Nerdlesque Festival Classes!

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The Nerdlesque Festival is happy to announce the workshops for its fifth annual production in New York City, This year's festival performances and workshops will take place April 12 and 13, 2019, at legendary Coney Island USA, which has been the seat of innovative burlesque in New York for over two decades!

DETAILS AND REGISTRATION FOR ALL CLASSES


FIERCE: THE HISTORY OF LEOPARD PRINT
WITH JO WELDON
In nature, the distinctive markings on big cats served as camouflage, helping them to blend into their surroundings when hunting prey. Unlike these magnificent predators, humans have donned this distinctive animal pattern to be noticed; leopard print demands an audience. Jo Weldon, an expert in the world of burlesque, reveals how this sexy, playful, decadent, and vibrant pattern once reserved for royalty came into vogue and became a staple of fashion.
We are thrilled to have Jo Weldon, our 2017 Legend of Nerdlesque & the headmistress of the Original School of Burlesque, present her lecture on the History of Leopard Print at historic Coney Island USA.


BURLESQUE CHOREOGRAPHY FOR MODERN MUSIC
WITH LUX LACROIX
Burlesque Choreography for Modern Music: Would you rather do a fan dance to Lana Del Rey than the David Rose Orchestra? Let’s face it everybody loves the classics, but some of us would like to spread our boas. By taking traditional skills from the past ranging from chair dancing to stocking peels and presenting them to a present day soundtrack, Lux LaCroix will teach you how to bump and grind your way into the future.


BURLESQUE HOSTING BASICS
WITH FANCY FEAST
Nothing compères to you. This class is all about the nitty-gritty of emceeing burlesque, including activities for generating material, best practices for a seamless show, and how to navigate the trickier situations that may arise.


SILENT STORYTELLING
WITH PARIS ORIGINAL
Silent Storytelling: The art of telling stories with your body! Tips and tricks for using body language, facial expressions, and pantomime to communicate complex concepts and emotions to help create an engaging nonverbal narrative.


DOLLAR-STORE SHOWGIRL
WITH NASTY CANASTA
A unique and fabulous costume doesn’t need to cost a bundle: you can use materials and objects from your local dollar & discount stores to create truly one-of-a-kind standout pieces. Dollar-store denizen Nasty Canasta will teach you how to combine discount-aisle finds with the craft and sewing supplies already in your stash to build and embellish stageworthy costume pieces. In this lecture and demonstration class you’ll learn what to shop for and how to use it - plus share a step-by-step how-to on building the base for your own fancy-ass (and cheap-ass!) headdress.


HOW TO TAKE IT OFF WHEN IT ALL GOES WRONG
WITH MARY CYN
Forgot an important prop? Forgot to bring panties? Brought two costumes when you were supposed to bring three? But you don't need to be your greatest enemy, fate can do it for you. Even the most neurotypical and organized performer will face the occasional disaster; Stuck zippers, slippery stages, the set falling on you, WHATEVER! It never hurts to be prepared. We'll talk about last minute ways to replace costumes and props you may have left at home, butt-saving things to always have in your gig bag, and act-saving strategies to deal with on-stage mishaps.




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