This review is long overdue! Vaudezilla is such an amazing place. They have found a way to somehow encapsulate dance, exercise, therapy, and a night out with pals into one awesome 90 minute class! I have taken classes and workshops with a variety of instructors and each person has been so incredibly dedicated to providing the best class possible. The instructors put a lot of prep work and enthusiasm in their teaching. Zara Estelle, Vanna Tease, Dirty Devlin and Gin Fizz have hosted some very useful workshops on chair dancing, pin-up makeup, stage presence, and tassel making (respectively) and they have been worth every penny. Classes with Lily Rascal and Po' Chop have been just the most incredible fun and each week they continue to inspire and challenge me. The faculty does a wonderful job providing challenging choreography geared toward the various levels in class: classes I have been in have featured dance newbies, people with loads of dance and performance experience, students working around injuries, and people of all ages working though a variety of body comfort issues. And despite the variety of levels, the group numbers produced at the end of the session always look incredibly cohesive. Yet each individual was respected with what they brought to the table. I've even had teachers hold extra rehearsals, just for our comfort level, totally gratis, pre-performance. The performance at the end of the session is held at Stage 773 ( a real professional space), where you invite your nearest and dearest and show off your hard work. The shows are incredibly high-energy and everyone has a ball. You really bond with your classmates and make some great friends by the end of the session. You get to learn tricks of the burlesque trade: glove peels, tassel and assel shaking, clothing removals, walking in heels, showgirl poses, bumps and grinds, etc. And you are learning this all from some of the best burlesque performers in the whole city. I mean, seriously, these are some of Chicago's most in demand performers and you get to take a class with them at an incredibly fair rate. Check out Vaudezilla's weekly Friday and Saturday performances at Stage 773, these performers don't disappoint. As a theatre person looking to get back into performing after a loooong lull, these classes have really upped my game and have given me the shot of confidence I needed. Not only do I feel like I have more stage presence and better dance technique, I also have more confidence in my day to day life. I have an easier time saying no to people, an easier time asking for what I want, and an easier time feeling comfortable in my own skin. I've struggled with food/weight issues my whole life. If you have ever struggled with these issues, I really encourage you to take classes at body positive Vaudezilla. I mean, the other day I ate a BURRITO in a TUBE TOP in PUBLIC. I think that burrito might be more of a testament to Vaudezilla's powers than this rambling review ever could be. Ha. Red Hot Annie and Vaudezilla have some magic stuff happening, folks. Be a part of it, 'cause it's liberating! read more

It's been a year and a half since my last yelp review here for Vaudezilla and since I've been steady studying with them for almost two years now, I decided I should write another one on the perspective of a long time student. My experience has only gotten better. I am a better dancer, performer and person because of this organization. Burlesque for me, is about finding your identification as an individual and improving it, one day at a time. Vaudezilla is the type of place that you can learn how to be your BEST SELF while simultaneously learning everything you need to know about Burlesque ! For the last almost year, I've been taking sessions with Po Chop. Po fits my learning style perfectly. If you are looking to learn from an instructor that will teach you all you need to know about burlesque, while pushing you to the next level and carefully guiding you to find your sense of purpose in this art form, then I highly recommend working with her as your teacher. She is patient with her students, and uses humor and the teachings of hard work to move each and every student in the right direction. In addition, she pays close attention to the needs of each student and helps them get whatever it is they want to get out of the session. Whether it's performing, choreography, or just a fun time, she's got it all down and will never fail to help achieve those goals. She also uses the technique of collaboration with her more advanced students, so if you start out as a Basic Learner with her, you can look forward to one day working on creating an act together as a class! It's a seriously GREAT experience and Po Chop is HIGHLY recommended by me! read more

