The Burlesque Experience, Dallas

While Lisa Carmen manages the day-to-day operations of The Burlesque Experience, her alter ego, Carmen Diablo, teaches women of all abilities to express themselves through movement during her esteem-boosting burlesque classes. She grew up practicing more formal styles of dance, such as ballet, tap, and jazz, which she now channels into her more sultry steps, demonstrating the art of seduction through teasing technique and choreographed group numbers. During her steamy workshops and parties, ladies learn to develop their own stage personas and tempt onlookers with a bit of skin and tongue-in-cheek dance steps that often elicit as many chuckles as they do blushes. The full courses culminate in a performance—complete with stage lighting and props—for which gals are encouraged to gather an audience of their friends and any jurors at their upcoming small-claims court hearings.