Class Details

Chicago Burlesque Classes 4-Week Session | $125 Sundays | 2 - 3 PM April 12 - May 3 House of the Lorde | 2233 S. Throop, Suite 502 Intro to Burlesque: Shimmy & Shakes A slow-paced, small group class for beginners and those returning to burlesque. Intro to Burlesque: Shimmy & Shakes is a beginner-friendly, 4-week course dedicated to one of burlesque’s most iconic and joyful foundations: the shimmy. Led by burlesque icon Po’Chop, participants will explore the mechanics of shoulder and hip shimmies, learning how vibration, repetition, and layered movement build stamina, clarity, and expressive range. Through rhythm, breath, and controlled release, we’ll develop confidence in shaking with intention. This session centers joy as practice. The shimmy becomes a tool for releasing self-judgment, strengthening presence, and honoring your body’s natural rhythm. No prior burlesque or dance experience is required. All bodies are welcome. Suede or rubber-bottom shoes or heels are encouraged but not required. Cost a barrier? Two scholarship spots per class are held for Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and queer folks for whom cost is a barrier. If that’s you, please apply at www.houseofthelorde.com/scholarship About Po’Chop Jenn Freeman, who also navigates this world as Po’Chop, is an interdisciplinary artist who weaves burlesque, drag, storytelling, and movement into worlds that illuminate and interrogate Black queer life. They are the co-founder of House of the Lorde, co-producer of Notes on Masculinity, a beloved drag king cabaret, and the creator of The Black Burlesque Directory. Their work has been supported by United States Artists, Dance/USA, the Foundation for Contemporary Arts, Urban Bush Women, and Chicago Dancemakers Forum. They have been named one of the Top 50 Most Influential Burlesque Artists by 21st Century Burlesque Magazine. Po’Chop has taught burlesque and embodiment practices to countless dancers, performers, and first-timers across Chicago and beyond. By the end of the series, you’ll leave with: -Increased stamina and control in shoulder and hip shimmies -Confidence shaking in ways that feel authentic to your body -Practices you can return to beyond the classroom This class is beginner-friendly, slow-paced, and rooted in curiosity and celebration.