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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.
Summer 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.
July 8 - 7:30-9:00pm
One Robe Peel: How to tease out an entire performance with just one peeled piece
Can you make an engaging act when only removing one costume piece? You bet you can! In this class we will discuss the various ways a performer can tease and draw out a full burlesque performance with just a robe removal. This 90-minute course will be a mixture of lecture and movement. Come dressed to move. Bring water, note taking supplies and a robe. Any robe or wrap style dress will do; bathrobe, duster, fancy D’Lish, all are welcome.
Course will be capped at 10 participants. Please email [email protected] for signup information
Aug 12 - 7:30-9:00pm
Calling All Fans: Basic fan technique using feather fans, hand fans, & fan veils
Most people who think of burlesque think of its most iconic dance prop, the fan. Fans can add excitement and tease to any performance. In this interactive workshop The Infamous Nina Nightshade will show basic techniques for using a variety of fans including feather fans, hand fans, and fan veils. This 90-minute course will be a mixture of lecture and movement. Come dressed to move. Bring water & note taking supplies. Various fans will be provided for the class to share. You may also bring your favorite pair of practice shoes and your own fans.
Course will be capped at 10 participants. Please email [email protected] for signup information
Sept 9 - 7:30-9:00pm
Tassels & Assels: Making those tassels twirl
One of the most basic burlesque gimmicks is the tassel twirl. In this class we will discuss various types of twirling twirling & pasting making tips. Then we will practice various techniques for getting those tassels flying on our chests & bums and wherever else you decide to play! This 90-minute course will be a mixture of lecture and movement. Come dressed to move. Bring water, note taking supplies, and, if you own them, tasseled pasties/assels. Limited practice supplies will be provided. Note: We will not be bare skinned in class, please come in bra, sports bra or fitted tank top and fitted shorts or leggings.
Course will be capped at 10 participants. Please email [email protected] for signup information
Guest Instructors
The conservatory is always excited to host guest instructors both locally and traveling.
Upcoming Guest Instructors:
August 19 - 7:30-8:30pm
Get That Chair with Talloolah Love
Course Fee $35
The chair's versatility, affordability, and accessibility make it an indispensable prop to artists across various genres. What drag, cabaret, or burlesque show exists without at least one or two chairs in its prop list? This class delves into the essentials of chair choreography covering techniques and tricks, adjusting levels, executing seamless transitions, getting to the floor, getting off the floor, crafting storylines, and fostering comfort with its use. Participants emerge equipped with a newfound appreciation for a chair's potential in their creative pursuits and visions!
Students are required to wear comfortable, form-fitting attire during class. Knee pads are recommended. While heels are optional, they are neither mandated nor discouraged. After the session, students will be offered the opportunity to record themselves. Additionally, the instructor may capture class moments for social media purposes. Please be advised that any filming or photography will be conducted with explicit consent from participating individuals.
Class will be capped at 10 participants. Please email [email protected] for signup information.
Get That Chair with Talloolah Love
Course Fee $35
The chair's versatility, affordability, and accessibility make it an indispensable prop to artists across various genres. What drag, cabaret, or burlesque show exists without at least one or two chairs in its prop list? This class delves into the essentials of chair choreography covering techniques and tricks, adjusting levels, executing seamless transitions, getting to the floor, getting off the floor, crafting storylines, and fostering comfort with its use. Participants emerge equipped with a newfound appreciation for a chair's potential in their creative pursuits and visions!
Students are required to wear comfortable, form-fitting attire during class. Knee pads are recommended. While heels are optional, they are neither mandated nor discouraged. After the session, students will be offered the opportunity to record themselves. Additionally, the instructor may capture class moments for social media purposes. Please be advised that any filming or photography will be conducted with explicit consent from participating individuals.
Class will be capped at 10 participants. Please email [email protected] for signup information.
Sept 23 - 7:30-9:00pm
Character and Clowning Principles for Burlesque with Megan Skye Hale
Course Fee $35
Learn to use movement principles to level up your character skills! This workshop is designed specifically for burlesque and variety performers and examines principles of movement theatre such as tempo, posture, and archetype to help you build a character from the "outside in". Learn basic clown and mask principles to deepen your understanding of how clarity, isolation, and precision can enrich your work as a performer!
This workshop will give you concrete skills to bring to any performance process. Appropriate for all skill levels.
Class will be capped at 10 participants. Please email [email protected] for signup information.
Interested in being a guest instructor? Whether local or just traveling through, let talk! Email [email protected] 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.
Online 1:1 Mentorship/Act Development
$35 per session
40-minute 1:1 Zoom session. This is your time and Nina will tailor it to you. Polish up an existing act, talk about how to level up, or get movement training.
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.
Online 1:1 Mentorship/Act Development
$35 per session
40-minute 1:1 Zoom session. This is your time and Nina will tailor it to you. Polish up an existing act, talk about how to level up, or get movement training.
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] to inquire about pricing and options
Previous Conservatory Courses
Here's a list of previous courses taught by Nina 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
- Walk This Way: the art of the strut and walking with intention
- Get On The Floor: basic floorwork techniques