Nightshade Conservatory
Burlesque Education
Nightshade Conservatory, located in beautiful Portland, Oregon, is a hub for burlesque education and entertainment. Led by Headmistress The Infamous Nina Nightshade, who boasts over 15 years of experience in the world of burlesque, the conservatory offers a variety of opportunities for individuals interested in this captivating art form.
Nightshade Conservatory offers monthly group workshops, 1:1 sessions, private parties, and hosts both local and traveling guest instructors. Nightshade Conservatory is proudly sponsored by Portland Dance Studio, which offers a professional and welcoming environment for burlesque education. The classes and workshops mostly take place in one of their studios located in the Oak Street Building.
Whether you're looking to step on the stage for the first time, an experienced performer looking to up their game, or a group seeking a fun and unconventional event, Nightshade Conservatory aims to provide a welcoming and educational space for all interested in the art of burlesque.
Email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com to inquire or sign up for posted workshops
Nightshade Conservatory offers monthly group workshops, 1:1 sessions, private parties, and hosts both local and traveling guest instructors. Nightshade Conservatory is proudly sponsored by Portland Dance Studio, which offers a professional and welcoming environment for burlesque education. The classes and workshops mostly take place in one of their studios located in the Oak Street Building.
Whether you're looking to step on the stage for the first time, an experienced performer looking to up their game, or a group seeking a fun and unconventional event, Nightshade Conservatory aims to provide a welcoming and educational space for all interested in the art of burlesque.
Email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com to inquire or sign up for posted workshops
"As someone who learned from this incredible artist and educator how to move my broken body in a way that finally reconnected me to my true essence, I cannot endorse Nina Nightshade enough! ...her teaching style is patient and thorough, thoughtful and fun... She changed my relationship with myself in a necessary, powerful way and helped release my inner power through graceful movement, humor and bawdy sensuality."
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Monthly Workshops
Join The Infamous Nina Nightshade every 2nd Monday of the month at 7:30 PM for a 90 minute workshop.
All workshops are designed for newer performers, but novice and well-seasoned performers are also welcome.
Spring Term Courses:
Individual course: $30; Full term: $80
Scholarship Opportunity: Nightshade Conservatory will be offering one scholarship spot per course. Scholarships are open to anyone to whom the cost of a course would be a burden and would make this opportunity otherwise unattainable. Preference will be given to BIPOC performers. Email a short (1-2 paragraph) summary about why you or someone else should be granted a scholarship. We limit 2 scholarships per year per person.
April 8 - 7:30-9:00pm
Walk This Way: the art of the strut & walking with intention
Performers can exude stage presence just by the way they walk across a stage or within the audience. In this course, The Infamous Nina Nightshade will teach how to strut across a stage and capture the attention of the audience along with lessons on how to display emotion and intent with various walks. Learn to captivate an audience just by stepping on stage in this interactive course. Come dressed to move. Bring water, note taking supplies, and performance shoes if you have them.
Course will be capped at 10 participants. Please email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com for signup information
May 13 - 7:30-9:00pm
Get On The Floor: basic floorwork techniques SOLD OUT - Waiting List Only
Floorwork can add dimension and sensuality to an act or be an act all in itself. In this course, The Infamous Nina Nightshade will teach basic floorwork techniques for burlesque/cabaret performances. In addition to floor movements, this interactive movement course will include how to gracefully get down to the floor and, more importantly, how to get back up! Come dressed to move. Bring water & note taking supplies.
Course will be capped at 10 participants. Please email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com for signup information
June 10 - 7:30-9:00pm
Back by popular demand - How to Get the Gig... and How to Keep Them Coming: marketing, professionalism, & etiquette for new performers
You’ve created an act you’re excited about, now how do you get it on stage? This workshop will take you through the basics on how to get booked in shows and, perhaps more importantly, how to keep those bookings coming. In this 90-minute course The Infamous Nina Nightshade will share tips and tricks regarding marketing, networking, social media, professionalism, and backstage etiquette she has picked up after 15 years as a performer and producer. Class will be part lecture, part interactive discussion. Bring note taking supplies.
Course will be capped at 10 participants. Please email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com for signup information
Individual course: $30; Full term: $80
Scholarship Opportunity: Nightshade Conservatory will be offering one scholarship spot per course. Scholarships are open to anyone to whom the cost of a course would be a burden and would make this opportunity otherwise unattainable. Preference will be given to BIPOC performers. Email a short (1-2 paragraph) summary about why you or someone else should be granted a scholarship. We limit 2 scholarships per year per person.
