Comments (0) Best Place to Learn the Art of Burlesque - 2012
Hells Belles Burlesque
6755 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
818-851-1743
Move over, Dita Von Teese. Burlesque isn't just for the stage anymore, thanks to Hells Belles Burlesque, a five-person troupe whose training ranges from ballet to fire dancing, which has transformed the centuries-old seductive art form with a rock & roll twist. Tucked in a high-rise dance studio near Hollywood & Highland, the troupe teaches classes and workshops to students of all stripes, who explore their sexuality in a comfortable, safe environment — and get a pretty serious, sweat-inducing workout. The one-hour classes include classic burlesque moves and intense choreography performed to the likes of Aerosmith's "Crazy," while students tone their muscles and increase their flexibility between hair swings. It's also a big confidence booster and cheap therapy for women going through tough times in their personal lives, says Hells Belles' Natasha Vee, whose class is wildly popular. The group also offers bachelorette-party packages and special-occasion classes if you prefer to conduct your thrusting a little more privately. IDA Hollywood, 6755 Hollywood Blvd., Hlywd. (424) 265-0699, hellsbellesburlesque.com. —Liana Aghajanian
