Nightshade Conservatory
Burlesque Education
Nightshade Conservatory offers burlesque education for all. From group workshops to 1:1 sessions to private parties, Nina is excited to share the knowledge that over 15 years in burlesque has taught her. Proudly sponsored by Portland Dance Studio, most workshops and lessons take place in one of their studios in the Oak Street Building (232 SE Oak Street, PDX)
Email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com to inquire or sign up for posted workshops
Email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com 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 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 Workshops:
Individual workshop: $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 workshop 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 10 - 7:30-9:00pm
Poise & Stage Presence - How to make a lasting impression on your audience
Great performance isn’t just about nailing your choreography or getting the costume just right, it’s also about the attitude you carry on stage and the connection you make with your audience. In this interactive workshop The Infamous Nina Nightshade will show you how to make a lasting impression using poise and stage presence. During the workshop we will explore what “poise” and “stage presence” mean, how to use various movement tools such as posture and moments of stillness to entrance your audience, and how to keep that audience connection with things go wrong. This 90-minute course will be a mixture of lecture and movement. Come dressed to move. Bring water, note taking supplies, and your favorite performance/practice shoes. Class will be capped at 12 participants.
May 8 - 7:30-9:00pm
How to get the gig... and how to keep them coming: Marketing, professionalism, and 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. Class will be capped at 12 participants
June 12 - 7:30-9:00pm
Stumped On The Floor: Dance movement and musicality for non-dancers
You don’t have to be a “dancer” to use dance movement and musicality in your performances. Pulling from over 30 years dance experience of various forms, The Infamous Nina Nightshade will teach you the basics of dance postures and movements you can use in your burlesque performance. Course will also include basic concepts in what “musicality” means and how it can make an impact in your acts even if you don’t dance. As the name implies, no dance experience is required for this course, but be ready to move. Come dressed to move. Bring water, note taking supplies, and your favorite performance/practice shoes. Class will be capped at 12 participants.
Individual workshop: $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 workshop 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 10 - 7:30-9:00pm
Poise & Stage Presence - How to make a lasting impression on your audience
Great performance isn’t just about nailing your choreography or getting the costume just right, it’s also about the attitude you carry on stage and the connection you make with your audience. In this interactive workshop The Infamous Nina Nightshade will show you how to make a lasting impression using poise and stage presence. During the workshop we will explore what “poise” and “stage presence” mean, how to use various movement tools such as posture and moments of stillness to entrance your audience, and how to keep that audience connection with things go wrong. This 90-minute course will be a mixture of lecture and movement. Come dressed to move. Bring water, note taking supplies, and your favorite performance/practice shoes. Class will be capped at 12 participants.
May 8 - 7:30-9:00pm
How to get the gig... and how to keep them coming: Marketing, professionalism, and 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. Class will be capped at 12 participants
June 12 - 7:30-9:00pm
Stumped On The Floor: Dance movement and musicality for non-dancers
You don’t have to be a “dancer” to use dance movement and musicality in your performances. Pulling from over 30 years dance experience of various forms, The Infamous Nina Nightshade will teach you the basics of dance postures and movements you can use in your burlesque performance. Course will also include basic concepts in what “musicality” means and how it can make an impact in your acts even if you don’t dance. As the name implies, no dance experience is required for this course, but be ready to move. Come dressed to move. Bring water, note taking supplies, and your favorite performance/practice shoes. Class will be capped at 12 participants.
Summer Term Workshops:
Individual workshop: $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 workshop 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 10 - 7:30-9:00pm
Show of Hands - Expressive hand movements and 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 if you’d like your favorite performance/practice shoes. Course will be capped at 12 participants.
August 14 - 7:30-9:00pm
Special Guest Instructor: Rocket Queen
Stage Strategy - How to make any stage work for you
As performers we are often challenged by the variety of stages we are called to dance on.
Stage features such as width, depth, ceiling and stage height, walls, carpet, curtains, wings, door entries, audience proximity and more can be a challenge or a fantastic asset. In this interactive workshop Rocket Queen will show you how to prep for any stage and strategize your entries, exits, and everything in between to utilize every inch the stage has to offer! During the workshop we will explore considerations when mapping your act, and we’ll learn a few traveling, wall and floor work moves to diversify your act’s stage mapping. This 90-minute course will be a mixture of lecture and movement. Come dressed to move. Bring water, note taking supplies, and your favorite performance/practice shoes. Class will be capped at 12 participants.
