The Irish Burlesque Academy, Dublin
Previously called ‘The Irish Burlesque School’

Our Burlesque classes are ideal for anyone looking for a new form of fitness, a hobby, or just a little fun. Our courses are proven to bring out that inner goddess within while also getting a workout, no more boring exercise classes!

“Exhilarating, empowering, unique and lots of laughs”
Irish Independent Weekend Magazine

Our aim is to provide a fun environment to learn Burlesque while focusing on body positive attitude. Indeed they would also appeal to those who wish to practice burlesque dance training. We take absolute beginners all the way up to performance level and most of our Advanced students perform regularly in shows around Ireland. Burlesque is a proven form of fitness that is increasing in popularity.

“Kick Ass Charisma, a real lesson in female solidarity”
Hot Press Magazine

It’s a fantastic fun and a great way to gain confidence, improve your posture and tone up. Our unique class curriculum will focus on introducing movement, isolations, posture and confidence using the basics of classical ballet technique and the concepts of different styles of jazz dance, and it’s all hidden in our sassy and playful burlesque choreography!

Upcoming Classes

Artistic Director
Lisa Darling

Lisa is originally from Dublin and has over 17 years experience of training and working professionally in Dance, Theatre, Film & TV. She trained at the prestigious Urdang Academy in Covent Garden, London for three years (BA Hons Musical Theatre & Dance).

Lisa has worked in various Musicals, Dance Shows and Theatre productions all over the UK, France, Ireland and even London’s West End!

She first started performing in burlesque shows at the famous Café de Paris in London as ‘Kitty Darling’ after her success in London she was invited to perform in various venue’s around Paris. Lisa is an established choreographer across all dance forms and has choreographed for many theatre and production companies including RTE and Opera Theatre Ireland.

In 2016 Lisa directed the first Burlesque theatre production in Ireland, ‘Midnight in the Republic’ at the Gaiety Theatre. She now also produces and choreographs Irelands biggest burlesque shows.

Lisa loves teaching and has taught Burlesque classes for over 15 years. As a result of her classes she created the Academy and has produced some of Ireland’s top burlesque performers, keeping the current burlesque revival alive. She enjoys mentoring acts through their artistic journey, from finding a stage name right the way through to working on the choreography and content of their performance. This is a huge part of The Irish Burlesque Academy, encouraging the individual performer in finding their artistic freedom onstage.

Lisa Darling

Burlesque Teacher
Molly Coddle (Niamh)

Niamh attended the Academy for over 10 years where she starred in a number of Showcases and performances as Molly Coddle. She first started dancing at a young age at the Billy Barry stage school. She then went on to attend the National Performing Arts School where she studied  Street Jazz & Musical Theatre. Niamh also successfully completed all grade Speech & Drama exams with The Royal Irish Academy.

She also holds a number of Leinster titles in Irish Dancing and has been in many theatre productions including West Side Story & Les Misérables.

Niamh is passionate about teaching Burlesque and is excited to bring her years of performing and experience to the Academy’s students.

Burlesque Teacher
Selma Soul (Ali)

Ali attended the Academy for over 5 years where she performed and starred in numerous shows as Selma Soul. Ali had an early passion for dance and began her training as an Irish Dancer. She has competed in many competitions including the All Ireland Championships and World Championships, and toured around Europe with Irish Dancing Shows. Ali is also a classically trained soprano, violinist and violist, achieving a BA of Music in 2013. She has also performed in various operas, musicals and concerts throughout Ireland.
Ali is thrilled to bring her unique style and experience to the Academy’s students.

Burlesque Teacher
Prima Burlyrina (Vinciane)

Vinciane has been a student of the Irish Burlesque Academy for over 5 years and has performed and starred in multiple shows.

As a life-long dancer, Vinciane started training at an early age in Ballet and Modern Jazz. She is also a certified instructor from the IBBFA (International Ballet Barre Fitness Association) and used to teach regular dance classes to her coworkers when employed at Google as part of the company’s wellness activities.

She is now happy to be part of the Academy’s team of teachers and help keep the academy’s unique vibrancy alive!

OurHistory & BackgroundFrom the Ground UpEST. 2009

Previously called The Irish Burlesque School, The Irish Burlesque Academy was first started in 2009…

The Irish Burlesque School curriculum stems from years involved in the theatrical community of dance and the entertainment world as well as our own exclusive style of Burlesque.