My girl has been taking me to see their Exit shows for the last year, and we just caught their Lincoln Tap Room show for the first time last month. The only reason that I'm even writing a review here is because, until last night, I was convinced that a burlesque show in Chicago was going to be trite, boring, and anything BUT sexy. I think I got that impression because the only shows I'd seen in-town were the Vaudezilla shows. The GF took me to see another regular local burlesque show last night (won't say the name, but will be giving them their own review), and my mind has been changed. It's not Chicago burlesque, it's Vaudezilla. Their shows look thrown together and uneven. There is a small representation of real talent, but it gets watered down by performers who look like the only dance class they've ever taken was a YouTube video. Seems like a lot of the performers who were there when we started going have dropped off, and what we're left with isn't very entertaining. The venues are sleazy, and cheapen any attempts to be classy. The hosts are varied, but almost all of them unfunny and amateurish. Some even make you feel uncomfortable to be watching the show. Cheap PBR and a little skin do not make a professional show. After seeing this other show last night, which was professional and polished, I'm convinced that no one at Vaudezilla has been doing this for very long. I give them 2 stars for making most of their shows free, but I'd rather pay for a better product. My gal and I will be doing that from here on in. read more

i've been taking classes at Vaudezilla for over 6 months and i love it! the teachers are very supportive and amazingly talented. each teacher has a different background so there is a large pool of knowledge to pull from. i'm a plus size girl and the teachers have made me comfortable enough with my body and my strengths to make me want to perform! i've done two group lessons, with anita lilmore and jeez loueez, and private lessons with red hot annie as well as a handful of workshops. i've learned so much from all the classes and i'm excited to start up on my next class and to make my solo debut next month! the shows are also amazing. the shows at lincoln tap, which are free by the way, are so fun and the performers are always around chatting with people. the windy city burlesque fest, that Vaudezilla co produced, had awe inspiring performers. i've been to other shows Vaudezilla produced and they were always put together well with great hosts and very polished performers. as a new comer to the scene, Vaudezilla welcomed me with open arms. they didn't just give me a sexy work out, which there classes are a very good work out, but they taught me how things work behind the scenes and how create my own number and persona. red hot annie took on a role as a mentor to me and has given me plenty of opportunities to learn as well as to perform! i would highly recommend anyone looking to get into burlesque or just interested in the chicago burlesque scene to check out the great work Vaudzilla is doing! read more

I bought a Vaudezilla Groupon over a year and a half ago on an indulgent splurge but--due to personal reasons--I wasn't able to use it before it expired. Months went by and I kept telling myself that I'd reach out to see if I could still use the value, but the stress of everyday life always managed to get me to push it back to another day. I had almost resigned myself to abandoning my plans for the class, but I decided to at least reach out and see what the studio would say. Annie was incredibly gracious and understanding, and told me that they would absolutely still accept the Groupon. So I forced myself to register for a beginners' class, hoping that it'd be a enjoyable escape during a dreary Chicago winter. What I found was a sanctuary, a place where not just me but also all my other classmates could explore and celebrate who we are. The positivity of our instructor (Annie) and of the company itself begat our own positivity, and every week people became bolder and gave themselves a little more love. This sounds super cliched and sappy, but it was a transformative experience and one that I would recommend for any and all female-identified and non binary/non cis male-idenfied people. While it recognizes the insecurities that we all carry, Vaudezilla remains a place of love and healing--and a whole lot of sexiness and fun too! read more

I took an introductory course to burlesque Level 1/2 with Red Hot Annie and it has been one of the best experiences in my life thus far! As a former dancer, I was looking to work on flexibility and learn new moves, have an ability to perform on stage, go out of my comfort zone and just have fun! I've been wanting to try burlesque ever since I moved to the United States and am all about embracing your sexuality, female strength, charm and the art of alluring. Taking a class at Vaudezilla exceeded all my expectations! Annie is a truly genuine person and an incredible artist. With theater background, she teaches you to fight stage fright and helps you find your own burlesque stage personality. She is very encouraging and caring. I am looking forward to taking my next classes and performing as well! It gives you the biggest adrenaline rush and is really addicting so beware ;) Whatever the reason may be that you want to try a burlesque or any other specialty classes offered at Vaudezilla, give it a shot! We had people of all kinds of backgrounds in our class. It's a great way to meet like-minded people and extraordinary women. read more

