We are officially one month away.

That's right Darlings. One month until Portland's first University of Burlesque opens its doors.
In 9 short weeks you'll learn the history of striptease, costume design, hair and make-up, routine choreography, and so much more. Professor Sahara will walk you through the steps of this age old art of seduction and tease. Whether you want to be the next Miss Exotic World or you want to surprise your loved one, this university is for you.

We offer a work study program if you are strapped during this economic crisis.

You will receive 9 weeks of education from Professor Sahara and other guest professors, a professional photo session, an 8x10 class photo, 5x7 solo photo, and discounts to all workshops offered at University of Burlesque. Plus your graduation recital will be held at Hawthorne Theatre Lounge! Now that's nothing to shake a glitter stick at!

To register, please visit www.pdxpoledivas.com/burlesque.html.

For questions, please email professorsahara@gmail.com.

Clarification on Winter Term

There have been quite few questions on the level of knowledge needed prior to starting winter term. I wanted to clear a few things up.....

So far, the University of Burlesque only has Burly Girl 101. That means it's the beginning level. You will receive 9 weeks of the basics to get you started on your way. Students are not expected to have any history of dance or theater. Just the drive and will it takes to become the best little starlet you can become.

We hope in the next year we will be able to offer Burly Girl 201. For this you'll need to be a graduate of Burly Girl 101 or have some burlesque performance background or have graduated from another respected and trusted burlesque university.

And just a reminder...

Registration is now open. Just visit www.pdxpoledivas.com/burlesque.html to register for Portland FIRST and ONLY burlesque university.

Workstudy is available

Workstudy is available for the University of Burlesque. 'How do we sign up for that Professor Sahara?' I'm so glad you asked ;).

FIRST-you have to email me at professorsahara@gmail.com
SECOND-send me your name, any past performance experience, any formal dance training experience, why you want to be a student at the University of Burlesque, and a brief explaination as to why you need workstudy.
THIRD-you'll receive a response in about 1-3 weeks as to if you are approved for workstudy.

Please note that you MUST register within 7 days for receiving the approval email. If you do not register within 7 days, the workstudy will be revoked.

You also must pay the non-refundable deposit. At the first class, you will receive a workstudy hand out with your module and other information.

Thanks darlings and have a fabulous evening!
XOXOXXX

Registration is now open...

I am happy to say that registration for Portland's FIRST University of Burlesque is now open. Follow the link below to register-
http://www.pdxpoledivas.com/burlesque.html

Remember.....this is the inaugral class for the University of Burlesque. So you will be the first to experience burlesque education like no other available in the City of Roses.

We will have special guest professors from around the region to help out. There will also be special workshops available at a discount to any University of Burlesque students.

Winter term start on January 21, 2009

Don't wait too late to register...the class may be full!
XOXOXXX

Basic information for those inquiring

January 21th, 2009

Professor Sahara's University of Burlesque

Winter term to start January 21st. It is an intense 9 week lesson in the basics of burlesque. You will learn the proper and ethical way to break into burlesque, how to seductively remove stockings, and basically the art of striptease will be presented to you. Special guest instructors will be presenting certain lessons. We will also be providing extra curriculum workshops (advanced dance moves, glove and stocking peels, fan dancing, tassel twirling, burlesque make-up, and so many more).***Again...stay tuned for information on this***

Registration will be at the following website-
www.pdxpoledivas.com/burlesque.html

This will be Portland's FIRST burlesque school that is endorsed by many well-known burlesque performers in the nation.

I HEART Portland's burlesque scene. Really?!?!?

Is there such a thing? Portland burlesque scene???

I have been performing burlesque since 2004, been involved in 'the scene' since 2006. And I must say...there is NO scene in Portland. Now-there have been many great performers that started in Portland and quickly made their exit to the bigger and more eye-catching cities of New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle. I have to admit, I have entertained the notion of moving myself. "It would be a good career move.". "I wouldn't have to pimp myself out so hard.". "That city already has an established burlesque community AND I know most of them already.". But when it come down to it, Portland is my home and I'm here to stay. Burlesque had to start somewhere in those other cities, right? I mean, Seattle just didn't wake up one day and decide..."We're gonna be one of the burlesque meccas!". No, that took someone or a few people to come together and work their little tushies off to make it happen.

So here we are...in the middle of Portland's burlesque revival. AND I'M LOVIN' IT! Everywhere you look there's a new 'somebody' wanting to break into burlesque. But most don't know where to start, who to trust, where to go. There are quite a few 'empty promises' out there that will leave a nasty taste in your mouth. Well darlings, you're in luck. I'm here to tell you about a little something I call Professor Sahara's University of Burlesque. No promises here, just good ole fashion fun and sexiness!

That's right kids. I'll be opening my academic doors in January 2009. Partnering with Summer of Diva Den Studios and PDX Pole Divas, Professor Sahara's University of Burlesque, will provide your sweethearts and starlets in training all the material and information you'll need to get started.

If you just want to shake it up in the bedroom for your honey or if you want to take your show on the road, there will be a little something for everyone. Burlesque does not discriminate and I don't either. The ONLY thing I WILL NOT STAND FOR is attitude. Not stage attitude, but diva-bitch attitude. No one likes it and you will not go far if you got it. Trust me, I know many well known burlesque starlets in the biz and they talk. I've been warned of where and who to associate with and where and who NOT to associate with. That's why burlesque is all about networking and sisterhood. Because you burn one bridge, you've burnt 8 more at the same time. Sounds awful, but that's the way it goes. Anywoo.....

January 7th, 2009
To Shimmy or Not To Shimmy? That is the question...
An introduction to the University of Burlesque and if it's right for you.
~*~*~We'll go over the basics of what will be taught during the term and any questions folks may have. We will also be pre-registering for the winter term, which will start January 14th.~*~*~
***Stay tuned for more information on this***

January 14th, 2009
Professor Sahara's University of Burlesque-Burly Girl 101
Winter term to start January 14th. It is an intense 10 week lesson in the basics of burlesque. Special guest instructors will be presenting certain lessons. We will also be providing extra curriculum lessons (chair dancing, pole dancing, fan dancing, tassel twirling, burlesque make-up, and so many more).
***Again...stay tuned for information on this***

Good night for now darlings!
XOXOXXX,
Sahara Dunes