Where to Take Burlesque Classes in Denver:
A guide to leveling up your confidence, choreography, and sensuality—on and off the stage.
So you want to learn burlesque—but you're not sure where to start. Or maybe you’ve seen a show (hi, Dream Girls), got a little obsessed, and now you're spiraling on Google wondering: Is there a class for this? Can anyone do it? Do I need pasties?
Let’s talk.
First, a little history.
Burlesque isn’t new. It’s been around since the 1800s, originally a form of satire and parody before evolving into the glamorous striptease art we know today. Think corsets, clever reveals, rhinestones, and—yes—removing clothing, but always with intent. Burlesque is about teasing, storytelling, and subversion. It's campy, it's political, it's sensual, and it's comedic.
(pictured is the pin-up burly queen Bettie Page)
In modern times, it’s also deeply personal. Burlesque has become a space for people—especially women and queer folks—to reclaim their bodies, rewrite their narratives, and perform their power on their own terms.
Which brings me to…
Why Take Burlesque Classes?
Sure, you could hop on stage and freestyle a slow glove peel, but burlesque is more than just rubbing on yourself to a Lana Del Rey song. (Unless that’s the vibe—no judgment, we’ve all been there.)
Taking burlesque classes helps you build:
Stage presence: aka how to hold attention and command a room.
Choreography skills: so you’re not blanking halfway through your routine.
Confidence: the kind that seeps into every other area of your life.
Costume and concept development: because sometimes the idea is the act.
Community: a big one. Finding other performers who get it? Priceless.
Even if you never plan to perform publicly, classes offer space for self-expression, embodiment, and fun. You don’t need to have a dance background, a certain body type, or a specific aesthetic. Burlesque is for everybody. And I mean every. body.
Where to Take Burlesque Classes in Denver:
Ready to unleash your inner seductress (or seductive thembo)? Denver’s burlesque and dance scene is thriving, and there are plenty of places to learn how to tease, strut, and sparkle—whether you want to perform or just feel more confident in your body. Here’s a curated list of where to start:
Tease Studio (RiNo, Denver)
A staple for sexy movement. Tease offers burlesque floorwork, pole, and chair dance classes in a supportive, body-positive space. Ideal for beginners or anyone looking to connect with their sensual side.
Hard Candy Dance Studio (Denver)
Perfect for choreography-driven dancers. Classes include burlesque jazz and heels, focusing on performance quality and musicality. All levels are welcome, but it’s especially great if you love detailed routines and slaying counts.
(check out Hard Candy Studio in Denver off of Colfax and Elm st.)
The Clocktower Cabaret (Downtown Denver)
While the venue itself doesn’t run a class program, many Clocktower performers—like yours truly—host workshops, private coaching, or pop-ups. It’s the heart of Denver burlesque and a great place to connect with pros.
Black Widow Pole Studio (Littleton)
Located in the ‘burbs and worth the drive. They offer burlesque classes alongside pole fitness. A great option if you're outside the city but still want to work that slow burn and stage presence.
Sankalpa Collective (Denver)
This unique space offers a sultry twist on embodiment and movement classes. Check out School of Seduction and Provocatique—both designed to help you tap into confidence, sensuality, and performance power. Less “count to eight,” more “wake up your inner goddess.”
Studio 3sixT (Denver)
Want to mix a little booty pop with your burlesque? Their Twerk-lesque class on Sundays combines twerk technique with classic tease. High energy, fun, and perfect for anyone wanting to break a sweat and feel cute.
Independent Performers & Coaches (Various Locations)
Some of the best instruction comes straight from the stage:
Miss Monroe offers burlesque classes, Pilates, model coaching, and more. She’s a powerhouse with a heart and can help you find your unique movement language.
The Stella Luna, a Clocktower performer, teaches at Denver Dance and Denver Circus Collective. Her classes blend grace, drama, and storytelling with strong technical foundations.
(photo of The Stella Luna)
If you're reading this and thinking, this sounds amazing but also terrifying, that’s kind of the point. Burlesque stretches you—in all the best ways. Physically, emotionally, creatively.
And if you're looking for mentorship, a place to start, or even just someone to sit in class with—you can hit me up. I’ve got you.
💋
Pennie