About NTU Burlesque & Trent Tigerlilies
The Trent Tigerlilies are a diverse, uplifting group built on empowerment and confidence, welcoming all dance abilities—no experience or auditions needed! We grow, learn, and perform together in a supportive, body-positive space.
Burlesque is a cabaret-style dance that blends confidence, creativity, and performance. Our classes cover a range of styles, including classic, neo, and alternative burlesque. You'll learn freestyle, striptease elements like glove peeling, and prop work with boas and fans—all taught by professional coaches.
We produce three charity shows a year to showcase our dancers’ progress and passion. Members can also guest-perform with professional burlesque troupes. Performing is always optional—whether you’re on stage, in class, or helping behind the scenes, you’re a Tigerlily!
Beth Tovey, Club President
"Becoming a Trent Tigerlily transformed my university experience—from meeting best friends to becoming club president. I’m grateful for every opportunity and friendship NTU Burlesque has given me."
Everything you need to know:
We hold regular classes four times a week at the City Campus dance studio (located in the City Campus Student Union building):
Monday 7:30 - 9pm
Tuesday 7 - 8pm
Wednesday 7 - 8pm
Thursday 6 - 7pm
In these classes, you'll be taught a routine that is specific to that day's class and follows on from the last each week - so we recommend attending the same day each week if you can! We also have a Monday class (7:30pm - 9pm) that we use for workshops such as heels practice, confidence classes and extra rehearsals in the run up to show time. We will make it clear when these are so you don't miss them!
Don’t worry about what to wear to classes - wear whatever you’re most comfortable in that you can move about in! Most people wear gym wear or casual clothes like leggings, joggers, t shirts, sports bras etc. You're welcome to bring your heels to class if you feel confident but don't worry if you're not catwalk trained - most of us dance in trainers/socks during class.
For our shows, your fabulous costume is provided, however we will ask that you provide yourself with items we don’t share for hygiene reasons - for example lingerie, high heels, jewellery which may be additional costs depending on the routine.
It costs £95 for your year-long membership.
You can join at any point throughout the academic year with prices adjusted accordingly.
Whether you would like to perform or not is completely up to you. We want you to feel confident and comfortable as part of our club. If you'd like to perform, that's great! but if you would rather take part in sessions without performing, that is equally completely ok with us.
We hold Taster Sessions at the beginning of each term for you to try out burlesque for free before committing to the club! You'll learn a fun and exciting dance routine, have a go with quintessential props, and practice the classic strip moves like glove peels. You'll also get to meet other Tigerlilies and the NTU Burlesque committee and ask any questions you might have about joining! It's the perfect casual and non committal way to get involved.
If you miss these sessions or need more time to decide whether burlesque is for you, you can join at any point throughout the academic year with prices adjusted accordingly.
Remember that we don't hold auditions - everyone is welcome to join, regardless of level of dance experience. We're a club that celebrates everyone and we are all growing together.
We do not offer Play for Fun sessions specifically, but anyone is welcome to come down to a session and see if the club is right for them!
We are taught by the excellent Nottingham Dance and Fitness who are skilled in all styles of dance training and bring us new and exciting routines every term! Some sessions are also coached by members of the NTU Burlesque committee who are experienced in burlesque and choreography - many of whom have danced professionally.
Throughout the year we also provide additional opportunities including:
- Technique classes and workshops, such as heels class, confidence workshops, strengthening and stretching
- Skill swaps with other sports clubs and societies
- Social opportunities for everyone to get to know each other and make friends within the club
If you’d like to join the Trent Tigerlilies to learn all sorts of burlesque styles, train and perform with a beautiful family of NTU students and see your confidence soar, come and find us at Freshers Fair or shoot us a message on any social media and we'll be happy to chat to you about all things burlesque!
If you have any questions about joining or want to chat to our committee to find out more, shoot us an email or DM!
Email - ntuburlesque@ntu.ac.uk
TikTok - ntuburlesque
Instagram - ntuburlesque
Facebook - NTU Burlesque
You can get a discount of £60.00 on each club after your first purchase!
Please visit our sport receptions after your first purchase to enable the discount.
Please note, when making the discounted club purchase online after visiting us, the discount will only apply on the very last page of the transaction, after you have clicked on 'Pay And Finish'. The full price will display until you reach this page.
Our top achievements:
NTU Sport Committee of The Year 2024
100 members last year
£1,175 raised for charity from last year's show profits
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