How to Burlesque Dance

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: August 30, 2020 References

Burlesque dancing combines sexy moves and risque outfits to create a daring, fun, and sensual performance. Think plenty of feathers, glitter, and sparkles! It is performed at burlesque clubs, bars, and other entertainment venues. Try out different moves such as a shimmy, a strut, or a grind to learn some popular burlesque steps. Then experiment with different costumes, props, and music to create your own routine.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Learning Beginner Burlesque Moves

1
Try bopping your hip for an easy, sexy move. You can dance by bopping your hip both with and without props. Stand with your body to the side. Bend 1 knee and keep only your toes of that foot on the ground. Bring your hip up and down to the beat of the music. Try to bounce your weight into your heel and back out again as you move your hip to create a bopping motion.^{[1]
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- If you aren’t using a prop, bend your elbow and place your hand on the hip that you’re bopping.
- If you’re using a prop such as a chair, hold onto it with your hand that is on the same side of your body as the hip you’re bopping.
- Try switching the side that you’re facing outwards to change up this simple bopping move.
2
Shake your shoulders forward and back to do a shimmy. A shimmy is fun, beginner burlesque move that uses your shoulders and upper body. Bring each shoulder up towards your ear and down quickly, alternating between your left and right, to begin shimmying. Then slowly tilt your upper body back and forth while you’re shaking your shoulders. Bend your elbows while you shimmy and keep your arms outstretched slightly to maintain an open and inviting posture.^{[2]
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3
Move your hips in a circle and squeeze your glutes to do the grind move. The grind is a popular burlesque move because it’s easy to pull off and is a hit with the audience! Slowly rotate your hips and pelvis in a circular motion, from in front of you to behind you. As you move your hips and pelvis in front of you, squeeze your glutes tightly and suck your stomach in. Release your glutes and your stomach as you move your hips and pelvis behind you again.^{[3]
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- You can either keep your hands on your hips as you perform this step or keep your arms open and roll your wrists gently as your hips move.
- It can be helpful to imagine that you have a hula hoop around your hips and that you need to follow the circular shape.
4
Learn to strut for a basic burlesque-style walk. A strut is a great way to move around the stage in a fun and sexy fashion! Strut by walking forwards in a slow, steady motion with your toes pointed. Aim to take calm, collected steps and to almost cross one leg in front of the other as you walk so that your hip movements are exaggerated. Make sure that you walk with your back straight, your shoulders back, and your chest lifted.^{[4]
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- If you aren’t holding any props, you can place 1 hand on your hip as you strut.
5
Bend down and then swing your hair back to do a hair flip. Outstretch 1 leg in front of your body and keep it straight with your toes pointed. Bend forward and try to touch the toes of your outstretched leg, and then quickly swing your upper body back up from your waist. Run your hand back up your leg towards your thigh and draw your head back so that your hair flips off your face and into the air.^{[5]
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- Bend your other leg at the knee while you're performing a hair flip.
- A hair flip is a great burlesque move because it's straightforward and a good opportunity to show off your winning smile!
6
Spin as you walk forward for a burlesque-style turn. Strut forwards and then add in a twirl as you're walking. After you have completed a full turn, stretch 1 leg outwards and point your toes towards the floor. Then keep your toes pointed and quickly bring your knee back up towards your hip and down again to draw your foot up, as though you're teasing the floor.^{[6]
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- This move is both fun and flirty!
7
Do the arch and swirl for a fun burlesque move. The arch and swirl move is simple and easy to do! Stand with your legs just further apart than your shoulders and bend down at your hips, as though you are trying to reach something off the floor. Keep your legs straight while you bend and then bring your body back up, running your hands up your legs. When you're upright again, swirl your hips to the side towards the audience.^{[7]
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- Keep your back straight while you bend forward.
8
Try a leg crossover for a fun move to perform with a chair. A leg crossover is a great way to learn to dance with props such as chairs. Stand next to a chair and cross one leg in front of the other, keeping your ankles close together. Bend forward at your hips and rest your palms on the chair seat. Make sure that your legs and back stay straight. Then bend 1 knee and kick out that leg behind you, moving it in a circular motion before bringing your foot back to the ground and crossing your legs again.^{[8]
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- You can repeat your leg kicks as many times as you like. Simply alternate between legs. This looks as though you are strutting on the spot and crossing your legs between each step.
- Keep your toes pointed and your kicks graceful.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Incorporating Costumes, Props, Music, and More

