A few weeks ago one of my friends mentioned that she was attending a new dance class, and suggested that I join her. I have always enjoyed dance, and love shaking my thing on the dance-floor. When I was a kid my mom used to joke that she didn't understand where I got all of my rhythm from.
As much as I love to dance, I've never had any formal training (unless you count Israeli dancing at Jewish Summer Camp). So when my friend suggested I join her, I was a bit hesitant. That is, until I found out what kind of class it was.
This wasn't just any class, this was a Burlesque/Cabaret dance class.
NEW Burlesque dance classes in Reno: Hootchy Kootchy Girls. CHECK IT OUT HERE! |
My friend reassured me by saying that you didn't need any dance experience, and that there were women of all ages and body-types in attendance. Finding out that the first two introductory classes were FREE was also a selling point.
So in my quest to get outside of my comfort zone and try new things, I attended my first burlesque class tonight!
And you know what? I had a fantastic time!
I smiled the whole hour class. Our teacher was energetic and amazing, and all the women in the packed class were so nice. We shook our booties. We used feather boas in a suggestive (yet classy) manor. We wore long gloves. We wiggled our hips back and forth. We laughed. We even had JAZZ HANDS!
By the end of the class, we had learned half the dance routine to "You Give Me Fever".
Life is a Cabaret my friend...come to the Cabaret. |
Before I left the dance studio tonight, I signed up for the next 6-week class. We will do a Burlesque Performance to show off the routines we've learned at the end of the session. Participation in the show isn't mandatory, but I look forward to continuing this "trying new things" adventure.
As I chatted with my friends later, I realized I felt great. The class was so much fun, and I found it extremely empowering. And really isn't that what traditional burlesque is all about? It's not about getting naked or doing a strip tease. It's about a confident woman being comfortable in her own skin.
Some days I like myself a lot more then others. Sometimes I like the person looking back at me in the mirror, sometimes I don't. Ultimately, I'm ready for a change. I hope to become more comfortable in the skin I'm in. And this Burlesque dance class is the perfect way to get started!
Sarah I am so glad you enjoyed the dance class!! You made it sound amazing... smiling the whole time, laughed, wiggled your tail feather. Haha ;) Sounds amazing I am jealous! Sounds so fun especially for 6 weeks! I am proud of you :)
BTW- the last paragraph of this blog was monumental. Such great writing. Made the whole article worth reading a lot more ;) Keep that great attitude my beautiful friend. I love ya!!!