Bolstered by the successful breakout film “A Wink And A Smile”, the Academy of Burlesque is experiencing unexpected growth in the down economy. Classes fill months in advance and wait lists are long for the risque Burlesque curriculum. To accommodate the growth, the Academy of Burlesque has partnered with the Century Ballroom by moving to the Oddfellows Building on Capitol Hill. “Indigo’s Academy of Burlesque is the perfect addition to the renovated Oddfellows Hall space,” says entrepreneur Kuperman, “I look forward to the energy and new patrons their audiences will bring.”

The Academy of Burlesque takes up residence in West Hall, formerly known as the Velocity Dance Studio Main Space, beginning in September of 2009. This moves all Burlesque 101 classes out of the intimate Blue Studio into a 2000 square foot space for the expanding dance class schedule. “I began teaching classes in 2002 in my living room,” says Headmistress Miss Indigo Blue, “so this is a huge step for the Academy. Working with Hallie, and being next door to her new Tin Table Restaurant is fabulous!”

For six years, Indigo shimmied her signature Bump & Grind Dance class from studio to studio: Home Alive, Every Body’s Health & Fitness, and most recently Groovy Dancer Studio in the Central District. The move to West Hall provides a large, airy space for up-and-coming bump-and-grinders to learn the tricks of the Burlesque trade. “It’s awesome to teach in this renowned site for dance in Seattle – we hope our high heels will honor Velocity’s footsteps!” says dance instructor Inga Ingenue.

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All Academy of Burlesque performances, including the 101, 202, and Alumni Recitals seen on KING-5 Evening Magazine and in the “A Wink And A Smile” film, will move to West Hall. Historically, the Jewel Box Theater was home to the popular Graduation Recitals. But with enrollment full and audiences growing, the West Hall space was needed to accommodate students and their fans. “After selling out our shows for several years, we have had to admit that we’ve simply outgrown our original home,” says the Headmistress. The trial run of West Hall as a Burlesque theater will be August 8, for the Summer Burlesque 101 Graduation Recital.

The Academy’s Fall Session begins September 2 with a full roster including Burlesque 101, Boylesque 101 (co-taught by Gender Bending Sensation Miss-ter Waxie Moon), Bump and Grind Dance, Ballet with Lily Verlaine, and Belly Dance with Fuchsia FoXXX.

Images of instructors and theater available by request.

NEW LOCATION: Academy of Burlesque
Oddfellows Building, West Hall, 2d Floor
915 E. Pine St,
Seattle WA 98122

SAME MAILING ADDRESS, WEBSITE, PHONE NUMBER: Academy of Burlesque
POB 18373
Seattle WA 98118
www.academyofburlesque.com
206-47-TWIRL