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Prop Work6 minutes

Create a Burlesque Chair Choreography Safely

By Mary De LucaUpdated

In short
  • For the chair sequence, you need a sturdy chair, a suitable seat, and clear space to move.
  • You circle the chair at a safe distance, position yourself in front of the seat, and sit down in a controlled way.
  • You present your seated pose with both feet on the floor and link the movements in four groups of eight.
  • Acrobatics, tilting, and standing on the chair are not part of this exercise sequence.

A chair makes hesitation just as visible as determination. Even the difference between casually walking past and deliberately taking a seat can give your short scene a clear sense of intention, without big movements or elaborate costumes.

What you need for your rehearsal

  • A sturdy, stable chair with no wheels, swivel function or armrests
  • A flat, dry floor with clear space around the chair
  • A seat height that lets both feet rest fully on the floor
  • Comfortable clothing with no loose items near the chair legs
  • Flat, closed-toe shoes with reliable contact with the floor
  • Slow music with a clearly audible, steady beat

The Chair Stays a Prop, Not a Gym Apparatus

In this burlesque chair choreography, the chair supports your normal sitting weight. It is not equipment for lifts, balance positions or swings. Even a heavy chair can tip if you pull sideways on the backrest or shift your weight beyond its base. Here, the backrest is only for orientation, not a support to hold on to. If anything slips, creaks or wobbles, end your practice with that chair.

The seat must give you enough room without leaving you perched only on its front edge. A heavily padded seat makes it harder to feel a clear sitting point. Smooth surfaces can become slippery with some fabrics. What matters, therefore, is the combination of chair, clothing and floor, not the appearance of the piece of furniture. When sitting down, keep your knees aligned with your feet; do not pivot on a planted foot while it is bearing weight.

To begin, a simple intention such as “I’m claiming this spot” is enough. If you’d like to develop it further later, developing a burlesque stage persona can help. For today’s practice, keep the task small: the same path, the same sitting point, one clear finishing pose. The same applies when gradually increasing your dance workload: start with one controlled repetition, then add more rounds.

An unobtrusive, reliable chair gives your scene more room than a flashy, unsuitable piece of furniture.
An unobtrusive, reliable chair gives your scene more room than a flashy, unsuitable piece of furniture.

Your chair sequence in seven steps

  1. Check the chair and seat

    Check the legs, joints and seat for damage or wobbling. First, sit down as usual with both feet on the floor: The chair must not slide or give way. If you're unsure, don't use it for the sequence.

  2. Clear the path for movement

    Remove bags, cables and other furniture from your walking path. Walk all the way around the chair, leaving enough space for your feet and clothing; even with a slightly bigger step, you won't touch a chair leg.

  3. Set the starting point and facing direction

    Choose a direction to face the audience and start beside the chair, slightly in front of it. Angle the seat slightly toward that direction so your upper body will remain visible later; find this angle before the sequence rather than moving the chair during it.

  4. Circle Around in Two Sets of Eight

    On the first eight counts, walk in a wide arc behind the chair. On the next eight, return to the front and finish with your back to the seat; use smaller steps to adjust your path without rushing to catch up.

  5. Sit down in a controlled way on eight

    Position yourself in front of the middle of the seat on counts 1 to 2. Bend your hips and knees on counts 3 to 6 and lower yourself slowly; on counts 7 to 8, you're seated in the middle, with both feet flat on the floor, without dropping into the seat.

  6. Present the seated pose for eight counts

    Straighten your upper body comfortably on counts 1 to 2, and open one hand toward the audience on counts 3 to 4. Hold this position through count 8; keep your weight on the seat rather than shifting sideways toward your hand.

  7. Connect the four groups of eight

    Dance around, sit down, and present to the music without adding any extra steps in between. If you lower yourself too quickly, use slower music; the sequence works if your chair stays in the same position and you can finish the seated pose without holding on.

Small tweaks, big impact

This is how

  • Position the chair in its final spot before the music starts
  • Choose an arm path outside the backrest
  • Widen your travel arc when space gets tight
  • Maintain your presentation with relaxed breathing

Not like this

  • Adjust the chair while circling it
  • Brush your sleeve along the backrest
  • Tiptoe between feet and chair legs
  • Hold your breath for the final pose

Your trial session to check off

Before the First Run-Through

Preparation

After Rehearsal Without Music

Orientation

After the music run-through

Review

Frequently asked questions

  1. You don't need high heels for this sequence. Flat, closed-toe shoes make it easier to stay steady and sit down in a controlled way. The important thing is that they don't slide on the floor or stick when you make small changes in direction. Heel technique is a separate skill and isn't required here.

Your next rehearsal with feedback

On udansa connect, you can find people to rehearse with. Arrange a short run-through where you give each other feedback on the movement pathway, seated moment, and final pose.

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Your next rehearsal with feedback

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