreography

Your first dance doesn't have to be a nervous shuffle around the dance floor while you silently wonder how much time is left in the song.

Nor does it have to become an elaborate performance worthy of a West End stage.

Unless, of course, that is exactly what you want.

Bespoke wedding first dance choreography is about creating something that feels right for the two of you.

Your music.

Your personalities.

Your abilities.

Your wedding.

And the moment you want to create when the room turns towards you for that first dance.

At The Velvet Burlesque, multi-award-winning choreographer, teacher, performer, mentor, and producer Lara Gothique creates completely bespoke wedding first dance choreography, working privately with couples to transform their chosen song into a routine that feels natural, achievable, memorable, and unmistakably theirs.

No previous dance experience is required.

You don't need to be naturally confident.

And you certainly don't need to arrive already knowing how to dance.

That is what the lessons are for.

What Does Bespoke Wedding First Dance Choreography Actually Mean?

Bespoke means Lara doesn't simply teach every couple the same wedding routine and change the music.

Your choreography is created specifically for you .

Before putting the steps together, Lara considers the things that make your wedding different from everybody else's:

Your chosen song
Your individual personalities
What you would like the first dance to look and feel like
Your dance experience, if any
Your natural movement and ability
Your confidence levels
The style and atmosphere of your wedding
What you will both be wearing
Your wedding venue and available dance-floor space
Whether your music is recorded or performed live
Any lifts, dips, turns, entrances, or special moments you would love to include
Anything you absolutely do not want to do

Some couples want romantic and elegant.

Some want fun and relaxed.

Some want something dramatic.

Some want to surprise their guests.

Some arrive telling Lara that they simply don't want to stand there swaying awkwardly from side to side, and need some help.

All of those are perfectly valid starting points.

Your First Dance Should Look Like You

One of the biggest mistakes with wedding choreography is trying to make a couple look like somebody else.

Your first dance doesn't need to resemble a viral wedding video.

It doesn't need ten lifts, three costume changes, or a medley of novelty songs unless that genuinely reflects who you are.

A beautifully timed look between two people can be more powerful than the most complicated piece of choreography in the world.

Equally, if you are the sort of couple who want to explode theatrically onto the dance floor to a huge rock anthem and give everybody something they really weren't expecting, Lara will be thrilled to work with that too.

The aim is not to create the most technically difficult routine possible.

The aim is to create the best first dance for you.

Wedding First Dance Lessons for Complete Beginners

Most of the couples Lara works with are not trained dancers.

Many haven't danced together before.

Some are completely comfortable performing in front of people.

Others arrive telling her that the prospect of being watched by all their wedding guests is one of the things they are most nervous about.

You don't need to worry about being "good enough" before you begin.

Your private wedding dance lessons are where everything is built.

Lara teaches the choreography carefully and progressively, repeating and refining sections until they begin to feel natural rather than something you are desperately trying to remember.

The lessons work on far more than steps:

Timing
Partner connection, including eye and body contact
Weight transfer
Posture
Movement quality
Musicality
Leading and following where appropriate
Transitions
Entrances and endings
Confidence

And, also importantly, what to do if something doesn't go exactly to plan.

Choosing Music for Your Wedding First Dance

There is no correct first dance song.

Lara would much rather choreograph something meaningful to you as a couple than tell you that you should dance to a particular type of music simply because it sounds 'traditional'.

Some couples choose beautiful ballads.

Others choose rock, pop, soul, indie, alternative, musical theatre, or something wonderfully unexpected.

Lara has choreographed wedding dances to music ranging from Beethoven, Kate Bush, Diana Ross, Bruno Mars, Adele, and Madonna to Aerosmith, Bad Manners, Madness, the Ramones, Motörhead, Metallica, and The Darkness.

What matters is that the song means something to you .

Once the music is chosen, Lara begins looking at its structure.

Where does it build?

Where does it soften?

Where are the musical accents?

Is there an obvious moment for a lift, dip, turn, dramatic pause, or change of energy?

Good wedding choreography should feel as though the movement belongs to the music. Not as though some steps have simply been laid on top of it.

Your Wedding Dress, Shoes, and Clothing Matter

Wedding choreography has to work in the real world.

That means Lara wants to know what you are going to wear.

A large wedding dress can completely alter the distance between partners, stride length, turning space, and how certain movements need to be executed.

A fitted dress presents different challenges.

So can a train.

Heels alter balance and posture.

A fitted suit jacket can affect shoulder movement.

Kilts, jumpsuits, corsetry, long veils, changing footwear, and other outfit choices can all influence choreography.

Obviously, wedding outfits cannot always be seen by both partners before the day. That doesn't mean they are ignored.

They are planned around.

Lara has even created rehearsal mock-ups of especially large or 'structurally challenging' wedding dresses so that couples could practise their choreography with a realistic amount of fabric and volume between them. They may not win any fashion awards , but they did their job!

Can We Have Lifts and Dips in Our First Dance?

Potentially, yes, if this is something you'd like to include.

Lifts and dips are something Lara assesses, rather than automatically includes. They need to suit the couple, the clothing, the space, and the choreography.

A wedding lift should not depend upon adrenaline, guesswork, or somebody yelling "GO!" and hoping for the best.

Lara works with couples on positioning, timing, weight transfer, entry, exit, and confidence so that both people understand exactly what is happening.

A simple, beautifully performed dip or lift often looks far more impressive than an unnecessarily complicated trick. And if a couple can safely achieve something more ambitious, that can be explored too.

What If We Forget the Choreography on the Wedding Day?

This is one of the most common fears.

It is also one of the reasons Lara teaches couples to understand their routine rather than merely memorise a sequence of movements.

The choreography is built in recognisable sections. Musical cues are identified. Natural points are created where you can reconnect if necessary.

And Lara teaches couples how to recover without announcing to the entire room that something has gone wrong. Because your guests don't know the choreography.

If you miss one movement and smoothly move into the next section, nobody needs to know. The ability to recover is part of being properly prepared.

Do We Need to Practise Between Lessons?

Yes. Please!

It is expected that couples will practise their routine in their own time between lessons, and continue to rehearse after their final session in the lead-up to the wedding.

You don't need to turn your living room into Strictly Come Dancing, but regular practice is an important part of learning and retaining the choreography. Even quietly walking through sections together can help.

Lara will teach, develop, and polish the routine with you during your private sessions, but practising between lessons helps keep the choreography fresh in your minds and allows each session to build effectively on the last.

After your final lesson, continuing to rehearse is equally important so that the routine remains familiar and confident when the wedding day arrives. The more familiar the choreography becomes, the less you need to consciously think about every individual movement. That leaves you free to actually look at one another, hear the music, enjoy the moment, and dance, rather than simply remember.

Your Venue Can Change the Choreography

Ideally, Lara will know roughly how much dance-floor space you are likely to have.

However, wedding venues have a habit of changing once tables, guests, photographers, musicians, decorations, equipment, and enthusiastic relatives become involved.

That is why Lara doesn't create choreography that is so rigid it can only work within one precise rectangle of floor. Where possible, flexibility is built into the routine.

If you need to travel slightly less, turn in another direction, or adjust your positioning on the day, you should have enough understanding of the choreography to do that confidently.

Dancing to a Live Band

Planning to have your first dance performed live?

Wonderful. But make sure Lara knows!

A live version of your chosen song may not be identical to the recorded version.

Tempo can vary
Introductions can change
Musicians may extend or even cut certain sections
A vocalist may phrase something differently

When choreography is being created for live music, those possibilities need to be considered.

Rather than teaching couples to blindly chase exact counts, Lara helps them recognise musical landmarks and understand the structure of the dance.

Creating a First Dance Your Guests Will Remember

A choreographed first dance does more than give your guests something to watch. Done well, it creates a shared moment.

That might be a beautiful entrance.

A surprising lift.

A piece of choreography that suddenly reveals itself after a deliberately understated beginning.

A funny moment that is completely characteristic of you.

Or a final section where you invite everybody onto the floor and turn your first dance into the beginning of the party.

One recent couple told Lara afterwards that their choreographed first dance became their favourite part of the entire wedding day . Their guests loved it! They had people coming up to them afterwards to talk about it. And when they invited everyone to join them, they ended up with a completely full dance floor.

That is the kind of wedding memory carefully considered choreography can help create.

More Than 35 Years of Professional Choreography and Teaching

Your first dance is a very small part of your wedding day in terms of minutes. But those minutes can feel enormous when everybody you love is watching.

Experience matters.

Lara Gothique has spent more than three and a half decades working professionally within dance, performance, choreography, teaching, mentoring, and live entertainment.

As the founder and director of multi-award-winning The Velvet Burlesque, her work has included professional performers, complete beginners, wedding couples, private clients, shows, events, and bespoke performance projects.

That experience means Lara isn't simply thinking about which steps might look pretty.

She is looking at the entire picture:

Will this movement work?
Will it suit you?
Will you remember it?
Can you perform it confidently?
Will it photograph well?
Can you recover from it?
Will the clothing allow it?
Will it work in the venue?

And most importantly:

Will you actually enjoy doing it?

Private Wedding First Dance Lessons in Sheffield, Yorkshire & Beyond

Wedding first dance choreography with The Velvet Burlesque is taught privately by Lara Gothique, with sessions available in Sheffield as well as further afield by arrangement.

Lara can travel for private wedding choreography and tuition, making the service suitable for couples based across Yorkshire and beyond.

In some circumstances, online tuition can also be arranged where this is practical and appropriate for the couple, the choreography, and the stage they have reached in learning their routine.

Wherever the sessions take place, the choreography remains completely bespoke, and is created around the couple, their chosen music, abilities, personalities, wedding plans, and the kind of first dance they want to create.

These private sessions give couples the time and space to learn without the pressure of a group class.

Each session builds upon the previous one, allowing Lara to create, teach, practise, polish, and develop the routine with you until you feel confident performing it together.

When Should We Start Wedding Dance Lessons?

Generally, the earlier the better, rather than trying to cram everything into the final weeks before the wedding

Wedding planning becomes increasingly busy as the date approaches, and choreography benefits enormously from having time to settle into your body.

You don't need to practise for hours every night. In fact, shorter, regular rehearsals are often far more useful than one enormous panic session.

Starting with enough time allows Lara to create the routine properly, gives you time to become comfortable with it, and makes it possible to refine the details rather than simply racing to remember the steps.

Your First Dance Doesn't Need to Be Perfect

This may sound surprising coming from a professional choreographer.

Lara doesn't need your wedding dance to be technically perfect.

She wants it to feel confident, connected, and joyful.

Your wedding guests are not sitting there with scorecards.

They are watching two people they care about having a moment together.

Preparation gives you the freedom to enjoy that moment.

So yes, Lara will work hard with you on the choreography.

The routine will be polished.

The tricky bits will be practised.

You will know exactly what you are doing.

Then, when the wedding arrives, the aim is for you to stop worrying about perfection.

Look at each other.

Listen to your music.

And enjoy it.

Looking for Wedding First Dance Choreography in Sheffield, Yorkshire, or Beyond?

If you are getting married and would love a first dance created specifically for the two of you, Lara Gothique offers bespoke wedding first dance choreography and private tuition through The Velvet Burlesque, based in Sheffield and available further afield by arrangement.

Whether you have already chosen your perfect song or have absolutely no idea where to begin, Lara can create something around your personalities, abilities, wedding plans, and the atmosphere you want.

All choreography and private tuition is personally created and taught by multi-award-winning choreographer, teacher, performer, mentor, and producer Lara Gothique .

Your first dance lasts only a few minutes, but it can become one of the moments you remember most vividly from the entire day.

For current wedding choreography packages , availability, and booking enquiries, visit the Corporate & Private Bookings section of The Velvet Burlesque website and fill out our contact form .

BOSS LADY - Lara Gothique
Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

© Lara Gothique - The Velvet Burlesque™
All content, text, and imagery are the original work of Lara Gothique - The Velvet Burlesque™ unless otherwise stated.
You are very welcome to share this blog post in its original form, but please do not reproduce, reuse, or quote any part of it without prior written permission.

Burlesque Dance Workshops Sheffield | The Velvet Burlesque™

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 17:01:28 GMT

Dance Workshops Sheffield | The Velvet Burlesque

Curious about burlesque or dance? Discover why a one-off dance workshop in Sheffield is a fun, flexible way to try something new with The Velvet Burlesque.

Why Try a Burlesque or Dance Workshop?

Sometimes you don't want to sign up for something every week.

You don't necessarily want a new hobby.

You don't need a long-term plan.

You just see something and think: "That looks fabulous!"

And sometimes that is all the reason you need.

A one-off burlesque or dance workshop gives you the opportunity to step into something different for a few hours, try a particular style or skill, learn some choreography, meet new people, and enjoy an experience that is completely removed from the usual routine of everyday life.

What Is a Dance Workshop?

A dance workshop is usually a self-contained session built around a particular style, theme, technique, prop, routine, or performance skill.

Rather than following an ongoing weekly programme, you book that individual experience.

Depending upon the workshop, you might spend a few hours exploring:

burlesque choreography
cabaret dance
heels dance
chair dance
feather fan dance
silk fan dance
striptease technique
sensual movement
floorwork
musicality
stage presence
character and performance
prop work
a complete themed routine

Some workshops concentrate heavily on technique.

Others are about learning choreography.

Some allow you to explore a particular performance style.

Others are simply an opportunity to dance, play, experiment, and enjoy yourself.

That variety is precisely why workshops can be so much fun.

You Can Try Something Without Making a Huge Commitment

One of the greatest things about a one-off workshop is its simplicity.

You see the workshop.

You like the sound of it.

You book your place.

You turn up.

That's it.

You don't have to reorganise your life around a weekly timetable.

You don't have to decide whether you're still going to be doing this hobby six months from now.

You don't have to buy an entirely new wardrobe and announce to everybody you know that dance has become your new identity.

You are simply giving yourself a few hours to try something.

For adults with busy lives, irregular working patterns, family commitments, existing hobbies, or very full calendars, that flexibility can be enormously appealing.

And sometimes it is much easier to say: "I'll try this one workshop" than: "I'm joining a weekly dance class" .

You Do Not Need Dance Experience to Enjoy a Workshop

If a workshop is advertised as suitable for beginners, that is exactly what it should mean.

You are not expected to arrive already knowing the choreography. That would rather defeat the purpose of attending.

You are there to learn.

Movements can be introduced, explained, broken down, repeated, and gradually put together.

Some people attending may have danced before.

Others may be doing something like this for the first time in their lives.

Some people pick choreography up quickly.

Others need several repetitions before their limbs begin negotiating with each other successfully.

That is normal.

Learning is the workshop.

You don't need to become fitter, more flexible, more coordinated, or more confident before allowing yourself to begin.

Doing the thing is how those qualities start developing.

Workshops Are Not Only for Beginners

Of course, being experienced doesn't mean workshops stop being useful. Quite the opposite.

If you already dance, a workshop gives you the opportunity to explore something outside your normal training.

Perhaps you have never worked with fans.

Perhaps you usually dance in one style and want to experience another.

Perhaps you want to concentrate on musicality, performance, character, heels, floorwork, sensual movement, or a particular prop.

Perhaps the choreography simply looks like tremendous fun.

Experienced dancers do not need every session to be part of some serious training objective either.

Sometimes, you just dance because you enjoy dancing.

Radical, I know.

A Workshop Gives You Permission to Try Something Different

Adults can become extremely good at staying inside the things they already know they can do.

We know our jobs.

Our responsibilities.

Our routines.

Our familiar hobbies.

Our usual environments.

Trying something new means briefly becoming a beginner again, and that can feel surprisingly vulnerable.

But it can also be exhilarating.

There is something very freeing about walking into a room where nobody expects you to be an expert.

You are allowed to experiment.

You are allowed to get things wrong.

You are allowed to laugh when your feet do something completely different from what your brain requested.

You are allowed to surprise yourself.

That last one is particularly good.

Dance Workshops Can Be a Proper Break From Everyday Life

Sometimes the best thing about a workshop is not even the choreography.

It is having a few hours in which you are concentrating on something completely different.

The emails can wait.

The housework can wait.

The endless collection of jobs that apparently regenerate every time you complete one can wait.

For a while, your attention is on music.

Movement.

Timing.

Your body.

The choreography.

The people around you.

And trying to remember what happens after that bit you were absolutely certain you had remembered thirty seconds ago.

You become absorbed.

Adults don't always give themselves enough opportunities to play.

We are terribly fond of believing that everything must be sensible, productive, measurable, useful, or attached to a long-term goal.

It doesn't.

Enjoying simply being in the moment, and doing something you really want to do, is priceless!

You Might Discover You Are Capable of More Than You Expected

People often arrive at workshops carrying assumptions about themselves.

"I'm not coordinated."

"I'm too old."

"I have no rhythm."

"I won't be able to remember it."

"Everyone else will be better than me."

"I'll look ridiculous."

Then they begin.

Perhaps everything feels unfamiliar at first.

Perhaps there is a moment of complete confusion. Perhaps there are several.

Then one movement starts to make sense.

Then another.

Suddenly you complete a section of choreography.

You find the musical accent.

You hit the pose.

You remember the sequence without watching somebody else.

And there is a wonderfully satisfying moment of: "Oh! I can actually do this!"

Those little victories matter.

Those little victories are joyful.

You Do Not Have to Look Like Anybody Else

Dance is not reserved for one age, gender, shape, size, background, or type of person.

And neither is burlesque.

A room full of adults learning the same choreography will never look identical.

Nor should it.

Bodies move differently.

People interpret movement differently.

Some dancers are naturally powerful.

Some are elegant.

Some are playful.

Some have extraordinary musicality.

Some discover that their strength lies in expression or character.

Part of learning dance is beginning to understand how movement works on your body rather than trying to become a carbon copy of somebody else's.

You are not auditioning for permission to take part.

You have already taken part by walking through the door.

A Workshop Can Be Social Without Being Terrifyingly Social

Trying something new with other people can also create an unusual kind of connection.

You already have something in common.

You're all there to learn the same thing.

People laugh at the same confusing bits.

Celebrate when something finally works.

Exchange the occasional look of mutual bewilderment.

And, generally, you realise quite quickly that everyone else is far too busy remembering their own choreography to scrutinise yours.

You don't have to arrive with somebody else either. Plenty of people attend dance workshops (or classes) alone.

You may leave having spoken to people you would never otherwise have met. Or, you may simply have enjoyed dancing alongside them for a few hours.

Both are fine.

You Can Dress for Movement, Not for a Performance

Another unnecessary worry people sometimes have is: "What am I supposed to wear?"

Unless a particular workshop requires something specific, you are usually coming to learn , not to arrive looking stage-ready.

Comfortable clothing that allows you to move is normally far more useful than elaborate costuming:

Leggings.

Sportswear.

Fitted tops.

Dancewear.

Shorts.

T-shirts.

Whatever is appropriate for that particular workshop, allows you to move comfortably, and allows the teacher to see your movement clearly enough to teach safely.

Footwear may also vary according to the subject. Some people may wear suitable dance heels. Others may use dance shoes, trainers, or flats where appropriate.

Always follow the individual workshop information rather than assuming you need to look like a finished burlesque performer before you've even learned the first eight counts.

You Might Find Something You Didn't Know You Loved

This is perhaps the most interesting thing about trying something new. You don't actually know how you feel about it until you've done it.

You might discover that you love fan dancing.

Or heels.

Or chair work.

Or classic burlesque.

Or slower sensual choreography.

Or something theatrical and completely ridiculous.

You might discover that you enjoy learning choreography far more than you expected.

You might find that you enjoy performing the movement, even if you have absolutely no desire ever to perform publicly.

Or you might discover that a particular workshop simply wasn't your thing.

That is useful information too.

Trying something does not obligate you to love it.

And Then, Occasionally, You Get the Bug

There is always this possibility ...

You book one workshop .

Just one.

You are only trying it.

You enjoy yourself considerably more than expected.

You spend the journey home replaying the music in your head.

At some point later, you find yourself practising the movements while waiting for the kettle to boil.

Then you wonder what the next workshop is.

You look.

Purely out of curiosity.

Obviously.

And somehow another workshop appears in your diary.

That is how the bug gets you.

Quietly.

Joyfully.

Expert-Led Burlesque, Heels and Dance Workshops in Sheffield

At The Velvet Burlesque in Sheffield, workshops are created and taught by multi-award-winning choreographer, teacher, performer, mentor, and producer Lara Gothique , drawing upon more than three decades of professional teaching, choreography, dance, burlesque, cabaret, performance, and mentoring experience.

