Just another day, just another weigh in. Then, to my surprise I jump on the scale to read that I am 2 pounds lighter this week. While this diet has been a long process with slow results, I am happy that I have done it the right way by changing eating habits along with exercise. Total weight loss, 8 pounds.

 

Burlesque Booty Burn. Say it three times out loud and try not to giggle!

I find that either people are very eager to try out a burlesque workout, or that they want to pray for those involved. Lately, I have had mixed opinions from clients as to whether it is an appropriate way to move your body. My opinion on the subject is that burlesque doesn’t stray too far from jazz or hip hop, but people don’t giggle or scowl when talking about those two styles of dance.

One thing that cannot be argued is this style of dance movement will leave your muscles fatigued and your brow sweaty. We teach two styles of burlesque…vintage and booty burn. The vintage style has three sections to the workout: blues, swing, and old tyme burlesque incorporating a chair. Similar to what you see in “Chicago,” the musical. The Booty Burn is a modern style of burlesque similar to Go-Go Dancing, but not far from the hip hop dancing you see on shows like So you Think you Can Dance. This style includes a floor routine taking movements from pilates and yoga and giving them a fun spin.

Burlesque movement is not a style that was created for men only. The Burlesque classes we teach are to give women an environment to feel feminine and dare I say, “sexy,” while achieving great physical results for their bodies. It has been a form of fitness that is increasing in popularity and social acceptance. Participate in one 30 minute class and discover a new respect for the dificulty involved in true burlesque dance, not just a bunch of booty shaking.

Just like any form of dance it is expressive, beautiful, and challenging. It leaves a group of women glowing, literally and figuratively, as they leave from class. That is all I can ask for!

Tomorrow hosts another fun and fabulous open house and runway show at Stretch Studio. Each month trying to plan ahead and be prepared, when I know that the show is going to sneak up and find me unprepared.

My sister, who owns a fashion boutique (Shangri-La), works with my studio to create a night of fun and “dress-up,” for our clients. The night starts with an open house for people to come in and ask questions, and ends with a runway show that features class demos and performances. They have been wildly successful and always leave a good impression on those who attend. If you are interested in attending please visit the Stretch Studio website to find out when you can attend the next event.

In the meantime, let’s get talking about the latest in fitness and fun. It is a yoga swing. Simply said, it is just that, a device that hangs from the ceiling, tree, swing set, ect., that assists in the practice of yoga, or allows you to do yoga without actually touching a single limb to the ground. It’s been sitting in my mind for quite sometime. In fact, I thought I would need to try to this out after seeing a Cirque de Soleil show in Vegas.

What would you call such a class with clients hanging from the ceiling doing yoga. I’ve heard “tree yoga,” uses a swing of some sort in it’s practice. But I would have to call it something much more creative than that. Maybe…Cirque de Yoga? Any thoughts?

How’s that diet? Well, it’s still going. My body feels better, still 5 pounds lighter, and still trying to reshape the last few years of damage. If I can look a little better, and feel a lot better, then I am happy!