Surprisingly Useful AI Article Enhancements
Brisbane’s Bombshell Burlesque Academy has unveiled a busy mid-year calendar spanning new class terms, live showcases, a book club, portrait experiences and Queensland’s first dedicated burlesque awards ceremony.
The Paddington-based academy, which offers burlesque courses across a range of skill levels, has opened bookings for its Term 4 2026 intake running through June and July, alongside a string of one-off events stretching into August.
New term brings two-for-one deals
The six-week Term 4 course block opens on 30 May and covers classes across every day of the week, from beginner burlesque and showgirl technique through to feather fan dance, runway and sensual movement.
Several classes are being offered on a two-for-one basis, including Beginner Neo Burlesque, Feather Fan Dance, Beginner Showgirl Burlesque and Classic Glamour.
Other classes are filling quickly. The Monday evening Witching Hour session has just one spot remaining, while the Tuesday Pop Icons and Hot Girl Business intermediate courses are both at 50 per cent capacity.
An online option, The Catbird Seat, is available for students who want to work on act development remotely.
Full timetable details are available at the academy’s website.
Inaugural Icon Burlesque Awards
One of the larger additions to the calendar is the Icon Burlesque Awards and Artist Showcase 2026, scheduled for Sunday 21 June at The Triffid in Brisbane.
Billed as a celebration of Queensland’s burlesque community, the event combines an awards ceremony with a live showcase featuring emerging performers debuting new acts alongside audience-voted favourites.
Winners are determined through a 50/50 split between public community voting and a panel of professional judges, with results tallied using the Olympic scoring system.
The event will feature Auslan interpretation. Doors open at 6pm with the show beginning at 7pm.
Graduate showcase at The Bombshell’s Ball
Term 4 graduates will get their stage debut at The Bombshell’s Ball on Friday 11 July at Arcana’s Empress Theatre in Moorooka.
Two shows are scheduled at 5pm and 8pm, with graduating students performing alongside working professionals. The lineup includes performers Vera Thorne and Clara Cupcakes, along with debuts from Ceci Sugar, Cali Carmine, Cleo De Fleur, Honey Buttons, Venus Luxuria and Lara Lime.
Super early bird tickets are priced at $25 plus booking fees and are available from 9am on 25 May, with pricing rising to $30 for early bird and $40 for final release.
The show is recommended for audiences aged 18 and over and contains adult themes and implied nudity.
One-off workshops fill the gaps
For those unable to commit to a full six-week term, the academy is running a series of standalone workshops through late May.
A Power and Presence workshop with Vida Voltaire on Wednesday 27 May at 6pm focuses on stage presence and intentional movement. It is followed at 7:30pm by a Chiffonography class with Shimmer Sincere covering silk and chiffon manipulation. Each session costs $55, with a 10 per cent discount for booking both.
A lap dance workshop with Cello Bordello runs on Friday 29 May at 6pm, also priced at $55.
Book club with rhinestones
The academy is also expanding into literary territory with Hot Readers, a book club that combines romance fiction discussion with rhinestoning craft sessions.
Hosted by Vivian Valmont, the club runs across three Sunday sessions in 2026 at the academy’s Paddington headquarters. Participants read from a curated list of romance and romantasy titles and spend the session decorating book covers while debating fictional characters.
First session reads include The Secret Suite by Tierney Page and Throne of Nightmares by Kerri Maniscalco. A giveaway for a free session and books is running on the academy’s Instagram account.
Portrait experience and competition season
A themed portrait event called Colour Me Blue is scheduled for Sunday 19 July. The session offers vintage-inspired photography with a romantic, coquette-style set built around a large blue heart installation.
Looking further ahead, the Mx Burlesque Queensland 2026 grand final takes place on Saturday 8 August, with state finalists competing for the Queensland title. The event will feature Auslan interpretation, and tickets with a clear sightline to the interpreter can be arranged by contacting The Princess Theatre or emailing events@bombshellburlesque.com.au.
Free open day in June
The academy is hosting a free open day on Sunday 7 June at its Paddington studio, shared with Arnavaz Lindsay Couture. The day features 30-minute class demonstrations starting at noon, covering beginner burlesque, feather fan dance, 1960s go-go, chair dance and floorwork.
Attendees who book a class on the day go into a draw for a free class voucher, while new mailing list signups can win a goodie bag. Arnavaz Lindsay Couture is offering 25 per cent off full-price items from its Intoxication range during the event.
Limited edition merch and inclusion programs
The academy has opened pre-orders for a limited edition 32oz stainless steel water bottle featuring custom artwork by Pink Nectarine. The first 10 orders are priced at $70, rising to $75 thereafter. Pre-orders close on 30 June and the bottle will not be restocked. Collection is available from the Paddington studio only, with no postage option.
A dedicated online merchandise store also carries branded tanks, hoodies, tees, crop tops, duffle bags and tote bags.
The academy continues to offer complimentary beginner courses for new students, or private lessons for established soloists, who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, and/or BIPOC. Enquiries can be directed to contact@bombshellacademy.com.au.
All event details can be found on the Bombshell Burlesque Academy website.