Workshop subjects vary throughout the year, allowing participants to explore different styles, skills, props, choreography, and aspects of performance.

Some are designed specifically with beginners in mind.

Others offer something different for people who already dance.

Many welcome a mixture of experience levels.

The individual workshop information will always tell you what to expect, whether previous experience is required, what to wear, what to bring, and anything else you need to know before attending.

So, Should You Try a Burlesque or Dance Workshop?

If you keep looking at one and thinking: "I'd really like to do that ..."

Probably, YES!

You don't need to know where it will lead.

It may lead nowhere at all.

You might simply have a fabulous afternoon, learn something new, and go home pleased that you tried it.

That is enough.

Or you might discover something you absolutely love.

There is only one particularly reliable way to find out ...

BOOK THE WORKSHOP , and see what happens!

Ready to Try a Burlesque or Dance Workshop?

Fancy giving it a go?

Explore the latest burlesque and dance workshops in Sheffield with The Velvet Burlesque, and choose the one that catches your attention.

Or, of course ...

Choose them all!

�� View Upcoming Workshops & Book Your Place

BOSS LADY - Lara Gothique
Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

What to Expect at a Burlesque & Heels Dance Class - Sheffield

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 15:26:26 GMT

What to Expect at a Burlesque, Cabaret & Heels Dance Class in Sheffield

By Lara Gothique - Founder of The Velvet Burlesque Multi-Award-Winning Choreographer, Teacher, Performer, Mentor, & Producer

Thinking about trying a burlesque class, heels class, or adult dance class for the first time?

Perhaps you have always wanted to learn burlesque. Perhaps you love the confidence and performance style of heels dance, want to return to dancing after a long break, or simply fancy doing something completely different.

And perhaps another little voice is asking:

What if I can't dance?

What if everyone else is better than me?

Do I have to wear heels?

What should I wear?

Am I fit enough?

Am I too old?

What actually happens when I walk through the door?

If any of that sounds familiar, you are far from alone.

At The Velvet Burlesque in Sheffield , beginners have been taking those first steps into dance, burlesque, cabaret, and performance for decades.

Founded in 1991 and led by multi-award-winning choreographer, teacher, performer, mentor, and producer Lara Gothique , The Velvet Burlesque™ classes combine dance training, choreography, performance skills, musicality, technique, confidence, and an enormous amount of fun.

So, if you have been searching for a burlesque class in Sheffield , wondering whether a heels class might be for you, or simply trying to find an adult dance class where you can start without already knowing what you are doing, here is what you can actually expect.

What Is a Burlesque Dance Class?

A burlesque dance class can encompass far more than many people initially expect.

Burlesque is a broad performance genre, and learning burlesque dance can involve elements of choreography, musicality, characterisation, stage presence, posture, posing, movement quality, comedy, glamour, sensuality, theatricality, and performance technique.

Different routines can create completely different experiences.

One might be elegant, slow, poised, and controlled. Another might be cheeky, energetic, theatrical, dark, powerful, playful, sultry, comedic, or gloriously over-the-top.

At The Velvet Burlesque, choreography can incorporate classic and neo-burlesque, heels dance, chair dance, lap dance-inspired choreography, floorwork, fan dance, silk and veil work, prop-based routines, jazz, Charleston, contemporary influences, and other theatrical dance styles .

That variety is one of the reasons there is no single answer to the question:

"What is burlesque dancing?"

It can be many things.

Learning how to adapt your movement, technique, character, and performance to suit those different styles is part of the experience.

Do I Need Dance Experience to Join a Burlesque Class?

No.

One of the most common worries new students have is that everybody else will already know how to dance.

They don't.

Everyone who dances had a first class once.

At The Velvet Burlesque, the Beginners & Newcomers sessions are specifically designed to allow people with little or no previous dance experience to learn at an achievable pace.

Choreography is broken down into manageable sections, movements are explained and practised, and repetition gives you time to become familiar with what your body is being asked to do.

You are not expected to arrive already knowing dance terminology, choreography, how to perform, or what on earth to do with your arms.

That is what a class is for.

And if you do already dance, there is still plenty to work on.

More experienced students can concentrate on movement quality, technique, transitions, musicality, expression, stage presence, and performance detail rather than simply learning the sequence of steps.

What Happens in a Burlesque, Cabaret or Heels Dance Class?

Every teacher and class is different, but a good dance class should involve considerably more than somebody performing choreography at the front of the room and expecting everyone else to copy it.

At The Velvet Burlesque, learning the routine is only one part of the process.

You may work on:

Posture and body placement
Dance technique
Coordination
Musicality and timing
Weight transfer
Lines and extension
Transitions between movements
Heels technique
Floorwork where appropriate
Poses and performance shapes
Facial expression
Character and personality
Stage presence
Confidence
Performance quality
Choreography and movement memory

Good teaching is not simply about showing you what the choreography looks like. It is about giving you the tools to understand, learn, practise, refine, and eventually perform movement for yourself.

As the weeks progress, the aim is not simply to remember what comes next.

It is to become increasingly comfortable with the choreography so that you can begin thinking about how you perform it .

That is when a collection of learned movements starts becoming a dance.

What Is a Heels Dance Class?

A heels dance class teaches choreography and movement that may be performed in heels, often with an emphasis on posture, lines, confidence, control, musicality, and performance.

However, "heels dance" does not mean that everyone must instantly put on towering shoes and hope for the best.

Footwear should never come before safe movement and good technique.

At The Velvet Burlesque, wearing heels is optional.

You can dance in suitable heels or ankle boots, flat dance shoes, socks, or bare feet depending upon the choreography and your own needs.

If you are completely new to dancing in heels, beginning in flats can allow you to concentrate on learning your body placement, choreography, balance, and movement before introducing another challenge.

Confidence, technique, and safety in heels should be taught well, and slowly developed - not demanded.

Do I Have to Wear High Heels to a Heels or Burlesque Class?

No.

Despite the name, you do not have to wear heels to take part in The Velvet Burlesque burlesque, heels, and cabaret dance classes.

Comfortable, secure footwear is far more important than turning up in a particular style of shoe.

If you want to progress into dancing in heels, you can do that when you feel ready.

Certain footwear is not suitable for this type of class for safety reasons, including slingbacks, platform shoes, and pole-dance style platforms.

If you are unsure where to begin, The Velvet Burlesque also has a Beginner's Guide to Choosing Dance Shoes , which explains the practical things to consider before buying your first pair.

What Should I Wear to a Burlesque or Heels Dance Class?

There is no compulsory glamorous burlesque costume required.

You certainly do not need to arrive looking stage-ready.

For a regular dance class, wear clothing that feels comfortable, allows you to move freely, and lets you concentrate on learning.

That might include:

Leggings
Sportswear
Shorts
A comfortable top
A bodysuit
Dancewear
Layers that you can remove as you warm up

Clothing that allows you to see your general body line can sometimes be useful when working on posture and technique, but feeling physically comfortable matters too.

For routines involving floorwork, dance knee pads are a must to help protect your knees.

Save the feathers and rhinestones for another occasion - unless, of course, you simply enjoy being fabulous on a Monday night.

Do Burlesque Classes Involve Striptease?

Burlesque and striptease have a long historical relationship, but modern burlesque encompasses an enormous spectrum of performance styles.

A burlesque dance class should not be confused with an expectation that you will automatically be required to remove clothing.

At The Velvet Burlesque, classes explore a wide variety of burlesque, heels, cabaret, theatrical, and performance-based dance styles, and the content changes according to the particular routine being taught.

The emphasis is on dance, choreography, technique, confidence, musicality, and performance .

The details of any specialist workshop or routine are made clear in advance so that students know what they are booking.

Do I Have to Perform If I Join a Burlesque Class?

No.

Taking a burlesque, cabaret, or heels dance class does not mean that you are committing yourself to becoming a stage performer.

Some people attend because they love dancing.

Some want to improve their fitness or coordination.

Some enjoy learning choreography and developing confidence.

Some want a creative outlet or simply an enjoyable adult dance class.

Others already perform, or eventually decide that they would like to explore performance more seriously.

At The Velvet Burlesque, performance skills such as musicality, expression, stage presence, character, and movement quality are part of the training because they can make you a stronger and more expressive dancer - whether or not you ever intend to step onto a public stage.

For those who do want to develop their performance skills further, The Velvet Burlesque also has its own multi-award-winning show troupe - winner of “Best British Burlesque Troupe” at The Burlesque Awards - giving suitably experienced dancers the opportunity to progress towards professional performance when they are ready.

But attending class and becoming a performer are two very different things.

Am I Too Old to Start Dance Classes?

Adults often assume that dance is something they ought to have started as children.

It isn't.

There is no expiry date on learning how to move.

Adult dance classes exist precisely because people start, restart, and rediscover dance at all different stages of life.

Some people come to The Velvet Burlesque having danced for years.

Others have not danced since school.

Some have never taken a dance class in their lives.

Being an adult beginner does not mean you are "behind".

You are simply beginning.

Do I Need to Be Fit, Slim or Flexible to Start Burlesque Dancing?

No particular fitness level or body type is required before you start.

You do not need to "get fit first" before you are allowed to take a dance class.

You do not need to be exceptionally flexible.

And there is no prerequisite burlesque body.

Dance is something bodies do , not a reward that particular bodies earn the right to access.

With regular practice, dance itself can help to develop coordination, stamina, strength, flexibility, balance, body awareness, and movement confidence.

The starting point is simply wherever you are now.

Are Burlesque and Heels Classes Suitable for All Genders?

Yes.

Burlesque, cabaret, and heels dance are not restricted to one gender, one body type, or one particular kind of person.

The Velvet Burlesque welcomes all adults aged 18+ , regardless of gender, ethnicity, shape, size, fitness level, or previous dance experience.

What matters is an interest in learning, moving, developing your skills, and enjoying the experience.

Burlesque offers enormous scope for individuality.

Different dancers can interpret the same choreography in completely different ways, and nobody needs to conform to one particular idea of what a burlesque or heels dancer is "supposed" to look like.

There is no single burlesque body, burlesque personality, or burlesque identity.

There is simply you - learning how to use movement, musicality, technique, and performance in your own way.

Can I Join a Dance Class If I Have a Disability or Additional Access Needs?

Potentially, yes.

Having a disability does not automatically mean that dance, burlesque, or performance training is inaccessible to you.

The Velvet Burlesque has experience accommodating students who are partially sighted, hard of hearing, use mobility aids or wheelchairs, or have prosthetic or bionic limbs.

Movement and choreography can sometimes be adapted according to individual requirements and the particular routine being taught.

If you have an access requirement, disability, injury, or anything else that may affect how you participate, contact Lara Gothique before attending so that your requirements can be discussed and any appropriate adaptations considered.

The aim is not to make everybody's movement look identical.

The aim is to help people participate as safely, confidently, and effectively as possible.

What If I Have Two Left Feet?

Then bring both of them.

"I can't dance" is something dance teachers hear remarkably often from people who have not actually been taught how to dance yet.

Learning choreography is a skill.

Remembering sequences is a skill.

Coordinating your arms and legs is a skill.

Understanding musicality is a skill.

Finding your balance, transferring your weight, performing a movement cleanly, and feeling comfortable moving in front of other people are all skills.

And skills can be learned.

Some movements will click immediately.

Others may temporarily make you wonder whether your limbs have entered into a private agreement to ignore your brain completely.

That is normal too.

Progress comes through learning, repetition, correction, practice, and allowing yourself enough time to improve.

Will Everyone Be Watching Me?

This is another extremely common beginner worry.

Usually, people are far too busy concentrating on their own feet.

A supportive adult dance class should be a learning environment - not an audition.

You are there to practise.

You are allowed to get something wrong.

You are allowed to forget choreography.

You are allowed - and indeed expected - to ask questions.

You are allowed to need something demonstrated again.

And you are absolutely allowed to be a beginner.

Will I Be Filmed During Class?

Not as a matter of course.

Filming during The Velvet Burlesque classes is prohibited unless it has been explicitly approved by Lara Gothique.

This protects the privacy of the people attending and allows students to concentrate on learning without feeling that their practice is automatically becoming somebody else's social media content.

A dance class should be somewhere you can learn, make mistakes, experiment, and improve.

Not every moment needs to be performed for a camera.

Can I Come to a Dance Class on My Own?

Absolutely.

You do not need to persuade a friend to come with you before you can start dancing.

Many people attend their first class alone.

In fact, joining an established dance class can be a brilliant way of meeting people because you immediately have something in common - you are all there learning the same choreography, occasionally making the same mistakes, and usually laughing about them together.

Coming alone does not mean spending the evening alone.

How Long Does It Take to Learn a Burlesque Dance Routine?

There is no universal answer because choreography varies enormously in length and difficulty.

At The Velvet Burlesque, regular class routines are usually developed over a number of weeks rather than being rushed through in one session.

That allows students to become familiar with each section, revisit earlier choreography, and gradually develop the technical and performance details.

Learning the steps is the first layer.

Then comes cleaning the choreography.

Then technique.

Then musicality.

Then transitions.

Then expression.

Then performance.

Experienced dancers understand that repeatedly returning to choreography is not a sign that you have not learned it properly.

It is often exactly how you learn to perform it properly.

What If I Miss the Beginning of the Routine?

You have not necessarily missed your chance.

People can join The Velvet Burlesque classes during an existing choreography block, and the repetitive teaching structure helps students become familiar with material that has already been introduced.

For some complete beginners, beginning at the start of a brand-new routine can feel particularly comfortable because everybody is learning from the first movement together.

But you do not have to spend months waiting for the mythical "perfect time" to begin.

If you are unsure, contact Lara Gothique and ask which current session would be the most suitable starting point.

Is Burlesque Dance Just About Confidence?

Confidence is certainly one benefit people associate with burlesque and heels classes, but good training should offer far more than vague encouragement to "feel confident" or "feel sexy".

Confidence can grow from competence .

Understanding what you are doing.

Improving your technique.

Learning how your body moves.

Recognising musical cues.

Discovering how a small adjustment can completely transform a movement.

Remembering choreography that seemed impossible a few weeks earlier.

Standing differently because you understand your placement.

Performing deliberately instead of apologetically.

Those achievements are tangible.

And sometimes the most powerful confidence boost is not being told you can do something.

It is suddenly realising that you just did.

Is Burlesque a Proper Dance Class?

It certainly can be.

The word "burlesque" describes the genre.

It does not determine the quality of the teaching.

Professional burlesque dance training involves many of the same fundamental skills found throughout dance and theatrical performance, including posture, coordination, musicality, movement quality, choreography, stagecraft, expression, technique, spatial awareness, and safe physical practice.

This is also why the experience and knowledge of the person teaching you matters.

A fun class and a technically informed class do not have to be opposites.

You can laugh, experiment, enjoy yourself, build confidence, and still receive expert-led dance tuition.

How Do I Choose a Good Adult Dance, Burlesque or Heels Class?

Do not judge a class purely by how impressive the teacher looks performing, or by the highlights on their social media accounts.

Being a good performer does not automatically make someone a good teacher.

Performing and teaching are different skills, and a strong teacher needs to be able to explain movement clearly, break choreography down effectively, adapt to different learners, correct technique, prioritise safety, and help students progress - not simply demonstrate what they themselves can do.

Being an accomplished performer and being able to teach other people effectively and safely are different skills.

Before joining any adult dance class, it is reasonable to consider:

The teacher's professional experience
Their teaching experience
Relevant training and qualifications
How long they have been teaching
Whether beginners are genuinely catered for
Whether choreography is properly explained
Whether physical safety is taken seriously
Whether different experience levels are accommodated
Whether you can ask questions
Whether class information and policies are clear
Whether the environment feels professional and supportive
Independent online reviews and student feedback
Awards or recognised achievements specifically relating to teaching or tuition

A good teacher should be able to explain not only what movement they want you to perform, but how to approach it and why technique matters.

Why Learn With The Velvet Burlesque?

The Velvet Burlesque was established in Sheffield in 1991 , giving the company more than three and a half decades of experience across dance, burlesque, cabaret, performance, choreography, production, and live entertainment.

Classes are led by founder and multi-award-winning choreographer, teacher, performer, mentor and producer Lara Gothique , whose experience encompasses both teaching people taking their very first dance steps and developing the skills of experienced dancers and performers.

That crossover matters.

You are not simply learning a sequence of moves.

You are learning how movement works as performance .

The Velvet Burlesque approach combines choreography with technique, musicality, confidence, character, expression, stage presence, and the small details that transform movement from simply completing steps into actually dancing them.

What Levels of Burlesque, Cabaret & Heels Dance Classes Are Available in Sheffield?

The Velvet Burlesque offers different class options to accommodate different experience levels.

Beginners & Newcomers - Monday and Thursday

These sessions welcome complete beginners, people returning to dance, students new to The Velvet Burlesque, and more experienced dancers who want to continue developing their technique and performance.

Intermediate to Advanced - Friday

This session goes deeper into choreography, technique, musicality, performance quality, stage presence, refinement, and existing Velvet Burlesque repertoire.

Experienced dancers who are new to The Velvet Burlesque are also welcome, but should contact Lara Gothique before booking so the most appropriate starting point can be discussed.

Please visit our website page for full guidance on class levels to ensure you book the right session for you.

Where Are The Velvet Burlesque Dance Classes Held?

The Velvet Burlesque weekly burlesque, heels, and cabaret dance classes and workshops are held in Sheffield, at Chapeltown Community Centre in S35.

The venue has free private parking, and classes are for adults aged 18+.

For current class times, availability, prices, upcoming choreography start dates, and booking information, visit the Burlesque, Heels & Cabaret Dance Classes in Sheffield page.

Thinking About Trying Your First Burlesque or Heels Dance Class?

You do not need to wait until you are fitter.

You do not need to buy the perfect heels.

You do not need previous dance training.

You do not need to bring a friend.

You do not need to want to become a performer.

And you certainly do not need to somehow learn how to dance before coming to a dance class.

You just need to begin.

Whether you are searching for burlesque classes in Sheffield, heels dance classes, adult beginner dance classes, cabaret dance training , or simply something exciting and completely different to do, The Velvet Burlesque offers expert-led classes where beginners can learn alongside experienced dancers in a supportive, professional, and wonderfully theatrical environment.

Come and discover what you are capable of.

Explore The Velvet Burlesque Burlesque, Heels & Cabaret Dance Classes in Sheffield and book your next class.

BOSS LADY - Lara Gothique
Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

Private Event Entertainment Ideas | The Velvet Burlesque

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 10:34:51 GMT

Private Event Entertainment Ideas | The Velvet Burlesque

Planning a private party, corporate event, wedding, birthday, hen party, celebration, product launch, awards evening, or special occasion and wondering what kind of entertainment you can actually book?

The answer may be far more exciting than you think.

Live event entertainment does not have to mean simply booking one performer, putting them on a stage for ten minutes, and sending them home again.

It can begin from the moment your guests arrive.

It can transform an otherwise empty reception space.

It can appear unexpectedly between courses.

It can create spectacle, interaction, atmosphere, photographs, talking points, and moments your guests genuinely remember.

It can be sophisticated, glamorous, theatrical, playful, immersive, spectacular, intimate, or completely unexpected.

And, importantly, you do not necessarily need to know exactly what you want before you enquire.

At The Velvet Burlesque™, multi-award-winning choreographer, performer, curator, producer, teacher, mentor, and creative director Lara Gothique can work with you to explore your event, audience, venue, ideas, and overall vision, then shape a bespoke entertainment experience around them.

From a single feature performance to a carefully curated combination of burlesque, cabaret, circus, variety, showgirls, drag, comedy, interactive experiences, walkabout performers, and ambient entertainment, there are countless ways to make live performance part of your event.

So, what could you book?

A FEATURE BURLESQUE OR CABARET PERFORMANCE

Sometimes one perfectly placed performance is all an event needs.

A professional solo burlesque, cabaret, dance, or speciality performer can provide a striking focal point during an evening, with the performance scheduled to create maximum impact.

That might mean an act:

after dinner
between courses
before speeches
following an awards presentation
as part of an evening reception
during a birthday celebration
as a surprise for guests
as the opening to a party
as part of a larger entertainment programme

The right act can completely change the energy of a room.

Rather than entertainment simply happening in the background, everyone suddenly has something to watch, react to, talk about, photograph, and remember.

For events where space, timings, or budget do not lend themselves to a full-scale production, a carefully chosen feature performance can make an enormous impact.

MULTIPLE PERFORMERS OR A FULL CABARET EXPERIENCE

If you want something bigger, you are not limited to one act.

A private or corporate event can include a carefully curated selection of performers appearing throughout the evening.

