Over the last few years we have seen countless exercise fads, some wackier and more painful than others. From Prancerise (pretending to be a horse whilst wearing ankle weights!) to Disco Aerobics; Insanity to Body Blitz we’ve tried them all, but the perfect gym regime has continued to allude us. Really what we want is something fun that will give us a full work-out without the sweaty red face.
As always the answer is to dance. Whether your poison is Ballroom, Tap, Freestyle, Ballet or Jazz, dancing is low impact but high intensity so no pounding hearts and shiny foreheads. Exercising the whole body, it helps you lift the bum, tightens the thighs and defines the arms; all whilst wearing pretty shoes. Indeed, many of our favourite exercise classes have tried to harness the power of dance. Lately however, there has been a rise in attendance at adult ballet classes as we go back to the dance studio and back to basics.
Even the corporate world have begun to recognise the value of dance as a means of improving the mental and physical well-being of the workforce. While here at
Dancewear Central we have been doing jetés in the office for years, other businesses have finally come round to our way of thinking. Household names such as the clothing company ASOS have included ballet classes amongst the list of benefits they offer their employees. Gyms have also begun to introduce ballet classes, which specifically target officer workers. As well as the physical benefits, ballet reduces stress and improves focus, determination and clarity; making for better productivity. Ballet is therefore, ‘the ultimate antidote to a high pressured, stressful working environment’ and it seems many would-be Tamara Rojo’s have laced up their ballet slippers as much for the relaxation as the keep fit element.
En pointe therefore, is the answer to our quest for the ultimate work-out and it doesn’t matter whether or not you have any previous experience. This summer the Royal Academy of Dance will be hosting Adult Associates Ballet Masterclasses in Birmingham as well as
courses in London for beginners and improvers. Danceworks and Pineapple Studios have also begun beginner adult classes, but for those outside the capital there are countless evening classes going on in schools, church halls and gyms throughout the country.
Image credited to KC BalletMedia Flickr