April 8 - 7:30-9:00pm
Walk This Way: the art of the strut & walking with intention
Performers can exude stage presence just by the way they walk across a stage or within the audience. In this course, The Infamous Nina Nightshade will teach how to strut across a stage and capture the attention of the audience along with lessons on how to display emotion and intent with various walks. Learn to captivate an audience just by stepping on stage in this interactive course. Come dressed to move. Bring water, note taking supplies, and performance shoes if you have them.
Course will be capped at 10 participants. Please email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com for signup information
May 13 - 7:30-9:00pm
Get On The Floor: basic floorwork techniques SOLD OUT - Waiting List Only
Floorwork can add dimension and sensuality to an act or be an act all in itself. In this course, The Infamous Nina Nightshade will teach basic floorwork techniques for burlesque/cabaret performances. In addition to floor movements, this interactive movement course will include how to gracefully get down to the floor and, more importantly, how to get back up! Come dressed to move. Bring water & note taking supplies.
Course will be capped at 10 participants. Please email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com for signup information
June 10 - 7:30-9:00pm
Back by popular demand - How to Get the Gig... and How to Keep Them Coming: marketing, professionalism, & etiquette for new performers
You’ve created an act you’re excited about, now how do you get it on stage? This workshop will take you through the basics on how to get booked in shows and, perhaps more importantly, how to keep those bookings coming. In this 90-minute course The Infamous Nina Nightshade will share tips and tricks regarding marketing, networking, social media, professionalism, and backstage etiquette she has picked up after 15 years as a performer and producer. Class will be part lecture, part interactive discussion. Bring note taking supplies.
Course will be capped at 10 participants. Please email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com for signup information
Guest Instructors
The conservatory is always excited to host guest instructors both locally and traveling.
Upcoming Guest Instructors:
April 20 - 1:00pm-2:30pm
Finding the Muse in Musicality with Angelique DeVil 1 Spot Left!
Unlock the secrets of sensational stage presence with Angelique DeVil by learning to sync your moves with the rhythm and beats that make hearts race and crowds cheer.
During this 90 minute movement class, attendees will explore the intricate relationship between music and movement. Angelique DeVil, a seasoned burlesque professional, shares her expertise on how to captivate an audience by giving you the tools to add that extra kaPOW to your choreography.
Workshop Highlights:
Cost: $35
Course will be capped at 10 participants. Please email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com for signup information
Finding the Muse in Musicality with Angelique DeVil 1 Spot Left!
Unlock the secrets of sensational stage presence with Angelique DeVil by learning to sync your moves with the rhythm and beats that make hearts race and crowds cheer.
During this 90 minute movement class, attendees will explore the intricate relationship between music and movement. Angelique DeVil, a seasoned burlesque professional, shares her expertise on how to captivate an audience by giving you the tools to add that extra kaPOW to your choreography.
Workshop Highlights:
- Understand the basic concept of musicality in dance
- Learn how to dissect a song and pinpoint the perfect moments for dramatic flair
- Dive into various movement qualities that can magnify the impact of your performance
- Practice applying these fundamentals by learning a short choreographed number
Cost: $35
Course will be capped at 10 participants. Please email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com for signup information
May 8 - 7:30pm-9:00pm
The Art Of Tease - Glove and Stocking Peel Technique with Vixen DeVille
A perfect blend of Peel Technique and Performance Technique so that you, too, can master, 'The Art Of Tease'.
This step-by-step workshop will cover:
Techniques covered in this class can also be applied to the handling of props and the removal of other costume pieces, giving you the perfect foundation for your own performance exploration and development.
Practice gloves & stocking provided in class. You may pre-purchase gloves or stockings (see costs below).
"I love working with Vixen. Not only is she a great teacher, she's fun to be around, smart, easy going and a total pro. I love her class, her style and her as a person in general. I highly recommend her!!!!" -Jacqueline Van Bierk - Singer
Cost: $35
Add-ons: Gloves - $10; Stockings - $15 - Both - $20
Course will be capped at 10 participants. Please email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com for signup information including add-ons.
The Art Of Tease - Glove and Stocking Peel Technique with Vixen DeVille
A perfect blend of Peel Technique and Performance Technique so that you, too, can master, 'The Art Of Tease'.
This step-by-step workshop will cover:
- Vixen DeVille’s “Core Concepts” in prop manipulation
- Pre-Peel Awareness
- Peel Technique
- Post-Peel Execution
- Character & Story
- Bonus Nifty Tricks
Techniques covered in this class can also be applied to the handling of props and the removal of other costume pieces, giving you the perfect foundation for your own performance exploration and development.
Practice gloves & stocking provided in class. You may pre-purchase gloves or stockings (see costs below).
"I love working with Vixen. Not only is she a great teacher, she's fun to be around, smart, easy going and a total pro. I love her class, her style and her as a person in general. I highly recommend her!!!!" -Jacqueline Van Bierk - Singer
Cost: $35
Add-ons: Gloves - $10; Stockings - $15 - Both - $20
Course will be capped at 10 participants. Please email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com for signup information including add-ons.