Burlesque can sit alongside cabaret, circus, comedy, magic, drag, dance, sideshow, speciality acts, and other forms of variety entertainment to create a programme specifically suited to the occasion.

This could involve several individual feature performances or develop into something closer to a private cabaret show.

The important word here is curated .

Putting together an effective entertainment programme is about far more than simply finding several available acts.

Performance styles need to complement one another. Running order matters. Energy needs to rise and fall appropriately. Technical requirements, costume changes, backstage logistics, timings, audience expectations, and the wider atmosphere of the event all need consideration.

This is where experienced entertainment curation and show production can make a considerable difference.

SHOWGIRLS, FEATURE PERFORMANCES & ENSEMBLES

A solo showgirl can provide an extraordinary visual focal point, creating an immediate sense of glamour, spectacle, and occasion.

Professional showgirl, burlesque, cabaret, dance, or speciality performers can appear as striking feature acts, welcome guests, create unforgettable entrances, or become part of the atmosphere of the event itself.

For events requiring something larger, multiple performers, coordinated ensembles, or troupe performances can also be considered, depending on the individual brief, venue, and scale of the event.

They can work beautifully for:

corporate functions
gala dinners
awards evenings
themed celebrations
birthday parties
hen parties
stag parties
product launches
weddings
private events
hospitality occasions
theatrical or cabaret-themed events

From a single feature performer to a carefully curated ensemble, the format can be tailored to suit the space, audience, and atmosphere of the event, with larger casts offering additional choreographic impact, coordinated costuming, and theatrical spectacle.

BURLESQUE AND SHOWGIRL HOSTESSES

Not all entertainment needs to happen on a stage.

Professional burlesque or showgirl hostesses can become part of the fabric of an event itself.

They might welcome guests as they arrive, provide meet and greet, mingle during reception drinks, create glamorous photo opportunities, assist with selected hospitality elements, or appear at carefully planned moments throughout the evening.

For the right occasion, this can be particularly effective because guests encounter the entertainment rather than simply sitting down to watch it.

Imagine arriving at an elegant private party to be greeted by spectacularly costumed showgirls.

Visualise walking into a themed corporate event where performers already inhabit the space.

Watch as beautifully styled hostesses appear throughout an evening, with costuming and presentation evolving as the celebration progresses.

When seamlessly woven into the event, the entertainment begins the moment your guests arrive - creating intrigue, excitement, and the unmistakable feeling that something extraordinary is about to unfold.

MEET AND GREET ENTERTAINMENT

First impressions matter.

Meet and greet performers can establish the tone of an event from the moment the doors open.

Instead of guests arriving in a room and simply waiting for something to happen, they are immediately welcomed into an experience.

This can be glamorous, theatrical, eccentric, elegant, playful, mysterious, or entirely themed around your occasion.

Meet and greet entertainment is particularly effective for events where organisers want guests to feel that they have entered a different world from the moment they arrive.

It can also create fantastic opportunities for photographs and social media content while guests are fresh, excited, and dressed for a special occasion.

WALKABOUT AND AMBIENT PERFORMERS

Some entertainment is designed to be discovered.

Walkabout and ambient performers can move throughout an event, interact with guests, inhabit themed environments, create visual moments, and bring otherwise transitional parts of an evening to life.

Rather than asking everybody to stop and watch a formal performance, ambient entertainment becomes part of the atmosphere.

This can work particularly well during:

drinks receptions
networking periods
arrival
room changes
dinner service
intervals
outdoor events
themed environments
large venues
immersive events

For events with several rooms or distinct areas, walkabout performance can also help connect the experience and keep the entertainment alive beyond the main stage.

ENTERTAINMENT FOR MILESTONE BIRTHDAYS AND PRIVATE PARTIES

A significant birthday deserves more than a playlist and a buffet.

Private celebrations offer enormous scope for bespoke entertainment because they can be designed around the personality of the person celebrating.

Perhaps you want sophisticated burlesque performances throughout dinner.

Perhaps glamorous hostesses would fit the occasion perfectly.

Perhaps you want a full cabaret line-up.

Perhaps you would prefer a private dance workshop earlier in the day followed by live entertainment in the evening.

Or perhaps you simply know that you want something spectacular, memorable, and a little unexpected, but have no idea what format that should take.

That is absolutely fine.

You do not need to drop into our inbox with a completed production plan.

CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT DOES NOT HAVE TO FEEL CORPORATE

Corporate entertainment has a reputation for sometimes being rather safe.

It does not have to be.

Conferences, hospitality events, awards evenings, product launches, company celebrations, dinners, networking occasions, and corporate parties can all benefit from professionally planned live entertainment.

The style and content can be adapted to the audience, setting, occasion, and brand.

Entertainment might be used to:

create impact at guest arrival
energise an awards ceremony
provide a feature moment during dinner
support a themed environment
entertain between formal sections
create social-media-friendly visual moments
bring personality to a product launch
turn a company celebration into an actual event

The key is choosing entertainment because it enhances the occasion, rather than adding an act simply because an agenda says "entertainment".

WEDDING RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT

Your first dance is not the only performance that can happen at a wedding.

Professional burlesque, cabaret, dance, circus, and variety entertainment can add an unexpected theatrical moment to a wedding reception and give guests something very different from the traditional evening format.

A feature act might appear between the wedding breakfast and evening reception.

A troupe could open the evening celebrations.

Performers could greet guests as they enter a particular part of the venue.

A carefully curated cabaret section could become one of the highlights of the night.

For couples who want to become the performers themselves, The Velvet Burlesque™ offers bespoke wedding first dance choreography and private tuition with Lara Gothique - from a simple, elegant entrance to a fully choreographed showpiece designed around you, your music, and your celebration.

PRIVATE BURLESQUE, CABARET AND HEELS WORKSHOPS

Sometimes the guests should be part of the entertainment.

Expert-led private burlesque, cabaret, heels, and dance workshops can be created for hen parties, birthdays, friendship groups, corporate events, celebrations, organisations, and special occasions.

These do not need to be about performing publicly afterwards.

They can simply be an opportunity to try something different together.

A private workshop can explore choreography, musicality, theatrical performance, movement, confidence, character, and style within an enjoyable group setting.

Sessions can also be adapted according to the experience and requirements of the participants.

For some groups, this can be far more memorable than another passive activity because everybody shares the experience together.

BESPOKE EXPERIENCES BEYOND PERFORMANCE

A private booking does not necessarily have to involve hiring somebody to perform at your event.

The Velvet Burlesque™ also provides professional services for performers, organisations, producers, and creatives.

These can include:

bespoke choreography
act mentoring
stage presence coaching
audition and performance coaching
creative direction
entertainment curation
performer booking
show production consultancy
burlesque history talks
panels and guest lectures
one-off dance and fitness sessions
inclusive interactive sessions

This is particularly useful where a client has an idea but needs professional help turning that idea into something workable.

You may already have performers but need choreography.

You may have an event concept but need help shaping its entertainment.

You may be producing a show and require experienced input into programming, running order, backstage logistics, audience experience, or overall creative direction.

You may be a performer developing a new act.

Or you may simply need somebody with decades of experience to look at the bigger picture.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT

This is perhaps the most important point.

People often assume they need to decide precisely what entertainment they want before approaching a professional.

You don't.

You might simply know:

"We're planning an elegant 50th birthday for around 100 guests."

"We want something spectacular for our awards evening."

"Our wedding is quite theatrical and we want entertainment that fits."

"We have a large venue and don't want it to feel empty when guests arrive."

"We want people to walk in and immediately know this isn't going to be an ordinary corporate event."

"We'd like burlesque, but we're not sure what would actually work."

That is enough to begin a conversation.

Useful information might include your event date, location, venue, approximate guest numbers, timings, type of occasion, audience, overall atmosphere, and any ideas you already have.

From there, the possibilities can be explored.

BESPOKE MEANS BESPOKE

There is a significant difference between selecting an act from a catalogue and designing entertainment around an event.

Every venue is different.

Every audience is different.

A performance that works beautifully in a theatre may not suit a private dining room.

An entertainment format that works for 500 corporate guests may overwhelm a party of 50.

A beautiful act may be entirely wrong for the tone of a particular event.

Good event entertainment needs to consider more than the performance itself.

It needs to consider where it happens, when it happens, who is watching, what happens immediately before it, what happens afterwards, and what you want the audience or your guests to feel.

That wider thinking is at the heart of bespoke entertainment.

CREATING AN EXPERIENCE YOUR GUESTS WILL REMEMBER

The best events have moments people talk about afterwards.

The unexpected arrival.

The incredible costume.

The performer who suddenly appeared between courses.

The showgirls greeting everyone at the door.

The act nobody knew was coming.

The room erupting at the end of a performance.

The photograph everybody wants.

The moment when a party stops feeling like simply another party.

That is what carefully planned live entertainment can create.

The Velvet Burlesque™ , founded by Lara Gothique , provides professional burlesque, cabaret, dance, circus, variety entertainment, creative services, and bespoke experiences for private and corporate clients.

Whether you already know exactly what you would like or simply have the beginnings of an idea, we would be delighted to explore the possibilities with you.

PLANNING A PRIVATE OR CORPORATE EVENT?

Discover the full range of Corporate Entertainment, Private Events & Bespoke Experiences available through The Velvet Burlesque™, and contact Lara Gothique to discuss your event, ideas, and requirements.

Explore Corporate & Private Bookings

BOSS LADY - Lara Gothique
Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

Don’t Ever Be Afraid To Be A Beginner - Confidence, Growth & Starting Something New

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 18:24:49 GMT

Don't Ever Be Afraid Of Being A Beginner!

(In Anything!)

Feeling nervous about starting something new?

Discover why being a beginner is powerful, how to build confidence, and why every expert once started exactly where you are.

Let me tell you something -

Being a beginner is not embarrassing.

It is not 'weak', and it is absolutely not something to apologise for.

It is, quite simply, where everything begins.

And yet, it’s one of the biggest things that holds people back.

✨ THE LIE WE TELL OURSELVES

“I’ll start when I feel more confident.”

“I’ll come to class / go to the gym (etc.) when I’m fitter.”

“I’ll try that when I’m not such a beginner.”

No. You won’t!

Because confidence doesn’t come before you start - it comes because you start.

Every single person you admire. Every performer on stage. Every confident, capable, powerful human being. They all started as beginners who had no idea what they were doing.

And, yes - that was me, too.

✨ FROM BEGINNER TO BOSS LADY

When I first started my business in 1991, I didn’t have a roadmap.

There was no Instagram.

No YouTube tutorials.

No “how to build a burlesque and cabaret empire” handbook.

It was built on instinct, experience, resilience, and a relentless commitment to showing up - and not giving up each time things got bloody hard.

I learned through:

Trying
Failing
Adjusting
Repeating the above - many, many times!
Showing up again anyway

And that’s still the process now.

Because here’s the harsh truth that most people don’t want to hear:

✨ THERE IS NO SHORTCUT PAST BEING A BEGINNER

You cannot skip it.

You cannot 'life hack' it.

You cannot magically arrive fully formed.

Whether it’s:

Dance
Fitness
Business
Performing
Confidence
Life in general

You will always have a “Day One.”

And Day One will feel:

Awkward
Uncomfortable
Exposing
A bit bloody terrifying

GOOD! That means you’re doing it properly.

✨ WHAT BEING A BEGINNER ACTUALLY MEANS

It means:

You’re brave enough to try
You're open to learning
You're stepping outside your comfort zone
You're investing in yourself

That is not weakness. That is power.

Beginners don't have bad habits to unlearn. They actually have something valuable, even if they don't yet realise it - an open mind, and the opportunity to build strong foundations from day one.

✨ IN MY CLASSES – THIS MATTERS

This is exactly why, at The Velvet Burlesque™ , I structure everything the way I do.

You are not expected to walk in and know what you’re doing.

You are expected to simply:

Show up
Try
Repeat
TRUST THE PROCESS! (One of my favourite phrases!)

Every routine is broken down step-by-step.

Every session includes repetition and revision.

Every single person in that room started somewhere.

No one is watching you thinking “they’re a beginner.” They’re thinking: “They showed up - just like I once did.”

✨ THE REAL RISK ISN’T STARTING – IT’S NOT STARTING

Let’s flip it for a second.

What actually happens if you don’t start?

You stay stuck
You stay frustrated
You stay wondering “what if?”

And months (or years) go by anyway. The time will pass regardless.

The only question is: Do you still want to be standing at the starting line, or be miles down the road?

✨ BOSS LADY WISDOM

You do not need to feel ready.

You need to be willing.

Start messy.

Start nervous.

Start unsure.

But START.

Because the version of you who is confident, skilled, and powerful?

That version is built - step by step - by the beginner who simply decided to show up anyway.

✨ READY TO BEGIN?

• Book your DANCE CLASS or WORKSHOP NOW!

Trust the process!

BOSS LADY - Lara Gothique
Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

© Lara Gothique - The Velvet Burlesque™
All content, text, and imagery are the original work of Lara Gothique - The Velvet Burlesque™ unless otherwise stated.

Private Burlesque Dance Tuition, Act Development & Bespoke Choreography Sheffield | The Velvet Burlesque

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 23:24:38 GMT

Private Burlesque Dance Tuition, Act Development & Bespoke Choreography Sheffield | The Velvet Burlesque

Develop your burlesque, dance, or cabaret act with professional guidance from Lara Gothique - multi-award-winning performer, producer, choreographer, teacher, mentor, and founder of The Velvet Burlesque.

✨ PRIVATE BURLESQUE DANCE TUITION, ACT DEVELOPMENT & BESPOKE CHOREOGRAPHY

Creating a strong burlesque, dance, or cabaret act takes far more than simply learning steps, adding a few tricks, choosing a costume, and getting something onto a stage.

A well-developed act needs structure, musicality, stagecraft, character, confidence, performance quality, costume awareness, timing, and a clear sense of intention.

That is why private burlesque dance tuition, act development, mentoring, and bespoke choreography are available with Lara Gothique - founder, curator, and producer of The Velvet Burlesque™.

This specialist one-to-one performer development support is designed for those creating a first solo, refining an existing routine, preparing for a performance opportunity, or seeking longer-term guidance with choreography, stagecraft, musicality, confidence, and performance quality.

✨ CREATING AN ACT TAKES MORE THAN CHOREOGRAPHY

Choreography is only one part of the process.

A strong act also needs to consider:

How the routine is structured
Whether the music supports the concept
How the performer moves between sections
Where the moments of impact, stillness, tease, or reveal sit
How costume, props, and technical elements affect the flow
Whether the act has clarity, character, and performance intention
Whether the performer feels confident, prepared, and connected to the work

It is very easy to create “a routine.” It takes far more care, detail, and experience to develop an act that feels considered, polished, and performance-ready.

✨ WHY PRIVATE ACT DEVELOPMENT MATTERS

Private act development gives you focused, individual attention on the work you are creating.

Rather than trying to make generic choreography fit your body, experience, music, or performance context, the support is tailored to you.

This may include looking at:

Choreography you have already created
Musicality, timing, and structure
Transitions and flow
Character and stage presence
Costume and reveal structure
Prop work or technical elements
Performance quality and audience connection
Professional expectations around performing publicly

The aim is not simply to get something “finished.” The aim is to help you understand what your act needs, what is already working, what may need strengthening, and how to move forward with greater confidence and clarity.

✨ SUPPORT FOR FIRST SOLOS AND EMERGING PERFORMERS

Creating a first solo can feel exciting, exposing, confusing, and slightly overwhelming all at once.

There may be questions around music, character, costume, stage name, act structure, reveals, performance opportunities, and whether the work is ready to be seen publicly.

For emerging performers, private act development can also include discussion around the wider professional aspects of performing, such as:

Whether your chosen stage name is already in use
Whether the opportunity is paid, unpaid, or expenses-only
Whether you have been given a performer agreement or contract
Public Liability Insurance
Risk Assessments
Booking expectations
Working professionally with producers, venues, and other performers

These practical considerations matter. They are part of building a strong foundation as a performer, and they are just as important as the choreography itself.

✨ BESPOKE CHOREOGRAPHY AND PERFORMER MENTORING

For some performers, a single act development session may be enough to clarify direction and identify the next steps.

For others, the work may require more detailed support, substantial redevelopment, or full bespoke choreography.

Bespoke burlesque and dance choreography is a premium, fully tailored service for performers who want a complete routine created specifically for them.

Act Mentoring is also available for performers who want longer-term support beyond one particular routine. This may include continued work on choreography, musicality, stage presence, character, stagecraft, act structure, confidence, costume development, performance quality, and professional expectations.

All private act development, mentoring, and bespoke choreography work is quoted individually, allowing the support to be tailored properly to the performer, concept, music, technical requirements, and level of creative development needed.

✨ WORK WITH LARA GOTHIQUE

Lara Gothique is the founder, curator, and producer of The Velvet Burlesque™ - an award-winning burlesque and cabaret teaching, performance, and production business with a professional legacy dating back to 1991.

With decades of experience as a professional performer, choreographer, producer, teacher, and mentor, Lara brings together practical stage knowledge, choreographic structure, musicality, performance detail, stagecraft, creative direction, producer insight, professional standards, and real-world industry understanding.

This is private tuition rooted in professional experience, not generic dance or act coaching.

✨ EXPLORE PRIVATE TUITION AND ACT DEVELOPMENT

Whether you are creating your first solo, refining an existing routine, preparing for a performance opportunity, or looking for longer-term mentoring, private act development offers focused support designed around you and your work.

The aim is to help you create something considered, confident, performance-ready, and genuinely yours.

The strongest performers do not just put routines on stage - they build acts with intention, detail, and presence. If you are ready to develop work that feels considered, confident, and genuinely performance-ready, this is where that next stage begins.

Read the full service details here: PRIVATE BURLESQUE DANCE TUITION, ACT DEVELOPMENT & BESPOKE CHOREOGRAPHY

BOSS LADY - Lara Gothique
Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

© Lara Gothique - The Velvet Burlesque™
All content, text, and imagery are the original work of Lara Gothique - The Velvet Burlesque™ unless otherwise stated.

Don’t Rush Learning The Skills Behind The Dance Routine

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 22:22:44 GMT

Don’t Rush Learning The Skills Behind The Dance Routine

Lara Gothique explains why learning burlesque, heels, cabaret, and dance routines properly takes time, patience, body awareness, musicality, safety, and skill - not just rushing towards performance.

Buckle up - it’s a long one. But if you’ve ever rushed a routine, wanted to perform before you were ready, or wondered why I keep banging on about technique, safety, musicality, and transitions - this one is definitely for you.

If I have ever taught you, choreographed you, or mentored you, you will already know this is a huge part of my teaching.

With decades of professional performing, teaching, choreography, and mentoring behind me, this is one of the subjects I will always highlight, because it matters.

✨ DON’T RUSH LEARNING THE SKILLS BEHIND THE DANCE ROUTINE

In a world where everything is instant, fast, filtered, and expected to look fabulous within six seconds, it can be very tempting to walk into a dance class, learn one routine, and immediately think: “I want to perform this as soon as possible”.

I love seeing people excited, inspired, and suddenly realising there is a whole glittering world of performance, power, expression, and stage presence waiting for them.

But, here is the important part -

Learning a routine is not the same as learning how to dance, and learning how to dance is not the same as learning how to perform that dance.

Learning choreography is not the same as learning the skill, control, safety, technique, musicality, and body awareness needed to perform it well. That is where the real work begins.

I do not teach choreography as “just learn the steps and hope for the best”.

I teach movement, technique, safety, body awareness, musicality, confidence, control, and performance quality - because that is what helps dancers and performers build something solid, safe, and genuinely powerful.

✨ A DANCE ROUTINE IS MORE THAN JUST REMEMBERING THE STEPS

When you watch a polished performer on stage, it can look effortless.

The walk looks simple.

The pose looks natural.

The turn looks smooth.

The hair flick looks fabulous.

The transition looks like it just happened by magic.

But behind all of that is training . Lots of training!

There is muscle control.

There is balance.

There is timing.

There is strength.

There is coordination.

There is an understanding of weight placement, posture, body lines, transitions, stage direction, performance quality, and how to move safely, without throwing yourself around like Bambi on ice.

A routine is not just a list of moves placed one after the other. A routine is a structure.

Each movement needs intention.

Each transition needs clarity.

Each pose needs control.

Each accent needs timing.

Each shape needs awareness.

You are not just learning “what comes next”.

You are learning how to move.

✨ YOU NEED TO LEARN THE SKILL BEFORE YOU SHOW THE SKILL

If you want to show yourself off to the best of your ability, you need to give yourself time to learn the skill properly.

