OUR INSTRUCTORS
Rachel Riot
The Headmistress and Founder of the Raleigh School of Burlesque. Since 2007, she’s been a key figure in the Southeast burlesque scene, co-producing Raleigh’s first burlesque show and performing at festivals like the Southern Fried Burlesque Fest and Virginia Burlesque Festival. Rachel co-teaches the Shimmy Seminar with Cherry Cha Cha, a four-week workshop for beginners that has graduated nearly 200 students. In addition to the Shimmy Seminar, Rachel teaches classes on costuming, choreography, feather fans, and networking, and produces a monthly show at Legends Nightclub every first Friday.
Follow her on Instagram @rachelistheriot.
Cherry Cha Cha, aka Raquel
A dancer with over 30 years of experience and multiple world titles in ballroom and partner dance. She met Rachel Riot in 2009, and together they created the Shimmy Seminar, a beginner’s workshop that has helped many start their burlesque journey. Cherry also teaches Chair Cabaret, Hot Heels Choreography, and Sensual Chair, offering her expertise in movement and sensuality. She’s passionate about helping students find confidence and joy through dance.
Follow her on Instagram @dancerraquel.
Dahlia Vee
She has 13 years of burlesque experience and has performed at major festivals. Known for her classic style, Dahlia specializes in stocking reveals and stage presence. She enjoys helping newer performers build confidence and showmanship. Dahlia teaches Stocking and Glove Reveals, No-Sew Costuming, and Stage Presence, inspiring her students to express themselves boldly.
Follow her on Instagram @missdahliavee.
Flame Cynders
She's an international performer with 35 years of dance experience, blends classical ballet, modern strip club dancing, and burlesque. She has performed at festivals like Miss Exotic World and Viva Las Vegas. Flame teaches movement, chair dance, showgirl, and rhinestoning classes, offering her vast expertise to students.
Follow her on Instagram @flame_cynders.
Mona Loverly
She blends dance, music, and special effects makeup into her burlesque performances. With a background in go-go dancing and burlesque, Mona brings confidence and empowerment to the stage. She teaches Bump and Grind, Special Effects Makeup, and Dancing with Isis Wings, helping students explore creative self-expression.
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Follow her on Instagram @mjislovd.
Lady Gatita
Nerdmama of Nerdvana, blends her love of dance, burlesque, and geek culture into one-of-a-kind performances. Known for her flow arts and powerful storytelling, Lady Gatita teaches costuming, movement, and silk fan classes. She inspires students to embrace their style and find their voice on stage.
Follow her on Instagram @ladygatita.
Dress Ta Kill
She is a certified sexuality educator and intimacy director with nearly a decade of burlesque experience. She performs across the U.S. and teaches movement and sexuality-focused workshops. Dress encourages students to explore their sensuality and embrace their unique identities through joyful movement.
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Follow her on Instagram @dresstakill.
Cherry von Bomb
She is a burlesque performer and stylist with nearly 20 years of experience. Formerly a salon owner and makeup artist, she brings a keen eye for beauty to her performances and classes. Cherry teaches On/Offstage Makeup, Musicality, and Show Face, helping students refine their looks and bring the right energy to their performances.
Follow her on Instagram @cherryvb666.
Adora Opens
She is a performer, producer, and educator based in East Tennessee. She has performed at the Ibiza Burlesque Festival and founded Adoration Studios in Bristol, TN.. Known for her upcycled costumes and inclusive energy, Adora teaches classes on storytelling, movement, and costuming, helping students embrace their bodies and creativity.
Follow her on Instagram @adora_opens.
Marley Minx
She is a performer from Ohio with nearly a decade of experience in burlesque. She teaches dance as well as accessory and jewelry making, helping students create personalized looks for their performances. Marley’s vibrant stage presence and dedication to creative expression make her an engaging teacher.
Follow her on Instagram @minxmarley.