Burlesque Bikini Bootcamp

Sent two emails already but no reply. I doubt if the reviews are fake. It’s a dying business for sure.

I got a fabulous Groupon deal on a ten-​class package; I’m so glad I decided to buy it! The classes have included a sweat-​inducing but lighthearted workout (I’m kinda out of shape, and doing a half-​hour of cardio stuff feels manageable as I work my way up to a more intensive exercise regimen) and a really fun dance instruction segment in which the instructor shows us a routine bit by bit and then has us practice the complete dance a couple of times. She’s been lovely and encouraging and motivating, peppering the class sessions with jokes and mini pep talks. I feel a lot better about taking care of myself since I started going to these classes; also, the dance moves are pretty popular with my significant other, woohoo.

I bought a groupon for five classes. After the first class on Sat with Frida, I decide buy more classes. This is exactly what I want!
The class is one hour. The first half hour, we do some basic workout to make your body sweat and stretch out. Later, we do burlesque dance. The music is classic and beautiful. The dance is simple even you never learn dance before. Moreover, it’s cute and sexy. The instructors there are very nice and friendly.
I talked to several people there. They all said they had fun while working out.
Well, if you really want to learn burlesque dance exactly, this is not the right place. Except you have very good memory and dancing skill. You know, the dance actually only takes half hour. BBB’s spirit is to help you get confidence from dancing rather than master every dancing detail. In other words, they just want you to have fun, they don’t want to really teach you how to dance. Seriously, the instructors always dance well anyways and work hard.
Anyways, I have bad memory and am lazy outside class, so I won’t practice. I don’t like running, so I like dancing! This class fits me well! That’s why I take one hour subway to take this class every week!
The only concern is BBB holds classes only on Monday and Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. Not enough!!!

I bought five classes on groupon and have only been to the Saturday classes (just how my schedule works out). Frida is pretty intense with the bootcamp! Not the toughest workout ever but it’s very fast paced and soon I’m working up a sweat and my arms and legs are killing me. I like the fun music we listen to while we do it because it takes my mind off of the pain (a whole song to arm work outs makes me feel like my arms will fall off).
The first half hour is bootcamp while the second is learning the dance. I’m not a dancer, never have been, and even I pick up the choreography. The dance part is my favorite part and it really gets you sweating (or it does me anyway) and I feel like a real burlesque dancer doing it. I wish the whole hour was the dance since it takes me a little longer to pick up the moves! I would definitely recommend this for a fun fast workout.

The dances are cute and simple but the workout was a good one. Had me sore for couple of days. I will be going back to workout and learn some more sexy moves.

This is one workout that’s never boring. Yes, you start out with a silly mantra, such as «I am a delicious dish ready to be devoured,» or something similar. A few ladies usually giggle, but it usually helps break the ice. The first 25 minutes or so are a mix of cardio and strength training, with a slight burlesque’y twist (such as «sexy pliés). There are a lot of squats, lunges, and some push-​ups and tricep dips, with bouts of running, skipping, and crab-​crawling interposed. Lady Chardonnay has a dry quip to introduce every exercise. Pink Champagne is aptly named, as her style is more bubbly, and she also uses a lot of humor to offset the hard work. It’s not the hardest class I do, but it’s still pretty challenging for me. If you want someone to really kick your butt, I had one class with Frida and her workouts were a lot more challenging. Then, after your initial workout, the instructor demonstrates the dance routine for you, and you can put on your high heels if you so choose (don’t worry, you don’t have to wear heels). You learn the moves and then go through the dance a few times. There are some classic burlesque moves in the routines, but the choreography is very approachable. The instructors give you some good tips about how to present yourself and encourage you to abandon your self-​consciousness and ham it up. I usually have a great time with the dance. The last ten minutes of class is spent doing ab work and stretching. The transition is pretty quick, so I don’t bring a yoga mat, but a few people sometimes do. You’re often lying on the floor during some part of the dance routine, anyway. I like that in an hour, I’ve worked on my problem areas and also learned a dance that I can put to use at home. I never realized it until Lady Chardonnay talked about it, but I have a tendency to be dismissive and self-​deprecating any time I dance. BBB is a very positive space where you are encouraged to own your performance even if it was far from perfect. I feel a little more confident and toned after each class. The only negative for me is that the classes can be a little crowded. It would be great if there were more classes!