That does not mean you need to be perfect.

Nobody starts perfect.

(Almost) Nobody walks into their first burlesque, heels or cabaret dance class with flawless technique, polished transitions, professional stage presence, and the ability to hit every musical accent as if they were born under a spotlight.

Skills take time.

Confidence takes time.

Performance quality takes time.

Understanding your own body takes time.

And rushing that process usually does not make someone look more ready. It often makes them look less ready, because the body (and the mind) has not yet had time to understand what it is doing.

✨ SAFETY MATTERS - ESPECIALLY IN DANCE AND PERFORMANCE

I'm always banging on about this! This is one of the biggest reasons I will always encourage students to slow down and learn properly.

Dance should feel exciting, empowering, expressive, and challenging - but it also needs to be safe .

You need to understand how to place your feet.

How to protect your knees. How to protect all your joints!

How to use your core.

How to control and isolate your hips, shoulders, spine, and arms.

How to move through transitions without twisting, yanking, forcing, or collapsing.

How to build strength and flexibility gradually.

How to know the difference between a movement feeling unfamiliar and a movement being genuinely unsafe for your body.

This is especially important in all forms of dance - ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, street dance, burlesque, cabaret, heels, chair work, floor work - the list goes on.

Whether you are working on turns, poses, walks, drops, bends, balances, isolations, transitions, or any choreography that requires control, sensuality, power, or dramatic presentation, your body needs time to understand the movement properly.

The goal is not just to do the move.

The goal is to do the move well.

The goal is to do the move safely.

The goal is to do the move in a way that supports your body rather than punishes it.

✨ MUSCLE CONTROL IS PART OF THE MAGIC

I'm always banging on about this too!

A lot of people underestimate how much control goes into performance.

The best performers are not simply throwing shapes and hoping for applause. They are controlling the speed, energy, texture, and intention of each movement.

They know when to hold back.

They know when to explode.

They know when to melt.

They know when to hit a pose and make the whole room look.

That level of control does not happen overnight.

It comes from repetition.

It comes from listening.

It comes from corrections.

It comes from repeating the same movement again and again and again until your body begins to understand it.

That is why I say it constantly in class: TRUST THE PROCESS . Because the process is where the skill lives.

✨ MUSICALITY IS NOT OPTIONAL

You can know every single step in a routine and still not be dancing (or performing) with the music.

Musicality is what turns choreography from “I remembered the order” into “I felt that”.

It is learning where the accents are.

Where the pauses are.

Where the drama sits.

Where the comedy lands.

Where the breath belongs.

Where the audience should be drawn in.

Where the movement needs to be sharp, soft, slow, teasing, powerful, playful, or still.

In dance, musicality is everything.

A pause can be just as powerful as a kick.

A glance can be just as effective as a turn.

A slow glove peel, a shoulder roll, a walk, or a perfectly timed eyebrow raise can say more than a frantic burst of movement ever could.

But you need time to learn that.

You need time to understand how music is structured, and how to hear the music differently.

You need time to understand how your body responds to sound, rhythm, emotion, and timing.

✨ TRANSITIONS ARE WHERE MANY ROUTINES FALL APART

Everyone loves the big moments -

The pose.

The reveal.

The dramatic turn.

The fabulous finish.

But the real giveaway of skill is often what happens between the big moments.

Transitions matter.

How you get from one move to the next matters.

How you turn around matters.

How you walk back matters.

How you recover matters.

How you prepare for the next section matters.

A routine can have brilliant movements within, but if the transitions are rushed, messy, unsafe, or uncertain, the whole thing loses polish. This is why I often work on details that may seem small at first.

Where your foot goes.

Where your weight shifts.

Where your arm, hand, and fingers finish.

Where your eyes look.

When you breathe.

When you hold.

When you move.

Angles.

Shapes.

Directions.

These tiny details are not there to annoy you, slow you down, or make the class feel too repetitive. They are there to help you move better, become stronger, stay safer, refine your technique, and feel more confident.

✨ PERFORMING TOO SOON CAN KNOCK YOUR CONFIDENCE

I understand the urge to perform quickly. It is exciting. It is glamorous. It gives you something to aim for. But performing before you have built enough skill can sometimes do the opposite of what you want.

Instead of feeling empowered, you may feel exposed.

Instead of feeling confident, you may feel overwhelmed.

Instead of enjoying the moment, you may spend the whole time panicking about what comes next.

And that is not fair on you.

You deserve to feel prepared. You deserve to feel supported. You deserve to walk onto a stage, studio floor, or performance space knowing that you have done the work, built the foundations, and given yourself the best possible chance to enjoy it.

That does not mean waiting forever. It means respecting the learning process.

TRUSTING THE PROCESS!

✨ AS YOUR TEACHER OR MENTOR, I WANT YOU TO LOOK GOOD TOO

Please believe me when I say this:

I want you to look good.

I want you to feel proud.

I want you to build skill, confidence, strength, expression, and presence.

I want you to enjoy the process and eventually show yourself off in the best possible way, whether that is in class, at home, in a workshop, or on a stage if and when the time is right.

But, I also have a responsibility as a teacher and mentor.

My job is not to rush you into something just because you are excited.

My job is to help you build the skill properly.

My job is to teach you safely.

My job is to help you understand the difference between “I know the routine” and “I can perform this well”.

There is a big difference. And that difference matters.

✨ DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR - SLOW DOWN AND CONCENTRATE ON THE SKILL YOU WANT TO LEARN

If you want to become a stronger dancer, concentrate on learning the skill.

If you want better stage presence, concentrate on performance quality.

If you want confidence, concentrate on consistency.

If you want smoother movement, concentrate on transitions.

If you want control, concentrate on technique.

If you want musicality, concentrate on listening.

If you want to perform one day, concentrate on becoming someone who is genuinely ready to perform.

That is how you build something lasting.

Not by rushing.

Not by skipping the foundations.

Not by trying to sprint to the sparkly bit before your body understands the basics.

The glitter will still be there.

The stage will still be there.

The fabulousness will still be there.

But you will enjoy it far more when you know you have earned your confidence through skill, practice, patience, and proper training.

✨ BOSS LADY WISDOM

Rushing does not make you look more advanced. It usually just makes the gaps show more clearly.

The most powerful performers are not always the ones doing the most complicated movements. They are the ones who understand their body, control their timing, use the music, perfect the transitions, and know exactly what they are doing.

So do yourself a favour - slow down. Learn properly. Build the skill. Respect the process. And when the time comes to show off, you will have something genuinely worth showing.

TRUST THE PROCESS.
Always.

✨ READY TO LEARN PROPERLY?

If you want to learn burlesque, cabaret, heels, dance technique, confidence, musicality, and performance skills in a supportive, experienced, and professional environment, come and join us at The Velvet Burlesque.

Classes are designed to help you build real skill, body awareness, confidence, technique, and performance quality - whether you are brand new or continuing your dance journey.

FIND OUT MORE HERE: Burlesque, Heels & Cabaret Dance Classes

✨ DO YOU WANT PRIVATE TUITION, ACT MENTORING, OR BESPOKE CHOREOGRAPHY?

For those wanting more focused support, I also offer private tuition, act mentoring, bespoke choreography, performance coaching, and creative guidance for dancers and performers who want to develop their skills in a more personal, tailored way.

Whether you are building confidence, refining technique, creating a new act, polishing an existing routine, preparing for performance, or simply wanting one-to-one support with your movement and stage presence, private sessions can help you work at your own pace with detailed, experienced guidance.

The aim is never to rush you into looking “finished” before you are ready. The aim is to help you build something stronger, safer, more polished, and more authentic - with choreography, performance quality, musicality, and movement that actually suits you.

GET IN TOUCH HERE: Contact Lara Gothique

BOSS LADY - Lara Gothique
Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

International Women’s Day - Strength, Freedom & Sisterhood | Lara Gothique - The Velvet Burlesque

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 14:14:04 GMT

International Women’s Day - Strength, Freedom & Sisterhood | Lara Gothique - The Velvet Burlesque

Lara Gothique reflects on freedom, sisterhood, courage, and choosing your own life path in this powerful International Women’s Day message from The Velvet Burlesque.

International Women's Day - I am so lucky to have the freedom to live the life path I have chosen, doing a job that I love, and one in which I can fully and freely express myself.

I am surrounded by a far-reaching tribe of strong and emotionally generous women who make my life that much richer for knowing them.

Fill your life only with the people who value you, who love you for who you are, who believe in you, and who will support you through thick and thin.

Reciprocate that positivity fiercely.

❤️ Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” - Nora Ephron

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.” - Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

“A woman has to live her life, or live to repent not having lived it.” - D.H. Lawrence, Lady Chatterley's Lover

“A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.” - Coco Chanel

“When a woman becomes her own best friend life is easier.” - Diane Von Furstenberg

“No woman can call herself free who does not control her own body.” - Margaret Sanger

“No one knows what you have been through or what your pretty little eyes have seen, but I can reassure you - whatever you have conquered, it shines through your mind.” - Nikki Rowe

“Blessed be she who is both furious and magnificent.” - Taylor Rhodes

“She will rise. With a spine of steel and a roar like thunder, she will rise.” - Nicole Lyons

“Everything is within your power, and your power is within you.” - Janice Trachtman

“She didn't struggle and so she didn't grow.” - Paulo Coelho

“Do not judge a woman on her knees: you never know how tall she is when she stands.” - Mie Hansson

“She made broken look beautiful and strong look invincible.” - Ariana Dancu

“Women have got to make the world safe for men since men have made it so darned unsafe for women.” - Nancy Astor

“The woman must be restored to her rightful place, as the strong, loving maternal leader of peace and reason.” - Bryant McGill

“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.” - Katharine Hepburn

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” - Anais Nin

“I’ve come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that’s as unique as a fingerprint - and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you.” - Oprah Winfrey

“A strong woman understands that the gifts such as logic, decisiveness, and strength are just as feminine as intuition and emotional connection. She values and uses all of her gifts.” Nancy Rathburn

“The best protection any woman can have is courage.” - Elizabeth Cady Stanton

“The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” - Ayn Rand

“One of the most courageous things you can do is identify yourself, know who you are, what you believe in and where you want to go.” - Sheila Murray Bethel

"Biologically speaking, if something bites you, it's more likely to be Female." - Desmond Morris

“I am the blood of the dragon. I must be strong. I must have fire in my eyes when I face them, not tears.” George R.R. Martin, A Storm of Swords

"This bitch bites if you pull her tail!" - Zodiac Mindwarp

* insert battle cry * - Lara Gothique

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

Photo: Bill Stevenson

(featuring my old nose)

Show Performer Applications | The Velvet Burlesque

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:29:36 GMT

Show Performer Applications | The Velvet Burlesque

Performer applications are open with The Velvet Burlesque.

We welcome UK and international burlesque, cabaret, circus, comedy, vaudeville, and variety performers.

Think you’ve got what it takes to shine on The Velvet Burlesque stage?

Apply now to perform with our multi-award-winning company and become part of one of the UK’s most spectacular burlesque and cabaret shows!

Celebrating over 35 years of excellence, The Velvet Burlesque is one of the UK’s most established and prestigious burlesque and cabaret companies. Founded in 1991, our multi-award-winning business has built a formidable reputation for delivering world-class burlesque and cabaret shows, and dynamic, record-breaking performances.

We invite exceptional burlesque, cabaret, circus, comedy, vaudeville, and variety performers to apply to perform with us.

Whether you’re an experienced professional or an emerging artist ready to shine, we want to hear from you!

Our stages are known for bold, breathtaking, and unforgettable entertainment, and we’re always seeking talent that pushes boundaries, celebrates individuality, and brings something extraordinary to our audiences.

Submit your details via the SHOW PERFORMER APPLICATION FORM , and tell us about your act, experience, and performance style.

Step into a world of glamour, excitement, and mesmerising performance, where every moment leaves an indelible mark on the world of live entertainment.

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

Why Experience & Trust Matters in Teaching Dance & Fitness - Lessons from 35+ Years of Teaching at The Velvet Burlesque

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:32:06 GMT

Why Experience & Trust Matters in Teaching Dance & Fitness - Lessons from 35+ Years of Teaching at The Velvet Burlesque

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique shares how three & a half decades of professional experience have shaped her unique, student-centred teaching style, including her famous use of words, sounds, humour, and tailored corrections to help every single person feel confident, capable, and supported in their classes and workshops.

After more than thirty-five (professional) years of teaching, choreographing, performing, coaching, and mentoring tens of thousands of people, here’s what I know for sure: everyone learns differently - and that’s a beautiful thing.

Experience isn’t just about the years - it’s how you use them to understand people, patterns, patience, and provide profound care to your clients.

WHY I TEACH THE WAY I DO:

There’s one thing I will never stop saying:

Your learning style matters.

Your body matters.
And you deserve a teacher who actually sees you.

I’ve taught tens of thousands of people over the years - different ages, different abilities, different health conditions, different levels of confidence, different backgrounds, different life stories. And with every single person who steps into my class, one truth always stands out:

No two people learn in the same way.

Some people learn by watching
Some people learn by feeling
Some people need metaphors
Some need simplicity
Some need the step broken down
Others need the why behind the movement
And some - quite literally - need me to make a strange sound effect so the rhythm lodges in the brain and refuses to leave

(I refuse to apologise for my sound effects. They are iconic.)

THE TEACHING METHOD BEHIND THE MADNESS (AND THE MAGIC):

This is why I use a teaching style that includes different words - and sometimes even different noises - to describe movements.

Everyone learns differently, so offering multiple ways to explain the same step or pattern means there’s always a version that “clicks” for each individual.

It’s funny.

It’s weird.
And it works.

Every. Single. Time.

Because a teacher’s job is not just to teach their way - it’s to teach your way.

WHY MY DECADES OF EXPERIENCE MATTER (AND WHY I CARE SO FIERCELY):

I’ve spent literal decades refining how I communicate movement:

Supporting people recovering from injuries
Teaching those with chronic health conditions
Guiding absolute beginners
Coaching and mentoring professional performers & athletes
Helping tens of thousands of people to build confidence, strength, and (better) body awareness
Creating accessible pathways into fitness, dance, and performance
Supporting people through grief, trauma, burnout, illness, and life transitions
And celebrating every win, big or small

This didn’t happen overnight.
This comes from lived experience, relentless dedication, and a genuine love for helping people rediscover what their bodies can do.

I want my clients to succeed - not because it looks good on paper, but because you deserve to thrive.

Every class I teach is built on that foundation.

WHY MY CLASSES & WORKSHOPS ARE ALWAYS ADAPTABLE, ALWAYS INCLUSIVE, ALWAYS FOR YOU:

Whether it’s Burlesque Dance, Cabaret Dance, Heels Dance, Contemporary Dance, Yoga, Pilates, Strength Training, Rehabilitation, Relaxation, or simply movement for wellbeing, my goal is always the same:

Make it achievable.
Make it safe.
Make it joyful.
Make it yours .

If something isn’t working, I will find another way.
If you’re nervous, I will guide you patiently.
If you need reassurance, you’ll get it.
If you need a challenge - I’ve got you.

My job is not just to teach you steps and movement.
My job is to help you feel capable, confident, and connected to your body - perhaps for the first time in years.

BOSS LADY WISDOM:

Your body isn’t difficult.
Your learning style isn’t a problem.
You just need the right teacher - and the right explanation - both at the right time.

And after over three and a half decades of doing this, you'll learn that I’m very, very good at finding that explanation.

TRUST THE (MY!) PROCESS!

READY TO LEARN IN A WAY THAT FINALLY MAKES SENSE?

Come join me for a class, a workshop, or a private lesson, and let’s get you feeling stronger, happier, and more confident in your own skin.

Explore all UPCOMING CLASSES HERE or CONTACT ME for a PRIVATE BOOKING

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

Why Refining Your Dance Routine Matters: Turning Choreography into Artistry

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 23:58:06 GMT

Why Refining Your Dance Routine Matters: Turning Choreography into Artistry.

Because the real artistry begins not when the choreography ends, but when you start to breathe life into it.

WHY REFINING MATTERS - EVEN AFTER YOU’VE “FINISHED” THE DANCE IN CLASS OR REHEARSAL

You’ve spent the last six (or more!) weeks learning, building, sweating, laughing, and swearing your way through a brand-new piece of choreography, and now we’ve reached that magical point where we’ve put the ending on it.

The temptation at this stage is to tick it off the list and move on. But here’s the truth: this is exactly when the real magic starts to happen.

REFINEMENT WEEKS: WHERE THE DANCE COMES ALIVE

Those “catch-up” or “refinement” weeks are not just filler sessions.
They’re where your dance starts breathing - where the shapes you’ve built become fluid, the transitions become effortless, and your body begins to speak the story behind the choreography.

When you come back to refine, you’re not just repeating steps - you’re adding texture, nuance, and emotion. You’re learning to let go of the counting and start dancing from the inside out.

Every time you revisit a sequence, it settles deeper into your body. It becomes muscle memory, confidence, and power. That’s when your hard work truly starts to shine.

REFINEMENT BUILDS MUSCLE MEMORY AND ARTISTIC DEPTH

Here’s a little secret: the deeper a dance sinks into your body and mind, the easier it becomes to bring it back in the future.

Whether it’s for a show performance, a class throwback, or a future choreography revival, you’ll be able to pull it from your 'brain archives' with ease - because your body already knows it.

You’re not relearning; you’re re-awakening.

This is the quiet mastery that separates a good dancer from a captivating one - refinement transforms choreography into artistry.

THE GOLD DUST AT THE END OF THE PROCESS

So when I encourage dancers to come to those catch-up and polishing sessions, it’s not pointless.

It’s the gold dust at the end of the process - the part that turns steps into storytelling, and choreography into confidence.

Don’t just learn the dance.

Live it.

Refine it.

Let it evolve until it feels like an extension of who you are.

That’s when all those hours of learning, sweating, swearing, laughing, and trusting the process finally pay off.

RECONNECT WITH THE CHOREOGRAPHY, AND REMEMBER WHY WE DANCE

Because the real artistry begins not when the choreography ends, but when you start to breathe life into it.

And that is what nurtures our creative soul!

JOIN US!

Explore our current dance classes, course dates, and upcoming workshops:

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Dance Shoes | The Velvet Burlesque

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 15:54:02 GMT

Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Dance Shoes | The Velvet Burlesque

Choosing the right shoes is key to your dance journey. This Velvet Burlesque guide covers the best beginner footwear, shoe care hacks, and what to avoid.

WHAT ARE THE BEST DANCE SHOES FOR BEGINNERS?

YOUR FEET ARE YOUR FOUNDATION

Never feel guilty about investing in high-quality dance shoes. They’re not just footwear - they’re an extension of your whole body, giving you the freedom to move safely, powerfully, and with confidence.

Whether you’re brand new to classes or already a seasoned stage strutter, the right footwear makes all the difference.

At The Velvet Burlesque, I teach burlesque dance, cabaret dance, heels dance, and show dance, as well as theatrical movement, which means your shoes need to help you glide, spin, strut, and shimmy all while keeping you stable, confident, and blister-free.

So, what should you wear on your dance journey? Here’s my complete beginner-friendly dance shoe guide.

START WITH A LOW(ER) HEEL, AND BUILD FROM THERE

Your shoes should support your confidence as much as your feet.

Great options for classes include:

Low-heeled character shoes - a timeless go-to for stage and studio
Supportive dance-specific sneakers - perfect if you need more cushioning or arch support
Latin style dance shoes - flexible suede soles, ankle straps, and a choice of heel styles and heights. (I love a standard flared heel, which offers greater stability and balance in lessons.)

Note: Dance boots can look fantastic, but they do restrict some foot and ankle movement. They can also tempt the wearer to rely on the upper fabric for support rather than building and using their own muscle control (which is very important for all kinds of dance and sports, as well as day-to-day life). As much as I love them (and yes, I own plenty!), I wouldn’t recommend making boots your only pair of dance shoes if you’re just beginning your dance journey.

WHAT TO AVOID (FOR NOW)

Even if you’re feeling fierce, leave the high stiletto style heels at home unless you're already well-practised in them. They look powerful, but demand serious balance, strength, and foot/ankle training. Trust me - you’ll enjoy dancing far more if you’re not having to clench your toes in terror! (Which, by the way, won’t do your dance alignment any favours either)
I don‘t allow (solid) platform shoes in my dance classes - you can’t feel the floor in them for (most of) the styles of dance that I teach, and that can kill your connection, control and overall safety.
Slingbacks are also not a stable enough shoe for dance classes.
I'd also suggest not buying second-hand shoes from (eg) Vinted/eBay, etc. These are already moulded to the original wearer's foot, and are generally only sold when they start to become unstable/unsuitable for wear. It might look like a bargain, but it’s false economy!