May 12 - 11:00am-12:30pm
Learning from Legends: The Art of Eye F*ckery with Judith Stein SOLD OUT - Waiting List Only
After 50 years plus Canadian Burlesque Legend Judith Stein has learned a few things about our wonderful and exciting Art! The Art of Eye Fuckery is essentially learning how to connect the audience on a heartfelt and an engaging manner through a series of gentle exercises of facial expressions and eye contact, body movement, and holding that pause with style and verve! Learn from a Burlesque Legend in this 90-minute course. Comfortable clothing and heels recommended. All levels welcome!
Cost: $35
Course will be capped at 10 participants. Please email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com for signup information
Interested in being a guest instructor? Whether local or just traveling through, let talk! Email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com to discuss options.
Learning from Legends: The Art of Eye F*ckery with Judith Stein SOLD OUT - Waiting List Only
After 50 years plus Canadian Burlesque Legend Judith Stein has learned a few things about our wonderful and exciting Art! The Art of Eye Fuckery is essentially learning how to connect the audience on a heartfelt and an engaging manner through a series of gentle exercises of facial expressions and eye contact, body movement, and holding that pause with style and verve! Learn from a Burlesque Legend in this 90-minute course. Comfortable clothing and heels recommended. All levels welcome!
Cost: $35
Course will be capped at 10 participants. Please email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com for signup information
Interested in being a guest instructor? Whether local or just traveling through, let talk! Email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com to discuss options.
Private Instruction
Nightshade Conservatory offers private lessons with The Infamous Nina Nightshade
Private Movement Lesson and/or Act Development
$50 per hour
This is your time and Nina will tailor it to you. Polish up an existing act, hone your skills, or get some basic movement lessons.
Costume Consultation
$35 1-hour consultation, $60 2-hour consultation with basic lesson
Let Nina help you level up, problem-solve, or ideate your costume! One hour sessions either at your place or Nina's. We will talk through costume challenges and ideate on how to improve your costumes. We can consult on one costume in depth or try to get through as many as we can fit in our time together.
2-hour consultations include the addition of basic lessons on costuming including sewing, crafting, and building. Let's spend your 2nd hour working on those ideas and get started on your costume together!
$50 per hour
This is your time and Nina will tailor it to you. Polish up an existing act, hone your skills, or get some basic movement lessons.
Costume Consultation
$35 1-hour consultation, $60 2-hour consultation with basic lesson
Let Nina help you level up, problem-solve, or ideate your costume! One hour sessions either at your place or Nina's. We will talk through costume challenges and ideate on how to improve your costumes. We can consult on one costume in depth or try to get through as many as we can fit in our time together.
2-hour consultations include the addition of basic lessons on costuming including sewing, crafting, and building. Let's spend your 2nd hour working on those ideas and get started on your costume together!
Private Parties
Need a fun activity for your party? Nightshade Conservatory will gladly curate an evening your guests won't forget.
Parties include:
Party themes:
Nightshade Conservatory can come to you or we can find a venue that fits your needs.
Email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com to inquire about pricing and options
- 1-hour or 90 minute instruction led by The Infamous Nina Nightshade
- All required props and materials
Party themes:
- Pastie making and tassel twirling class
- Basic burlesque bump & grind
- Fun with fabric props (fan veils, isis wings, veils)
- Glove and/or Stocking Peels
- Have a different idea? Let's talk!
Nightshade Conservatory can come to you or we can find a venue that fits your needs.
Email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com to inquire about pricing and options
Previous Conservatory Courses
Here's a list of previous courses taught at Nightshade Conservatory. These can be adapted into 1:1 lessons, private parties, or requested to return to our monthly conservatory schedule:
- Poise & Stage Presence: How to make a lasting impression on your audience
- How to Get the Gig... and How to Keep It: Marketing, professionalism, & etiquette for new performers
- Stumped on the Floor: Dance movement & musicality for non-dancers
- Show of Hands: Expressive hand movements and arms with bonus glove basics
- Do You Need That Prop?: An interactive workshop to become less reliant on props to convey intention and context in your acts
- Make Them Shiver With Antici.... Creating dynamic performance with stillness & slow movement
- Calling All Fans: Basic fan technique using feather fans, hand fans, & fan veils
- Peeling with Panache: Skillfully removing clothing on stage including basic costuming tips
- Hip Me With Your Best Shot: dynamic hip movement for burlesque
- The Interactive Performer: Connecting with the audience on their level including floor-show style performance, audience participation, and engaging with mutual consent
- Fake It 'Til You Make It: improv movement and how to survive when things go wrong