Get into the swing of things
As a way to get in touch with your ‘‘inner showgirl’’ without the stage, a new form of exercise has made a home in Hamilton.
It’s not the usual gym grind, but combining burlesque-inspired dance moves with simple exercises has created the craze Burlesquercise.
Here, lingerie is not a requirement, but a sassy attitude is encouraged.
Launched in 2013 in Christchurch by Tease and Trouble Productions, Burlesquercise has grown to Timaru, Dunedin, Ashburton, Napier and Auckland.
Owner of Burlesquercise Hamilton, Ruby Spice, describes the new classes as a fun, sassy workout.
‘‘The first thing people think is that they will need some form of dance experience. This isn’t the case at all,’’ she said.
‘‘All of the routines that we use at Burlesquercise are made up of simple moves designed to get your heart pumping.’’
Focusing on cardio, your legs and your buns, Spice said Burlesquercise was ‘‘fantastic’’ for body confidence and learning to love your own skin.
‘‘Burlesquercise is a class filled with ladies who are all there for the same reason: to have fun with the added bonus of exercise, regardless of what your outside looks like.
‘‘For those that love working out to music, this is a great class to get a workout and get your groove on without being judged.’’
Spice also reckons it’s a lot more fun than your regular gym routine, with a few added giggles along the way.
Held upstairs at Fastlane Fitness, Victoria St, Spice encourages people to come along and advises them to wear attire appropriate for ‘‘booty shaking and pelvis thrusting’’.
‘‘Anything goes. If you want to rock the cheeky panties and fishnets that is totally fine,’’ she said. ’’It is a unique class and the only one in the Waikato so why not give it a go?’’