BOSS LADY TIP: TRY BEFORE YOU BUY (AT FIRST)

Your dream shoes might look divine online, but your feet will expose the truth within minutes.

Try on in person if possible - GOOGLE dancewear shops in your local area
Or buy from an online retailer with a proper returns policy. (Always carefully check the returns policy for custom-made shoes where you pick your own heel height, etc.)
If you’re buying from an online retailer, always read the description and size guide carefully. Remember that sizing and fit can vary hugely between different shoe styles – even on the same website.

Once you’ve built up confidence in which shoe styles and heel heights work for you, shopping online becomes much easier (and a lot less risky!). I'm always happy to recommend my favourite websites if you contact me.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR DANCE SHOES:

Once you've invested in them - look after them!

After Class:

• Air them out! Dance shoes get very sweaty (glamour is an illusion!)

• Brush suede soles with a wire-based shoe brush to keep them smooth and grippy.

• Store them with a pouch of baking soda or silica sachets to reduce odours. I also spritz mine with white vinegar after each wear to help reduce smells and bacteria. (Neat Vodka also works well ... on the shoes, not down your gullet!)

Long-Term Shoe TLC:

• Don’t wear dance shoes outside - ever (unless they're specially made for dual use, and with a hard sole)

• Rotate between pairs if possible - let them breathe

• Clean scuffs gently with a damp cloth, and polish leather styles to keep them looking stage-ready.

GOT ANY SHOE-RELATED QUESTIONS? PLEASE DO ASK ME!

Every foot is different, and so is every dancer. I’m always happy to advise in class if you’re unsure what to buy, or if you’ve had a shoe disaster and need a plan B.

And one final note: if you’ve bought a pair you can’t return, you’re always welcome to try reselling dance shoes in class. It keeps them in the community and might just help another dancer find their perfect fit.

READY TO START YOUR DANCE JOURNEY?

Join us at The Velvet Burlesque! Whether you’re looking for classes, workshops, or show-stopping stage performances, your next adventure begins here:

�� CALLING DANCE SHOE BRANDS: COLLABORATE WITH VELVET BURLESQUE TO PUT YOUR FOOTWEAR IN THE SPOTLIGHT!

Are you a dance shoe brand or retailer looking to reach dancers who want confidence, safety, and style from their footwear?

At The Velvet Burlesque, I teach and perform to thousands of students and audiences across the UK (and beyond) every year. By collaborating, we can help dancers find their perfect fit in high-quality, supportive dance shoes, while giving your brand standout visibility across classes, workshops, shows, and social media.

Let’s work together to put your shoes in the spotlight!

GET IN TOUCH

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

Building Backstage Bonds - The Power of Performer Camaraderie

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 21:14:28 GMT

Building Backstage Bonds:

Why Backstage Camaraderie Matters More Than You Think

THE SACRED SPACE BEHIND THE CURTAIN:

There’s a certain hush behind the curtains before the lights go up. You can literally feel it - the thrill, the adrenaline, the energy crackling through the air. It’s a sacred space - one that holds every last-minute pep talk, costume adjustment, and whispered "you’ve got this" before we step into the spotlight.

And in that sacred space, backstage bonds aren’t just nice to have - they’re absolutely essential.

WHY BACKSTAGE CAMARADERIE ISN'T JUST FLUFF:

Let’s be truthful - no amount of rhinestones or rehearsals will save a show if the backstage energy is toxic. Audiences might not see it directly, but they definitely feel it. When performers trust and support each other offstage, it creates an unspoken harmony that radiates onstage.

Strong backstage bonds:

Ease pre-show nerves
Help quick-changes run smoother
Foster mutual respect during high-pressure moments
Prevent diva drama or passive-aggressive tension
Turn individual performers into an actual ensemble

IT'S MORE THAN JUST “BEING NICE”:

This isn't about performative positivity, being fake, or simply pretending to like everyone. We’re all human. Some nights are hard, and some personalities will always clash. But building backstage camaraderie means showing up with basic kindness, professionalism, politeness, and presence.

It means:

Offering a safety pin, or helping someone with a quick change.
Not hogging the mirror when someone’s got 3 mins to get into full face.
Asking, "Are you ok?" when someone looks a little off.
Cheering others on, even when your own nerves are spiking.

These little acts of solidarity are the glue that holds the backstage chaos together.

PRODUCERS & CREW NOTICE:

As a producer as well as a performer, I see it all. The ones who lift each other up? They stand out. The ones who vanish into their own ego? Also noted. The ones who are rude and selfish - for me; I add them to my blacklist, no matter how good they are on stage! This business is hard enough without a disdainful energy vampire making everyone else's working day bloody miserable!

The energy backstage never stays backstage - it leaks into every audience interaction, every group number, every curtain call.

Performers who build each other up offstage make the whole production stronger. And trust me - producers remember those people.

And yes - producers talk. Behind the sc enes, we always ask each other about performers. Reputation - good or bad - travels FAST!

* This behind the scenes network chatter goes for problematic producers too!

YOUR BACKSTAGE BEHAVIOUR COUNTS TOWARDS YOUR REPUTATION:

You can have the best solo in the show, but if you’re known as a bloody nightmare behind the scenes, guess who’s not getting invited back?

If you show up with a helpful attitude, respect the producer, show crew, cast, space, and cheer for others - you’re already a pro in the making, if not already.

FINAL WORD FROM THE BOSS LADY:

The Velvet Burlesque - like so many other shows - is built on far more than glitter and feathers. It’s built on trust, teamwork, and true backstage respect. We work hard. We play harder. But most of all, we lift each other up.

So, the next time you step into that dressing room, remember: the real magic begins backstage.

Fluff your lashes, stand tall, and show up not just for yourself, but for every single cast-mate beside you. Because that energy? That connection? That fierce, fabulous unity?

That’s what makes a show unforgettable for everyone involved.

Want to experience it all for yourself? Join a class , apply to be on our stage, or grab a ticket to our next event!

�� Subscribe to the Velvet Burlesque newsletter for show updates and exclusive content.

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

Dance Teacher Lies: The Truth Behind the Glitter

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 21:40:17 GMT

Dance Teacher Lies: The Truth Behind the Glitter

Think your dance teacher’s being honest?

Think again!

From “one more time” to “this is easy” - here’s the truth behind the lies.

Let’s be honest - every dance teacher has told a few fibs in their time.

Not the malicious kind, just the slightly sparkly untruths that slip out mid-class when the sweat is flying, the knees are clicking, and someone’s make-up has dripped halfway down their face.

So, in the name of transparency (and a bit of fun), here’s a list of the most notorious #DanceTeacherLies we’ve all heard - or said (*cough*) - at some point on the studio floor ...

"ONE MORE TIME!"

Ah yes. The most famous lie of them all.

Translation: We’re doing it (at least) five more times until we all either nail it or die trying. Probably both.

Why we say it: Because you won't give full energy unless you think it's the last one.

Psychology, darling ... TRUST THE PROCESS!

"THIS ROUTINE WILL BE PRETTY EASY."

To whom? A caffeinated spider with a ballet diploma?!

It's not easy.

At all.

It’s relentlessly layered, heavily stylised, with numerous rogue counts, and just a tiny bit of floorwork.

Speaking of which ...

"I WON’T GIVE YOU ANOTHER ROUTINE WITH FLOORWORK FOR A WHILE."

Cut to next week: full-on floor crawl and dramatic body drags, leg sweeps, and a backwards shoulder roll into a sultry hair whip.

Look, I meant it at the time, but sometimes the music demands it!

"THE NEXT ROUTINE WILL BE SLOWER."

Sure.

Slower tempo, but with twice the intricacy, four-double spins, and a facial expression that screams “I’m sultry, but don't want to look as though I'm trying too hard, except I am, and I want to look aloof, but not too aloof, while also obviously caring deeply about the seriousness of the lyrics".

(But now you just look like you've got cramp!)

Pacing is a lie.

"THIS BIT’S JUST A POSE."

LOL.

It’s a pose ... with weight transfer, controlled breathing, perfectly angled fingers, facial performance that would make a drag queen weep, and core & glute engagement worthy of an Olympic gymnast.

But yes - technically, still just a pose.

THE TRUTH?

We lie with love.

These sparkly lies are all part of the showbiz sorcery - pushing you to your limits without terrifying you in advance.

You can do it.

You WILL do it.

You will swear, you will sweat, and you might threaten to glue your knee pads on permanently, but you’ll own every move, and keep coming back for more.

Deep down, you love the lies too.

JOIN US ON THE DANCE FLOOR!

Whether you’re new to The Velvet Burlesque or already part of the (sweary) glitter cult, you’re welcome into our dance studio anytime!

Whether you're a seasoned stage siren or a curious chaos-seeker, the dance floor is open.

Join the movement, sweat through the sparkle, and embrace the fib-fuelled fabulousness!

�� Book your Dance Class or Dance Workshop NOW!

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

What to Look For in a Dance or Fitness Teacher - Safety, Experience & Professionalism

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 16:16:08 GMT

What to Look For in a Dance or Fitness Teacher - Safety, Experience & Professionalism

Why a qualified, professional, insured, and experienced teacher matters for your safety and success.

DANCE AND FITNESS TEACHERS - LET’S TALK STANDARDS:

I’m seeing a growing number of dance and fitness classes popping up on social media, and while that’s great in theory, it’s also a sign to be extra aware.

This post isn’t about gatekeeping - it’s about helping you to make more informed and safer choices.

NOT ALL TEACHERS ARE CREATED EQUAL:

Thinking of joining a dance or fitness class or workshop? Excellent choice!

Movement is joy, it’s therapy, it’s transformation. But, before you throw yourself into that first kick-ball-change, ask yourself:

Who is teaching you, and are they actually qualified or experienced enough to do so?

Flashy footwork, or complicated mat moves mean nothing if your teacher can't support your body, your injuries/illnesses, your needs, or your journey.

ASK QUESTIONS. CHECK CREDENTIALS:

Is your teacher qualified to teach?

Do they have real, studied knowledge of injuries, illnesses, disabilities, and neurodiversity, and have the experience and skills to adapt your session safely and effectively? You’re dealing with bodies in motion - without proper training, teachers may unknowingly cause injuries or aggravate conditions.

Are they First Aid trained and capable of responding in an emergency?

Are they insured in case something goes wrong?

Because it’s not just about teaching moves - it’s about knowing how to keep you safe, empowered, and progressing in the right way.

AND WHILE WE'RE AT IT:

Is your teacher running a legitimate, insured business, or is this more of a casual side-hustle without the accountability that comes with professional responsibility?

If you’re investing your time, your body, and your money, make sure your teacher is investing just as much in professionalism, safety, and experience!

A LITTLE BALANCE HERE:

Whilst I would always urge someone to attend classes or workshops with an experienced, qualified teacher, I also recognise that there are many teachers out there without formal qualifications who are exceptional at what they do.

My suggestion is still this:

- Make sure they’re capable of looking after you properly and safely
- Check they are insured
- Confirm they are running a legitimate, accountable business

YOU HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO ASK QUESTIONS AND EXPECT ANSWERS.

✅ Expect professionalism.

✅ Expect standards.

✅ Know your worth.

LOOKING FOR DANCE OR FITNESS CLASSES IN SHEFFIELD?

If you’re looking for professional, supportive, and experienced-led dance and fitness classes in Sheffield , come and train with The Velvet Burlesque™ and multi-award-winning choreographer, teacher, and performer Lara Gothique .

From burlesque, cabaret, and heels dance classes to Yoga & Pilates and fitness-based training , sessions are taught with technique, progression, individual needs, and safe practice firmly in mind.

Whether you are taking your very first class, returning to movement after time away, or looking to develop existing skills, you deserve a teacher who takes both your experience and your wellbeing seriously .

Come and find the right class for you.

Explore The Velvet Burlesque™ Dance & Fitness Classes

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque ™

Why Music And Movement Are The Lifeblood of The Velvet Burlesque.

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:28:10 GMT

Why Music and Movement Are the Lifeblood of The Velvet Burlesque.

Discover how music and movement unlock emotion, spark powerful transformation, and why they’re at the heart of everything we do at The Velvet Burlesque.

There are few things more powerful, more primal, or more personal than music.
It’s rhythm.

It’s memory.

It’s heartbeat.

It’s permission.

From the deepest tribal drum to the pulse of a bassline, music doesn’t just accompany movement - it creates it. For those of us who move for a living, the body becomes more than a vessel, it becomes the loudest part of who we are.

For me, music has always been the ignition.

Whether it’s the heartbeat pound of a stage performance track, or the quiet thrum of wind through trees, rhythm drives me in my body, my soul, and even in the midst of everyday life.

It allows me to express parts of myself that everyday conversation, polite social norms, and life admin never could, and I know I’m not alone in that.

MOVEMENT IS MEDICINE:

In this world of rush-hour stress and digital overwhelm, we forget how deeply human it is to move with feeling.

Music is often our first language of emotion, long before we can even speak.

Through burlesque, cabaret, and expressive dance - whether on stage or in classes and workshops, I’ve watched people return to themselves through music. I've witnessed tears, laughter, and joy as people reconnect with their bodies - sometimes for the first time in decades.

It’s not about being perfect.
It’s not even about performing.
It’s about feeling something honestly, and spiritually , and letting that truth move through you.

THIS ISN’T JUST MOVEMENT - IT’S A MISSION, AND I BUILT A BUSINESS AROUND IT:

Creating Velvet Burlesque around this core truth has been an act of devotion.
It’s taken absolute grit, stubbornness to succeed, resilience, and more late nights, Dairy Milk, and caffeine than I care to admit.

Keeping this space fresh and relevant - while still deeply rooted in safety, inclusivity, and joy, is a constant process. People change. Needs change. The rhythm changes.
But the purpose never has.

This business has become more than a platform for art - it’s a sanctuary. For me, and for the tens of thousands I’ve taught, mentored, danced with, and watched transform across the decades.

We’ve danced through heartbreak, rage, illness, grief, and celebration. Together.
And none of it would have been possible without music at the core.

THIS IS YOUR INVITATION:

If you’ve ever felt stifled, stuck, overwhelmed, or just bloody bored - this is your reminder that movement is still there. Your inner rhythm is still there. Your body remembers. And you don’t need permission.

And if you do want a safe, joy-filled, wildly empowering place to explore that connection - I’ve made one for you.

Come dance with us.

Come find your rhythm.

It’s not just dance and fitness. It’s a joyous return to YOU.

READY TO MOVE YOUR BODY AND YOUR SOUL?

Check out our latest classes, plus shows and events here:

- Dance Classes

- Dance Workshops

- Fitness Classes

- Shows & Events

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

The Unseen Chaos of the Post-Show Packdown Battle!

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:15:52 GMT

The Unseen Chaos of the Post-Show Packdown Battle!

Welcome to the backstage world of post-event pack-downs and load-outs! (Usually in the p*ssing rain!)

THE GLAMOUR AFTERMATH: WHAT REALLY HAPPENS POST-SHOW

So you think the curtain call is the end? Oh no, it's only halfway through!

The audience has cheered, the curtain has closed, and the glitter has settled into every nook and cranny, but for us backstage - the night is far from over.

It's not glamorous. It's not particularly fun. But it’s as much a part of the magic as the spotlight and rhinestones.

This is a peek behind the sequin-strewn curtain at what really happens once the theatre lights dim and the audience members stumble home with stars in their eyes (and at least one lost phone wedged between the seats on Row G).

PACK DOWN PANDEMONIUM

Packing down a full burlesque and cabaret show is a physically demanding ritual of its own:

Dragging props, set pieces, and sorting emergency toolkits back into their specific cases. (Because heaven forbid anyone loses that 10mm spanner!)
Carefully loading sound and lighting equipment back into flight cases with the care of a heart surgeon, because one wrong jolt, and the rig goes rogue.
Discovering that zip-ties have mysteriously multiplied in your absence, but none of them match the sizes you need now.
Wrestling with poly-boxes that used to close, but now laugh at your optimism.
Folding costumes with a whisper of hope they’ll survive another round.
Sorting through your costume underwear/fishnets to wash in the sink at the hotel later.
Hunting through dressing rooms for rogue eyelashes, wigs, and the ever-mysterious missing shoe. (Every damn show!)

It takes hours.

And no matter how smooth the show went, this part will always involve someone (ie: ME!) getting a phone-call from either a performer (who is already 50miles away down the M1) or an audience member saying they've lost a sequin-covered thigh harness or a handbag somewhere deep in the haze of the theatre.

VAN TETRIS, RANDOM DRUNKS, AND 3:30am FOOD QUESTS

Once the venue is cleared, it's time to load the van(s) - usually in the rain, in the dark, navigating numerous fire-exit steps, and with some random drunk guy who keeps mooching around trying to talk to you whilst (bizarrely!) holding a mannequin leg. All the while, a Security Guard watches on - constantly asking you how much longer you'll think it will take, whilst not even stepping aside to let you lug a huge motorised carousel pony prop through a part-open doorway.

It’s some form of magical van-packing Tetris.

Eventually, you locate the only food place still open and selling something vaguely edible at nearly 4am.

You and your Stage Manager sit in the van, surrounded by glitter, props, empty water bottles, and take-out wrappers - dissociating quietly, whilst each holding a lukewarm burger.

*A bonus find is a 24hr ASDA or TESCO (*other superstores are available), where you will proceed to buy ALL the snacks in a post-show food frenzy, and a random pair of flip-flops, despite you not having a holiday planned.

HOME (OR HOTEL): THE HOLY LAND OF THE BED

Whether it’s a budget hotel, or your own sweet, sweet mattress - that moment you finally peel off your clothes and sink into horizontal bliss is blooming holy.

But first, of course:

Open the laptop.
Process any new ticket orders for the next show (because we do all this again very soon).
Scroll through the joyous flood of audience selfies, tags, and post-show hype posts. (I do love this bit!)
Accidentally lose another 45 minutes in a social media rabbit hole
Realise that you still need to take a shower and scrape your show-face make-up off. (Finding your false lashes storage case is a bonus, but you can always stick them to the mirror for the time being.)

THE FINAL RITUAL: LASHES OFF & BRAIN OFF (MAYBE ... PROBABLY NOT)

Eventually, it’s shower time. The hot water hits and the lashes come off like a theatrical snake shedding glitter.

You stand there, zoned out, wondering:

Did I actually go on stage tonight?
Did I remember to thank everyone involved on show day?
Did someone really eat an apple on the front row during the show?
Do I have to do this all again next weekend?

Yes.

All the yes.

(FINALLY!) DROP INTO BED. SLEEP FOR A FEW HOURS. THEN REPEAT.

And that, dear readers, is the untold truth of what generally happens after the show.

It's bloody hard work.

It's utterly exhausting.

And we wouldn’t change it for the world.

WANT TO BE PART OF THE CHAOS, BEAUTY, AND MISCHIEF?

Come to the next Velvet Burlesque show or try one of our dance classes - maybe you'll find out more of what goes on in our gloriously glittered world!

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

Dance Saved My Sanity. Movement as a Mental Health Lifeline

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 19:02:42 GMT

Dance Saved My Sanity. Movement as a Mental Health Lifeline.

The Real, Raw Power of Moving Through the Madness.

There’s a moment - probably one you’ve felt too - when the world just feels too loud.

Too heavy.

Too broken.

And in the middle of it, you’re left carrying the weight of your own mind, wondering how the hell you're supposed to function when even just breathing feels like you have to think about it.

For me, that’s where dance steps in.

A necessary lifeline wrapped in music, sweat, and repetition.

A place where I can fall apart safely, then rebuild - limb by trembling limb.

DANCING THROUGH THE DARKNESS:

My story isn’t linear, and neither is healing. I’ve weathered far too many storms over the decades – ongoing chronic health challenges, grief that still grips, and a body that doesn’t always cooperate with my plans. Add a heavy dose of trauma, and sprinkle in multiple miscarriages and the physical damage beyond these, and well, the cocktail isn’t exactly delicious.

But, dance and movement? That was always mine.

Even when nothing else made sense, even when I couldn’t find the words - my body remembered the rhythm.

It knew what to do.

In those moments, dance wasn’t about being seen. It was about feeling something other than mental, physical, or emotional pain.

It was breath and grit.

Rage and joy.

It is how I always claw my way back.