I’ve been attending BBB on and off for a year now. It’s convenient for me since I work in Manhattan and find it cumbersome to commute all the way home and then hit a gym. I’m not a girl who does weight training or was ever very sportsy. Having taken ballet for 10 plus years I’ve grown accustomed to working out in a dance environment-it’s just what works for me. I started BBB with a Groupon, it’s a quirky, fun workout experience so I kept up classes after my pack expired. This is not a difficult dance class but some dance experience may prove helpful here.
The bootcamp portion IS NOT easy, I’m not sure where some of the other reviewers are coming from saying it’s hardly a bootcamp, they must train with like… Batman or something, good for them. All I know is that I’m DRENCHED in sweat when I leave. I attend twice a week for the most part and the workout helped me shed Holiday pounds and stay in basic shape. It’s not meant to be a super bulking workout, if you’re looking for a fun cardio/​aerobic/​callisthenic/​artistic workout then this is your place, if you’re looking to climb Mount Kilimanjaro then stop eating bread and run everywhere with rocks tied to your spine. The instructors are very comprehensive, patient, helpful and supportive, not to mention interesting. They have a lot of experience in dance, performance and business.
The dances are always fun, there’s no judgement here-​whatever you can do and have fun doing it is acceptable. This is a very personality based workout, if you’re not remotely interested in dance or burlesque or girly things, I would skip it and try another bootcamp. Sure, parts may seem silly initially (you must repeat the mantra!) but I got into it, because it’s all in good fun and hey, where else do you get a calorie burning workout mixed with kitty cat crawls and cute retro choreography? I highly recommend BBB for glamour girls and 9−5ers alike.

Pros: This is a good class for dance and fitness novices, and only worth it if you have a voucher (very surprised at the stated $ 25 regular price). I never took any dance classes in my life, so it works well for me in that regard. I also like that the instructors are super-​friendly and the environment is completely judgment-​free and unpretentious.
Cons: In terms of fitness, it’s a good start if you haven’t worked out in a long time (definitely not a challenge for gym buffs). «Bootcamp» is a misnomer. I also am not thrilled with the very limited scheduling options (6pm and 7pm on Wed and 10am Sat), or the fact that they expect you to lay down on the floor which you just danced all over in your street shoes (bring a mat/​towel and have it handy quick, because there will be no time to transition at the end when it’s ab-​work time).

I usually take the Saturday class with Frida, but I’ve also taken a couple of classes with Pink Champagne. I found the tone/​intensity to be very different between the two. Frida’s classes are more physically intensive while Pink Champagne’s are easier but more fun. PC’s are probably better for people with less dance experience who aren’t as fit. Personally I like Frida’s classes better but PC’s are a hoot once in a while and would be good to start out with.
It’s amazing how quickly the class picks up the choreography! We see it once and then practice, practice, practice.
*note: Frida’s always the Saturday teacher. I don’t think you can count on the website schedule to tell you when Pink Champagne or Lady Chardonnay are teaching. I haven’t taken with LC.

Weird. Just super weird. There was no burlesque to it and no bootcamp to it. Not quite sure what they are trying to do. I bought three classes through one of the deals and I wouldn’t even consider going back even though it would be free.

I’ve been to a whole bunch of classes now (through Groupon) and though, in the beginning, I wasn’t impressed with the workout, they’ve suddenly begun to kick our a$$es! It must be the reviews here on Unilocal: For my first couple of classes, I found the workout wussy. Now, there are plié-​jumps, runs that drop into push-​ups and things like that… but without giving up what we came there for in the first place: a nice, sexy workout in a safe environment. I can’t speak for other people, but I know that when that 25 minute «warm-​up» is over, I am dripping in sweat, adrenalin pumping.
I have a dance background, and I guess if you were a professional dancer, this workout would not be challenging. But any level below that, and you get the opportunity to really engage your core, work on your alignment and strengthen your glutes and quads. During the choreography you use muscles that you probably would never do in the course of a normal day, and that’s important.
Also equally important is to just let your «Sexy Beast» fly! If you’re not having fun at this class, it might be because you’re holding back. Don’t be shy, just let it go! Nobody’s watching you… everyone’s too into themselves :) If you really get into the dance, your body gets into it too and not only do you get a better workout, but you also look like a sexy mother@#@%$! Come in clothes that make you feel good. It’s true, nobody really comes in lingerie or fishnet stockings, but that tight top or those short shorts really makes the difference (compared with your college tshirt and nylon sweatpants).
I do wish they went straight into teaching the choreography instead of performing it first. I guess it must be for first-​timers (of which there are always a lot in the class) to see what it’s supposed to look like, but when your heart rate is up and you are pumped, to ask you to sit down and watch a 3 minute routine is kind of a downer. I also wish they varied the routines more as I’ve only learned 4 different dances in all this time
Oh, if you can get Pink Champagne, do it. She is just adorable and has a great energy, and her choreography is so cute. If you prefer to concentrate on a harder-​core workout rather than the dance, then go to Lady Chardonnay. I do warn you that she is not the best dancer/​choreographer, her body is really stiff, and her choreography is really awkward and stripper like (lots of gyrating and touching yourself, as opposed to PC’s kicks and pinup drops). I’m personally uncomfortable when I take her class, but I’ve heard a bunch of girls really enjoy it with her!

