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
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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
Join The Infamous Nina Nightshade every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:15 PM for a 90 minute workshop.
All workshops are designed for newer performers, but novice and well-seasoned performers are also welcome.
Monthly courses now every 2nd Tuesday of the month - 7:15pm-8:45pm
Winter 2025 Term Courses:
Individual course: $30; Full term: $80
Tuesday, Jan 14 - 7:15-8:45pm
Show of Hands: Expressive hand movements & arms with bonus glove basics
Fancy footwork and beautiful costuming aren’t the only way to tell a story on stage! If you often wonder what to do with your hands when they aren’t in the process of peeling, this course is for you! Show of Hands with The Infamous Nina Nightshade will demonstrate how to connect with your audience and with your performance through expressive hand gestures, elegant movement, and illusion of touch. In addition to a focus on how hands can elevate performance, the course will dive into full arm motions and basic glove reveals. This 90-minute course will be a mixture of lecture and movement. Come dressed to move. Bring water, note taking supplies, and your own opera length gloves if you own them.
Tuesday, Feb 11 - 7:15-8:45pm
Leg Show Basics: Classic leg show moves including stocking peels
In the words of Marlene Dietrich, “Darling, the legs aren't so beautiful, I just know what to do with them.” The classic leg show was an artform all its own and can be incorporated into engaging burlesque and cabaret performances. In this interactive movement course, The Infamous Nina Nightshade will share the history of the classic leg show and show you basic leg show moves along with stocking peel techniques. Come dressed to move. Bring water, thigh high stockings or socks, slip off heels/shoes & note taking supplies. A yoga mat and foam roll are recommended.
Tuesday, Mar 11 - 7:15-8:45pm
Peeling with Panache: Skillfully removing clothing on stage including basic costuming tips
One of the most basic skills a burlesquer needs to know is the art of peeling (clothing removal). In this interactive workshop The Infamous Nina Nightshade will share techniques and costuming tips to help you peel with panache! This course will go over basic costume removal such as skirts, corsets, dresses and trousers. You will also learn some of the “tricks of the trade” to create costuming that offers interesting reveals and smooth removal. This 90-minute course will be a mixture of lecture and movement. Come dressed in tight fitting clothing (leotard preferred, but not required). Bring water, note taking supplies, and a few costume pieces or articles of clothing to practice peeling.
All regular monthly courses will be capped at 10 participants. Please email [email protected] for signup information
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 (1-2 paragraph) summary about why you or someone else should be granted a scholarship. We limit 2 scholarships per year per person.
Winter 2025 Term Courses:
Individual course: $30; Full term: $80
Tuesday, Jan 14 - 7:15-8:45pm
Show of Hands: Expressive hand movements & arms with bonus glove basics
Fancy footwork and beautiful costuming aren’t the only way to tell a story on stage! If you often wonder what to do with your hands when they aren’t in the process of peeling, this course is for you! Show of Hands with The Infamous Nina Nightshade will demonstrate how to connect with your audience and with your performance through expressive hand gestures, elegant movement, and illusion of touch. In addition to a focus on how hands can elevate performance, the course will dive into full arm motions and basic glove reveals. This 90-minute course will be a mixture of lecture and movement. Come dressed to move. Bring water, note taking supplies, and your own opera length gloves if you own them.
Tuesday, Feb 11 - 7:15-8:45pm
Leg Show Basics: Classic leg show moves including stocking peels
In the words of Marlene Dietrich, “Darling, the legs aren't so beautiful, I just know what to do with them.” The classic leg show was an artform all its own and can be incorporated into engaging burlesque and cabaret performances. In this interactive movement course, The Infamous Nina Nightshade will share the history of the classic leg show and show you basic leg show moves along with stocking peel techniques. Come dressed to move. Bring water, thigh high stockings or socks, slip off heels/shoes & note taking supplies. A yoga mat and foam roll are recommended.
Tuesday, Mar 11 - 7:15-8:45pm
Peeling with Panache: Skillfully removing clothing on stage including basic costuming tips
One of the most basic skills a burlesquer needs to know is the art of peeling (clothing removal). In this interactive workshop The Infamous Nina Nightshade will share techniques and costuming tips to help you peel with panache! This course will go over basic costume removal such as skirts, corsets, dresses and trousers. You will also learn some of the “tricks of the trade” to create costuming that offers interesting reveals and smooth removal. This 90-minute course will be a mixture of lecture and movement. Come dressed in tight fitting clothing (leotard preferred, but not required). Bring water, note taking supplies, and a few costume pieces or articles of clothing to practice peeling.
All regular monthly courses will be capped at 10 participants. Please email [email protected] for signup information
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 (1-2 paragraph) summary about why you or someone else should be granted a scholarship. We limit 2 scholarships per year per person.
Guest Instructors
The conservatory is always excited to host guest instructors both locally and traveling.
Upcoming Guest Instructors:
Managing the Stage with Anita Rage: The importance of the burlesque stage crew and how to do it well
Feb 23 - 3:30p-5:00p
$35
Anita Rage has seen a lot from the stage curtains! She has worked as a proud stage kitten in well over 150 shows Portland Oregon! And she can tell you, you can't do a show without the stage crew. Stage Crew, also called kittens depending on the production, have many jobs. They're not just picking up gloves after every act; they're helping performers get to stage on time, they're passing notes to sound and lights, they're setting props exactly as the performers instructed you to do so, they may even collect tips or sell raffle tickets (and so. much. more). It can be a lot of work, depending on the size of the production! This is why it is SO important that the Kittens are confident and well supported by producers and performers. It's not just about the Kittens knowing what they're doing, it's important that producers set expectations for the kittens for their particular show. This class is just as beneficial to producers who set expectations for and even train their stage crew as those who are interested in working the position.
Note: This class will be held at a NE Portland location, not at Portland Dance Studio
Note: This class will be held at a NE Portland location, not at Portland Dance Studio
Interested in being a guest instructor? Whether local or traveling through PDX, lets 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
- 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)
Refund Policy: All class fees 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.