MOVEMENT AS MEDICINE:

There’s science behind it - the endorphin rush, the nervous system reset, the sheer power of embodied emotion.

But beyond the science, there’s soul.

Movement gives shape to what we can’t say out loud.

It lets grief howl without apology.

It lets euphoria take up space in your chest and echo right through to your fingertips.

And let’s be honest: some days, it’s not about ‘loving your body’ or ‘finding your groove’. It’s about surviving the day without shattering. That counts too.

TRUST THE PROCESS (YES, EVEN WHEN IT’S MESSY):

I always say it – “Trust the process.”

Because healing isn’t linear.

Strength doesn’t look like perfection.

And your version of resilience might just be turning up to a dance class when you want to hide away from the world.

Classes aren't about becoming a star. They're about reclaiming your body, your time, your identity.

Whether you twirl, stomp, or sob through half the warm-up - you showed up.

That’s enough.

A SAFE SPACE FOR THE UNFILTERED YOU:

You’re not too broken.

You’re not too much.

And you’re not alone.

The Velvet Burlesque was born from the chaos as well as the calm. From the belief that we all need somewhere to move through the mess - no filters, no fancy footwork required. It’s more than sequins and show-face (although we love those too).

It’s connection.

It’s permission.

It’s release.

So if you’re burnt out, broken-hearted, or simply lost in the fog - Come and move with us.

Come scream with your hips and cry with your shoulders.

Come home to yourself - one beat at a time.

If this resonates - even a little - take the next step TODAY.

Join us in a VELVET BURLESQUE CLASS - not to perform, but to feel. To breathe. To be.
Whether you’re crawling or strutting through the fog - we’ve got you.

Sheffield-based. All bodies. All backgrounds. All emotions welcome.

Check out our weekly DANCE CLASSES to find your place on the dancefloor.

Dance didn’t cure me, but it always damn well helps to save me.

And it might just help to save you, too.

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

The Changing Rooms of Doom!

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 03:30:23 GMT

The Changing Rooms of Doom!

A backstage exposé of the utterly ridiculous places we performers have been asked to get changed - yes, really!

Ah, the glamour of showbiz! The feathers, the rhinestones, the lights, the applause, and, of course, the strong scent of bleach and Dettol wafting from a nearby urinal.

Wait, WHAT?!

Yes, dear reader. Behind the curtain of every glittering burlesque show, cabaret show, circus, comedy or music gig lies a deep, dark truth that every performer knows: the real drama often starts with the dressing room - or complete lack thereof.

Whether it’s a high-profile corporate event, a wedding in a huge marquee, a swanky Michelin Star restaurant, or a last-minute gig, us performers have all had our fair share of “changing room nightmares” that we still laugh, cry, and dry heave about to this day.

Here’s my homage to some of the most dreadful, ridiculous, and downright dangerous places we’ve been asked to get changed.

Strap yourselves in!

THE URINAL ODYSSEY:

Nothing says “you’re a star” like wrangling yourself into your fishnets while standing next to a urinal that’s still in use.

We’ve pirouetted past dubious puddles, balanced on toilet lids, and contorted ourselves around questionable plumbing.

Glamour? We don’t know her - but we do know the trauma of a rogue automatic flush.

BACK OF A VAN - NOT IN THE FUN, ROCK ‘N’ ROLL WAY:

When someone cheerily says, “You can change in the van!”, they rarely mention that it’s filled with cables, old amplifiers, and that unmistakable scent of wet dog and man fart.

Bonus points if the van is moving and you’re shimmying into sequins during a three-point turn, or exiting the M25 at speed.

THE WORKING RESTAURANT KITCHEN:

Hot plates, boiling pans, Chef shouting "SERVICE!" and you, in your safety-thong, trying not to catch fire on the gas hob.

The aroma of garlic, sizzling onions, and existential dread hangs in the air as you dodge soup spills and try not to disrobe directly into someone's lasagne.

Five-star restaurant on TripAdvisor - zero stars as a dressing room.

BUS STOP COUTURE:

Yes, really.

Changing in public at a bus stop, using a feather fan as a modesty shield, while shell-shocked pensioners wait for the 52a to the outskirts of Edinburgh.

Somewhere out there, someone still tells the tale of “that glitter-covered nudie woman” they saw one cold, wet Thursday night.

We’re all legends ... just not in the way we planned.

THE DRENCHED ALLEYWAY OF BROKEN DREAMS:

“You can just pop round the back,” they said.

What they meant was: "Stand in this rubbish-strewn alley next to some overflowing bins, and pray it doesn’t rain."

It rained.

A lot.

Your heels sank into the gravel, your boa turned into a soggy spaghetti of sadness, and the local feral cats judged you silently from the shadows.

UNDER THE VENUE’S STAIRS (AKA THE GOBLIN NOOK):

Crouched like Gollum among brooms and ancient, festering bar mats, you wriggle into your corset while trying not to inhale a decade’s worth of dust and damp.

Every time someone walks across the floor above you, it sounds like a stampede of hippos in heels.

Magical.

THE FIRE ESCAPE:

Not technically indoors.

Not technically outdoors.

Not remotely safe.

Breezy.

Great if you're performing in nothing but a rhinestoned thong and nipple tassels during a December cold snap ...!

Nothing says ‘artistic expression’ like freezing your t*ts off while a pigeon watches from a railing.

A LITERAL CARDBOARD BOX FORT:

Constructed with venue signage, broken chairs, beer crates, and bar mats.

Held together with dreams, duct tape, and desperation.

Bonus level: someone accidentally throws a bin bag on top of you because they think you’re part of the recycling pile.

THE PORTA-LOO OF EXISTENTIAL DESPAIR:

A festival classic.

You’re given a glittery wristband and directions to a plastic cube of doom that definitely hasn’t been emptied since the Stone Age.

There’s no mirror, no light, and no hope.

The lock doesn’t work.

You’re balancing on six-inch heels, trying to avoid touching literally anything - your iPhone clenched between your teeth with the torch app on, while holding a feather fan between your knees, and gripping your corset under your chin.

The smell? OH GOD!

If hell exists, it’s blue, plastic, and sloshing in p*ss.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS:

Cupboard under the DJ booth (next to the vodka crates)
Inside a two-man tent with no groundsheet (welcome to the jungle)
Venue attic accessed by a broken ladder (hope you like acrobatics!)
Behind the bar, next to the crisps and peanuts (we were the snack AND the show)

SO, WHY DO WE DO IT?

Because we love it.

No, not those changing rooms - HELL, NO!

We live for the applause, the sparkle, the thrill of live performance - even if it comes with a side of asbestos tiles and a suspicious blood stain.

So - next time you watch a show or gig, spare a thought for the possible backstage chaos.

And remember - as a performer - if you ever find yourself getting ready for a performance in a hotel service corridor - all the while, being eyed-up by a lecherous waiter having a quick, illicit vape - you're probably doing true cabaret correctly.

WANT MORE BACKSTAGE CONFESSIONS, GLITTER-FUELLED STORYTELLING, AND A PEEK BEHIND THE VELVET CURTAIN?

Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on our social media channels , and never miss a beat from Velvet Burlesque – where even our dressing room disasters are entertaining!

And, if you fancy coming along to see the glamour from the more fragrant side of a venue, check out where we are performing next via our SHOWS & EVENTS listings!

Here's to the glitter, the grit, and the unidentifiable stains on the wall - that's showbiz, baby!

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque ™

Costume Disasters and Glitter In Places It Shouldn’t Be.

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 19:26:50 GMT

Costume Disasters and Glitter in Places It Shouldn’t Be.

A cautionary tale for those who think burlesque is all feathers and fantasy.

They say the show must go on.

But they never said it wouldn’t involve superglue, panic-laced laughter, and a trail of sequins leading straight to the dressing room floor (and the GP’s office).

I’d love to say this post is fictional.

It is not.

CHAPTER 1: GLITTER WHERE?

Look - I’ve accepted by now that glitter has its own sentience.

It gets everywhere. I mean that in the spiritual, emotional, and unfortunately, anatomical sense.

Once, during a particularly glamorous (and heavily glittered) show week, I had many a routine involving an especially sparkly, glitter-covered costume.

Great routine.

Fantastic audiences.

All was well.

Until I went for a very routine gynaecology appointment a few days later.

And I quote the gynaecologist: “Oh! Well that’s … festive!”

I couldn’t even deny it. I just nodded, dead inside, and said: “I work in burlesque.”
She said: “Ah. OK.”

No further questions were asked.

CHAPTER 2: THE WIG INCIDENT

The routine was beautiful. I was powerful. I was serving glamour, skill, choreography and confidence.
It was working. The audience was right there with me.

And then … the finale.

I reached out with flourish, one arm sweeping across dramatically - and my bracelet caught the edge of my hat’s veil.

In one glorious, slow-motion betrayal, my hat was ripped clean off ... bringing my wig with it.

Five minutes of elegance.
Five seconds of total, public, head-covered-in-a-wig-cap-only humiliation.

The crowd whooped. (Some in laughter, some possibly in horror.)

I bowed. Wigless. Dignified. Possibly a little sweaty.

The number was never quite the same again.

CHAPTER 3: HOT GLUE, COLD SWEAT

Burlesque is 50% performance, 50% knowing how to fix a rhinestoned costume crisis with a glue gun, a safety-pin, a zip-tie, and three minutes to curtain.

I’ve burnt off the ends of false nails. I’ve glued lashes to props. I’ve fused myself to a feather fan in a flat panic.

I’ve met every deadline with caffeine, chaos, and the faint smell of melting plastic.

And you know what?
The audience never knows.

Unless, of course, my jewelled bra unclips mid-routine and flies into the second row like a glitter grenade.

Which has also happened.

CHAPTER 4: IF YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW

If you’ve ever had to pin your dignity back into place before going onstage – you’re welcome.

If you’ve ever removed a costume to find glitter, rhinestones, or loose eyelashes in unholy locations - you’re one of us.

If you've ever prayed that your 'safety thong' doesn't creep any further up your foof - I HEAR YOU!

BURLESQUE ISN’T JUST ABOUT LOOKING EFFORTLESS

It’s about recovering from a wardrobe disaster with so much confidence, the audience thinks it was part of the act.

And most importantly - it’s about laughing. Loudly. (And probably doing so alongside the audience!)

Glitter-covered-chaos, and probably all duct-taped back together.

Because in this world, the mess is part of the magic.

I’ll be over here, supergluing my dignity back together ...

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

Trust The Process!

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 13:49:20 GMT

Trust The Process!

(Trust Me!)

Feeling stuck in dance class? Struggling with choreography? Thinking you’re the only one who doesn’t get it?

Let me tell you something right now - you are NOT alone! Every single dancer (yes, even my show troupe and advanced students!) has moments where things just don’t click. Some weeks, you’ll fly, and other weeks - tumbleweed. This. Is. Normal.

Let’s break it down:

- Learning isn’t linear! Progress doesn’t happen on a perfect, weekly schedule. Some routines feel great straight away; others take time. That’s just how learning works.

- Chunk by chunk by chunk. First comes the footwork - get the basics into your muscle memory. Then, repeat, repeat, repeat, and slowly, you will add fluidity. And the armography? If the arm movements don’t make sense right now, simply don’t do them! Focus on the feet first. Plenty of people do this.

- EVERYONE asks questions! Timing, weight transitions, turns, walking, “I have no idea what I’m doing!” - It’s why you’re in class - to learn! You are never the only one figuring things out.

- Stop comparing yourself to others! Everyone absorbs choreography at their own pace. Focus on your journey and celebrate the bits you are getting right.

- STOP PUTTING PRESSURE ON YOURSELF!

Here’s the truth: You CAN do this, and you’re probably doing much better than you think!

Relax and enjoy the process, and it will become easier!

So next time you feel frustrated, take a deep breath and remember:

TRUST THE PROCESS.

Fancy joining The Velvet Burlesque dance classes and workshops? YOU CAN! Click on the links below for full details:

- DANCE CLASSES

- DANCE WORKSHOPS

I do hope to meet you soon!

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

The Velvet Burlesque YouTube Channel - Watch Past Shows, Routines, and Cabaret Magic!

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:03:58 GMT

The Velvet Burlesque YouTube Channel - Watch Past Shows, Routines, and Cabaret Magic!

Discover the Velvet Burlesque YouTube channel - packed with past performances, behind-the-scenes moments, backstage mischief, and iconic show highlights.

Curated personally by the BOSS LADY herself, Lara Gothique.

DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Let me tell you something delicious that some people still haven't seen ... The Velvet Burlesque YouTube channel is gloriously spectacular, well-stocked, and absolutely brimming with burlesque and cabaret magic!

Yes, a whole magical corner of the internet where you can feast your eyes on past performances, cabaret mischief, behind-the-scenes antics, and glitter-soaked moments from the stage.

And if you're the kind of person who loves watching sparkly chaos unfold in high definition while still wearing your pyjamas, then congratulations - this online treasure trove was practically handcrafted just for you!

WHY WE CREATED THE VELVET BURLESQUE YOUTUBE CHANNEL

It’s one thing to hear about what we do as one of the UK’s leading independent burlesque and cabaret companies.

It’s another thing to see it for yourself.

Our YouTube channel exists because:

Not everyone can get to a show every time
Our performers deserve to be seen and celebrated over and over again
Our audience deserves somewhere to binge-feast on fabulousness
YOU deserve a place to dive deep into The Velvet Burlesque’s world any time you need a boost of sparkle, sass, or escapism

And between you and me … it’s also an excellent way to fall in love with our shows before booking your next show or workshop ticket!

WHAT YOU’LL FIND ON THE CHANNEL

Full performance videos from previous Velvet Burlesque shows
Show trailers dripping in glamour and utter gorgeousness
Behind-the-scenes footage (including ALL the chaos)
Special announcements, competitions, and exclusive updates
Magical moments from our stage that deserve to live on forever

And with the new Boss Lady Unleashed series launching soon - trust me - it’s worth subscribing (simply for the upcoming, sweary bloopers!).

A LOVE LETTER TO THE VELVET BURLESQUE AUDIENCE

You’ve told me for years that watching past performances helps you stay connected to the shows, the cast, the community, and this feral BOSS LADY that you’ve grown to love.

So, this is me - us - saying:
Thank you for watching.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for supporting independent burlesque, cabaret and circus.
You keep the lights on, the glitter stocked, and the dream alive.

BOSS LADY WISDOM

Sometimes the easiest way to reconnect with your own creative spark is simply to watch someone else set theirs on fire.

(Preferably safely!)

READY TO DIVE IN?

Here’s your official invitation to binge-watch the brilliance: The Velvet Burlesque YouTube Channel

And if you enjoy what you see, hit that SUBSCRIBE button with the enthusiasm of a rhinestone flying off during a high kick.

THEN DON'T FORGET TO COME BACK HERE AND BOOK TICKETS TO SEE US LIVE TOO!

Upcoming shows and events can be found here: THE VELVET BURLESQUE SHOW!

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

Why We Don’t Offer Flash Sales At The Last Minute.

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 17:57:10 GMT

Why We Don't Offer FLASH SALES At The Last Minute.

At The Velvet Burlesque , we believe in fairness, value, and integrity.

We often see last-minute ticket price drops or flash sales flying around, (which is totally fine for others, of course), but that’s not our style.

Here’s why:

- We always offer early-bird offers/discounts exclusively to our loyal newsletter subscribers as a thank-you for booking early and supporting us.

- Once tickets go on general sale, the price stays the same.

Why? Because we think it’s unfair for someone who books in advance (sometimes months ahead!) to find out they could have paid less later on. That’s just not how we roll.

- We know the true worth of what we offer - our shows, classes, workshops, and events are crafted with care, experience, and a commitment to high quality. You’re not just buying a ticket - you’re investing in a fantastic experience!

- Our performers are worth it.

- Our show crews are worth it.

- And we believe that what we create is worth every penny.

We don’t do “cheap” - we curate exceptional entertainment and memorable experiences with honest value for money, and we price accordingly.

That said, we also understand that for some, the luxury of a ticket might not always be financially possible. That’s why we fully support the idea of " Pay It Forward ". If you’re in a position to purchase or donate an extra ticket, we’ll make sure it goes to someone who might not have been able to attend otherwise, and so, the joy of live entertainment can be shared even further.

Please contact us to discuss this.

So, if you fancy joining us, DO, but please don’t ask for discounts on tickets once they’re on sale. We’ve priced them fairly from the start!

Keep an eye out for those early-bird perks next time via our Mailing List and Newsletters , but please know that when you book, you’re getting real, honest value, EVERY. SINGLE TIME.

Thankyou for your understanding.

�� Fancy a peek at what we’ve got coming up? Our latest show and event listings are just here: SHOWS & EVENTS

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

Why "Next Time" Might Be Too Late.

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:48:41 GMT

Why "Next Time" Might Be Too Late.

An honest and heartfelt message to burlesque and cabaret's wonderful fans and followers, but especially those who keep meaning to come to a show, but didn’t, or still don't.

We hear it so often:

“Oh, I’d LOVE to come - I’ll catch the show next time!”

“This looks incredible, but I’ll wait until the next one.”

“Keep me posted if you do it again!”

HERE’S THE TRUTH: SOMETIMES, THERE WON’T BE A NEXT TIME.

Not because we don’t want to do it again.

Not because it wasn’t brilliant.

But because enough people didn’t show up to make another show possible.

Across the UK, grassroots, independent, artist-led shows are folding. Venues are shutting their doors. Creators are burning out.

Not because they lack talent, but because they’re running on empty while trying to compete with corporate-funded productions that can afford massive ad campaigns and PR teams - big corporate-backed shows that are quick to jump on the burlesque and cabaret bandwagon.

While these types of shows might boost genre visibility (which is great!), those productions are backed by huge marketing budgets and trend-driven hype. They’ll simply move on to the next trend once they’ve milked this one dry!

Worryingly, even the bigger, corporate-backed productions are now feeling the pressure, with some shows postponing runs, cancelling tours, or going dark - sometimes with no real certainty about when, or whether, they will return.

BUT THE SOUL? THE PASSION? THE INDEPENDENT ARTISTS WHO BUILT THIS SCENE FROM SCRATCH?

That lives in independent, grassroots, artist-led shows.

And those are the shows that need you - the loyal, curious, adventurous audience - to show up now more than ever.

Those big, corporate 'cookie-cutter' shows might seem extra-dazzling (mostly only in their advertising, not their actual physical content!), but, some of them jumped into burlesque and cabaret simply because it was trendy at the time; they were looking for something else to bring the big bucks in! They are PROFIT-FIRST, PASSION-SECOND, and when the next shiny thing comes along, they’ll move on to that!

We won’t, because we live and breathe this art form!

Independent shows like The Velvet Burlesque aren’t backed by big budgets or corporate sponsors. They are built on creative risk, self-financing, months of unpaid work, and a huuuuuuge leap of faith that enough people will turn up to make it worthwhile.

So, when you say, “I’ll come next time,” what you may not realise is that YOUR TICKET THIS TIME could have been the difference between a show breaking even or taking a loss. Between the lights going up again - or not.

LIVE, INDEPENDENT SHOWS CANNOT THRIVE WITHOUT REAL, COMMITTED AUDIENCE SUPPORT.

Ways you can help:

Book the ticket (and book it early, so that producers know there is interest and support!).
Bring a friend.
Come on your own!
Tell someone - spread the word, share social media posts, or pass on show flyers you see.

YOUR PRESENCE AND YOUR SUPPORT - HOWEVER YOU DO IT - HAS POWER, AND YOUR CHOICE MATTERS.

Your physical presence at the event definitely keeps these shows alive.

Your online support matters too - sharing social media posts to spread the word, 'liking' and commenting online, and helping independent shows reach new audiences can make a real difference.

Every act of support gives purpose and possibility to the hundreds of hours spent creating what you eventually see on stage.

EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHO CHOOSES TO BUY AN INDEPENDENT SHOW TICKET HELPS SUSTAIN THE ARTISTS, CREW, PRODUCERS, AND VENUES WHO POUR THEIR HEARTS AND SOUL INTO THIS INDUSTRY.

If you love what we do, we need you to show up. That’s the only way we (and others) can keep going.

Every seat filled helps us create more of those unforgettable moments.

Every ticket bought helps pay performers, tech crew, and venue staff.

Every ticket bought helps keep the venue lights on and the curtain rising

This isn’t a plea. It’s a heartfelt reminder that the shows you love only exist if people like you do come. And if you want independent, heartfelt, creative, powerful shows to stay part of the scene - you have to support them now - TODAY , not someday.

So if you've ever said, “That looks amazing, I’ll come next time” - please make the time you choose to be there THIS TIME .

