Rouge Studio of Dance - Toronto

Rouge Studio of Dance teaches burlesque, belly dance, jazz funk, heels, ballet barre and liquid motion at 805 Dovercourt Rd in Toronto. The studio is led by Randi Rouge, known as "the hip-swinging fox with the fiery locks", who has been teaching and performing burlesque since 2013 with international performances in New Orleans and New York. She is a former PFIC certified pole fitness instructor with experience in jazz, ballet, latin dance, hip hop and musical theatre.

Toronto classes run on Saturday and Sunday. Saturdays feature burlesque at multiple levels with Knox Harter (Level 2 Video Performance at noon, Level 3 Solo at 1pm, Cabaret Foundations at 2pm). Sundays with Smokin' Dolores include Beginner Burlesque at noon, Heels at 1pm, and Liquid Motion at 2pm. Liquid Motion is described as "a floorwork-based movement program that uses dance theory, natural movement, and sensual exploration to unlock fluid, powerful expression" and is open-level with no prior experience needed.

Burlesque is structured by level. Beginner Level 1 is open to all shapes and sizes with no previous experience necessary; students learn classic burlesque movements and common teases in a safe, supportive environment. Level 2 options include group performance (learning choreography for friendly neighbourhood burlesque shows with small groups for maximum learning) and Film and Performance (creating short films while mastering musicality, freestyle, facial expressions and presence). Level 3 is for students who have completed Level 2 or have previous burlesque experience; they create and build their own solo number to be presented at the Rouge Student Showcase, exploring concept, costuming, character and choreography in an intimate group setting.

Heels classes are open to all levels and include warm-up, proper technique and choreography. The studio also offers Cabaret Foundations, a team choreography class with only 6 spots available where participants learn a single piece to perform at the Rouge Student Showcase over 8 weeks, including entrances, exits, formations and how to move together as a team.

The studio welcomes students of all levels of experience and offers private lessons and coaching in any regularly listed class. They also offer private lessons specifically built for bachelorette and birthday experiences, and can book troupes or instructors for burlesque entertainment at a variety of settings.

You'll find a welcoming environment focused on creating a supportive and encouraging space where you can explore your sensuality and build confidence while improving physical fitness. Classes are structured by level, with beginner options that require no previous experience, and regular opportunities to perform for audiences in studio showcases.

Toronto classes are taught by Knox Harter and Smokin' Dolores. Knox teaches Burlesque Level 2 Video Performance, Level 3 Solo, and Cabaret Foundations on Saturdays. Smokin' Dolores teaches Beginner Burlesque, Heels, and Liquid Motion on Sundays.

Beginner Burlesque requires no previous experience and is open to all shapes and sizes; Liquid Motion is open-level with no prior experience needed.