Kitty Golightly Burlesque - Learn Burlesque in Norwich! Burlesque Classes, lessons, courses - fantastic hen party ideas.

See also - Why Choose Kitty?

• What is burlesque?

There are two answers we could give here. The first is historical and will have you falling asleep. The second is contemporary but full of misconception. Let's go with a happy medium and try for a third -

The word burlesque comes from the word "burla"; Italian for joke. It started as a form of performance parody in nineteenth century music halls, with the shows gradually becoming increasingly risque as time went on. Nowadays it is often associated with strip but this is not necessarily the case (see below: "will I be expected to strip?") and it is quite usual to go to a burlesque show and see dancing, comedy, acrobatics and satirical pastiche.

• What sort of burlesque classes do you run?

Based in Norfolk, we offer several different types of Burlesque classes, all of which are focussed on the dance and movement aspect of burlesque. There are:

• Burlesque Hen Parties
• Burlesque Birthday Parties
• Burlesque Office Parties
• Open Group Burlesque Courses
• Private Group Taster Sessions
• Corporate Motivational Sessions
• Individual Burlesque Lessons

Prices can all be found on the appropriate pages.

• Where are the classes held?

The classes are all held in a state of the art dedicated dance studio in Norwich, a mere stillettos throw from the night life. No dank bars for us, thank you.

• I'm not a size 8... so... is this really for me?

Burlesque is not about dress size. It's about loving what you have and wiggling it to best effect. You can do this whether you're a size eight or a size eighteen; you'll have different aspects of your body you'll want to emphasise but ultimately it's the same prize - being able to move in a gorgeous and sexy manner, with confidence and grace.

• And I'm nervous...

Most people start out feeling a little apprehensive but it disappears very quickly! It's only natural to feel nervous about something you've never done before - it doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. We pride ourselves on being able to put people at ease. See our philosophy.

• Will I be expected to strip?

Many people associate Burlesque with strip but it's a common misconception. Burlesque can involve strip, but it doesn't have to. For example, strip makes up only one of the classes on our entire burlesque course.

Also it's worth bearing in mind that there's strip and there's strip. The burlesque taught here at Kitty Golightly is classic 1930's. It's nothing like lap dancing or pole dancing - it's cheeky and fun. It's been said before but it's worth saying again - in burlesque what you keep hidden is every bit as important as what you reveal. Naughty suggestion is the order of the day.

- I've booked a burlesque hen night / burlesque party
No. Not if you don't want to. However the element of strip that is built into the class involves no nudity whatsoever. You will be asked to bring along several items of clothing and you will be "layered up in order to strip down", as it were.

- I've booked a motivation/reward class for my employees
No corporate classes do not have a strip element unless arranged by prior negotiation.

- I've booked a place on a course
If you've looked at the itinerary you'll see that there is an element of strip in some of the classes, although the strip is of a very mild nature. However if you are not comfortable with doing so, you are welcome not to take part in that element of the class.

• What should I wear?

In short - you need to find your own happy marriage between glamour and comfort (yes, we all know there is no such thing...) Your teacher will be used to dancing in full burlesque costume, and so will be wearing the works: corset, fishnets and the highest of heels. Students generally find a toned down version is better. A full list of appropriate attire will be included with booking aknowledgement.

Please note that, since the classes are held in a professional dance studio with a properly sprung floor, you may not wear stillettos. Thicker heels (cuban / platform) are permissible.