Be part of the magic, not just a spectator from the sidelines.

Don't leave it until it's too late!

Please be part of keeping the magic alive.

WANT TO JOIN US FOR A SPECTACULAR NIGHT OUT?

Our latest show and event listings can be found here: SHOWS & EVENTS

With thanks, and deep gratitude - always -

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque ™

What to Expect at a Burlesque, Cabaret & Circus Show | UK Variety Nightlife Guide

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 01:31:51 GMT

What to Expect at a Burlesque, Cabaret & Circus Show | UK Variety Nightlife Guide

New to burlesque or cabaret?

Discover what really happens at a burlesque, cabaret, & circus show - from sequins and sass to jaw-dropping variety acts.

A guide by The Velvet Burlesque.

✨ SO, YOU’VE BOOKED YOUR FIRST BURLESQUE & CABARET SHOW TICKET … NOW WHAT?

Stepping into the world of burlesque, cabaret, and circus for the first time is like opening a velvet curtain into a realm of glitter, chaos, and artistry. If you’ve never been before, you might be wondering: What exactly am I in for?

Fear not, curious adventurer - BOSS LADY has you covered. Here’s everything you can expect when the lights go down, the curtain rises, and the magic of a Velvet Burlesque show begins.

✨ A FEAST FOR THE EYES (AND EARS)!

Think glitter that catches the light like stardust, sequins that shimmer with every movement, rhinestones sparkling from corsets and gowns, feather fans unfurling like exotic wings, aerialists swinging high above the stage, fire that crackles with danger, nipple tassels twirling with mischief, and comedy sharp enough to make you cry with laughter. Add powerhouse live vocals that raise the roof, and circus skills so jaw-dropping you’ll wonder if gravity and health & safety have taken the night off - all of it woven into one intoxicating, unique evening of spectacle.

Burlesque isn’t just about striptease (although, yes, there’s artful tease and cheeky reveals aplenty). At its heart, burlesque is about storytelling - using glamour, humour, politics, satire, sensuality, and theatricality to tell tales that are bold, playful, and unapologetically unique. Every performer brings their own flair, whether it’s dazzling costume artistry, sly comic timing, or raw emotional presence.

Now add cabaret’s cheeky songs and razor-sharp comedy, mix in the charisma of music, theatre, and dance, and layer it with circus artistry that seems to defy the laws of physics. From aerial silks and hoops spiralling toward the ceiling, to jugglers, acrobats, knife-throwers, sword-swallowers, and fire-breathers pushing the boundaries of danger and delight - you’re looking at a stage show that keeps you hooked, guessing, and cheering from the very first spotlight to the last encore.

✨ VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF CABARET.

Unlike traditional theatre, a burlesque & cabaret show isn’t one long play with a single storyline - it’s a kaleidoscope of entertainment, a variety line-up designed to keep you on the very edge of your seat.

Every act brings something completely different: one moment you’re doubled over with laughter at a smutty song, the next you’re holding your breath as an aerial performer spins, twirls, and drops right in front of your eyes. Then, just as your pulse steadies, but before you’ve even caught your breath, you’re swept into a sultry burlesque number dripping with drama and unforgettable style.

This ever-changing rhythm is the beating heart of cabaret. It’s unpredictable, eclectic, and gloriously chaotic - a heady mix of glamour, danger, satire, mayhem, music, skills, striptease, and raw power - all stitched together with velvet thread. You’ll never quite know what’s coming next - and that’s exactly the point.

It’s a high-speed rollercoaster of spectacle and emotion, an intoxicating cocktail of entertainment where every sip tastes different, but every delicious drop leaves you wanting more!

It’s a living, breathing, lucky dip of entertainment where the only guarantee is that you’ll leave grinning, gobsmacked, or both! Variety isn’t just the spice here - it’s the whole banquet!

✨ AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (BUT NOT THE SCARY KIND)!

Burlesque, cabaret, and circus isn’t about sitting quietly in the dark - it thrives on breaking the fourth wall and pulling you into the atmosphere.

The performers don’t just perform at you; they perform with you.

Expect cheeky banter, playful glances, and the occasional moment where a performer might single you out for a laugh, a wink, or a flirt. You might even find yourself the punchline of a joke, the target of a saucy serenade, or the recipient of a feather fan flourish.

But don’t panic - it’s never cruel or uncomfortable! Cabaret is about celebration, not humiliation. The goal is always to make you feel like part of the fun, and to give you a memory you’ll be talking about long after the final curtain call.

Here’s the golden rule: the more you give, the more you get. Clap until your hands sting, cheer until your throat’s raw, whistle, stomp, and whoop like you mean it. Every ounce of energy you throw towards the stage is reflected right back at you, only bigger and brighter.

Think of it as a glorious two-way love affair between stage and audience - a conversation carried out in applause, laughter, and delighted voices. Your reactions don’t just encourage the performers - they help shape the show itself.

✨ EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!

Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s all sequins and satin, or that it’s anything like that glossy Hollywood film and musical; "Burlesque" (yes, the one with Christina Aguilera and Cher belting it out on stage) ... Cabaret is a mischievous creature, and with it comes the kind of surprises you couldn’t script if you tried.

And the best part? You’ll never quite know what combination of marvels is waiting for you on any given night!

The only way to truly understand it is to buy a ticket and experience an actual, real-life, authentic , grassroots burlesque and cabaret show for yourself.

Here’s the truth: if you came looking for predictable, you booked the wrong ticket! The Velvet Burlesque shows don’t play safe - they play spectacular!

✨ A SAFE, INCLUSIVE SPACE.

At its heart, burlesque, cabaret, and circus are about freedom. Freedom to express, to play, to shine in ways some of the mainstream stages (and musicals!) don’t always allow.

You won’t just see one body type, one gender, or one way of being fabulous - you’ll see a dazzling spectrum of humans who bring their own truth, power, and sparkle to the spotlight. That’s not a side note; it’s the whole point. These shows are a celebration of individuality, where difference isn’t just accepted, it’s adored.

Newcomers to veterans, 20-somethings to trailblazers, legends, and drag royalty who’ve been dazzling for decades - every stage of adult life shines here.

Any culture, ethnicity, sexuality, trans or non-binary brilliance, neurodivergent minds, every background, every faith (or none), curves, muscular strength or slim silhouettes, petite or statuesque, scars, disabilities, and those with access needs - everything and everyone has a place on our stage, and everything and everyone belongs in our audience too.

Every human on stage and off deserves respect. Celebrate loudly, but remember: consent isn’t just sexy, it’s compulsory.

So come exactly as you are. Throw on sequins if it delights you, or show up in jeans if that feels right. In this space, you’re not judged by what you wear, who you love, or how you move - you’re welcomed for bringing your whole, true self to the party.

Burlesque, cabaret, and circus have always thrived on being rebellious, subversive, and proudly outside the box. When you step into The Velvet Burlesque, you’re stepping into a community - a tribe - that doesn’t just tolerate difference - it roars with joy for it.

✨ YOU’LL WANT TO COME BACK!

First-time audiences always leave saying: “When’s the next one?” And honestly, who can blame them!

Burlesque, cabaret, and circus aren’t just shows - they’re experiences that get under your skin in the best possible way. They are addictive!

The thrill isn’t just what you see on stage, it’s also the atmosphere in the room: the electric buzz of the audience, the shared laughter and song, the wild applause, and the excited feeling that you’ve just witnessed something utterly spectacular.

No two Velvet Burlesque shows are ever the same, and that’s the secret. You’ll want to come back, because once you’ve seen one, you'll be hooked, and you’ll be desperate to know what happens at the next!

✨ READY TO EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF?

Whether it’s your first show or your fiftieth, book your next unforgettable night out here: THE VELVET BURLESQUE - SHOWS & EVENTS

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

IT'S SHOWTIME!

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 01:06:45 GMT

IT'S SHOWTIME!

Why David Lee Roth’s “It’s Showtime!” is the anthem of every Velvet Burlesque curtain rise, and what it means backstage and within the audience.

Every single Velvet Burlesque show begins the same way - the clock strikes the hour, and David Lee Roth’s "It’s Showtime! " blasts through the speakers.

It’s loud.

It’s electric.

It’s tradition.

And as that familiar riff kicks in, EVERYBODY knows IT'S SHOWTIME !

For me; months - literal months - of careful planning goes into each and every public, corporate, or private event I produce. There’s always a full whirlwind of shows, productions, projects, workshops, classes, and mentoring spinning at once!

Deadlines loom.

To-do lists lengthen.

Emails flood in.

Late nights roll into early mornings spent working at the PC, with very little downtime in between.
There are rehearsals, logistics, scheduling nightmares, endless emails, phone calls, national and international bookings, train and plane journeys (and the inevitable cancellations!), missing luggage, costuming chaos, marketing marathons for multiple events at the same time, ticket sales, customer service, licence applications, insurance headaches, herding cats, wrangling performers, glitter explosions, and the occasional existential crisis ...

And before you know it - fuelled by caffeine, determination, and sheer bloody-mindedness - the magic happens.

Because when the velvet curtain rises - ready or not - IT'S SHOWTIME!

✨ WHY "IT'S SHOWTIME!"?

I’ve always loved David Lee Roth’s music - the energy, the swagger, the absolute commitment to putting on a show. He's an incredible entertainer!

Being part of the madness of showbiz myself for decades, “It’s Showtime!” didn’t just sound good - it sang straight to my soul.

Every lyric, every guitar riff captures that cocktail of nerves, adrenaline, and sheer bloody determination it takes to walk out onto a stage and say, “Right - let’s give them a night they’ll never forget!”

That track became more than a hype song - it became a promise to myself.

A declaration that no matter what chaos happened in the production process or backstage, no matter how many last-minute disasters or wardrobe malfunctions - when it’s time, we show up.

We deliver.
We shine.

And so now, every time those first notes kick in before a Velvet Burlesque show, it’s a reminder to all of us - performers, crew, and audience alike - that this is it.

This is our moment.

IT'S SHOWTIME!

✨ IT'S MORE THAN JUST A SONG:

Over the years, “It’s Showtime!” has become a secret handshake between everyone who’s ever been part of a Velvet Burlesque production or sat in the audience.
It’s our pre-show battle cry!
It’s the official signal that everything we've all worked so hard for in this career is about to come alive again each time we do this.

And honestly? I still get goosebumps when I hear it - every. single. time.

✨ WHAT IT MEANS BACKSTAGE:

When that song starts, the message is loud and clear:

It’s time to turn on the show-face
It’s time to trust the process
LET'S F*CKING GO!

Performers grab their props and hustle into the wings - each doing final checks of their costumes.

The stage crew get into position. Headsets in place - fingers on switches.

The mic goes live.

I give one last “we’ve got this!” nod from the wings.
One final adrenaline-fuelled exhale before the manic few hours of live theatre madness begins.

And out front?
The audience starts to buzz.
They hear it too, and they know the magic is about to begin.

It’s all worth it when that first cheer erupts from the crowd as the first few bars of music hits them.

HERE WE GO!

✨ WANT TO FEEL THE SHOWTIME MAGIC TOO?!

Experience the full chaos, glamour, and glittery madness LIVE - grab your tickets to our next Velvet Burlesque show now: Visit Our Shows & Events Listings

And when you hear “ It’s Showtime! ” blaring across the theatre, you’ll know you’re about to witness something absolutely bloody spectacular!

ENJOY!

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

What Is Burlesque? What Is Cabaret? What Is The Difference? | The Velvet Burlesque

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 21:29:54 GMT

What Is Burlesque? What Is Cabaret? What Is the Difference? | The Velvet Burlesque

Burlesque. Cabaret. Variety. Striptease. Circus. Vaudeville. Showgirls. These words are often used together, and sometimes interchangeably, but they do not all mean the same thing.

What Is Burlesque? What Is Cabaret? And What Is The Difference?

Burlesque. Cabaret. Variety. Striptease. Circus. Vaudeville. Showgirls.

These words are often used together, and sometimes interchangeably, but they do not all mean the same thing.

If you are completely new to this world, it can be surprisingly difficult to work out exactly what somebody means when they describe a performance as "burlesque", a production as "cabaret", or an evening as a "variety show".

The simplest distinction is this:

Burlesque is a performance genre. Cabaret is a much broader form of live entertainment which can include burlesque alongside many other types of performance.

There is, however, considerably more to both than that.

Modern burlesque and cabaret draw upon centuries of theatre, satire, music hall, variety entertainment, dance, striptease, comedy, circus, glamour, spectacle, and artistic experimentation.

And neither can really be reduced to a single style.

What Is Burlesque?

Modern burlesque is a theatrical performance art which can combine dance, striptease, characterisation, costume, comedy, storytelling, choreography, music, glamour, satire, and the art of tease.

Some acts are sophisticated and sensual.

Some are theatrical and dramatic.

Others are comic, bizarre, political, extravagant, dark, glamorous, deliberately ridiculous, or completely unexpected.

The performer may create an elaborate character, construct an act around a particular piece of music, use spectacular costuming, tell a story, parody an idea, explore a theme, or simply create a beautifully staged piece of entertainment.

That enormous creative range is one of the defining characteristics of contemporary burlesque.

There is no single burlesque "look".

And there is no single correct way for a burlesque act to be performed.

Where Does the Word Burlesque Come From?

The word burlesque comes from the Italian burlesco , meaning something comic, ludicrous, or mocking. Burlesco derives from the Italian word burla , meaning a joke, jest, mockery, or piece of nonsense.

The term passed into French as burlesque before entering the English language in the mid-17th century. Its earliest English use referred to comic, grotesque, or deliberately exaggerated imitation - particularly the humorous treatment of subjects normally considered serious or elevated. Merriam-Webster records its first known use as a noun in 1667.

Historically, theatrical burlesque used parody, satire, exaggeration, and humorous imitation to play with established ideas and conventions. Serious subjects, literature, opera, theatre, politics, fashionable culture, and familiar characters could all be exaggerated, mocked, or turned upside down for comic effect.

This original meaning is important because burlesque did not begin as a synonym for striptease. Its foundations lie in that earlier parody, satire, exaggeration, ridicule, and playful subversion. The association with theatrical variety, glamour, and striptease developed much later as burlesque evolved through different forms of popular entertainment into the form more widely recognised today.

As popular entertainment evolved, so did burlesque. Through theatrical traditions including British Music Hall and American variety entertainment, burlesque became increasingly associated with productions combining comedy, music, dance, spectacle, glamorous performers, and eventually striptease.

The modern burlesque scene has inherited elements from many of these traditions rather than developing from one single historical form. Contemporary burlesque can therefore encompass glamour and striptease, but also comedy, parody, character, theatricality, storytelling, dance, satire, and deliberate subversion.

What Is Modern Burlesque?

Contemporary burlesque is extraordinarily varied.

Some performers draw heavily upon classic glamour and the visual language associated with twentieth-century striptease.

Others create work which bears very little resemblance to that tradition.

Modern burlesque can include (but is not limited to):

Classic burlesque and striptease
Neo-burlesque
Comedy burlesque
Character performance
Dance-led burlesque
Theatrical burlesque
Dark or alternative burlesque, including styles such as 'gorelesque'
Nerdlesque and performances inspired by popular culture, fantasy, film, gaming, comics, and fandom
Parody and satire
Elaborate costume and prop work
Fan dance - using feather fans, silk fans, and other styles of decorative hand fans
Veil work and flowing fabric props
Spectacular oversized props, from giant martini glasses and carousel horses to multi-tier cakes and countless other imaginative creations
Showgirl-inspired performance
Storytelling and conceptual acts
Performance incorporating circus or speciality skills

Individual artists often combine several of these approaches within the same act, which makes attempts to place modern burlesque into one neat category particularly difficult.

The common thread is not a particular costume, body type, musical style, aesthetic, or degree of nudity.

It is the creation of an intentional theatrical performance - one in which personality, presentation, concept, character, movement, humour, tease, storytelling, or spectacle can be used to create something uniquely individual.

Is Burlesque the Same as Striptease?

Not exactly.

Or perhaps more accurately: no, but yes, but ...

Striptease is strongly associated with burlesque and remains an important part of the art form, but the two terms are not interchangeable.

A burlesque act may incorporate extensive costume removal. It may contain only a small reveal. Or it may contain no striptease whatsoever.

Where striptease is used, the removal of costume becomes part of the construction of the performance itself.

Timing matters. Music matters. Character matters. Costume matters. Anticipation matters.

A glove removed at precisely the right musical moment can be more effective than an entire costume disappearing in seconds. That is why the word tease is so important - it is the art of the tease.

The reveal is not necessarily the whole performance. It is one of the tools available to the performer.

Burlesque, Stripping, Exotic Dancing, and the Double Standard

There is, however, an important reality that is sometimes rather conveniently overlooked.

If a burlesque performer is deliberately removing their clothes on stage as part of a performance, they are stripping.

Burlesque does not magically stop that action from being stripping simply because it takes place beneath theatrical lighting, while wearing rhinestones, corsetry, feather fans, or an elaborate costume.

And nor should it need to.

There remains an uncomfortable double standard surrounding stripping and erotic performance.

Striptease performed within burlesque is frequently praised as artistic, empowering, glamorous, theatrical, sophisticated, or skilful, while strippers and exotic dancers working in clubs and other adult entertainment environments can still be dismissed, stigmatised, or treated as somehow less deserving of respect.

The settings may be very different.

The conventions may be different.

The relationship with the audience may be different.

The choreography, artistic intention, costuming, performance structure, working environment, and way in which the performer is paid may all be different.

But acknowledging those differences does not require us to pretend that one involves stripping while the other somehow does not.

Burlesque performers, strippers, and exotic dancers may all use skills including tease, sensuality, body control, confidence, musicality, timing, audience awareness, physical technique, character, and stage presence.

How those skills are used can vary enormously from one performer and environment to another, but attaching greater respectability to one label does a disservice to the performers behind the others.

Striptease also has an important place within the history of burlesque itself. As burlesque evolved through theatrical and variety entertainment, stripping and the art of tease became increasingly prominent elements of the form, eventually becoming part of the popular image of burlesque that many people recognise today.

Modern burlesque may use striptease as glamour, comedy, parody, characterisation, storytelling, satire, sensuality, spectacle, or simply as an art form in its own right.

So, is burlesque the same as striptease?

No - because burlesque is a much broader performance form, and a burlesque act does not have to involve stripping at all.

But when a burlesque act does involve the deliberate removal of clothing?

Yes. That element of the performance is striptease. It is stripping.

And - most importantly - whether somebody describes themselves as a burlesque performer, stripper, exotic dancer, or another kind of adult entertainer, there should be no shame attached to the act of stripping - and certainly no need to demean one group of performers in order to legitimise another.

Does Burlesque Have to Be Sexy?

No.

Burlesque can certainly be sensual, seductive, erotic, or provocative, but it can also be funny, strange, grotesque, glamorous, political, theatrical, poignant, powerful, or completely absurd.

Some acts deliberately play with traditional ideas of glamour and sexuality. Some embrace them wholeheartedly. Others parody them.

Burlesque gives performers enormous freedom to construct a stage persona or artistic concept rather than conform to one narrow idea of what the genre should look like.

What Are Burlesque Audiences Like?

Burlesque audiences can be wonderfully diverse, with adults of different genders, backgrounds, and levels of familiarity with the art form coming together to enjoy live performance.

Many contemporary burlesque audiences are female-majority, although the appeal of burlesque extends far beyond any one gender or demographic.

A supportive audience is an important part of the atmosphere. Performers are often enthusiastically cheered for their individuality, confidence, creativity, stage presence, self-expression, and the enormous variety of bodies, identities, characters, and performance styles represented on stage.

That enthusiasm, however, does not mean that normal boundaries disappear.

Consent and respect matter.

Audience members should never assume that a revealing costume, sensual performance, striptease, or direct interaction from the stage gives permission to touch a performer.

Unless a performer has very specifically invited an interaction as part of an act, physical contact from audience members is not acceptable .

Burlesque may play confidently with sexuality, tease, flirtation, glamour, and provocation, but those things exist within the boundaries of a performance. A respectful audience understands the difference between enthusiastically enjoying the show and crossing a performer’s personal boundaries.

What Is Cabaret?

Cabaret is broader than burlesque.

Rather than describing one particular performance discipline, cabaret usually describes a style or format of live entertainment which can bring together many different types of performers within the same programme.

A cabaret production may contain burlesque, but it does not have to.

It might also feature singers, comedians, dancers, circus artists, magicians, drag performers, speciality acts, physical performers, musicians, or artists whose work crosses several disciplines at once.

