Sexifying Fitness

Continuing my mission to find some alternative fitness beyond the usual yoga, seawall and mountains this week I began with 'sexy fitness.' After my dive in to lap dancing, I felt I was more than ready to take on Burlesque Aerobics.

I imagined a class of clothes peeling, nipple tassel-ing, and fan dancing. I was right only on one account- I got a fan! The first instruction Melody Mangler of Screaming Chicken Theatrical Society, gave the class was to find fans and grab a feather boa. It was then that I knew this was going to be my kind of a class.

Situated at the Screaming Chicken rehearsal space (near Nanaimo and E. Hastings) the room is sloppy, like a room that 10 burlesque dancers share: parasols in the corner, glitter on the floor, fans, feather boas, and two huge nipple tassels on the wall. This is East Van exercise, for sure, but don't think that means it's a slacker. This is a high energy, dance class that makes you sweat.

The class I attended was a History of Burlesque. For about an hour we danced the styles of peelers through the ages: fan dance, moulin rouge, Charleston, 60s go-go girl, etc. The class was small but fun. I would suggest you bring a friend, since the two friends who were there were having a blast.

I'd say you give this class a go, if you're prepared to shake it. Since it was a half-hour bike ride there (and back) from my Main Street pad, I certainly got my exercise for the day. Phewf.

Burlesque Aerobics with Melody Mangler - Every Sunday
Strip, Rip & Twirl - Sat. Sept. 8th
Becoming Burlesque - Starts Sept. 26th
For more info visit:
http://www.screamingchicken.net/

If you have ideas for fun fitness around town post them below and they may be next on my list.