The first online class I took was by Patti-Anne Stanley - "Lady Sings the Blues" -
available through Dollnet Campus

The pattern and downloadable lesson included an armature, open mouth sculpting
and face painting, as well as stockings and high heeled shoes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this but now I know to use much firmer wire.   (See note below)

Once I felt that I'd grasped the basics, the Can-Can dancer Jane Avril was next...
I adapted Patti-Ann's pattern, reducing the size to 12" (30cms) tall
from the original 18" size.   I particularly like the hands of this pattern...

I was pleased with the effect of the shaded petticoat and dress trims - strips of cotton batiste, cut on the bias and thinned acrylic paint applied along the edge of the already damp fabric.   Gradually the colour seeps in from the edge.  It needs a few applications to get the right depth of colour.
Originally her leg was much higher but the armature wire wasn't quite strong enough, so gradually her leg d-r-o-o-p-e-d...