This is not a bootcamp and this is not learning to do burlesque dancing. I came here the other week to use some Lifebooker classes. On the paper the idea seems fun and cute, but in practice it’s not very fun and it’s not sexy. The entire time I just felt embarrassed; I wasn’t getting a workout and I did not feel sexy or empowered – I just felt dumb and awkward.
Although the room was really hot, I didn’t even break a sweat. This would probably be a good class for people who don’t exercise and want to get moving. The instructors are very nice and upbeat which helps some.

I did get a good workout. These are beginner classes and yet… I had FUN.
It seems like they are trying to get off the ground with this thing though. I called before class to make sure I was in the right building and noone picked up. I ended up on the wrong side,(frieght entrance) and had to haul butt up eight flights because I didn’t know any better. They share space with other dance companies and the man at the desk didn’t actually work directly for them. The instructor Pink Champagne, was very sweet and did her job well. We rolled right through that hour in no time and I like workouts that go by quickly. I gave a low rating because you just can’t have people come off the streets in their sneakers, strut around the room and then have us crawl around and do pushups on the SAME floor. I am bringing disinfectant next time. So the difficulty in locating the class and the contact with the floor are my only gripes but they count big.
Hey, as long as I walk away in a sweat I’m happy. But it was more like beginner jazz set to burlesque music. This is NOT true burlesque for those who are serious. On the plus side, I did learn a couple of moves that I like and can use for the future. Always a good thing!
I will add more after my next nine sessions…

I also bought the 10 class Groupon and for the money I paid, the classes are worth it. It’s a great concept and the instructors try to make it approachable for women of all shapes and sizes. Lady Chardonnay and Pink Champagne make it clear that the key to «burlesque success» is just to embrace your more sensual side. The opening mantras like «I am the cherry on the top of the cream filled cupcake» are cute and set a fun tone for the class. It’s a moderate work out and most participants end the 25 minute cardio section with at least a little sheen.
However, now that I’ve used up all my discount classes, I’m not sure that I’ll be back on a consistent basis. Primarily, because like Jillie B., I have only learned a few different dance routines and I would like some more variety. However I do love their attitude of self love and acceptance.

I wouldn’t really call it a bootcamp and the «exercise» part is a little questionable. but it’s a super fun experience and wonderful way to start a Saturday morning. You always begin the class with a mantra and continue the exercise portion with fun sayings like «I STOP TRAFFIC!» The exercise portion is actually harder if you wear heels, but not everyone can pull that off (definitely wear the heels with ankle straps if you do wear them, esp during the running/​skipping section).
I love that you learn a new dance pretty much every time you go. And yes, your audience at home will very much appreciate your homework exercise to perform in front of someone. However, I think I will bring kneepads next time, because the floor at Chelsea Studios is hard on the knees especially with all the sexy crawling you do on the floor!

I bought the 10 class groupon. I have to say the classes are very fun and both Lady Chardonnay and Pink Champagne are very friendly. The classes are appropriate for all levels (beginner to advanced) as you are there for the atmosphere. You spend the first 25 minutes doing a cardio workout, the second 25 minutes doing a burlesque dance, and the last 10 minutes or so doing abs and legs.
However, it gets super repetitive after a while. I’ve been to 8 of my 10 classes and danced to «Baby, It’s Cold Outside» for at least 4 of the classes. Spring is in the air and hopefully they will add some more dances to their repertoire.
3 stars for a creative idea, but no stars for dance diversity.
ps.. If you’re not comfortable with being sensual, the class is not for you.

