If the rapid spread of burlesque clubs across the capital is anything to go by, most of us have a latent pole dancer within us, just waiting to burst out. Or perhaps you fancy taking to the stage armed only with a beguiling smile and a flourish of fans?
Building up to a performance climax called Hip Hip on Thursday, all this week the International Workshop Festival is offering you the chance to get in touch with your inner burlesque with a series of dance specials. From the Erotique Baroque stylings of Sweden's Pia Nordin to the tricky art of Dancing In Heels, anyone who has set their heart on a stage career can get inside tips from experts in the trade.
The best could find themselves performing alongside top names in the field at Hip Hip, which brings IWF to a glamorous close at trad cabaret mecca Bethnal Green Working Men's Club (Pollard Row E2). Organised in conjunction with besequinned specialists The Whoopee Club, Hip Hip promises to feature the pick of the festival performers before morphing into the twirliest club night in town, with DJs until 3am.
And even if the stage isn't your aim, the dance week also offers the likes of Skipping Tricks and long sword routines: there's really no excuse to keep throwing those same old shapes. Tonight until Thu, English Touring Theatre, 25 Short Street SE1, various times and prices. Tel: 020 7091 9667. www.workshopfestival.co.uk Tube: Southwark
International Workshop Festival: The Open Space
