Nightshade Conservatory
Burlesque Education
Nightshade Conservatory is a burlesque education and entertainment hub based in beautiful Portland, Oregon, with options to learn both in person and online. Led by Headmistress The Infamous Nina Nightshade, who has almost 20 years of experience in the world of burlesque, the conservatory offers a variety of ways to explore this captivating art form, no matter where you’re joining from.
Nightshade Conservatory hosts monthly group workshops, 1:1 sessions, private parties, and classes with both local and traveling guest instructors. Monthly classes and 1:1 sessions are available online as well as in the studio, making it easy to learn from anywhere. In-person classes take place at Portland Dance Studio in the Oak Street Building, a welcoming space the conservatory is proud to call home.
Whether you’re brand new to the stage, a seasoned performer looking to level up, or a group wanting a fun and unconventional experience (in person or virtual), Nightshade Conservatory is all about creating a welcoming, supportive space to learn, play, and grow in the art of burlesque.
Email [email protected] to inquire or sign up for posted workshops
Nightshade Conservatory hosts monthly group workshops, 1:1 sessions, private parties, and classes with both local and traveling guest instructors. Monthly classes and 1:1 sessions are available online as well as in the studio, making it easy to learn from anywhere. In-person classes take place at Portland Dance Studio in the Oak Street Building, a welcoming space the conservatory is proud to call home.
Whether you’re brand new to the stage, a seasoned performer looking to level up, or a group wanting a fun and unconventional experience (in person or virtual), Nightshade Conservatory is all about creating a welcoming, supportive space to learn, play, and grow in the art of burlesque.
Email [email protected] to inquire or sign up for posted workshops
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"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
All courses are designed for newer performers, but well-seasoned performers and the burlesque curious are also welcome. While courses are taught with a burlesque focus, many other types of performers, such as drag and circus art performers, are welcome to join and will benefit from most topics.
In Studio
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month - 7:15pm-8:45pm unless otherwise noted
Online
The Wednesday following in-studio - 6:00pm-7:30pm PST unless otherwise noted
Upcoming Courses:
Tassels & Assels
Making those tassels twirl
- In Studio - Tuesday, March 17 – 7:15p-8:45p - limited to 10 participants
- Online - Wednesday, March 18 - 6:00p-7:30p PST - limited to 15 participants
The Interactive Performer
Connecting with the audience on their level including floor-show style performance, audience participation, and engaging with mutual consent
- In Studio - Tuesday, April 21 – 7:15p-8:45p - limited to 10 participants
- Online - Wednesday, April 22 - 6:00p-7:30p PST - limited to 15 participants
Hip Me With Your Best Shot
Dynamic hip movement for burlesque
- In Studio - Tuesday, May 19 – 7:15p-8:45p - limited to 10 participants
- Online - Wednesday, May 20 - 6:00p-7:30p PST - limited to 15 participants
The Rest of the 2026 Course Lineup
Full course details will be posted at least 3 months in advance. Reach out to learn more!
- June (6/16 In-Person; 6/17 Online)
- Siren’s Gaze - The art of the smolder (even when you’re not feeling it)
- July (7/21 In-Person; 7/22 Online)
- One Robe Peel - How to tease out an entire performance with just one peeled piece
- August (8/18 In-Person; 8/19 Online)
- From Ideation to Creation - Processes and tips for building an engaging burlesque act
- September (9/15 In-Person; 9/16 Online)
- Calling All Fans - Basic fan technique using feather fans, hand fans, & fan veils
- October (10/20 In-Person; 10/21 Online)
- Make Them Shiver with Antici… Creating dynamic performance with stillness & slow movement
- November (NOT 3rd Tuesday: 11/10 In-Person; 11/11 Online)
- Poise & Stage Presence - How to make a lasting impression on your audience
- December (12/15 In-Person; 12/16 Online)
- Do You Need That Prop? - Becoming less reliant on props to convey intention and context in your acts
To sign up for course and/or purchase a punch card or gift certificate email [email protected]
Monthly Course Rates
Gift Certificates available!
Scholarship Opportunity: Nightshade Conservatory is 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 (2-5 sentence) summary about why you or someone else should be granted a scholarship. We limit 2 scholarships per year per person. Guest instructor course scholarships are at the discretion of the instructor.
Monthly Course Rates
- In-Studio Regular Course: $30
- Online Regular Course: Sliding scale, pay what you are able $15-30
- 5 Class "Punch Card": $125
- Punch cards expire 1 year from purchase
Gift Certificates available!