1
Wear dazzling, fun costumes with plenty of flair. Wearing a playful, sensual costume is a huge part of burlesque dancing! Look for leotards, corsets, lingerie, or two-piece outfits that are shiny, glittery, or simply just stand out. Heels are also a must for burlesque dancing. For both your clothes and shoes, look for feathers, sequins, satin, and other materials that draw attention to you.^{[9]
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- Don’t be afraid of accessories like flowers in your hair, large statement earrings, capes, or feather boas!
- Burlesque was very popular from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s, so frills, feathers, faux fur, and anything with sparkle is ideal. Research the burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee for more inspiration.
- Stilettos and pumps are popular burlesque heels.
- If you are planning to strip as part of your routine, make sure that you pick clothing that you can easily and smoothly take off while you’re dancing.
2
Use your facial expressions as part of your performance. Your expressions play a huge part in getting your audience engaged and having fun while you’re dancing. Try a sexy smile, a look of faux surprise as you strip, a playful smirk, or bite your lip. Dance in front of a mirror while you practice your routine and try out different expressions for each step to see what you prefer and what helps you to feel confident.^{[10]
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Choose jazz or big band songs for traditional burlesque-style music. Although burlesque is performed to a wide range of different genres, jazz and big band are the most traditional genres. Look for songs that you enjoy the beat of and that go well with your favorite moves. If you’re stuck for inspiration, try attending a burlesque show and picking the songs that you like or watching a burlesque-inspired movie such as the 2010 film Burlesque.^{[11]
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- The jazz and big band genres are popular for burlesque, however, any music that makes you feel sexy and that you can dance to is ideal!
4
Use props such as a chair or a feather fan to tease the audience. Burlesque dancing often involves plenty of fun props that you can use to help engage the audience. Get a chair and try dancing on or around it. You could also use a feather fan to wave in front of your body or to use as part of your striptease.^{[12]
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- You can also use your accessories as props. Feather boas, gloves, and hats are great for your striptease routine and for twirling in your hands as part of your dance moves.
5
Experience burlesque through shows and videos to learn more about it. There are plenty of different ways to experience burlesque dancing. Use a search engine to find local burlesque shows to attend or to find classes if you want to learn how to start dancing from a professional. Alternatively, watch burlesque dancing tutorials online to practice your moves from home.^{[13]
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- Attending burlesque shows and classes is a great way to meet other people that are interested in burlesque too.
6
Practice confidence and believe in yourself while you’re dancing. Burlesque dancing relies on you feeling confident, sexy, and in control. Even if you’re just a beginner, try your best to be confident in your ability and progress. Use positive affirmations to help you feel good, smile even if you’re finding things difficult, and leave any mistakes in the past.^{[14]
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- Confidence is the key to having fun during burlesque dancing.
- Positive affirmations can really help if you’re having trouble feeling confident when you dance. Replace negative, detrimental thoughts with helpful statements such as, “I improve every time I practice,” or “I am a good dancer.”

Community Q&A

Question

Can I burlesque at 20?

Community Answer

Yes, you are legally an adult and can do what you wish, including burlesque.
Question

Can I burlesque at 17?

Community Answer

You technically can as there shouldn't be nudity in burlesque, but most places would rather you wait until you turn 18.
Question

Can I do burlesque at 11?

Community Answer

No, you should not. It is not appropriate for children or teens.