So I'm going to let you into a secret, I'm not the most athletic person out there. I'm trying to find the sport or exercise that I enjoy (you know, so it doesn't feel like a chore) but I haven't really spent much time looking. I figured I should probably use some of my 52 New Things in 52 Weeks as an opportunity to find that illusive pleasant and fun exercise. Luckily for me the first opportunity was presented to me via my sister-in-law's (to be) Hen Party.
Her lovely bridesmaids and friends had planned a day full of activities and experiences, including a dance class! Yes ladies and gentleman I was going to find out if dancing was my secret talent/enjoytable fitness class of choice. So after a lovely brunch and games to get to know each other we jumped on to a train and into Covent Garden.
There was just enough time before our dance class for a delicious cocktail. Now, maybe this is where I've been going wrong. If I have a cocktail before all workouts maybe I'll enjoy them more. It might negate the exercise part, but I think I can live with that.
With the cocktails finished we headed along to Pineapple Studios. I'm a dance virgin but even I have heard of Pineapple Studios. I believe there was a documentary/reality series filmed there a few years back, but I've heard about it as the place many West-End actors and dancers train at. I am an unashamed theatre geek, so even a non-dancing, two left footed fool, like myself was a little excited.
We signed in and checked out all the fit, tall, professional looking dancers who were gliding through the corridors. Peering in the windows of the dance studios was fascinating. The classes were mixed by age and gender but they all seemed to know what they were doing. Perfectly synced and confident, it was hypnotic to watch. I think if we had to join one of those classes I would have been too intimidated by their perfection, but we had a class booked to ourselves. And what was more, it was a Britney themed dance class! After changing and popping the bride into her Britney costume we headed to the top floor for our chance to strut our stuff.
The room was exactly as I expected with the big scary, judgy mirrors across the front, but the tutor was friendly and enthusiastic. We had an hour class to work on a Britney Spears mash up of Hit Me Baby One More Time, I'm a Slave for You and Toxic. I really enjoyed the first part, I mean you can't go wrong with early Britney, and it wasn't too serious. Most of that section was strutting, which even I could attempt. Then however, we moved on to I'm a Slave, which required a bit more rhythm and, shock horror, sex appeal. Not something I would put at the top of a list if you asked me to describe myself. Despite this, the hour passed quickly and more importantly it was an enjoyable hour. I wasn't watching the clock waiting for the class to end (which I tend to do at regular gym classes).
I was glad I was part of a group that probably had only slightly more dance experience than me, and also that the bride was to be centre of attention as it meant I could happily slink to the back of the class. Overall it was a lot of fun, I think a lot of that, for me, was because it wasn't very strenuous. The hardest bit (from a fitness perspective) was walking up the four flights to start the class!
So what did I learn? Well, I'm not a dance ninja - there were times I couldn't remember even the most basic parts of the routine, but I could see that I might improve over time. I've checked out the Pineapple timetable and they have tons of classes, all really reasonably priced, but from what I saw through the other studio windows everyone in them are super talented and dedicated and I would feel out of place. Whilst this means I won't be making the journey into Covent Garden after work to join them, I may see if there's a more relaxed/beginners class closer to home. I mean now that I can strut, maybe there's more I could learn. Oh and starting a class with a cocktail is great, but do you know what is even better? Following a dance class with many cocktails!
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