Great for any level of experience, we will review basic burlesque history, learn and drill the basic burlesque movements, and learn some sultry choreography with modifications for all levels. Bump, grind, and shimmy your way through this 5-week course, while focusing on body positivity and self confidence! No clothing removal is involved, but we will provide a safe space for anyone who wants to explore and express! $50 for the series.

“The level of physicality or fitness required depends on your strengths. In this style of dance, we are allowed to play to our own personalities, and if you are a person who likes to exercise, or are a dancer to begin with, it may suit you to move in that way. But others who aren’t as physically fit may choose to move very differently. There is no dance experience or training required. There is no performance required. Classes I teach for now are simply for fun and are pretty therapeutic! In the future, I would love to hold more intermediate and advanced level classes that would incorporate a performance aspect. That is the best way to start a troupe, which I would love to see happen in Columbia!” -Sugar St. Germain, from Auntie Bellum Magazine article

Teacher Bio:

Sugar St Germain (Mandy Bloom) is the only consistent burlesque artist and teacher in Columbia, SC. Although she is a Soda City native, she has traveled all over the globe as a singer, dancer, actor, choreographer, and impersonator. She has worked for Costa and Radisson Seven Seas cruise ships, and in various casinos and venues all across the U.S., including a stint as a Vegas showgirl! She is a regular performer in theatre shows here in Columbia as well. She made a natural transition into burlesque, and is now delving into Tribal Fusion belly dance. As Mandy, she teaches classes in dance, burlesque, yoga, meditation, and more! She is the owner of Bloom Healing Arts Studio on Rosewood Dr, and she is also a wife and mama of two!