There’s a fascination about the art of burlesque – a form that can intrigue and captivate an audience with ease. Done correctly it will elevate you to femme fatale status, give you a sense of empowerment and drive your other half into a silly stupor. Done incorrectly, it can end an intimate session – quickly and with a chill.

Be grateful then for Melissa Gallagher, ‘proprietress’ of Dirty Pretty Things, and of Salon Burlesque soirees. Here, with a group of like-minded ladies, you can learn the art of burlesque, classic tease and subtle ladylike seduction.

Upon arrival at the boudoir in Paddington, you’ll be given an Absinthe ‘Green Fairy’ cocktail to get you in the mood. Ms. Gallagher will take you on a journey through the parlour giving seduction secrets along the way. Burlesquer Rachel St James, will tutor on the art of tease and impart a few tricks of the trade.

By the end of the two hours, you will learn how to take your kit off with charm. You can take home some laughs as well as a routine to impress your man with. Just in time, as when it comes to fantasy role-playing, a quarter of people* admit to playing naughty Valentine’s Day dress-ups (the most popular characters being strippers, schoolgirls, policemen, nurses, then maids).

For the ladies – boudoir etiquette unravelled in style. For the gents – yes, you can thank us later.

Pre-Valentine’s salon, Tuesday 12 February, 6.30-8.30pm. $85 per lady. Beginning March, salons will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, with group bookings taken for any other day. $95 per lady. Bookings required.

Dirty Pretty Things, 225 Glenmore Road, Fiveways, Paddington,
(02) 9331 2066