Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is burlesque?
When you think of burlesque, you might think of glamorous showgirls, stripping out of gowns covered in rhinestones and feathers. While that still rings true, the art of burlesque has always been diverse, queer, radical, and political. At the Rose Academy we believe that burlesque is accessible, and ever changing for every one of our students, whether you’re checking something off your bucket list or starting your career off! If you can dream it, you can burlesque it! Remember burlesque is for everybody!
What classes should I start with?
As Maria von Trapp would say, “Let’s start at the very beginning!” If you are looking to perform you should start with our Be A Teaser! Teaser Workshop, Group Performance Level One or Bawdy Moves is also perfect for beginners!
I’ve never danced before, is that okay?
Absolutely! Many of our classes are designed to be accessible for all levels of dance experience. Many of our students have little or no dance background, and we also teach professional dancers looking to add to their skillset. Our classes will challenge your abilities in a safe, accessible environment, no matter your experience level!
What should I do if I’m nervous about class?
First of all, being nervous is expected. Taking a burlesque class is vulnerable, probably a new experience and maybe a little scary! Isn’t that exciting?! If you are nervous, we say embrace it! Know that everyone else in class will be nervous with you, even if they don’t look like it. Take a deep breath, know you are in a safe space intended for silliness, being sexy, laughter, mistakes and triumphs!
What age do you have to be to take a class?
You must be 18 years of age or older on the first day of class.
Am I too old to take burlesque?
NO! We have adult students of all ages. In fact, Deeva’s mom took a burlesque class on her 60th birthday and loved it. If you are concerned about mobility or accessibility please email Deeva here. We want to make sure you have a safe, fun and sexy experience.
I’ve heard of Body Positivity before but what is Fat Acceptance and how are they different?
That is a big question! Let’s dive into it!
Body positivity stems from fat acceptance. In recent years, the body positivity movement has become more mainstream.
Body positivity is the understanding that feeling positive and accepting of appearance can improve mental health and well being. All people deserve to have a positive body image, whether or not they fit society’s image of ideal shape, size and appearance.
Fat acceptance or fat liberation is a political and social movement that advocates for the rights and dignity of fat people. The Rose Academy practices fat acceptance based in anti-racist, anti-ableism, and anti-oppression strategies, theories, actions, and practices..
This barely showcases nuances of body positivity and fat acceptance. Our friends over at Matter of Fat, a body positive podcast with midwest sensibilities, did a deep dive into both topics in their mini-sodes from the summer of 2020. If you want to learn more, we have linked them below.
Matter of Fat: Body Positivity
Why do you ask for pronouns when people sign up for classes?
We ask everyone’s pronouns out of respect and as a way to create a safe and inclusive environment. We ask because our classes are for everyone, and we don’t want to assume pronouns.
If you are new to talking about pronouns or using the pronoun they/them for a single person, that’s okay! Here is a little guide to using they/them pronouns. On that site you can also find information on how to use gender inclusive language. At the Rose Academy we ask all students, staff, and audience members to respect others’ gender identities and pronouns.
What’s the difference between a drop-in class, workshop and a series class?
Let’s break them down!
Drop-ins: Drop-in classes are exactly what they sound like. You can drop-in to a class whenever it fits your schedule. Drop-ins are generally $15-$20 a class but we often provide the option to bundle drop-ins at the beginning of a session for students to save some money. Drop-in classes are designed to be stand alone classes.
Workshops: Workshops are specialized classes that focus on a specific skill or activity. These classes are typically 1 ½ hours or more. They range in price from $25-$40 depending on who is teaching and the length of the class. They are often stand alone classes taught by Rose Academy teachers or special guest teachers from around the world!
Series classes: Series classes are classes that build on each other. For most series classes that we host, you can not drop-in to the individual lessons. Examples of these classes are Beginner Burlesque, Create Your Own Solo, and Cosplay Burlesque. When you purchase a series class you are purchasing all 4 or 8 weeks of a class. These classes range in price with our 4-week series classes starting around $80 and our 8-week classes ranging from $160-$200.
Do you have non-burlesque classes? Yes! We offer Mindful Stretch and Mindful Strength! We also host rotating workshops with guest instructors that change every month.
Who teaches at the Rose Academy?
The Rose Academy faculty includes our Headmistress, Deeva Rose and teachers Petty Treason and Phoenix De La Rosa. We often have guest instructors to teach workshops from all over the United States.
What should I have for class?
Most burlesque classes will note what you need to bring for the first day of class in the class descriptions. Most often you will need some way to take notes (phone, notebook etc) and clothes to move in.
What should I wear in class?
Wear what makes you feel the best and is easy to move in! Generally students will wear leggings, joggers and t-shirts or crop tops. If you want to wear booty shorts, fishnets, high cut leotards, just a sexy bra and panties please do so! We ask that all students wear something that covers their nipples and the crotchal region.
Do I need to wear heels?
Nope! In general, our classes are designed to be done barefoot or in athletic shoes. If you would like to wear heels we ask that they have an ankle strap and are a reasonable height for your heel wearing experience. For example, if you are new to heels don’t come to class with 8 inch Pleasers!
What’s a Pleaser?
Pleaser shoes are widely worn by dancers and sex workers. Most Pleasers have a platform that lengthens the leg, a high arch, and an ankle strap that anchors it securely on the foot. If you are looking to purchase Pleasers in Minneapolis we recommend our neighbors Venus Unveiled.
Virtual Classes
How are in person and virtual classes different?
Our in person classes all take place at our studio in the Lyn-Lake neighborhood of Minneapolis.
Through a lot of trial and error, and some very understanding students, we have designed a curriculum of virtual classes that really take advantage of all of the exciting things that the virtual space offers! We love to be in person with our students, but we’re just as excited to explore this new medium with students from all over the world!
What time zone are you in?
All of our classes are in Central Standard Time. (CT) This calculator can help you determine the time difference in your area!
How and when will I get my Zoom link?
You will receive a confirmation email after payment, as well as an email with a downloadable PDF that includes the Zoom link. This link will expire after 24 hours. On the day of class, the same Zoom link will be sent out again no later than 30 minutes before the class starts. If you do not receive either of these emails before class please contact us here.
All virtual classes open 5 minutes before the scheduled start time, and will close entry at the scheduled start time. If you log into class after the start time the instructor may not let you into the class.
Zoom
I don’t know how to use Zoom. Can you help?
Yes! When you sign up for a class, you will receive an email with a downloadable PDF including the Zoom link for your class. Before you join the meeting, you will need to register for a Zoom account and install the Zoom software on whatever device you’re using. Here’s a guide on how to join a meeting.
Do I need to have my video/mic on?
It depends on the class! For our drop-in classes, it’s generally not required. Our series classes generally require more engagement and direction with your instructor and students, so there will be times where a camera and microphone are necessary.
Will I be recorded in class? What happens with the recordings?
All virtual classes are recorded, but are not made public without removing any images of students who have not given us explicit permission to do so.