I’m sure everyone’s wondering how my first Burlesque dance class went the other night? Yes? No? Oh well, whatevs… cos I’m gonna tell you anyway.
It was great!
I got increasingly nervous during the day, and – if I hadn’t written about it here – I probably would have simply piked-out with some excuse that made sense at the time.
My wariness grew – particularly because there’d been a message via Facebook earlier in the day that we would be doing a ‘chair’ routine so needed an armless chair if we had one.
I didn’t, so then spent the day stressing that the one I’d borrow would be so flimsy I’d break the bloody thing.
However… peer group pressure came into play (thanks to you all!), so I found myself outside the Fitpole Studio as planned and had time to meet and talk to some of the other participants before the class started. And everyone was very friendly. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised to discover the class consisted of about a dozen women of various ages and sizes. VERY different to the class I went to in Brisbane all of those years ago.
As far as cardiovascular fitness goes, burlesque’s not a great workout for those who are fit; but I got a bit sweaty which isn’t surprising. After a warm up and learning some basic moves (the strut, body roll etc) we started on the routine. Unlike my old class (where we spent an entire term learning one dance) we actually learnt a huge part of a routine already.
Our lovely instructor Miss C let me borrow one of her chairs but I was v.nervous about its sturdiness (when faced with my girth). At this stage we’re only sitting AND lying on our chairs (no standing, though I’m not sure I could easily get myself up there anyway).
We were also invited to wear heels, but (although I found some lurking in my closet) I decided that a twisted ankle on day 1 might not be a good idea. I might well graduate to them pretty quickly though as it’s not like we’re leaping about dangerously!
So – after all of my worries – none were realised. Everyone was really welcoming and lovely and there were a few newbies. People mostly wore workout gear. Although surrounded by mirrors I managed to avoid actually looking into them. And – most importantly – I didn’t break the bloody chair.*
The instructor let me do the class before deciding if I’d pay for the whole term and afterwards (so I’m forced to commit!) I did indeed pay for the term in advance.
I just need to find my own chair before next week’s lesson.
Have you been pleasantly surprised at how something new turned out?
Or… have you had bad experiences when trying new things?
Any hints re where to find a sturdy chair? I only need the one so thought I’d try a second-hand store.
*And for those familiar with Weight Watchers, I earned 6-7 activity points for my efforts!
January 23, 2014
It sounds like a lot of fun!
January 23, 2014
It was. (Other than my nervousness about the whole ‘chair breaking’ thing!!!)
January 23, 2014
Sounds amazing… Good job for trying something new!
January 23, 2014
Thanks! Weirdly scary to try new things at my ripe old age!
January 23, 2014
Bravo! (And I really like that photo of you at the top on the chair – very fetching!) 😀
January 23, 2014
Oh yes, I’m the one on her forearms doing a handstand thingy! 😉
January 23, 2014
Good on you Deb!
January 23, 2014
Thanks Liz!
January 23, 2014
I started to learn French last year, the first thing I have done on my own for over 30 years. With school lessons long forgotten, I was a true beginner & am pleasantly surprised that I can now understand, read & write a little French. This will be put into practice in the next few months when I take my daughter to France for a holiday. The classes were great fun, only once a week & kept me off the grog as well!
Cecile runs courses in Maryborough if you want to try something new!
January 23, 2014
Hmm… not sure about French Jill, but I’d like to learn Italian! (I’d really love to visit Italy – one day, when I can afford it!).
Learning a language as an adult can be hard so well done for doing it!!!
January 23, 2014
OMG…this sounds amazing!! Good for you! I swear fitness is more about having fun than anything else!
January 23, 2014
Very true Karen. I was very diligent about group classes when I was going to the gym a couple of years ago. Indeed, I’d drive into the city on my days off to go to my have faux Zumba class!
January 23, 2014
That’s great! I’m so glad you had fun. You’ll be breaking out the heels in no time. Not sure about the whole chair thing though – it might be a pain to put into the car every week and I’m guessing a folding chair’s not appropriate.
January 23, 2014
I actually used a folding chair the other night. My instructor had bought it from Bunnings and said it was sturdy but I was a bit worried each time I sat on it (I felt to make sure the seat was down first!). And yes, I’ve only got a little car, so loading my chair into it each week will be a bit problematic. Fortunately it’s not like the city so I’m not going straight from work etc.
January 23, 2014
Sounds good to me! I wouldn’t mind taking some burlesque lessons – mostly because I’m drawn to all those props – especially the big fans. 🙂
What about trying to find a sturdy stool? I got one for doing step ups and other exercise stuff – I’m way too short to step on a regular chair so that makes things easier.
I actually remember not liking ballet when I first tried that at age 10 or something. Little did I know that it would become my thing six years later! 🙂
January 23, 2014
Unfortunately we need a chair with a back on it Satu but that’s the right idea – something sturdy!
Hmm… not sure if we’ll get to use a fan! 😉
January 23, 2014
Go you! You’re a brave girl and have inspired me to look into that Yoga class I’ve been stressing about. True story 🙂
January 24, 2014
Oh great! I hope you enjoy it! I’m yet to get back into yoga after the Christmas break…