Seated Burlesque Class @ Studio West End and Online

The Seated Burlesque Workshop by Turkish D’Light is a captivating fusion of empowerment and expression, tailored to be performed sitting down. This innovative class intertwines the art of burlesque with inclusivity, celebrating diversity and body positivity. Led by disabled showgirl Turkish D’Light, a visionary in blending performance and accessibility, participants embark on a journey of self-discovery through movement, rhythm, and storytelling. The workshop fosters confidence, strength, and sensuality, redefining traditional notions of beauty and grace. With a focus on creativity and individuality, this unique experience promises to uplift spirits, break barriers, and ignite a sense of liberation through the art of burlesque.

While the workshop will be taught seated, it is open to individuals of all bodies, abilities, races, and genders above the age of 18. The class will focus on stage presence, eye contact, audience interaction, movement dynamics explored through arm movements and is beginner-friendly. Adaptations are available for all movements, whether you are attending the workshop in person or online. 

Brought to you by Cabaret Identitease, London's queer disabled cabaret where “Accessibility is Sexy”, and co-produced by Harley Phoenix and Turkish D'Light.

About the studio and accessibility:

Centrally located, newly decorated, bright, ground floor dance studio and versatile creative space. 

Flexible capacity. Approx 15 standing / 25 seated depending on use.

Super central location: 5 min walk from Tottenham Court Road station.
Nearby stations: Covent Garden, Russell Square and Goodge Street.

Approx 52 sq m / 560 sq ft

Features:
- Accessible, ground floor studio
- Mirrored walls
- Natural light
- High ceilings (290 cm)
- Private, gender neutral toilet

The studio has a curtained-off area if you need to take a few minutes away from class. There is also some space just outside the studio if you need some quiet time. 

There will be fidget toys available at the workshop.

For additional access needs, please contact turkishdelightburlesque@gmail.com

Massive thanks to Evelyn at Studio West End for allowing us to use the studio.

Turkish D'Light (Turkish Delight) 

Deliciously sweet and always a treat - Turkish D'Light is the one and only multi award-winning queer Turkish queen of burlesque. As the reigning Legend in the Making winner (Hebden Bridge Burlesque Festival), co-producer of Cabaret Identitease, and the burlesque headliner of South-West Asian queer collective Harem of No One, she delights audiences across the country. With her signature Turkish belly-dance, ballet, and classic burlesque fusion style and 20+ years of experience in dance performance and choreography, she is guaranteed to make you feel like a sultan!

Turkish is a seasoned dance teacher with 12 years of experience teaching in Jordan, Turkey and the UK. She has a BA (Hons) in Dance from the University of Surrey (Guildford School of Acting) and an MFA in Dance and Embodied Practice from the University of Roehampton. She is First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, and Safeguarding qualified. She is a member of Equity and is fully insured, and has an enhanced DBS. She is the creator of the UK Cabaret Directory and Burlesque Casting Calls UK. Alongside running her own ballet school in Surbiton, she has worked with the Royal Academy of Dance in representing their Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies course. She is trained in Vaganova style classical ballet (graduated 2017), contemporary release, Laban techniques, Horton techniques, street jazz, commercial dance, Bharatanatyam and Turkish belly dance. In 2010, she has won the prestigious title of Olympic Runner Up in contemporary dance at the World Dance Olympiad (Moscow, Russia). Alongside teaching and performing, she is an international dance judge including in Qatar and the UK. 

As a chronically ill individual, her passion is creating accessible spaces in the UK cabaret scene. She is co-producer of Cabaret Identitease, London's queer disabled cabaret where “Accessibility Is Sexy”, alongside Harley Phoenix. She has done multiple interviews and talks in various countries about accessibility in cabaret, including at Velvele.net in Turkey and the House of Endo in the UK.