A Journey Through the Styles of Burlesque
Exploring the Many Expressions of Burlesque
Burlesque is a rich and ever-evolving art form that celebrates confidence, creativity, and self-expression. While it is often associated with glamour and tease, burlesque encompasses many distinct styles, each offering its own movement quality, energy, and performance flavour.
Whether you are brand new to burlesque or looking to expand your experience, here is a guide to some of the most popular and exciting burlesque styles you may encounter.
Classic Burlesque
Classic burlesque is the foundation of the art form, rooted in vintage glamour, elegance, and the power of the slow tease. Inspired by the golden age of burlesque, this style focuses on sensual pacing, refined reveals, and timeless sophistication.
Classic burlesque emphasises posture, poise, and intentional movement. Performers learn how to captivate an audience through confidence, eye contact, and subtle storytelling, proving that anticipation and control are often more powerful than speed or spectacle.
Neo Burlesque
Neo burlesque is the modern evolution of traditional burlesque, blending classic techniques with contemporary themes, music, and ideas. This style is bold, expressive, and often playful or provocative, giving performers space to explore humour, commentary, and personal narrative.
With fewer rules and endless creative freedom, neo burlesque encourages experimentation and individuality. It is ideal for those who enjoy pushing boundaries and using performance as a form of self-expression and storytelling.
Feather Fan Burlesque
Feather fan burlesque is synonymous with luxury, mystery, and show-stopping glamour. Using large feather fans as both costume and prop, this style is all about illusion, precision, and fluid arm work.
Performers learn how to create breathtaking visuals through fan manipulation, revealing and concealing the body with elegance and control. Feather fan burlesque is perfect for those drawn to classic showgirl aesthetics, dramatic movement, and theatrical presence.
Bellyesque
Bellyesque is a beautiful fusion of belly dance and burlesque, combining fluid isolations with playful tease and expressive performance. This style celebrates the torso, hips, and curves through controlled, rhythmic movement and musical interpretation.
With a strong focus on body awareness and sensual confidence, bellyesque invites dancers to explore softness, strength, and grace. It is an empowering style that honours individuality and encourages a deep connection to movement.
Country Showgirl Burlesque
Country showgirl burlesque blends burlesque sass with bold attitude and showgirl sparkle. Inspired by country music and Western flair, this style is energetic, cheeky, and full of personality.
Expect confident struts, hip swings, playful character work, and high-energy movement. Country showgirl burlesque is ideal for those who love fun, fearless expression and letting their inner rhinestone cowgirl shine.
Cabaresque
Cabaresque draws inspiration from cabaret performance, combining burlesque with theatrical storytelling and expressive movement. This style often leans into character, mood, and emotional depth, creating performances that feel intimate and immersive.
Cabaresque is perfect for performers who enjoy narrative-driven acts, musical interpretation, and connecting deeply with an audience through expression and stagecraft.
Finding Your Burlesque Style
One of the most magical things about burlesque is that there is no single right way to do it. Many performers explore multiple styles over time, discovering what resonates most with their personality, movement preferences, and creative voice.
Whether you are drawn to vintage glamour, modern edge, sensual fusion, or playful showgirl sparkle, burlesque offers a style and a space for everyone.
Join Us in the Studio
Curious to explore one of these burlesque styles in person? Our weekly classes provide a supportive, confidence-boosting space to learn choreography, develop stage presence, and discover your unique burlesque expression.
View our Class Timetable to see what is on offer and book your place. We cannot wait to welcome you into the studio.