September 11 - 7:30-9:00pm
Do You Need That Prop?: An interactive workshop to become less reliant on props to convey intention and context in your acts
Props can add dimension, intention, and excitement to an act. However, props can distract an audience from the performer, add complexity to a stage set up, and a malfunctioning prop can set a performer up to fail. In this workshop we will explore the fundamentals of using props in acts and challenge the participant to find ways to convey the same message without relying on them. Part lecture and part collaborative conversation, we will explore concepts such as pantomime and suspension of disbelief to create the feeling of the act while simplifying the stage set up. Participants will leave prepared to answer the question, “Do I need this prop?”. Class will be capped at 12 participants.
Individual workshop: $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 workshop 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 10 - 7:30-9:00pm
Show of Hands - Expressive hand movements and 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 if you’d like your favorite performance/practice shoes. Course will be capped at 12 participants.
August 14 - 7:30-9:00pm
Special Guest Instructor: Rocket Queen
Stage Strategy - How to make any stage work for you
As performers we are often challenged by the variety of stages we are called to dance on.
Stage features such as width, depth, ceiling and stage height, walls, carpet, curtains, wings, door entries, audience proximity and more can be a challenge or a fantastic asset. In this interactive workshop Rocket Queen will show you how to prep for any stage and strategize your entries, exits, and everything in between to utilize every inch the stage has to offer! During the workshop we will explore considerations when mapping your act, and we’ll learn a few traveling, wall and floor work moves to diversify your act’s stage mapping. This 90-minute course will be a mixture of lecture and movement. Come dressed to move. Bring water, note taking supplies, and your favorite performance/practice shoes. Class will be capped at 12 participants.
September 11 - 7:30-9:00pm
Do You Need That Prop?: An interactive workshop to become less reliant on props to convey intention and context in your acts
Props can add dimension, intention, and excitement to an act. However, props can distract an audience from the performer, add complexity to a stage set up, and a malfunctioning prop can set a performer up to fail. In this workshop we will explore the fundamentals of using props in acts and challenge the participant to find ways to convey the same message without relying on them. Part lecture and part collaborative conversation, we will explore concepts such as pantomime and suspension of disbelief to create the feeling of the act while simplifying the stage set up. Participants will leave prepared to answer the question, “Do I need this prop?”. Class will be capped at 12 participants.
Guest Instructors
The conservatory is always excited to host guest instructors both locally and traveling.
August 14 - 7:30-9:00pm
Special Guest Instructor: Rocket Queen
Stage Strategy - How to make any stage work for you
As performers we are often challenged by the variety of stages we are called to dance on.
Stage features such as width, depth, ceiling and stage height, walls, carpet, curtains, wings, door entries, audience proximity and more can be a challenge or a fantastic asset. In this interactive workshop Rocket Queen will show you how to prep for any stage and strategize your entries, exits, and everything in between to utilize every inch the stage has to offer! During the workshop we will explore considerations when mapping your act, and we’ll learn a few traveling, wall and floor work moves to diversify your act’s stage mapping. This 90-minute course will be a mixture of lecture and movement. Come dressed to move. Bring water, note taking supplies, and your favorite performance/practice shoes. Class will be capped at 12 participants.
Interested in being a guest instructor? Email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com
Special Guest Instructor: Rocket Queen
Stage Strategy - How to make any stage work for you
As performers we are often challenged by the variety of stages we are called to dance on.
Stage features such as width, depth, ceiling and stage height, walls, carpet, curtains, wings, door entries, audience proximity and more can be a challenge or a fantastic asset. In this interactive workshop Rocket Queen will show you how to prep for any stage and strategize your entries, exits, and everything in between to utilize every inch the stage has to offer! During the workshop we will explore considerations when mapping your act, and we’ll learn a few traveling, wall and floor work moves to diversify your act’s stage mapping. This 90-minute course will be a mixture of lecture and movement. Come dressed to move. Bring water, note taking supplies, and your favorite performance/practice shoes. Class will be capped at 12 participants.
Interested in being a guest instructor? Email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com
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 dance 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 dance 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 at our venue include:
Party themes:
You don't have to come to our venue, Nightshade Conservatory can also come to you!
Email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com to inquire about pricing and options
- 1-hour instruction led by The Infamous Nina Nightshade
- All required props and materials
- 1-hour social time for you and your guests. (Bring your own food and beverages.)
Party themes:
- Pastie making and tassel twirling class
- Basic burlesque bump & grind
- Fun with fabric props (fan veils, circle skirts, veils)
- Glove and/or Stocking Peels
- Have a different idea? Let's talk!
You don't have to come to our venue, Nightshade Conservatory can also come to you!
Email nightshadeconservatory@gmail.com to inquire about pricing and options