The women who run these classes are super approachable and really lovely. They always have good, positive feedback (which I feel should be a must in any kind of active class), which makes you feel encouraged.
They make a safe space for women to feel sexy and confident. It’s a class that makes you glow with sweat a little bit, but easy enough that it’s accessible for anyone of any dance experience amount.
The dances are fast to learn and give you enough time to really dive in and be a saucy minx.
I have a history of dance under my belt, and I like the raw burlesque scene, so I might end up looking for something a little more aggressive later in time. But for now, I really enjoy going and having a fun hour with a bunch of spunky women.

I agree with a previous reviewer that the class is not meant to be a great workout or a particularly challenging dance class, but that doesn’t make it any less fun. The instructor, Lady Chardonnay, was really cool and had the whole class cracking up. We started with the mantra «I am the delicious cherry on top of the creamy cupcake» and somehow I didn’t walk out. It’s a really low-​pressure, fun class with all kinds of chicks, some of whom can’t even do basic cha-​cha steps (me). If that’s not your thing, go elsewhere.

This class was not was I was expecting. I bought the Groupon deal for 10 classes, have been to 3 and do not think I’ll be going back for anymore.
It is made for beginners — and when I say beginners I mean people who have never danced a single day in their life. If you have any dance background do not go to this class as you will be severely disappointed.
First — this is not a boot camp. I have been to boot camp classes at the gym & also to the Brooklyn Bridge Bootcamp and this class does not have the right to call itself a boot camp. When you walk in they tell you they will do a 20 minute, tough workout. This «workout» amounts to a handful of lunges & push ups. The rest of it is just prancing around the room. The only reason you sweat is because the room is crowded & they aren’t allowed to open windows at Chelsea Studios.
On top the burlesque part. 1 of the instructors clearly used to be a dancer and has some experience the other instructor is the most awkward person I have ever seen movie. She clearly is just learning dance but has no rhythm or grace. The choreography is awful. First off, they both have a lot of trouble actually remembering the choreography that they themselves created. Very frustrating. Second, Burlesque is supposed to be sexy & sensual. The «dances» they teach are laughable — they are awkward & silly. Performing one of these dances for a husband or boyfriend would turn the mood cold as he would just be laughing at you the entire time.
This class may be good for people who have never worked out before or have never danced before. But if you are looking for a good workout or a good dance class then spend your money elsewhere — there are plently of other places in Manhattan that are far better.

LOVE. IT. I’m about as butch as they get, so I was a little concerned about looking like a complete idiot, but even if I do, I’m having too much fun to care. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I still look like a fat butch girl in burlesque class, but since the emphasis is much more on movement than «doing it right,» you don’t have to be a girly-​girl or have any sort of dance experience in order to enjoy yourself here. While most of the people in the class are usually «normal”-sized college kids, there’s definitely plenty of other ages and body types and styles – some people take the class barefoot, some do it in 5-​inch stripper heels. Awesome.
The format definitely makes it more fun than a standard dance or fitness class, because there’s a little bit of everything and the time just flies by. Each class begins with a mantra and a pose to go with it; ex. last week, everyone had to get into a showgirl pose and say «I Stop Traffic!» at the beginning and end of the class. It sounds goofy but it really helps put you in the right headspace to enjoy what you’re doing.
A lot of the non-​choreographed moves are your standard aerobics fare, but what makes it great is the attitude the instructors put into them. You are never just doing plain repetitive movements, even in the non-​choreographed sections; even the way you get up after doing pushups is pure pinup gold. The movement awareness I get out of this class is incredible – instead of just focusing on one movement, like a lunge, you’re focusing on every single part of your body from your hands to your toes and finding something to do with all of them. It doesn’t seem like hard work at the time, but I haven’t sweated that much in ages! My only, only criticism is that there is a fair bit of downtime during the choreography sections that could probably be streamlined.
The other good news is that the rates are effing awesome if you take more than one class. I got a groupon for 10 classes for $ 49, and you can get I think 5 for $ 49 through their website, which is still a great deal for any dance class, really.
My only complaint is with the online booking system they currently use – you have to put in your email and get it confirmed every single time you want to take a class, so it takes like 3 emails to get signed up for each class. And if you need to cancel, you can’t do that on the site – you have to send them an email or message via the booking site so they can cancel it for you. I prefer to sign up for a bunch of classes at once, several weeks in advance, and then cancel/​rebook as needed, but I can’t really do that here without it being intensely tedious.