The Shanghai Pearl travels widely to perform and teach. She created the popular DIY Showgirl series in 2007 and has brought her unique selection of classes to festivals and conventions nationwide.
Her courses range from fun, craft classes to theater workshops that focus on character building and stage presence. The Shanghai Pearl is available for group and private instruction for performers and non-performers alike.
DIY Showgirl Classes:
Character Classes:
Theory Classes
- Loving Yourself and Your Audience: The Unselfish Performer
- Power, Pleasure, and Meaning in Burlesque
The Shanghai Pearl began her teaching career Miss Indigo Blue’s Academy of Burlesque in 2007.
With The Academy of Burlesque she has taught the following courses:
- Burlesque 101
- Burlesque 202
- Art of the Tease
- Taste of the Tease
- How to Strip for your Lover
- Walking in Heels
- Tassel Twirling
DIY Showgirl
For Your Eyes Only! Make Your Own Custom Eyelashes
Learn to create eyelashes as unique and fabulous as you are! Elegant, wild, or extravagant, the
sky's the limit in this fun and exciting new class in my DIY Showgirl series. The class is a mix of
discussion, lecture, and hands on practice. You will learn how to assemble a beautiful new set of
custom lashes as well as how to apply them. Class cost of $40 includes all supplies to make a
pair of custom lashes. There will be no shortage of feathers, rhinestones, sequins, and glitter.
You are welcome to bring projects you are working on for guidance.
DIY Showgirl
Headdresses, Fascinators, and YOU!
Learn the difference between Coque and Nandu! Learn how to curl and shape feathers as well as
the basic building blocks to creating a fabulous headdress or hair ornament!
Class is mix of
lecture, hands on practice, discussion, and display.
DIY Showgirl
Burlesque Costuming 101
Learn tips and tricks to creating your own dazzling burlesque costume! Class is mix of lecture,
hands on practice, discussion, and display.
DIY Showgirl
Merkins 101 or Get More Naked!
Be more naked! Learn how to make a G-string from scratch and learn valuable tips on how to
make (and wear) a Merkin.
Class is a mix of lecture, discussion, and display. Students are encouraged to bring current
projects for Q&A and guidance.
Character Class
Drama Queen
Owning the Stage through Embodied Presence and Grace
Explore Burlesque’s roots and the necessity of Theatricality in contemporary performances.
Strengthen performances by pushing our boundaries with a focus on presence and poise. Be a more
polished performer with intentional choices in walks, facial expressions, and body positioning.
Character Class
Funny Girl
This class is a must for anyone who wants to explore the Funny Girl (or Boy!) in each of us. We
will discuss humor’s significance throughout Burlesque’s history and the importance
of humor in contemporary performances. We will work on idea generation, facial expressions, and
theatricality.
Students are encouraged to wear comfortable, easy to move in clothes. Bring pen and paper as well
as acts/ideas you would like to add elements of humor to.
Copyright © 2017 The Shanghai Pearl. All rights reserved.
