Vaudezilla

Just completed my first round of classes at Vaudezilla, and to be honest I don’t see myself quitting burlesque any time soon. I Signed up originally because I needed something fun to do by myself and meet some cool people, and through the 8 weeks it fulfilled those needs completely. I always look forward to every class I have, and after each class my bf gets to listen to me rave about how much fun I had.
Being new to burlesque, there’s no requirement for you to do more than you’re comfortable with. I’m not a dancer, but learning the simple steps and working on them each week leaves you feeling really accomplished and sexy. Both teachers I worked with (Annie and Ms. Mister) were patient and fun, and I’m always impressed with what they come up with.
Everybody is on the same page here, size/​shape/​gender/​ethnicity/​orientations etc. Even if you’ve never had experience in dance or any sort of stage performance, this is SUCH a great place to start.

Have take a few more classes and workshops with Vaudezilla since my first post and I’m in love. Red Hot Annie and her team are phenomenal!

I heart Vaudezilla! I’m not a young’un, and I’m not fashionably thin. I’ve had both of my knees replaced and it’s difficult for me to get up and down off the floor. It doesn’t matter. Everyone at Vaudezilla is so accepting. I always feel confident and beautiful there!

Vaudezilla has been a wonderful place for me to explore my creativity, as well as find the sensual core within me.

I have always loved going to burlesque shows and wished that I had their confidence. Earlier in the year I experienced a crazy drop in my confidence due to some things out of my control. I needed an escape and I wanted to love myself and my body again.
Enter Vaudezilla.
Lilly’s rock n roll class was the best thing to happen to me as my first class. Phaedra’s belly dancing is insanely fun and such a workout. Zara’s twerking made me really happy with my butt and her floorwork class is out of this world. Willy LaQueue taught me quick, intricate moments, and Dahlia Fatale taught me how to move incredibly slowly as I dance (I would always rush through the moves). I took a four week solo class with Red Hot Annie and she was so supportive of us and gave us great feedback.
Every class I’ve taken has helped my confidence grow. I’ve made new friends. I have learned and continue to learn so much about burlesque which makes me love it even more than I had before.
Side note: I saw the videos from the last two shows I was in. It’s so nice to have my confidence back. If you’re considering taking classes, trust me, you should.

What to say about Vaudezilla… Vaudezilla has become a haven for me. I first stepped into the studio early in 2013, and haven’t looked back!
Vaudezilla really is amazing in bringing out YOU, and your own style and confidence, quirks, and merriment! They are queer and body positive, and live up to that in their shows, and the support and opportunities they offer to their students. It’s helped me to realize my own unique gift I have to bring to the table. And we all have it to give!
You have to take a look at different classes and find the right teachers that vibe with you, but there is something to learn in each of them. It’s nice to cycle through and get that chance to grow as you explore the different modalities and aspects of your personality.
I feel like this review is underwhelming for what I am trying to express. So, trust me instead. TRY IT. We were all the shy student starting out wondering what we were getting into. But so were the others in our class. We bonded. Made really rad friendships with open-​minded, creative people along the way that will blow your mind! As you look back, you might wonder how you got here, on stage, and fierce. Vaudezilla!
P. S. Check out their shows too. Obviously. But I dare you to get up there instead!

My experience with Vaudezilla has been life altering. Taking classes was the best decision I ever made.
Not only did I learn dance instruction, but I learned how to love myself.
Bonus: over the past three years I have made the most incredible friends.

I’ve contacted Red Hot Annie twice to book performers for private events and her knowledge of the business, professionalism, attention to detail and speed are AMAZING! My event was handled flawlessly, the performer was on-​time, knew every detail about my party and gave a brilliant performance.
I’m incredibly impressed by the way Red Hot Annie runs her business. I wish everyone I worked with had her work ethic and style. Maybe she should manage Comcast, and the electric company, the post office, the IRS, maybe political office? Red Hot Annie for President!!!
OK, you get the idea. If you get to work with her… it’s a pleasure!

This was my second Burlesque experience and it was excellent! Everyone in the crowd had a great time and all of the performers were very talented.

Looking to get some exercise in a sexy way this is the place. I started class six weeks ago and I feel great. I love it so much I am continuing to the next level classes. Annie and Zara (I’ve only met them) were great understanding teachers and not once did I feel lost or too confused! Bring a friend its so fun to laugh and dance together
Who knows where it will lead. I can’t wait to find out myself.
If you don’t want to commit to 8 weeks try a workshop. Feel sexy leaving and skinny too.

I seriously have nothing but love for this place. About two years ago, probably less, I stumbled upon one of their shows on a weekend night. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! The acts were great and the comedians funny. I saw that they had a groupon for burlesque classes and I immediately signed up.
I originally signed up for the beginners course with Dahlia, and was able to make it to the first three or four classes, but then was injured (not due to the class or anything related to the company). Red Hot Annie was super nice about my injury and allowed me to use the unused classes as credits towards other classes in their program. I really appreciated that!
My experience with Dahlia was great. I think she does choreography for them, too, and so I was really excited to work with her. She was patient for us beginners and really made sure we were comfortable and enjoyed the class with her. Most important to me is how much body-​positivity their company promotes. I’ve always been self conscious about my size but the folks here really make you love every part of your body!
Thanks a bunch for everything!

