Shimmy Seminar Opens Registration for 2025 Sessions

Meet the Instructors Behind the Magic

The Raleigh School of Burlesque has announced its 2025 dates for the Shimmy Seminar, offering a chance for new and aspiring performers to explore the transformative art of burlesque. This four-week intensive workshop is more than just a class—it’s an empowering experience that helps students build confidence, embrace creativity, and connect with a supportive community.

What truly sets the Shimmy Seminar apart are the instructors: Rachel Riot and Cherry Cha Cha, two seasoned performers with decades of experience between them. Their complementary teaching styles and rich backgrounds in burlesque and dance make them the heart of this beloved program.

The Instructors

Rachel Riot: The Heart of Raleigh Burlesque

Rachel Riot, founder and headmistress of the Raleigh School of Burlesque, has been a cornerstone of Raleigh’s burlesque community since 2007. With nearly two decades of performing, producing, and teaching under her rhinestone-encrusted belt, Rachel has dedicated herself to sharing the magic of burlesque with students of all backgrounds.

Rachel’s journey began with her debut performance at the Empire Room in Greensboro, NC, where she fell in love with the art form. Since then, she has taken classes with some of the biggest names in burlesque and immersed herself in its history, both locally and nationally. This deep respect for burlesque’s roots informs every aspect of her teaching.

“What I love most about burlesque is its power to bring people together,” Rachel says. “It’s about more than the glitz and glamour—it’s about celebrating individuality and creating a space where everyone feels they belong.”

Cherry Cha Cha: World Champion Dancer with a Passion for Teaching

Joining Rachel is Cherry Cha Cha, also known as Raquel, a world champion ballroom and Latin dancer with over 20 years of teaching experience. Cherry’s motto, “Anyone can dance", perfectly reflects her belief in meeting students where they are and helping them discover their unique strengths.

Cherry’s dance career spans the globe, and her extensive training has earned her dozens of world titles. She began performing and teaching burlesque in 2011, bringing her wealth of expertise to the Shimmy Seminar. Her role focuses on choreography, where she works one-on-one with students to create routines tailored to their abilities and personal styles.

“Choreography is about more than just steps—it’s about storytelling,” Cherry explains. “I love helping students discover how they can use movement to express themselves and connect with their audience.”

Cherry’s professional, adaptable approach ensures that every student feels supported, whether they’re seasoned dancers or complete beginners. Her personalized guidance has helped countless Shimmy Seminar graduates bring their performance dreams to life.

The Power of Their Partnership

Together, Rachel and Cherry create a dynamic, welcoming environment where students can thrive. Their collaboration brings together Rachel’s passion for burlesque’s history and artistry with Cherry’s technical dance expertise, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education.

Shimmy Love

The Shimmy Seminar isn’t just about learning burlesque—it’s about transformation. Students often leave the workshop feeling more confident, empowered, and connected to a supportive community.

Miss Effie Mac

"Rachel and Cherry guide you every step of the way. I was nervous at first, but their encouragement and expertise made me feel like I belonged. By the end of the seminar, I was performing with confidence."

Vicki D’Mure

"The Shimmy Seminar isn’t just a class—it’s an experience. Rachel and Cherry make sure you leave feeling empowered, sexy, and ready to take on the world."

Lady Giallo

"After health challenges left me feeling disconnected from my body, the Shimmy Seminar helped me feel confident and comfortable again. It’s been life-changing."

For many, the seminar also offers a chance to meet like-minded individuals.

Tammy Faye Petty describes it as a unique bonding experience:

"I made lifelong friends and gained so much confidence. The Shimmy Seminar truly changed my life."

Shimmy Seminar Details for 2025

When: February (SOLD OUT!), May, August, & September

Days: First Four Saturdays of Each Month

Time: 10am - 1pm

Location: Two convenient locations: TR (Theatre Raleigh) Studios, near Triangle Town Center or Cell Block #9, near NC State University

Each session offers a comprehensive introduction to burlesque, covering:

• Burlesque history and its cultural significance

• Costuming basics, including pastie-making and prop use

• Dance techniques such as chair and floor work, glove and stocking peels, and tassel twirling

• Choreography development with one-on-one guidance

• The art of the tease and storytelling through performance

Students will also have the option to participate in a recital at the end of the seminar, showcasing their new skills at Raleigh’s Spotlight Theatre.

Mark Your Calendars

Here are the upcoming 2025 sessions:

• May: May 3, 10, 17, and 24

• August: August 2, 9, 16, and 23

• September: September 6, 13, 20, and 27

Ready to shimmy into confidence?

Registration is now open for all 2025 sessions.

Register early, as seats are limited and tend to fill quickly!

Whether you’re looking to step into the spotlight or simply embrace your inner bombshell, the Shimmy Seminar is your invitation to explore the magic of burlesque. Don’t miss this chance to be part of Raleigh’s thriving burlesque community in 2025!

Reserve Your Spot Now!