Umbrae Noctis Festival Workshops

When
Nov. 14–15, 2026
Daily
Cost: Starting at $40.00
Where
1201 Northwest 17th Avenue
Portland, OR, 97209

The following description was submitted by the event organizer.

The Umbrae Noctis Festival is elated to announce 3 different movement workshops with the illustrious headliners and feature performers. Take class with local sensation Asteria Atombomb, Burlesque Hall of Fame title holder Moscato Sky, and/or Dragula season 4 runner-up Throb Zombie.

November 14: Are you stuck doing the same repetitive movements onstage? Trying to tell a story but can’t find the actions to fit the narrative? Then this workshop is for you! Asteria will use her decades of experience in dance, theater, and artistic direction to help you create a compelling act. Through a series of dance and improvisational exercises, attendees will explore various ways to incorporate movement into a compelling storyline. Walk away feeling confident in getting your point across on the stage and leaving audiences wowed. Bring a journal and writing utensils. Clothes that are easy to move in.

November 14: Take your chair work to the next level with the them fatale of burlesque, Moscato Sky. This class will begin with a warm-up to prepare students to learn innovative ways to use this classic prop, how to maneuver on and off the chair with ease and grace, and exciting tricks that will stun any audience. In this workshop-style class, students will be challenged to create new movement pathways, explore obscure approaches to chair work, and walk away with tools to generate chair choreography. 

This class is designed for students with a movement background or previous chair and floor work experience and may not be appropriate for people with serious knee and back injuries. However, all levels are welcome as this class acts as a lab and encourages exploration. Wear yoga or dance clothes you can move freely in. Knee pads are encouraged but not required.

November 15: Hump and Grind: Masc Movement and Choreography with Throb Zombie. Hump and Grind is an energetic and sexy dance class for kings or anyone who is ready to move. Taught by one of the most prolific, current dancing drag kings in the industry and iconic himbo, Throb Zombie.

Class will entail:

  • A stretch/warmup
  • Introduction to posture/masculine body movement
  • Transitions/specific moves that can work for all dance levels from beginner to advanced
  • Commanding space with presence
  • A short choreography sequence
  • Don’t be scared! While this class dares to challenge you, all levels are welcome. Come gyrate, grow, and get ready to sweat with the boys.
  • Students must bring clothes they are comfortable moving in and are strongly encouraged to bring a water bottle and knee pads.