Sideshow School
Burlesque Master Class

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Classes 

Sideshow School

Learn Ancient Skills from the very best in the business! Have you ever dreamed of running away with the circus? Has anyone ever called you a freak? Well, now's your chance to become one! At Coney Island USA's Sideshow School, you can learn how to hammer a 20-penny nail right into your skull and live to talk about the experience! You'll work with Professa Adam Realman to learn the ins and outs of the working acts of the sideshow.

  • The Basics of Fire Eating and Breathing and Fire Safety
    Human Blockhead
    The Fundamentals of Sword Swallowing
    Bed of Nails
    Stunts with Various Traps
    Glass Walking
    Blade Box
    Electric Chair

YOU MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO ATTEND THE SIDESHOW SKILLS SESSION.

This class is limited to 10 students to ensure a proper student-to-instructor ratio.

The Coney Island Sideshow School reserves the right to cancel the session if a minimum of five students are not registered by the deadline. Registered students will be notified if the session is canceled and a full refund will be issued.

Classes in individual skills are NOT be offered. You must sign up for the entire session.

Dates: July 29 through August 1, 2024, 10am-2pm
(Class limited to ten students)

On Friday, August 2, students will have the opportunity to present a skill they learned on the Sideshows By The Seashore stage for a real audience. (This is optional but encouraged)

Tuition: $1500
Click here to register.

Burlesque Master Class

There's no burlesque class in the world like the Coney Island Master Class Series! Spend six weeks with the author of The Burlesque Handbook, Headmistress Jo Weldon of the New York School of Burlesque, while she teaches you how to create a themed burlesque number the Coney Island way. This unique class is taught in the Museum at CIUSA. You'll learn how to come up with ideas on a theme, pick the best possible music, bring together a costume on a budget, how to make pasties, and how to twirl tassels -- taught in front of funhouse mirrors!

You'll develop your number and your choreography with an ace team of guest speakers, featuring some of the best burlesque performers in the world. Speakers TBA, but regular participants have included Dirty Martini, Angie Pontani, Gal Friday, Bambi the Mermaid, Fem Appeal, Tigger!, Miss Coney Island, and many others at the top of the burly game. Best of all, you'll get to finish the series with a performance at the legendary Sideshows by the Seashore! There will be homework and video assignments to watch for discussion, related to class material. All styles of burlesque welcome, from disturbing performance art to sultry glamour. Open to all genders, ages, and bodies.

Bring a notebook and a copy of The Burlesque Handbook (available in the CIUSA gift shop) to class the first day, and wear clothing that allows you to move freely.

Registration is strictly limited. If class sells out, email headmistress@schoolofburlesque.com to be added to the waitlist.

2024 Dates To Be Announced.

Tuition TBA. Limited to 10 spots