Improv Live Band Burlesque Workshop
Improv Live Band Burlesque Workshop
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Participants in this 8 week workshop (option of 3 levels) will primarily focus on the fundamentals of improvised burlesque movement while gaining experience and knowledge of the classic burlesque tease, learning how to create intentional movement on the spot, conceptualize and create costumes, and more!
Each participant will also have the option of performing at a Live Band Burlesque showcase at Ground Control in Parkdale alongside Bubblegum Bikini.
Our Summer Improv Workshop is now in progress/finishing with a showcase on Sept 17.
The next Fine Tune workshop will begin on October 7th. You can find details and registration below.
If you are interested in one of our improv workshops that isn't currently listed on the schedule, please fill out this form and we will get back to you with upcoming workshop dates.
Instructors
Instructors
Join Sweet Rosie Mae and a rotating cast of Funktion performers every week to learn a variety of dance styles and how to incorporate them into improvised burlesque acts. Guest instructors will teach 'Bump & Grind', 'Clowning', 'Waacking', 'Floor', 'Contemporary Movement', and more.
Instructor Lineup:
Sweet Rosie Mae, Rita Ann'tique, Newfound Lad, Rubie Magnitude, Petra, Força, Kesteeze
Weekly Schedule
Weekly Schedule
Each week will be divided into two sections for both Level One and Level Two Workshops.
6:30pm: Warm-up
6:45pm - 7:45pm: Burlesque Basics with Sweet Rosie Mae
Learn everything you need to know to get on stage and perform!
Each participant will have the opportunity to create a freestyle solo act (coached by Rosie) using the burlesque training tools taught throughout the workshop. They will then have the option to perform their solos alongside the band Bubblegum Bikini for a live audience at the end of the workshop series.
8:00pm - 9:00pm: Rotating Guest Teacher Series
A Funktion cast member or special guest instructor will teach the
last hour of the workshop each week. The focus will lie on different styles of dance/burlesque as well as concepts based off of the instructor's personal performance style.
9:00pm - 9:30pm: Optional 'open studio' time for questions, rehearsing, etc
Fine Tune Details:
Fine Tune is an improv-based burlesque movement class focused on movement creation and adapting movement to unfamiliar musical selections.
Performers will dive into music theory for dance, work on movement creation techniques that can be used for both improv and act creation.
Participants are highly encouraged to have completed an 8-week Funktion Improv workshop (Level One or Two) before joining or have a minimum of 2 years performance experience.
ADVANCED LEVEL
8 Week Series
TUESDAYS
Oct 7 - Dec 9
(no class Oct 14 or Nov 25)
8-9:30pm
Instructor:
Sweet Rosie Mae
Drop-ins are NOT available for this series
REGISTER
Q & A:
Q: Do I need dance or burlesque experience to join?
A: Not at all! Level One is perfect for total beginners—no prior experience required.
Q: What if I already perform or have dance training?
A: Level Two and Fine Tune are designed for more experienced performers who want to deepen their improv skills and may also be looking for new ways to create movement/choreography for acts.
Q: What makes these workshops different from regular burlesque classes?
A: These workshops focus on improvisation and movement creation, teaching you how to build unique, meaningful movement inspired by music. The focus is on skills you can use both in improv and in choreographed acts.
Q: Do I have to perform in the final show?
A: No! The workshops culminate in a live band burlesque showcase, giving you the chance to try out your improvisational skills, but they are not mandatory.
Q: Do I need to be a trained dancer to take this workshop?
A: Not at all! These workshops are designed for performers of all backgrounds. Improv isn’t just about dance movement, it can also be character-driven, focus on storytelling, or focus on costume reveals. The goal is to help you discover new ways of creating intentional movement, whether through dance, character, or creative choices unique to your performance style.
Q: Is this workshop only useful for improv, or can it help with creating choreography too?
A: While the workshops are centered on improvisation, the tools you learn can be applied far beyond improv. By practicing how to create movement in the moment, performers build a toolkit that can spark new ideas and break old habits when creating choreography for their pre-choreographed acts.
Testimonials
"Although I don’t have a wide frame of reference, I really believe the Funktion workshops are THE workshop for folks who want to meaningfully engage with the burlesque scene in Toronto in beyond. Rosie and all the other instructors have been so fucking generous with their time, energy and resources. No gatekeeping knowledge and always thinking of opportunities to connect us with other acts/concepts/performers." - Workshop Student
"Life changing good! I never imagined how far out of my shell I would come. Absolutely the best part of my week and I can’t imagine ever wanting to stop performing" - Workshop Student
Location
Location
The Funktion House Studio
Above Ground Control
1279 Queen St W
All Funktion classes are non-refundable. However, if you are unable to attend a class due to an emergency or health concern, you may receive a credit for the amount paid. This credit can be applied to another class or workshop at The Funktion within 2 months of the original class date.
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