NY School of Burlesque

- 440 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003

Welcome to The New York School of Burlesque (NYSB), a celebrated and empowering institution located in the heart of New York City. Much more than just a dance school, the NYSB is a world-renowned school of thought and community dedicated to the art, history, and practice of burlesque. Founded and run by the internationally recognized performer, author, and educator Jo Weldon—also known as Jo “Boobs” Weldon—the school has been a powerful force in the neo-burlesque revival, guiding thousands of New Yorkers on their journey toward self-expression, glamour, and confidence.

The core mission of NYSB is to provide unique and fundamental classes taught by experienced, world-famous burlesque performers and producers. The school fosters an environment of unwavering support and zero judgment, believing passionately that "All bodies are burlesque bodies." They celebrate students of all ages, shapes, levels of ability, colors, and genders, making it a truly inclusive space in the New York performing arts scene. This approach ensures that whether you are completely new to dance or a seasoned performer in another field, you will feel at ease and excited to explore this sexy, playful, and theatrical art form.

Many students come to the NYSB seeking a way to break out of their shells. As one delighted customer noted, despite being "a little shy by nature," they "had a blast and now look forward to it every week." The classes, such as those taught by "instructor extraordinaire" Edie Nightcrawler, are praised for being fantastic for beginners, breaking down movements and body positions "so easily and enjoyably that time flies by." The experience is often described as feeling like a "family," creating a community where confidence is naturally built and students are supported all the way to performing in a student showcase.

The New York School of Burlesque is ideally situated in a prime cultural district of Manhattan, making it highly accessible for New York City residents traveling from all boroughs.

The primary address for the school is:

440 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003, USA

This location places the school in the vibrant area near Astor Place, just off the cusp of the East Village and NoHo—a neighborhood steeped in artistic and theatrical history. While the specific building's accessibility may vary, the school itself is committed to inclusivity. The studios at 440 Lafayette are generally accessible, and the school has a history of working to accommodate students with mobility needs, noting that those using mobility devices will be able to call the elevator at this location. Furthermore, the NYSB is dedicated to working toward truly inclusive spaces and is happy to discuss all accessibility questions and recommendations directly with students.

The NYSB offers a carefully curated selection of classes and course series, designed to cater to various student interests—whether for fun, fitness, or professional performance preparation.

Key services and programs available include:

• Classes for All Levels: All regular classes are suitable for all levels, and students are encouraged to take any class they like, with modifications often provided for multiple levels of mobility.
• Beginner Group Choreography: The Kitten Heels (online) and Burlesque Improv and Choreography (in-person) classes are drop-in friendly, designed to introduce basic burlesque dance concepts and group routines to beginners with no prior dance experience.
• Essential Solo Techniques: The Essential Burlesque series is a month-long course that introduces beginners to solo techniques and prop work, including the art of striptease, seductive chair dance, fabulous fan dance, and the titillating tassel-twirl.
• Act Development and Performance: The Act Development series is for students ready to develop and perfect their own solo routine, offering the invaluable option of performing the number in a live student showcase before a New York audience.
• Specialty Workshops: Rotating workshops cover niche topics such as Fan Dance Choreography, how to work with various stage props, and even the technical logistics of "making a mess" onstage (e.g., confetti, fake blood).
• Educational Resources: Access to a comprehensive burlesque blog and the essential resource, The Burlesque Handbook, written by Headmistress Jo Weldon, providing students with information on pastie adhesive, shoes, fan dance tips, and the business side of burlesque.
• Student Showcases: Regular student showcases provide a supportive and exciting platform for new performers to make their debut in New York City, which has historically launched some of the most respected performers in the neo-burlesque scene.

What truly sets The New York School of Burlesque apart is its unique identity and the caliber of its founder and instructors, all of whom are working burlesque professionals.

The school's highlights include:

• World-Class Headmistress: Jo Weldon, the Headmistress, is one of the most recognized burlesque instructors in the world, an acclaimed author, and a recipient of the Burlesque Hall of Fame award for Outstanding Contribution to the Art of Burlesque. Her expertise guarantees a level of instruction unmatched in the industry.
• Performance Pedigree: Instructors are all world-famous burlesque performers and producers, ensuring students are taught by those who know what it takes to be in-demand on the global burlesque stage.
• Empowerment and Community: The school operates with a queer-founded, -owned, and -operated ethos, and its core value is the promotion of diversity, self-love, and empowerment. This has created a loyal and supportive community atmosphere, which students often describe as being "like a family."
• Advocacy and Outreach: The NYSB extends its reach beyond the classroom, notably through the Pink Light Burlesque program, which provides free burlesque classes to breast cancer patients and survivors.
• Historical and Academic Depth: Unlike purely recreational classes, the NYSB is considered a 'school of thought,' placing importance on studying the history of burlesque to create performance art with depth and character, guided by Weldon, who is considered one of the great burlesque intellectuals.

The best way to begin your burlesque journey at the NYSB is to engage with their online presence and sign up for classes in advance, as many courses are popular and sell out quickly.

• Address: 440 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003, USA
• Email for Inquiries: schoolofburlesque@gmail.com (as listed in available resources)

For the latest schedule, registration details, and to ensure you receive timely announcements for new classes, it is highly recommended that you join their email list and follow their social media channels, as this is the primary way they communicate class availability.

Choosing The New York School of Burlesque is an investment in self-discovery, skill development, and entry into a supportive global artistic network. For New York locals looking for classes that are transformative rather than just instructional, the NYSB stands out.

First, the expertise is unparalleled. You are learning from Headmistress Jo Weldon—the author of the definitive manual, The Burlesque Handbook—and her hand-picked faculty of world-renowned artists. This means the quality of technique, from glove-peel to tassel-twirl, is of the highest professional standard.

Second, the focus is profoundly on personal empowerment. Students repeatedly highlight the fun, ease, and comfort they feel, even when starting as shy beginners. The movements are broken down into enjoyable steps, making it accessible for those with no prior dance experience. The inclusive environment actively celebrates all body types and encourages self-invention and confidence in "being seen."

Finally, the school provides a genuine pathway to performance with its regular Student Showcases. For those who harbor performance aspirations, the Act Development course offers the structured guidance and live stage opportunity to debut a solo routine. You can truly "say you saw them when" you attend a showcase, watching debut performers who may go on to win awards and headline shows worldwide. The NYSB is the gold standard for burlesque education, offering glamour, intelligence, and an unforgettable journey of self-celebration right here in New York City.

NY School of Burlesque

440 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003, USA