Arabesque Burlesque

Founded in 2012 by Lady Joséphine alongside her mentor BonBon Bombay, Arabesque Burlesque has grown into one of Montreal’s primary training grounds for the art of tease. Now led by Joséphine and programming director Roxy Torpedo, the school positions burlesque as both performance practice and critical inquiry—foregrounding history, theory, and ongoing efforts to decolonize the form.

Classes emphasize body literacy, stagecraft, and confidence-building across a wide spectrum of identities. The teaching roster reflects that range, with artists bringing backgrounds in theatre, circus, dance, academia, and queer cabaret. The studio, located near Jean-Talon metro, doubles as a rehearsal and rental space, its mirrored main room designed for both drills and show prep.