If you are reading because you Googled “Burlesque course in Milano” or something similar – or perhaps because you know me and are exploring the website – there’s one thing I want to tell you: do it! You are just one step away from making one of the best investments you can make for yourself.
Burlesque is a histrionic discipline. It’s the art of striptease, where the goal is bewitching an audience (or why not, an individual) by exposing not just your body, but also your personality. Yes, burlesque is much more than “taking off your clothes“; it is an art form that celebrates the self-expression and body positivity. Through dance, theatricality, and dazzling costumes, burlesque offers a space for exploration and self-discovery, allowing creativity and freedom of expression to flourish. It’s a sensual, magical, fun discipline that can take on countless forms, from theseductive to the comedic to the political.
Ella Bottom Rouge and the Rouge Academy
I am Ella, and in Milan I founded The Rouge Academy, the most riot burlesque school in Milan. I created it because I wanted to offer a safe space where anyone, regardless of age, gender, size, dreams and artistic background, could feel welcome. All classes are gender-free providing an environment where everybody can explore their strengths, discover their sensuality and learn something new. For me, it is always exciting to witness different stories coming together, coexisting on the same stage, and shedding their fears, preconceptions, and limitations – just as they shed their clothes.
Burlesque Courses in Milan
Well, have I convinced you? All that’s left to do is join us! If you are looking for a burlesque class in Milan, The Rouge Academy is waiting for you. We meet every Wednesday night at Suanno Dance School. The burlesque class will be your guilty pleasure, the perfect way to unwind after the office. Our courses are tailored to your level: from beginner classes (where you’ll learn and practice the basics of the art of Burlesque – working with gloves, boas, robe, corsets, etc…), to advanced classes, where you can fine-tune your acts, develop your character and costumes and perfect your performances. In short: if you are ready to challenge yourself, there’s a course for you at Rouge Academy.
Online Burlesque Course
If you live outside Milan, or if Wednesday nights are already booked for your quidditch team, you might be interested in our online classes. Every Tuesday night, I teach live burlesque classes on Zoom, where you can learn the fundamentals of this discipline from the comfort of your own home.
Sometimes, the safe space of your home can be just what you need – especially if you are shy or have a busy schedule. Burlesque can be a colorful escape from a gray day, and it would be a shame to miss out just because you can’t make it in person. Online courses offer the same quality as in-person classes and are just as valuable. Of course, they come with some physical limitations, which is why the online course is often the first step into this world. When the time comes, and burlesque has won you over, I recommend transitioning to in-person courses for the full experience.
Burlesque Summer Camp
Burlesque courses in Milan follow the school calendar, from September to May. But summer is the perfect season for burlesque – and to shed a few clothes! That’s why we created the Burlesque Summer Camp: to keep your training going, of course, but also to get away from the city, escape to a breathtaking location, and immerse yourself in this sensual art for several days. The first edition of the Burlesque Summer Camp took place in Puglia, in the dreamlike setting of a masseria. By the pool, we held burlesque classes, solo act, stage make-up and bumps and grinds – taught by internationally renowned teachers, alongside fellow participants who quickly became new friends.
Scherzi? Voglio partecipare!
Burlesque workshop
I frequently organize intensive burlesque workshops that last a few hours, and are typically held on weekends. This format is important to me because I believe in diversifying the training experience—not just in terms of time and structure, but also in terms of the instructors. In many of the workshops at The Rouge Academy, we invite other performers to share their unique skills and experiences. The workshop format is perfect for diving deep into a specific topic with a multidimensional approach.
With Rouge Academy, I organize two types of workshops:
- With guests: internationally renowned performers who visit Milan to lead intensive sessions focused on individual topics;
- On location: I take my courses across Italy so that everyone, no matter where they are, can join in and participate.
Opening image photo credit: Federica Fumagalli
