Dark. Controlled. Confident. Sensual.

Step into the darker, slower side of burlesque with EROTICA - Sensual Burlesque & Heels Dance Workshop, a deliciously different 2.5-hour experience from The Velvet Burlesque™, taught by multi-award-winning choreographer, teacher, performer, mentor, and producer Lara Gothique.

Seduction is a performance skill. Learn how to use it.

Explore sensual movement, musicality, eye contact, body language, stillness, tension, confidence, and stage presence, and discover how seemingly simple movements can become extraordinarily powerful when performed with intention.

A simple step-by-step routine will be carefully taught by Lara Gothique, bringing together the techniques explored throughout the workshop while still allowing plenty of space for your own personality, individuality, self-expression, and performance style.

No previous dance, burlesque, or heels experience is required.

Complete beginners are warmly welcomed, alongside regular dancers and more experienced performers who would like to explore a darker, slower, and more sophisticated quality of movement and performance.

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WORKSHOP DETAILS

Sunday 1 November 2026

3.00pm-5.30pm

Venue open from 2.30pm for arrivals.

Chapeltown Community Centre

Orchard Court

Burncross Road

Chapeltown

Sheffield

S35 1TH

Adults 18+

Free private car park on site.

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WHAT WE WILL EXPLORE

During the workshop, Lara will guide you through:

Slow, controlled sensual movement

Body lines, posture, and placement

Walking, posing, and transitions

Musicality and timing

Eye contact and facial performance

Weight shifts and body isolations

Stillness and pauses

Creating tension and anticipation within choreography

Confidence, presence, and performance quality

Developing sensuality without over-performing it

Self-expression and individual performance style

Optional floorwork

The emphasis is not simply on learning the steps, but on understanding how to perform them.

You will be encouraged to work at your own level throughout, with adaptations available where appropriate.

NO STRIPTEASE

There is no striptease element within EROTICA.

The focus is entirely on sensual movement, choreography, confidence, performance, and self-expression.

OPTIONAL FLOORWORK

Some optional floorwork may be explored during the workshop.

Please bring a pair of knee pads if you would like to take part.

Floorwork is completely optional, and you are very welcome to remain standing throughout the entire workshop.

WHAT TO WEAR

Wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident moving.

Sportswear, leggings, stretchy tops, tights, bodysuits, fitted dancewear, or lingerie-inspired layers over appropriate coverage are all suitable.

Layering is recommended so you can adjust your clothing as you warm up.

Heels are completely optional.

You are welcome to wear suitable dance shoes, comfortable heels or boots, flats, socks, or work barefoot.

For safety reasons, slingback shoes, platforms, and pole dance-style shoes are not permitted.

WHO CAN JOIN?

EROTICA welcomes:

Adults aged 18+

Absolute beginners

People with some dance experience

Experienced dancers and performers

All ethnicities, shapes, sizes, fitness levels, and experience levels

Most workshop attendees come along on their own, so please do not worry if you will not know anyone when you arrive.

The Velvet Burlesque™ provides a friendly, inclusive, supportive environment where you can experiment with movement, develop confidence, and discover your own interpretation of sensual performance.

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ABOUT LARA GOTHIQUE & THE VELVET BURLESQUE™

Founder Lara Gothique, also known professionally as Hells Belle, is an internationally acclaimed choreographer, performer, producer, mentor, and teacher with more than 35 years of professional experience.

Her work and The Velvet Burlesque™ have received numerous awards and accolades for performance, choreography, tuition, and burlesque entertainment.

Lara's teaching focuses not simply on learning choreography, but on developing technique, musicality, confidence, individuality, and genuine performance quality.

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IMPORTANT BOOKING INFORMATION

Advance booking and payment in full are required to secure your place.

All workshop bookings are non-refundable.

A minimum of 72 hours' cancellation notice is required for any request for a transfer or workshop credit. No credit or transfer will be provided for late cancellations or non-attendance.

Filming during the workshop is prohibited unless explicitly authorised by Lara Gothique.

Meta smart glasses and other wearable recording devices are not permitted.

Places are limited.

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If you have ever wanted to explore a darker, more sophisticated, unapologetically sensual style of movement, this is your invitation.

EROTICA.

Move more slowly. Take up more space. Know exactly when to do less.

Description supplied by the event organiser.