This summer my friend and I decided that we wanted to try something new, so we opted to try a burlesque class. I know, not typically the first thing that people try. We both had a lot of dance experience and we missed doing something that we loved. A burlesque class seemed fitting since we felt out of shape for ballet and the turns required for contemporary.When we signed up for class, I did not think that it would have the impact on my life that it did.
The studio that we attended classes at is called Millennium Dance Complex. The studio is popular in Hollywood as well as various other cities in America.
Photo: mdcpgh.com
When we started the class it was a lot harder than I imagined it to be. It was almost a mix of jazz and hip-hop with a sexy twist. The moves were fast and it was a lot of “feeling yourself.” The first class was intimidating, mostly because it was so freeing. I am used to toning down my personality in dance in order to look like the rest of the team. The only time that I had the chance to dance as myself was in my solo. I have changed so much since high school so I did not know who I was anymore, especially as a dancer.
Looking around the classroom there were girls and guys ages 16 to 21 and they all had very different experiences in dance as well. What really stood out to me were the men and women with all the confidence in their moves. I noticed that some of the most skilled dancers in the room were not the best at doing burlesque. This is when I started looking at the class differently because it seemed that confidence was the key.
Gossip Girl character Blair Waldorf breaks out of her shell and shows her sexiness through a burlesque dance.
Photo: 3.bp.blogspot.com
The choreographer that taught the class is Elisa-Marie Alaio. She was the reason that the class was so amazing. She was goofy, free, and honest with everyone in the classroom. It made the vibes in the classroom feel like it was a safe place. Elisa would cheer each group on and say the most inappropriate things that would make everyone laugh, after all it was a burlesque class.
Each class began to be something more for me. Some days I would go into class feeling sexy. I have always been shy and “cute.” The class made me touch into a sexier side of myself that made me feel in control. There were other times where I walked into class annoyed with someone and danced in ways that made me feel more powerful. I felt like I was stronger than them. On days like this I had a look-at-me-go attitude and knew that other person that I was frustrated with could not hold me back.
After just a few classes my attitude began to change without me noticing it too much. I was much more confident than I have been in a long time. Each time I walked into class I was excited to see what new part of my confidence I would tap into. The other men and women seemed to feel the same way I did. Some days dancers had a sad yet strong movement about them, while other days they were fierce. Talent did not matter; it was all about confidence in that class. Elisa would tell us to “have a conversation with somebody.” In other words she was telling us that no one else in the room mattered. It was only for whom we wanted to impress or show up in our own minds.
However much energy we put into the class is what we would take away. Some days I got a great workout, and other days I felt my heart pouring out. Either way, over the summer I built a confidence in myself and my abilities that I never thought that I would have. Trying something new can take you to great places, even if it is a burlesque class.
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