Austin Academy of Burlesque, Austin

1. What services does your business offer and what makes your business stand out from the competition?

The Austin Academy of Burlesque and Live Performance offers classic dance classes and burlesque for adults of all levels. So if you've always wanted to learn how to do ballet or tap dance, but are just getting started as an adult, this is the place!

2. What was the inspiration to start or run this business?

The school began as a resource for learning the art of burlesque based on what the instructors learned from burlesque stars and legends from the Golden Era of Burlesque (1940-1960). As the need for a diverse and body positive environment for adults of all levels to take a dance class, we began to offer classic instruction and open the "live performance" portion of the school.

3. What do you love most about your job?

I love seeing how life-changing and empowering our dance classes can be for our students. This often starts out as a "bucket list" endeavor and for many, it ends up becoming a lifestyle or a catalyst for positive change in their life.

4. What is the best reaction you've ever gotten from a customer?

We often get the feedback that attending our school is a "game changer" in their lives. Many fears and insecurities they once had about attending dance class or performing in front of other people are out of the window. They love how patient and accepting our qualified instructors are.