Class Details

Chicago Burlesque Classes 4-Week Session | $125 Sundays | 3:30–4:30 PM August 31 – September 21 House of the Lorde | 2233 S. Throop, Suite 502 Maximum: 15 Participants | Minimum: 5 Participants Intro to Burlesque: Shimmy & Shakes A 4-week journey into burlesque basics, guiding you to embrace your truest self. Reveal and revel in your confidence in this introductory burlesque class led by acclaimed artist Po'Chop. Perfect for beginners, this supportive, joyful class welcomes anyone ready to explore the foundations of burlesque in a fun, affirming environment. Each 4-week session of Intro to Burlesque focuses on a specific building block of the form. In this round, we’ll center the celebratory movement of the shimmy, a burlesque staple known for joy, play, and powerful release. You'll learn to shake off judgment and move in a way that honors your body’s rhythm, story, and sensuality. Rubber-bottom or suede heels are encouraged, but not required. All dance levels are welcome. All bodies are celebrated. Scholarships Two scholarship slots are reserved per session to support Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and Queer folks for whom finances are a barrier. Apply at houseofthelorde.com/scholarship Safety Masks are highly encouraged to maintain a safe, inclusive space for all participants. Please wear a mask. Come discover the liberation and joy that lives inside the shimmy and connect with your most captivating self. ABOUT PO'CHOP Jenn Freeman is an interdisciplinary artist who creates on the homeland of the Council of the Three Fires: The Odawa, Council of the Three Fires: The Odawa, Ojibwe and Potawatomi Nations; as well as the Miami, Ho-Chunk, Sauk and Meskwaki; the Kiikaapoi, Peoria, and the Očeti Šakówiŋ (Sioux) Nations. Freeman, also known as Po’Chop, weaves dance, storytelling, drag and striptease together to create experiences that illuminate Black queer life. She is a co-founder of House of the Lorde, a multi-functional space rooted in Black Feminist praxis, the co-producer of the adored Notes on Masculinity, a drag king centered cabaret and creator of The Black Burlesque Directory, an archive of Black burlesque performers across the world. Freeman has collaborated with Jamila Woods, Anna Martine Whitehead and VAM Studio. Her work has been supported by Foundation of Contemporary Art, DANCE/USA, Urban Bush Women, United States Artists and Chicago Dancemakers Forum.