If you're an old, arthritic broad like myself but still believe you can shake your cha-cha's like you were in your teens, Vaudezilla can make it happen! I'm just finishing up my first course of bellydance lessons with the lively, nurturing and PATIENT Phaedra (she can sing too!). I'm astonished that she was able to get me from zero to performance-ready in 8 weeks. She throws in cultural lessons too about the music, region, costuming, etc involved in bellydancing. We stretch, we shimmy, we sweat, we "squat-whack" with bamboo canes (what's that? Take the class and find out!). She kept me up on my practicing out of classes with email about dance notes, music edits, video clips of dance steps, costume sales. She's very dedicated to her art, and she shares her passion fervently. In addition to bellydancing, I've taken pasty-making/tassel-twirling, boa dancing, costuming, and yoga/stretching workshops at Vaudezilla by some of the top performers in the biz. And their weekly shows at State 773 are fantastic and innovative. So, if your life's too vanilla...GO TO VAUDEZILLA!!! (mic drop) read more

I took a Basic Burlesque dance class taught by Red Hot Annie this past weekend in Jim Thorpe, PA as part of the festival lineup. I liked that we spent the first part of the class talking about the components that create a successful and memorable burlesque act. I'm glad we didn't just start dancing - I don't think I would have appreciated the class nearly as much as I did. The initial discussion gave me a lot to think about once we started learning the choreography and it inspired me to really "get into it" with my movement, eye contact, and facial expressions. The moves we learned were basic enough that the few ladies in the class with no training were able to pick it up, but also saucy enough that those of us who'd performed in some way before could make them our own. This was my first foray into burlesque dancing, but it will not be my last. I just wish there was more of a "burlesque presence" where I live (middle of nowhere Pennsylvania). If you get the chance to take a class with Red Hot Annie - whether in Chicago or when she's out on the road - do not pass up the opportunity! read more

I am HOOKED!!! Vaudezilla has totally out did them selves. My girlfriends and I went to the most recent showcase on Saturday night at stage 773 and we were blown away. This was the first live burlesque for us and now we are HOOKED. The show had different aspects to it, not just your regular Burlesque show. All of the dancers were on point and the music went great with their performances. After the show most of the performers were out in the lobby meeting and speaking with audience members as we left. I am also in Po' Chops beginners class. She is the most down to earth easy going instructor. Po makes you feel very safe and comfortable during the class. Red Hot Annie and the beautiful crew of Vaudezilla are really what Burlesque should be. You can see show dates and times and also purchase tickets to the shows on their website. Whether you are taking the class to better your self esteem, taking it for a little exercise or to further your dance portfolio Vaudezilla is the place to be! read more

I had the opportunity to meet Red Hot Annie recently when she visited Indianapolis for a performance. She put on a great show, and I was so excited to find out that she teaches this class! Not only is she incredibly talented and friendly, she is well-versed in all things burlesque! Along with a few members from my newly formed troupe, I went to a private class with the lady herself. Annie covered do's and dont's regarding performing, and gave tips and tricks for costuming and embellishment. After a good warm-up, we learned a really cute dance routine, where she broke down a lot of different moves that can be incorporated into your own choreography. At the end, we did a question and answer session to wrap things up. It was so much fun, and so informative-- we were there for 2 hours or more, and it flew by. Definitely worth the $20 I paid-- Red Hot Annie is a phenomenal teacher with a wealth of knowledge to share! read more

I started taking classes at Vaudezilla almost a year ago. I signed up mostly because I wanted to meet new people; I had just moved to Chicago and somebody at work had suggested it to me. From the first class, I immediately felt strong, sexy and empowered. I went to school for Theatre but I had never danced a day in my life. 12 months later I have taken at least 2 classes every semester and have decided to make burlesque a permanent part of my life. Vaudezilla is the most welcoming, safe and friendly place to learn about yourself, and learn to love your body more. The teachers are so attentive and truly care about each and every one of their students. I have never left a class feeling nothing but beautiful amazing. This is the most inclusive and supportive team of people I have ever worked with. I love Red Hot Annie and her amazing Vaudezilla team! read more