We came here for my sisters bachelorette party and it was SUCH a hit! We all loved it, had a great time, and felt totally comfortable with our «coach». We had time for drinks/​pictures before, during and after learning the choreographed dance to «Big Fine Daddy». I do not have anything but good things to say about the place and I would definitely come back for another bachelorette party or even just to take a class or 2!

Vaudezilla is absolutely incredible, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
My best friend is getting married soon, and for her bachelorette we wanted to do something special, positive, and fun. I thought a burlesque lesson would fit the bill, and it absolutely did.
I reached out to three different burlesque groups in Chicago, all of which do one-​off lessons for bachelorette parties. Vaudezilla was the most flexible (they could do a class on a holiday weekend!) and by far the least expensive. And we got more than our money’s worth!
Our teacher, Raven, met us at the hotel we’d booked for the night, set up her music, and got us moving right away! She taught us the first half of a routine she was teaching one of her burlesque classes, which was so much fun. Raven was a kind, funny, bubbly teacher and immediately put everyone at our ease. She was very positive and upbeat, and everyone there LOVED the lesson. In fact, a few of the girls are going to look into signing up for one of the Vaudezilla classes!
All in all, this is a great class for a bachelorette party or even a girls’ night out. It’s well worth the cost, and a great time for all. 5 stars!

Just went here for my birthday. I’ve been a customer for a while and will continue to be.
As Birthday girl I got special treatment, for no additional cost, reserved seating for my whole party, a shout out where I came up to the stage with the host as well as a bag of sexy goodies.
I love the intimate space. And the audience members enjoy themselves regardless of their burlesque exposure.
Talent is always amazingly fresh and creative. Willy LaQueue was particularly on point that evening. They often have guests from all over the country as well as featuring local talent.
I’m a student and my friends used gold star and were able to come and still get dinner beforehand

I’ve taken two sessions of classes (so far!), various workshops, and performed once (so far!) with Vaudezilla. And I love it! The thing that sets Vaudezilla apart, to me, from the other burlesque studios/​groups in town is that they literally give everyone a stage to express themselves, no matter who they are. So much of burlesque is about positivity and acceptance, and at Vaudezilla, you are welcomed and celebrated no matter your gender, sexuality, age, color, size, etc. Everyone is welcome and free to express themselves, not just pretty women doing sexy dances. That’s not to say that there aren’t a lot of pretty women doing sexy dances :) But that’s not all there is at Vaudezilla! If you’ve been thinking about trying burlesque, check out Vaudezilla! Sign up for a session, or if you don’t want to commit, check out one of their Saturday 1-​time workshops.

Love Red Hot Annie! Came with seven girls for a bachelorette party. Annie was so sweet and encouraging. She helped us craft a dance to music of our choice – we did a «chair» dance. Such a strong and positive lady doing great work to empower other ladies! Highly recommend.

I have made some pretty great decisions in my life for the past year-​ish. Taking classes at Vaudezilla tops my list (over buying a condo and picking the perfect grey paint color)!!!
In just 8 short weeks at Vaudezilla taking classes with Red Hot Annie my self-​confidence has soared. I have never had so much fun! I have been taking classes on Monday nights, and let’s be honest, Monday isn’t the greatest day but knowing I’d be heading to Vaudezilla would make Monday so amazing! Not only is Annie a fantastic choreographer but she is a wonderful person who has created the most welcoming space for anybody and everybody. She really pays attention to every student in her classes and points out things she likes that we add to her choreography. She welcomes our feedback, many of us first timers at burlesque, in every aspect, even with the choreography itself.
I’ve also taken workshops with Titty Perkins, Gin Fizz, and Can Candrea, and every workshop was fantastic! Gin Fizz is especially phenomenal, if you have the chance to take her Nude Attitude workshop, do it. Take your bra and panties off and then forget you are naked because she’s created a completely comfortable environment for you.
I have nothing bad to say about Vaudezilla. It’s a space where every single person is welcomed with wide open arms and there are absolutely zero judgements. There is an option for you to perform at the end of the session and I strongly encourage everybody to do so! If you decide not to, stick with the classes! The other women you’ll meet are all so absolutely uplifting and fun, you’ll make some great friends.

Went to see them perform for my birthday on Friday at studio 773 and I was beyond entertained. The performers were so friendly at intermission and at the end of the show. If you haven’t gone then it’s a must. I will be back real soon to see them. The location was amazing as well!!!
Support the arts!!!

I hired Trixie Sparks this weekend for a surprise/​private party and she was AMAZING! I was nervous at first because I have never done anything like this before (I have never even heard of such thing until I turned to google for assistance). She showed up on time and was professional and beyond friendly. She did two different acts and they were cute, funny and extremely entertaining. We had a 1920’s themed party and she was dressed to the tee. Throughout the process I was emailing with Red Hot Annie and she was extremely helpful as well, answering a million of my questions. Overall I was 100% pleased and would definitely hire them again.

I went to my first Vaudezilla show this past Saturday (8÷23÷2014) and had a blast! I loved the energy and talent from the cast. The theater was cozy and intimate and the performers utilized the space well.
I expected to see only burlesque and was pleasantly surprised by the diversity, comedy, singing, pole dancing, and more!
I will be back the next time I am in the city and hope to take workshops at the studio as well.