Choose a burlesque act by confirming it is suitable for your audience, watching live footage from similar events and agreeing costume, music and timings in advance. For corporate events, a clear brief on tone is the most important step.
Key takeaways
- Brief the performer clearly on your audience and tone.
- Look for experience at corporate and private events, not just clubs.
- Build the act into a wider theme for the best result.
What should you ask a burlesque performer before booking?
Start with suitability. Ask for footage of the performer at corporate dinners, private parties or themed events similar to yours. Performers who work these events regularly understand how to keep acts glamorous and classy for a mixed audience.
Then cover the practical points.
- Have you performed at corporate or private events like ours?
- How do you adapt costumes and routines for our audience?
- How many acts and how long is each one?
- Do you offer walkabout or hosting?
- Do you hold public liability insurance?
- What do you need from the venue?
How do you brief the act for a corporate audience?
Be clear and specific. Explain who will be in the room, the tone you want and anything to avoid. A good performer will welcome the detail and suggest acts that fit, such as feather fan routines, comedic numbers or a vintage glamour piece.
Share the brief with your HR or events lead too, so everyone is comfortable with what is planned.
Tip from our team: Ask for a short description of each act in writing. It makes sign-off easier for corporate clients and avoids surprises on the night.
What are the red flags to watch for?
Be cautious if a performer only has club footage, cannot describe how they adapt for corporate audiences or is vague about content. Missing insurance and unclear line-ups are also warning signs.
A professional act will ask about your audience before you have to raise it. If they do not, keep looking.
Want a quote for burlesque dancers?
Free, no obligation. Tell us your date and venue.
What does the venue need for a burlesque act?
A small stage or clear floor, spotlighting and a private changing room close to the performance area. Some props, such as large fans or a vintage chair, need a little space. Music can run through your DJ or band's PA.
Check with the venue that the act is welcome and confirm any rules on props or timings.
- Stage or clear performance area
- Spotlight or focused lighting
- Private changing room
- Music handover to DJ or band
- Venue approval
When should the acts take place?
Between courses, after the welcome speech and just before the dance floor opens are all strong slots. Spacing two or three short acts keeps the evening moving.
Avoid putting an act during speeches or awards, when the focus should be elsewhere.
How do you build burlesque into a themed evening?
A burlesque act lands best when the whole evening supports it. A 1920s or Old Hollywood theme with a swing band, art deco decor and a cocktail bar gives the performer a setting to shine in, and guests who have dressed up feel part of the show.
Keep the acts short and space them through the night. A host or toastmaster can introduce each one, which helps the evening feel like a cabaret rather than a series of interruptions.
How far in advance should you book?
Two to four months ahead for most events, and earlier for December, when themed Christmas parties fill diaries quickly. Through Party Central you have one point of contact who confirms the brief, timings and venue details for you.
We cover London, Birmingham, Manchester and the whole UK.
Want a quote for burlesque dancers?
Free, no obligation. Tell us your date and venue.
Frequently asked questions
Is burlesque appropriate for a work Christmas party?
It can be, with the right performer and a clear brief. The acts we book are tasteful and suitable for corporate audiences. Agree the tone in advance and share it with your events lead.
What should I tell a burlesque performer about my audience?
Explain who will attend, the tone you want and anything to avoid. Good performers adapt costumes and routines to suit. Ask for act descriptions in writing.
Do burlesque performers need a stage?
Not always, but a small stage and spotlight help everyone see. A clear floor area can work in smaller rooms. A private changing space is essential.
How many burlesque acts should I book?
Two or three short acts spaced through the evening work best. Each act lasts around 5 to 10 minutes. Walkabout can be added for extra presence.
Book a tasteful burlesque act
Share your brief and we will match you with an experienced performer.
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Written by the Party Central events team. Prices mentioned are starting points only. Exact pricing depends on availability, your exact requirements, time on site and location. Party Central is a trading name of Booking Central Ltd.