Vaudezilla Studios has done it again! After attending their Lincoln tap show in March, and taking their beginner burlesque class, my boyfriend and I got tickets to see their Burlesque Cabaret show at stage 773. It was fantastic to say the least! The performers were spot on, and super sexy! Music choices for all the performers were very interesting, and modern as well. If you're looking to take burlesque classes, this is absolutely the spot. Red Hot Annie is not only incredibly professional, but motivational and supportive as well. Her burlesque classes (as well as the classes instructed by the other members of her BQ troupe) inspire self confidence and a way to get in touch with your inner vixen. Basically, if you want to see a show, or take a class....Vaudezilla is your absolute best option for a great time. read more

I've taken two sessions so far and I am eager to start my 3rd! The instructors are knowledgeable and absolutely amazing! I have felt more body positivity than I have when I am dancing burlesque. Not only is it fun, but I have formed some great friendships through the class. Everyone has been so encouraging and positive. Vaudezilla gives you a sense of empowerment. It was exactly what I needed. Performers come in all shapes and sizes, if you are looking for a boost in your self esteem this is the place to go. I have nothing but love for this place. If you haven't at least checked out a show, you should immediately get yourself to one. Absolute perfection. read more

Myself and another burlesque dancer were in town just this past week. We figured who better to take a fan dance class from then the fabulous Annie. Vaudzilla is an asset to Chicago! Annie was one of the best instructors I've had the pleasure to work with. She was very patient but also made sure we learned every and all moves and looked confident doing them before we left. She even gave us a ride back to our hotel which went above and beyond. I highly recommend taking a class with any of their great dancers. If you are a newbie to burlesque, a pro or just need to learn some impressive moves..this is the place!! Many thanks again for teaching us "out of towners". read more

I've been going to Vaudezilla shows for years and I've never walk away from their shows disappointed. They have the tools to teach. They take their craft very seriously. Red Hot Annie- the troupe's leader has worked very hard to not only make a name for herself but also to elevate the Burlesque scene here in Chicago. If you want to have a successful career as a performer- I would pay very close attention to what she says. One more note for those who haven't gone to their shows but want to go see them- Don't take pictures during their shows. Save it for after the show ends. Don't act like a moron either. Just enjoy the atmosphere. read more

We have worked with Keith at Vaudezilla for a multitude of videography projects over many years and have always been thrilled with the wonderful service and results! Keith has filmed and edited theatrical performances and audition reels for us and always is extremely professional and dedicated, plus he truly cares about doing the best possible job. He turns around the final products very quickly, and is willing to make as many edits as requested to make sure everything is exactly what the client wants. Keith is kind, responsible, and an expert in his work - I highly recommend Keith and Vaudezilla for all of your videography needs! read more

I've taken classes and seen countless of their shows. Super fantastic!! My instructor was Mister Junior, and he is in-fact the Queen of Boylesque, I haven't seen another male burlesque performer with half the amount of talent he does. Also super helpful as an instructor, I've learned so much from him. Red Hot Annie is incredibly charming and super friendly. You might think these performers might be super rude off stages, but it quite the opposite they are the friendliest group I have yet to encounter. AND THIER SHOWS! hands down the greatest weekly show in Chicago. You need to see them every Saturday at Stage 773!! read more

I had been wanting to take belly dance classes for a while but I didn't know where to go. A friend reccommend I go here so I decided to check it out.I decided to take Belly Dance classes at Vaudezilla with Phaedra Darwish. So far I'm a huge fan of these classes! I have learned many moves all while having fun. I get a good workout in and it has made me a better dancer overall. Phaedra always takes the time to help you master every move which is good. I really reccommend this dance studio. read more

This is by far one of the best things I've ever done for myself. The people are welcoming, inclusive, enthusiastic, professional, and genuine. The atmosphere this company fosters is positively magnetic. I took the intro 1/2 class with Red Hot Annie and found the class to be a really great balance of body warm-up improvisational floor work, and structured choreography. I felt confident in the number we performed, but also like I had taken away so much more than that from the class. read more