Cabaret is therefore often about curation .

Different acts are brought together to create one complete evening of entertainment. And when they are brought together by passionate producers and exceptional performers, the result can be unlike almost any other form of live entertainment.

What Types of Acts Can Appear in Cabaret?

Almost anything capable of working within a live variety format can potentially become part of a cabaret programme.

Depending upon the production, audiences might see:

Burlesque performers
Cabaret singers
Circus artists
Fire performers
Aerialists
Acrobats
Comedians
Magicians
Drag artists
Dancers
Showgirls
Troupe performance
Character acts
Physical theatre
Speciality performers
Novelty acts
Musicians
Spoken-word artists
Unusual variety performers

This means that two productions both described as "cabaret" can be completely different.

One might be sophisticated, glamorous, and intimate.

Another might be riotous, alternative, circus-heavy, or experimental.

The word describes a broad theatrical world rather than one fixed recipe.

What Is the Difference Between Burlesque and Cabaret?

The easiest way to understand the difference is to think of burlesque as an art form, and cabaret as a wider performance format.

A burlesque performer can appear in a cabaret show.

But not every cabaret performer is a burlesque performer.

For example, a production could include:

A burlesque striptease act.

Followed by a circus performer.

Followed by a comedian.

Followed by a singer.

Followed by a magician.

Followed by another burlesque act.

That would be a cabaret or variety show containing burlesque.

A production consisting entirely of burlesque performers could, of course, still be described as a burlesque show.

The terminology overlaps because the performance worlds themselves overlap.

What Is a Variety Show?

A variety show is another closely related term.

As the name suggests, variety entertainment presents a mixture of different performance disciplines within one programme.

Historically, British Music Hall, American Vaudeville, revue, circus, cabaret, and other forms of popular entertainment all contributed to the development of modern variety performance.

Today, "variety show" can be a particularly useful description for productions containing a broad mixture of cabaret, circus, burlesque, comedy, magic, dance, music, and speciality entertainment.

Cabaret and variety therefore frequently overlap.

The precise label used often depends upon the style, venue, history, and personality of the production.

What Is Vaudeville?

Vaudeville was an enormously influential form of variety entertainment, particularly associated with the United States during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

A vaudeville bill could contain singers, comedians, dancers, acrobats, magicians, novelty performers, musicians, and numerous other speciality acts.

Modern cabaret and variety producers sometimes use the word "vaudeville" stylistically, particularly where a production draws inspiration from historic variety theatre.

It should not, however, simply be treated as another word for modern burlesque.

What Is a Revue?

A revue is another theatrical form closely connected with the history of cabaret and variety entertainment.

Traditionally, revues combined elements such as music, dance, sketches, comedy, spectacle, and ensemble performance rather than telling one continuous dramatic story in the way that a conventional play or musical might.

The influence of revue can still be seen throughout contemporary cabaret and theatrical variety productions.

Where Does Circus Fit Into Cabaret?

Circus has its own enormous history and collection of specialist disciplines, but contemporary circus frequently crosses into the cabaret world.

A cabaret producer might programme performers specialising in aerial skills, contortion, juggling, acrobatics, fire performance, acrobatic balancing, physical comedy, object manipulation, or other circus disciplines.

Presented within a mixed bill alongside burlesque, comedy, music, dance, and other speciality acts, these become part of the overall cabaret experience.

This crossover is one reason modern cabaret can be so difficult to define neatly.

The boundaries between performance genres are often deliberately blurred.

Where Does Drag Fit Into Cabaret?

Drag has a rich performance tradition of its own and is not simply a branch of burlesque.

However, drag artists have long been a significant part of cabaret, nightlife, theatre, and variety entertainment.

A drag performance might incorporate lip-sync, vocals, comedy, dance, character, costume, audience interaction, political commentary, or numerous other performance styles.

As with circus, drag therefore exists independently while also appearing naturally within a wider cabaret programme.

Is Cabaret the Same as Musical Theatre?

No.

Musical theatre generally presents a continuous production in which songs, dialogue, choreography, characters, and narrative form part of an overall theatrical work.

Cabaret does not necessarily have that structure.

A cabaret show can instead consist of completely separate performances, each with its own performer, music, style, and concept.

However, cabaret performers frequently draw upon musical theatre, and musical theatre performers may also work in cabaret.

Once again, these performance worlds often intersect without being identical.

What Makes a Good Burlesque and Cabaret Show?

A good cabaret show is not simply a random collection of performers placed on a stage.

Programming matters.

The contrast between acts matters.

Pacing matters.

Running order matters.

Technical production matters.

Music, lighting, presentation, hosting, costuming, staging, and the overall relationship between individual performances all contribute to the experience.

A skilled producer considers how the entire programme works as an evening rather than viewing each act in isolation.

A beautifully elegant performance may become even more effective when it follows something riotously funny.

A high-energy circus act may completely change the pace of an evening.

A dramatic act may need space around it.

An unexpected performer can alter the atmosphere of an entire room.

That carefully controlled contrast is one of the great strengths of cabaret.

Is The Velvet Burlesque Burlesque or Cabaret?

The answer is: both - and considerably more besides.

The Velvet Burlesque has always drawn upon the wider worlds of burlesque, cabaret, dance, circus, comedy, variety, glamour, speciality entertainment, and theatrical production.

Founded by multi-award-winning producer, choreographer, teacher, and performer Lara Gothique , The Velvet Burlesque has created and presented live entertainment incorporating established professional performers alongside original production concepts, choreography, theatrical presentation, and carefully curated variety programming.

The name may say Burlesque, but the creative world around The Velvet Burlesque has never been restricted to one performance discipline.

That breadth is part of what has always made The Velvet Burlesque distinctive.

Burlesque, Cabaret, and Variety Continue to Evolve

One of the most exciting things about burlesque and cabaret is that neither exists as a museum piece.

Performers continually reinvent them.

New influences appear.

Performance styles cross over.

Traditional techniques are rediscovered and reinterpreted.

Artists combine disciplines that previous generations may have considered completely separate.

A twenty-first-century cabaret bill might contain echoes of music hall, vaudeville, revue, circus, nightclub entertainment, classic striptease, contemporary dance, comedy, drag, theatre, and performance art - sometimes within the same evening.

That ability to evolve is precisely why these forms of entertainment have survived.

Want to Know What Actually Happens at a Burlesque & Cabaret Show?

If you now understand what burlesque and cabaret are, but you are wondering what actually happens when you attend a live show - what the atmosphere is like, who goes, what to wear, and what first-time audience members can expect - read our separate guide: What to Expect at a Burlesque, Cabaret & Circus Show

That guide explores the audience experience itself, while this article explains the performance genres behind it.

Discover The Velvet Burlesque

The Velvet Burlesque brings together decades of professional experience in burlesque, cabaret, choreography, dance, entertainment, and live production.

Alongside live entertainment, multi-award-winning choreographer, teacher, performer, and producer Lara Gothique provides expert-led burlesque and heels classes, dance workshops, private tuition, bespoke choreography, performer mentoring and act development, wedding first dance choreography, and bespoke entertainment for corporate events and private celebrations.

Whether you want to watch it, learn it, perform it, or commission it, there is far more to the world of burlesque and cabaret than a single definition can ever completely contain.

Discover more about The Velvet Burlesque here .

BOSS LADY - Lara Gothique
Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

Where It All Began: The Spark Behind The Velvet Burlesque

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 13:56:36 GMT

Where It All Began: The Spark Behind The Velvet Burlesque

Lara Gothique shares the vivid childhood memory in Spain that inspired her lifelong journey into cabaret, burlesque, dance, and performance magic.

✨ A CHILDHOOD MEMORY THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

When people ask me, “How did you get into burlesque and cabaret?” , my answer always goes back to one vivid, crystal-studded memory.

I was about five years old, sitting in a cabaret venue in Spain with my family.

(It was the 1970s – there were no rules!)

The stage lights dimmed.

Suddenly, a single, ethereal blue spotlight lit up one breathtaking performer.

She was tall, brunette, and alone on the stage. She wore a fine mesh, nude bodysuit, entirely covered in crystals that shimmered like liquid diamonds.

I remember sitting there wide-eyed, completely mesmerised.

That solo dancer wasn’t just beautiful - she was powerful. She radiated confidence, strength, and control over the entire room without uttering a single word.

Her presence was magnetic. I couldn’t look away. My little heart thumped out of my chest as I thought to myself: “She’s strong. She’s captivating. She’s everything I want to be.”

"THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO DO!"

And in that exact moment, I knew.

I didn’t know the word for it yet, but I knew I wanted to be like her.

I wanted to make people feel something, just as she had made me feel.

I wanted to be on a stage.

✨ THE SPARK THAT BECAME VELVET BURLESQUE™

That childhood spark never left me.

It became the heartbeat behind my training, my performing, my teaching, and eventually, the creation of The Velvet Burlesque.

Every class and workshop I teach, every show I produce, and every audience member I perform for is part of that same ripple effect.

I wanted to grow up and inspire people the way that dancer inspired me - and decades later, that mission is still at the centre of everything I do.

✨ WHY THESE ORIGIN STORIES MATTER

Burlesque and cabaret aren’t just about sequins, feathers, or fancy costumes. They’re about presence, storytelling, and transformation.

That night in Spain taught me something I carry into every production: a true performer doesn’t just entertain - they ignite something in others.

That dancer probably never knew that a wide-eyed little girl in the audience would go on to become a multi-award-winning international burlesque choreographer, producer, performer, teacher and mentor - all because of that one initial vision, and her performance.

And maybe, just maybe, one of my shows or classes will light a spark for the next generation, just like that incredible experience did for me.

✨ BOSS LADY WISDOM

Never underestimate the power of being seen.

Sometimes, the moment that feels ordinary to you becomes unforgettable to someone else. So, perform with truth. Teach with purpose. Create with fire.

You never know who in the audience is quietly deciding to change their whole life because of the strength, courage, beauty, or presence you show on stage.

✨ WANT TO EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC YOURSELF?

If you’ve never been to a Velvet Burlesque™ show, class or workshop, now is the perfect time to discover it. Come and see what inspired a lifetime of sparkle, stagecraft, and storytelling.

Explore upcoming events here: SHOWS & EVENTS

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

Photo: Heather Holly

Who Is The "BOSS LADY"?!

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 01:46:58 GMT

Who Is the BOSS LADY?!

Yep – That’s Me, Lara Gothique!

Founder of The Velvet Burlesque ™

All hail the (young) BOSS LADY from waaaay back in the 90's!

(Fishnets and big boots are still a thing now, too!)

Right then, let’s get this glitterball rolling - for those of you who don’t know me, I’m Lara Gothique, founder of The Velvet Burlesque, international choreographer, performer, teacher, producer, and self-confessed Swamp-Witch. I’ve been dancing and performing since I was knee-high to a grasshopper (yes, really), and I’ve never looked back - just hot-fixed more rhinestones on, gotten louder, stronger, and more confident about it.

Back in 1991, as the end of my teenage education years loomed, I knew that I didn't want to be forced into a desk job, or, to quote a family friend - 'something more suitable for a young lady'. I had always had this wild idea to take the risk and turn my lifelong love for dance, music, theatre, and all things flamboyant into a full-blown business. My (very prudish) Sixth-Form Headmaster was horrified that I had plans to be an exotic dancer and showgirl, alongside teaching dance and fitness - he sat me down in his office, told me loudly and repeatedly to get a “proper job”, and snorted that my 'little, ill-advised venture' wouldn’t last the year anyhow, and that my reputation as an already serious and established dancer would be in tatters.

WELL ...

On the 1st of September 1991 - I hit the ground running!

Here we are – three and a half decades later – I'm still dancing, performing and teaching. I made a bloody good career out of my dreams, and The Velvet Burlesque is one of the biggest, boldest, and longest-running burlesque and cabaret businesses in the UK.

I’ve travelled across the world and dazzled countless audiences, taught in schools and higher education premises, prisons, and government offices, produced shows and events for royalty, and made speeches in various imposing conference halls.

I've danced (and taken my clothes off!) in clubs, bars, theatres, music halls, tents in deserts, articulated trucks, marquees, hotels, strip clubs, nightclubs, private venues, bingo halls, barns, ballrooms, basements, back gardens, boudoirs, breweries, bathhouses, boats, boxing rings, bus shelters (seriously!), cabaret dens, catwalks, castles, crypts, circus rings, conference centres, converted warehouses, community halls, discos, dining rooms, dodgy hotel rooms, empty swimming pools, festivals, film sets, function rooms, ferries, garages, gentlemen’s clubs, grand staircases, gyms, haunted pubs, hotel lobbies, libraries, live music venues, lounges, museums, open fields, opera houses, old cinemas, penthouses, palaces, rehearsal studios, rooftops, roller rinks, shopping centres, speakeasies, stately homes, tattoo parlours, warehouses, wedding venues, wrestling rings, yachts, and once - a moving float in a parade (don’t ask about the wind and the rain that day!).

I've also helped many thousands of glorious humans to shimmy, slut-drop, grapevine, kickbox, bicep curl, and plank their way to confidence, connection, fitness, shows, stages, and a damn good time!

✨ DANCE IS MY MAGIC:

Choreography and performance have always been my happy place - it’s how I tell stories, how I communicate, and quite frankly, how I keep my sanity. I created The Velvet Burlesque to share that magic with others.

Through my classes and workshops, I help people celebrate the skin they’re in, rediscover their self-confidence, self-worth, and embrace all the messy, marvellous bits of themselves.

Whether you're a total beginner or someone with a back catalogue of jazz hands, you’re welcome. Just bring your sparkle (real or metaphorical), or if you've lost it - I'll help you find it again!

✨ FITNESS WITH FLAIR (AND ZERO JUDGEMENT):

I’ve also been a fully qualified fitness teacher and personal trainer since 1991, so yes, I’ve been helping people squat, crunch, press, and swear through workouts since shoulder pads were still a thing.

I don’t just care about how you move, I care about why you move, and how you feel while doing it.

With well over 30 years of training, study, and hands-on client experience, my specialities are:

Post-op rehabilitation (including but not limited to: heart surgery, back surgery, hernia, hip/knee replacements, mastectomy, bone injury, road accidents, etc.)
Pre & post-natal fitness (including Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction [SPD], post-C-section, etc.)
Dealing with chronic conditions & long-term illness/injury
Sports injuries
General day-to-day injury/illness rehabilitation (eg: falls, sprains, back pain, sciatica, arthritis, general wear & tear, etc.)
Dealing with peri-menopausal/menopausal issues and changes
Additional in-depth personalised programmes and support is also available

I regularly work with referrals from GPs, consultants, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and midwives, offering safe, supportive, and inclusive sessions for a wide range of needs.

I work with all ages, genders, shapes, sizes, and ability levels - from full-on fitness fiends to those recovering from injury, illness, surgery, or those just starting their movement journey.

Every programme I offer is personalised, inclusive, and above all, kind to your body.

(Unless you count those bloody awful Bulgarian Split Squats!)

✨ EVERYONE IS WELCOME - ALWAYS:

(Unless you're a "Mean Girl" ... definitely no Mean Girls allowed!)

My classes and workshops are open to everyone (aged 18+ for dance) - all genders, ethnicities, body types, backgrounds, and energy levels. The Velvet Burlesque isn’t just about movement - it’s about community, support, laughter, and finding your tribe.

And yes, we are very good at welcoming nervous newbies. You’ll come in shy, and leave with a strut.

✨ MEET "HELLS BELLE" - MY AMAZONIAN ALTER EGO!

On stage, I become "Hells Belle" – a formidable Showgirl Glamazon with a reputation for commanding presence, killer costumes, and incredibly fast nipple-tassels! Think old-school glamour meets gothic ferocity, and then add a touch of danger, because honestly, this bitch bites if you pull her tail.

The name? That’s a nod to one of my favourite bands of all time - the mighty AC/DC.

Their track "Hells Bells" absolutely thunders with drama, power, and attitude, so naturally, it became the inspiration for my onstage persona.
Loud, proud, and impossible to ignore? Sounds about right.

I’ve performed internationally, and all over the UK, bringing all kinds of shows and events to life - from exotic clubs, classic burlesque stages, gogo podiums, to dark fantasy, horror, fetish, historical themed events and beyond. I’ve even thrown in a bit of stunt horse-riding and motorbike madness over the years (because apparently I just don’t know how to sit still).

If you’ve got a crazy idea, or want something bespoke for your event, just ask! I’m always up for creating something new and unforgettable.

Some lovely (and slightly cheeky) testimonials for "Hells Belle":

“An hourglass figure, with the sand in all the right places.” – Mister Meredith
“A Victorian Gothic masterpiece … fitting into the surroundings perfectly.” – 21stCenturyBurlesque.com
“The fastest tassels in the North!” – Feline Productions
“Her onstage persona is large, vibrant, and confident... there ain’t nothing like a pro.” – Allie J Carr

I’m not here to be subtle. I’m here to make you feel something, whether it’s awe, joy, or the sudden urge to go home and put on heavy make-up, high heels, and fishnets in my honour.

✨ BEHIND THE SCENES: WELLIES, DOGS, CATS, & PERFECT SWAMP-WITCHERY:

When the spotlight dims and the dancing shoes come off, I turn into a full-blown, welly-wearing hermit. I live on a farm in a gloriously rural area of North Sheffield with my husband, The Viking, a landscape gardener.

I genuinely love nothing more than muddy boots, sunny days, and wandering around the woodland and moors with my majestic Great Danes, whispering choreography to the trees while the wind decides if my fringe is coming along for the ride too.

I’m also frequently surrounded by cats - some are spoiled house cats, and some are feral rescues that I've trapped, neutered and released again here. I swear they’re running some sort of feline underground network - the word is clearly out about the 24/7 cat food buffet - new buggers keep turning up! I suspect there’s a feline WhatsApp group.

(And yes, I'll save the story about the trapped feral cat who bit through my boob for another time ...!)

Add to that our ever-rotating cast of poultry, the occasional herd of goats, and a past filled with horses and reptiles - it’s basically a glittery Noah’s Ark, but with slightly more eyeliner.

I’m a total nature-lover at heart. Give me the sound of birds and other wildlife over traffic any day. That’s where I find my peace, and where I remind myself that the woman who makes the magic also needs time to recharge.

That said, while I may be a rural hermit in my downtime, make no mistake - I rarely sit still! As my close friends will tell you, I always have at least 37 swirling brain tabs open , usually involving several new choreography pieces, evolving show concepts, a huge admin to-do list (because self-employment/owning a business = no bloody end to the admin!), and random business ideas I decide to start Google-ing and planning at 4am when the insomnia inspiration hits. (And of course, a last-minute online panic shop for a crucial prop replacement needed for this weekend’s event, because, naturally, the original one fell apart dramatically at the end of the last show's pack-down. Glitter explosion included.)

I started this business in an era of VHS tapes, paper flyers/posters, and word-of-mouth. Now I’m juggling SEO algorithms, livestreams, and sodding Instagram Reels. If the stage teaches you anything, it’s that you have to adapt - constantly. Trends shift, tech evolves, clients and audience habits change, and while you don’t need to sell your soul to every new craze, you do need to keep moving whenever the spotlight does.

What a lot of people don’t see is that I’ve built this life and business through more than just sequins and show-face. I live with various frustrating and painful chronic health conditions, and I’ve faced some terrible personal losses, including six devastating miscarriages, survived domestic violence, rape, and death threats. Experiences that absolutely knocked me off my feet - shook me - shaped me, but also made me fiercer, more focused, and even more determined to carve out joy, connection, and meaning wherever I can.

So when I say, “Trust The Process!” I mean it.
Because I’ve danced through some very (very) dark days, and thankfully found some light on the other side.

This chaotic showbiz life vs. the grounded life - part Glamazon - part Swamp-Witch - keeps me real. It’s where the costumes get packed away, the lashes come off, and I reconnect with the messy, muddy, magical version of myself.

After nearly 35 years of business in this wild world of feathers and footlights , I’ve met and worked with some incredible people, been part of some spectacular events and opportunities, overcome so many challenges for myself and my business, and proved that yes - you can make a career out of shaking your bits, and yelling instructions at people!

So that’s me - Boss Lady - Lara Gothique - Hells Belle - Swamp-Witch - (Slightly Feral) Founder of The Velvet Burlesque. Proud producer, consummate performer, passionate teacher, trustworthy mentor, professional idiot, and the kind of woman you can ask to milk a goat if you need her to (honestly!).

Often imitated - never surpassed.

Come along sometime.

Click the links.

We’ll make some magic together!

L.x.

�� Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™