First Time at BurlyCon?
So this is your first time at BurlyCon? Welcome! This is quite an exciting first BurlyCon to attend as we are celebrating our big X. Yup, ten years of burlesque education shenanigans and we are pulling out all the stops in order to make this an extra special event. To help prepare our newcomers for their first convention we’ll be writing a series of tips to help you have a great experience at BurlyCon.
Classes. This is why we’re all here right? BurlyCon is the only convention dedicated to the education of burlesque and there are 4 days jammed pack with classes from a wide range of burlesque educators!
Plan your schedule! Look over the class list and think about what classes you want to take. To help you stay organized BurlyCon is using the Events XD app so you can download and personalize your own BurlyCon class schedule! For more information regarding the classes go here: https://burlycon.org/classes/
Helpful tips: Look at the classes that you want to take and think about what you will need to be prepared for each class. Are you going to a lecture? Grab your pen and paper or note taking tool. Are you taking a movement class? Be sure not to forget your movement clothing so that you can really get into the swing of things. Presenters will list recommendations for their class and I suggest going over that list to make sure that you don’t forget something.
My personal do not forget list includes: practice high heels, knee pads, a few pairs of movement clothing, water bottle, pen/paper. If you’re a veteran of BurlyCon you probably have your favorites. When you’re new it can seem overwhelming but don’t panic! Remember the basics- water bottle, clothes to move in, practice heels, and a way to take notes. This should get you through most classes.
Preparing for the class. When I see a class that I’m really excited about I try to write down 1 thing that I would like to take away from the class. From a burlesque educator standpoint I like to know what about my class has inspired someone to take it. In this way I can structure the class to hit the topics that are important to the students. As a student I’ve found that for me this helps to ground me in the work and mentally prepare me for each class because I walk into each class with a different goal. As the classes are 1 or 1.5 hours (unless you’ve signed up for an intensive class but we’ll get to that in a moment) it can all start to become a blur by the end of the weekend so this little bit of prep helps me remember each class.
After the class be sure to take a moment and write down the technique or answer for the 1 thing that you wanted to take away and keep it in a secured notebook. Pro-tip: Loose paper is just that: loose. A bound notebook will help keep your notes together.
Evaluation forms are also provided at each class or you can ask for one in the Ops Room. These forms let BurlyCon know what you liked, disliked, and any suggestions you would have for the instructor. They’re able to get feedback on what students loved as well as areas they could improve. These are immensely helpful to both the teach and BurlyCon. Remember to fill these out after each class, otherwise BurlyCon doesn’t know what you’d like to see next year, and we want to provide programming that you love!
Intensive Class Program: This year BurlyCon has introduced the Intensives Program. These workshops are multi-hour, in-depth explorations of various topics with the expert instructors you love. Each intensive will only cost $15 and this fee is non-refundable. These classes will be limited in size allowing every student time with the instructor and the ability to really dig into the topic at hand. We suggest only taking two classes at most- these are long workshops and you don’t want to miss out on all the other exciting events at BurlyCon!
The workshops offered are:
Ultimate Self Confidence! Total Tool Kit Intensive with World Famous *BOB*
Flexibility Fitness Intensive (Intermediate Level) with Kristina Nekyia
The Elements: Act Development Intensive with Ray Gunn
Production Management Intensive with Baby Doe
To sign-up or for more information you can go here: https://burlycon.org/connect/
Our Living Legend Guests of Honor are also teaching at BurlyCon. This is a great way to interact and learn from those that helped pave the way for our great art form. Dee Milo will be teaching The Allure of Panel Skirts on Saturday. This class will be a combination of discussion and practice surrounding the classic garment, including Dee showing off some of her own costumes. On Sunday morning you can get even more in depth with the panel skirt by taking Toni Elling’s hit class Parade, Pose, and Peel. Be ready to shimmy and shake as this class is all movement while you learn from the Legend herself.
Of course these are just a few tips to help you prepare for BurlyCon X. If you have a specific question go to the BurlyCon Facebook page and ask your question. It will be a great way to connect with attendees. If you’re a veteran of BurlyCon post your suggestions and let others know what works for you! We can’t wait to see you in Seattle and hope this has helped you prepare.
(Thank you to our Blog Contribute Vixen Valentine!)