Scholarship Opportunity: Nightshade Conservatory is 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 (2-5 sentence) summary about why you or someone else should be granted a scholarship. We limit 2 scholarships per year per person. Guest instructor course scholarships are at the discretion of the instructor.
Guest Instructors
The conservatory is always excited to host guest instructors both locally and traveling.
Upcoming Guest Instructors:
Guest Instructor: Natasha Riot
Magic & the Art of Production
- In Studio - Monday, March 23 – 7:30p-9:00p - limited to 12 participants
- Course fee: $40
Have you ever wondered what *really* goes into making your favorite shows and festivals the best - time - ever? Do you have a great idea for an event but are unsure where to start? Are you curious about the behind the scenes of it all?
Then come, sit with me for a while and I'll tell you all about it!
When an event runs smoothly, it's as if it runs itself...from the outside perspective, at least. In this lecture, we'll go over how to work towards that goal, from idea to fruition. Event production is an art form, and sometimes, a magical conjuring, and with both things, you need the right tools, awareness, flexibility and practice to ensure that good times are had by all. Bring a notebook, as we'll go through actionable steps to inspire you to get your production off the ground! Even if you're not interested in producing or co-producing your own event, this is a good way to have a deeper appreciation of all your beloved events (and there's probably going to be some storytelling as well)!
Instructor Bio: Natasha has been involved in producing and co-producing events since 1995 - from live music and cabaret shows, to dance festivals and wild, multi media nightlife. Currently, she produces a monthly variety show, co-produces an annual 3 day goth and goth adjacent performance art festival, and is a production manager for venues in Portland, Or.
Guest Instructor: Ginger Snaps
Burlesque Style Floorwerk for Plus Sized People
- In Studio - Sunday, May 24 – 12:00p-1:30p - limited to 15 participants
- Course fee: $40
So you wanna do some slinky sexy floorwork, but how do you even get down there without looking like you're just plopping down for a sit? This workshop focuses on the best transitions and shapes specifically for plus sized folks! We will cover getting to and coming back up from the floor, fun and flirty floor moves, and flexibility moves for those with and without their splits! Kneepads are encouraged!
Instructor Bio: Ginger Snaps, The Tastiest Tease in Texas, is an award-winning international burlesque performer, aerialist, and producer from Austin, TX. Voted Austin’s “Best Burlesque Performer” for a DECADE by the Austin Chronicle Reader’s Poll and winner of the 2026 “Stunt Master” Silver Tusk Burlesque Award, she is renowned for her unique burlesque and aerial performance creations as well as her embracing of all things weird! Ginger has been seen on stages and screens across the globe including on America's Got Talent, Das Supertalent in Germany, performing at the illustrious Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender in Las Vegas multiple times, headlining the Brasilia Burlesque Festival, and numerous viral social media videos and articles.
She is the Performance Manager for Sky Candy aerial arts, the founder of Legislate THIS - a series of burlesque fundraiser shows for Planned Parenthood, as well as the founder of the Aerials for Plus-Sized Bodies program and accompanying series of professional development workshops that she teaches to studios and instructors around the globe. In addition Ginger has worked with Dell Medical School as a part of their anti-weight bias curriculum in the Health Equity Program teaching fresh docs how to overcome societal weight bias ideas. When not instigating for glitter and social justice Ginger can be found teaching her pets how to use a Ouija board. Find her on the socials @gingersnapsburlesque!
Watch for more guest instructors!
Interested in being a guest instructor? Whether local or traveling through PDX, lets talk! Email [email protected] to discuss options.
Previous Guest Instructors:
Previous Guest Instructors:
- Kate Cloud
- Rebecca Mm Davis
- Angelique DeVil
- Judith Stein
- Talloolah Love
- Megan Skye Hale
- Kisa Von Teasa
- Anita Rage
- Sara James
- Nick Lacy
- Luz de la Concha
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
- 90 minute instruction led by The Infamous Nina Nightshade
- All required props and materials
Party themes:
- Burlesque Basics: struts, bumps, grinds, and peels - Our most popular option!
- Pastie making and tassel twirling class
- 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
- From Ideation to Creation - Processes and tips for building an engaging burlesque act
- Siren’s Gaze - The art of the smolder (even when you’re not feeling it)
- Leg Show Basics - Classic leg show moves including stocking peels
- Shimmy Shakedown - Making your fringe fly
- Hardworking Costumes - Designing & modifying costume pieces to be durable, adjustable, & versatile
Refund Policy: All class fees, punch cards, and gift certificates are non-refundable. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for extenuating circumstances such as serious illness or emergencies and are at the discretion of Nightshade Conservatory.
