Frequently Asked Questions

Intro to Burlesque and Beginner Burlesque is a great course to learn the basics, and is also a prerequisite for some of our other courses.

Our central Wellington classes are held at Footnote NZ Dance Studios. The entrance is at 60 Dixon Street, which is directly across the street from Te Auaha (the dance school with the big yellow “A” outside), and between OPSM and Wucha. Just go up the grey stairs, and we are the entrance on the right.

Our Lower Hutt classes are usually held at “The Studio” located at 207 High Street, Hutt Central, Lower Hutt.

Our classes are created to be continuous, with a few to help bolster your burlesque education. The best place to start is Beginner Burlesque, which will provide you with a solid base to feel comfortable and confident in all our other courses.

If you want to go deeper into technique and build upon that foundation, we recommend continuing onto Intermediate and Advanced Burlesque.

If you are keen to get on stage, the path would be to take Performance Fundamentals - which will take you through all the basics you need to feel confident on stage (and can be applied to any performance style, not just burlesque). This course covers everything from audience engagement to act development, stage makeup, and even backstage etiquette. This is perfect for newbies looking to do solo or group acts, and is also a prerequisite to take part in the Performance Course.

The next step is the Burlesque Performance Course which puts the tools and skills you learnt during Performance Fundamentals and Beginner Burlesque courses into effect, and ends with a group performance at one of the Burlesque Baby shows!

In the Performance Course you will not only learn a group choreography, but also grow your confidence, be coached on the process of creating a burlesque routine from start to stage, and be supported on the day of the show by your instructor. This is the perfect course if you’re looking to get on stage for the first time, but would like to do so in a group act rather than as a soloist.

If you would like to get on stage and are ready to roll, simply email us at info@studiolamour.co.nz and we can put you forward to perform in one of the Burlesque Baby shows. This show is the perfect place to get on stage for the first time as it is designed for both performers new to performing, and those experienced performers trying out new acts in a safe, accepting, and empowering environment.

Yes - we offer a variety of classes including performance classes, and one-off workshops.

All of our classes cover material that is not only relative to a variety of performance styles, but also tips and tricks to help you in your day to day life (building confidence, body acceptance, general fabulousness).

All of our classes provide a safe, fun, and accepting environment where you can feel comfortable to be your authentic self, ask questions and to add your own flair.

We keep our class sizes small which not only helps them feel more personal, but also creates a special community amongst both students and teachers.

To find more information about the different activities and what’s involved in each of our courses, check out our classes and workshops page.

No experience is necessary! Our courses are designed to be accessible for all levels of experience and fitness levels. Some of the more advanced classes have prerequisites, but for the majority, no previous experience is necessary.

Many of our students have little or no dance background, and we also teach professional dancers looking to add to their skillset, so whatever your experience level, our classes will challenge your abilities in a safe, accessible, and fun environment.

Unfortunately, the space we hire to run our classes is not completely accessible. The only way to enter the studio is by stairs. However, teachers are happy to help students up and down, just let us know.

You must be over 18 to take our classes or perform at any of our local venues. There’s also no such thing as being too old to do burlesque! This art form is such an accepting and loving one that not only encourages but celebrates people of all ages! It’s never too late to live your most sparkly, sexiest life! If you are concerned about mobility or accessibility though, just flick us an email.

Our classes are suitable for people of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels.

At Studio L’amour we welcome all genders and non-binary folks. We create a safe space for all of those that attend our classes.

Bookings are essential as there are limited numbers in classes. If the class you want to attend isn’t showing on the booking system, it could mean the class is full or you missed the booking cut-off time (an hour before the class begins). Send us an email to double check though.

If a class doesn’t meet the minimum number of bookings required to run, it will be cancelled or postponed. If this happens, anyone who has booked will be notified and either transferred to another class or refunded.

You can book into any of our upcoming classes on our website and learn more about what’s involved.

We have a 48 hour cancellation policy, so before this time you can cancel or reschedule classes yourself on our website. Click on the link in your confirmation email to change your booking.

If you’re cancelling and would like a refund, send us an email to info@studiolamour.co.nz.

If you have to cancel due to COVID-19, please get in touch and we can sort it out for you.

A list of things you’ll need for the various classes will be outlined in your confirmation email once you book. However, the most common things will be a water bottle, comfortable clothing you can move in, and something to take notes if you like.

We recommend wearing clothing that you can easily move in, whether that be activewear or something spicier like fishnets and hotpants! The main thing is that you feel comfortable and confident. Heels are optional.

Not at all! Even for more advanced classes that learn tassel twirling or reveals, this is done on top of your clothing.