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."
|
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 Final Course:
Individual course: $30
Sept 9 - 7:30-9:00pm
Tassels & Assels: Making those tassels twirl
(4 spots left as of 8/19/24)
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.
Fall Term Courses:
Individual course: $30; Full term: $80
Oct 14 - 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 when 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.
Nov 11 - 7:30-9:00pm
From Ideation to Creation: Process & tips for building an engaging burlesque act
Have an idea, but don’t know how to get started? Don’t even know where to start to create your first burlesque act? In this lecture-driven course, The Infamous Nina Nightshade will share what she has learned about creating new acts for over 15 years. We’ll discuss the steps to go from ideation to creation and all the different paths one’s “artistic process” can take. The course will include tips on selecting music, creating costumes, and planning movement. At the end of the course participants will help each other problem-solve the act ideas we have swimming in our brains (with support from Nina, of course). Whether you're starting from scratch or you want help moving past a creative block in your act building, this class will help you move from ideation to creation.
Dec 9 - 7:30-9:00pm
Siren's Gaze: The art of the smolder (even when you're not feeling it)
Burlesque acts across all genres can utilize a sexy smolder to excite the audience. In this interactive course The Infamous Nina Nightshade will share tips and tricks for raising the temperature in the audience with just a look (and perhaps a few subtle movements). Learn to become more comfortable exuding sex appeal on stage even on the days you aren’t feeling so sexy. Class participants will be asked to make eye contact with themselves and each other during exercises within a safe space. Come dressed to move.
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.
Individual course: $30
Sept 9 - 7:30-9:00pm
Tassels & Assels: Making those tassels twirl
(4 spots left as of 8/19/24)
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.
Fall Term Courses:
Individual course: $30; Full term: $80
Oct 14 - 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 when 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.
Nov 11 - 7:30-9:00pm
From Ideation to Creation: Process & tips for building an engaging burlesque act
Have an idea, but don’t know how to get started? Don’t even know where to start to create your first burlesque act? In this lecture-driven course, The Infamous Nina Nightshade will share what she has learned about creating new acts for over 15 years. We’ll discuss the steps to go from ideation to creation and all the different paths one’s “artistic process” can take. The course will include tips on selecting music, creating costumes, and planning movement. At the end of the course participants will help each other problem-solve the act ideas we have swimming in our brains (with support from Nina, of course). Whether you're starting from scratch or you want help moving past a creative block in your act building, this class will help you move from ideation to creation.
Dec 9 - 7:30-9:00pm
Siren's Gaze: The art of the smolder (even when you're not feeling it)
Burlesque acts across all genres can utilize a sexy smolder to excite the audience. In this interactive course The Infamous Nina Nightshade will share tips and tricks for raising the temperature in the audience with just a look (and perhaps a few subtle movements). Learn to become more comfortable exuding sex appeal on stage even on the days you aren’t feeling so sexy. Class participants will be asked to make eye contact with themselves and each other during exercises within a safe space. Come dressed to move.
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:
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 traveling through PDX, lets talk! Email [email protected] to discuss options.
NEW CONSERVATORY OFFERING!
Every Tuesday (No class on 2nd Tuesdays of each month) - 7:40-8:30pm
Cabaret Conditioning: Skill building & workout
Want to get your body moving while having fun building your performance skills? This weekly conditioning class with The Infamous Nina Nightshade will cycle through various movements commonly used in cabaret and burlesque in a casual environment. Movements will include, but are not limited to, hip bumps and grinds, showgirl walks, fluid arm movements, shimmies, and simple dance moves. From the novice to the well-seasoned performer, this class welcomes all skill levels, bodies, gender identities and performance genres. Come sweat and laugh with us!
Please email [email protected] for signup or drop-in class information.
Rates:
Every Tuesday (No class on 2nd Tuesdays of each month) - 7:40-8:30pm
Cabaret Conditioning: Skill building & workout
Want to get your body moving while having fun building your performance skills? This weekly conditioning class with The Infamous Nina Nightshade will cycle through various movements commonly used in cabaret and burlesque in a casual environment. Movements will include, but are not limited to, hip bumps and grinds, showgirl walks, fluid arm movements, shimmies, and simple dance moves. From the novice to the well-seasoned performer, this class welcomes all skill levels, bodies, gender identities and performance genres. Come sweat and laugh with us!
Please email [email protected] for signup or drop-in class information.
Rates:
- Drop-In - $18
- Individual Class Prepaid - $16
- 5 Class Package (Good for 90 days) - $70
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
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.
