CBF Classes 2025
tickets on sale now!
Space is limited!
Colorado Burlesque Festival - Friday classes
9:00am-10:00am Banbury Cross:"Burlesque Uncovered: Fundamentals”
An intimate and intensive workshop where we'll strip back the basics to focus on the fundamental techniques that make burlesque magic happen.
In this hands-on session, we'll dive deep into:
The Art and importance of the Walk: Mastering stride, posture and rhythm
The Bump and Grind: Refining your movement, and musicality
Stage Presence: Owning the spotlight and captivating your audience.
Question and answer time will be added for all of your burning questions.
Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting out, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to refine your skills, break bad habits, and reconnect with your burlesque persona
Who: Open to all levels, professional and novice 18+
What to wear: Comfortable clothing and heels.
10:15am-11:15pm - Polka Dottie: What A Character!
Do people around you constantly exclaim “what a character!” when referring to you? Put that spirited personality to use with a character-driven burlesque act that will drive your audience wild.
Polka Dottie (she/her) is a burlesque performer from Denver known for her clever and thoughtful character work. She has been using burlesque to tell well-detailed short stories throughout the United States for about 11 years and is excited to share her tips with others. Before burlesque, Polka Dottie came from the world of theater and fashion and loves using her knowledge in those fields to create a well-rounded act that will appeal to even the most casual of burlesque fans. From well-established nostalgia to completely original characters, you can expect every Polka Dottie act to contain a beginning, a middle, and a rear end.
In this class, you will learn how to flesh out any character you wish to portray- whether they be already established or of your own creation. The use of props, sound effects, body movements, and facial expressions will all be discussed and put into use through group exercises.
Class will be a mixture of information and physical activities. Students will be able to choose movements that match their physical abilities. Good for all skill levels. Students are encouraged to bring clothing they can move comfortably in, paper and a writing utensil.
11:30pm-12:30pm - Queerly Femmetastic: FloorWERK
How do YOU work the floor? And get back up when you’re done? All while building a sensual connection with your audience?
12:45pm-1:45pm - Shawna the Black Venus: Legend Q&A
-we are requesting that you send your questions in advance so Shawna can prepare.
Colorado Burlesque Festival - Saturday Classes
9am-10:00am - Your Presence is the Present: Audience Awareness for Shimmyshakers
Being a burlesque performer already makes you amazing, but how can you transform your burlesque from a simple performance into an unforgettable moment of connection with your audience? Chicago burlesque beatnik Willy LaQueue will show you his road-tested tips and tricks for building your Stage Presence- engaging and entrancing your audience so you can tailor your act to the exact group of people you're entertaining. Through a series of fun, goofy, and softly challenging activities, participants will learn how to project their power over the audience, hold their gaze, and leave them begging for more. Wear comfortable clothing & shoes that you can move in. Bringing one small-to-medium-sized prop or costume piece that inspires movement is optional, but bringing your open mind is required!
10:15am-11:15am - : Mr. Valdez's Burlesque Werkout!
Step into a world of empowerment, fun, and scientifically-backed benefits with Mr. Valdez's Burlesque Werkout! This inclusive, body-positive space is designed for all body types and skill levels, offering you the chance to unleash your inner diva/divo/divx while boosting both your confidence and well-being. Combining the art of burlesque with a high-energy workout, this class promises to get you moving, grooving, and sweating. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and powerful, bring a water bottle!
Not only will you leave feeling fabulous, but you’ll also experience the proven benefits of dancing. Moving your body to joyful music releases dopamine, while dancing alongside others increases oxytocin, deepening your sense of connection. The serotonin boost from feeling part of a supportive community, paired with endorphins from physical activity, makes this class as mentally uplifting as it is physically rewarding. Led by local burlesque legend Mr. Valdez, who has over 15 years of experience, this empowering class will have you feeling more energized, confident, and ready to werk!
11:30am-12:30pm - Goddess Briq House:PROTECT YA NECK:
Practical Protection Practices against stalkers and other haters.
Overview:
Targeted Violence against Sex Workers, Femme Presenting Public Figures, and other folks of marginalized identities is a long-standing and ongoing issue. A popular narrative is we experience this violence primarily at the hands of complete strangers. Another truth is in addition to those outside threats, our very own co-workers, partners, friends, and family can also end up being our greatest and most dangerous haters. Aka They the Ops!
In this workshop we’ll explore “Protectin Ya Neck” personally and professionally on all fronts; from cyber, to spiritual, to physical. Together we will learn new ways to take care of ourselves and expand our safety network. While revisiting some of the tried and true ways of protection as well. We will make room for our grief and anger. We will begin envisioning a new world of safety and security together. What has been, does not have to be what is continued.
All are welcome.
Items needed:
*Any of your electronics ie: tablets, laptop, cell phones etc.
*Pen and paper or other notetaking devices
*A curious mind
*Your Safety/Survival/Healing related stories and resources, if you have any to share
*A comfort item
*A water bottle
Trigger warning: This workshop may include descriptions of encountering, surviving, and/or succumbing to violent behavior including but not limited to cyber stalking and other forms of stalking, physical, spiritual, and emotional abuse, harassment in the workplace, police and state violence. During the workshop images of protection items including guns, other weapons, and esoteric tools may be shared. Outside of images of protective Deities, such as Kali Maa, there will be no images of direct violence shared by the Facilitator. Please prioritize accessing healthy resources available to you to take the best care of yourself before and after the workshop. Please do ask your Facilitator if you need help with finding more resources.
12:45pm-1:45pm - La Dame Derriere: Sultry Slink
1 Hour | Movement based | Open Level
Let's slow it down! This workshop focuses on building stage presence, ultra-slow, slinky movements, and intense eye-fuckery. Suitable for all levels of movement, modifications provided.
Requirements: Bring a water bottle, clothes you feel comfortable moving in, and optional heels
