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.

So… not us. Yet!

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!