DALLAS—
If you're like many North Texans, one of your top New Year's resolutions is to lose weight and get in shape.Burlesque has long been an erotic, sultry and very sexy dance, but now it's one of the hottest workout trends. And it's designed for women who want to workout, but don't care for traditional gym exercises. Jana Edele, the dance instructor for Buyrlesque Body Sculpt, says, "Working out is extremely repetitive and boring, so I hate it." At the Veranda Club, she teaches the class, which is whipping women into shape in the New Year, one shimmy at a time. Cara Young, a student, says, "I grew up dancing and it taps into what it feels like in a dance class where you're learning little routines and it challenges my brain as well as my body."
The class begins with a warm up and abdominal workout designed to build strength in the core. As Jan instructs, "You're going to bicycle, but try not to bicycle but push and you're going to alternate your arms." She says, "It is mind, body and spirit. What I like best about dancing is all the exercises that we do, the stretching toning everything is purpose driven." Then we learn step, building each move to create a routine. For burlesque body sculpt you're going to have a great workout and have a lot of fun, but definitely leave your inhibitions at the door. Brandi Farris, a student, says, "I think it's important as a woman to get out sometimes and just feel free and get to express yourself and look sexy."
By the end of class, you've almost forgotten you've been working out and you leave standing a little taller. Jana says, "You get to connect with your body differently, that's what lifts your self esteem, I think the sexy movement, it's fun, it's flirty, it's different." It's a fun way to start your resolution off on the right foot.
