AUBURN GRESHAM — Learn the art of tease while getting fit on Friday at a burlesque class.
Burlesque dance is traditionally a comedic stage show where women dress up provocatively and sing and dance. Some shows include a striptease act.
The dance class, led by certified instructor LaTonya Ellis, will be held at Rhythms Within U Dance and Fitness Class, 8530 S. Racine Ave. from 7-8:30 p.m. The three-week workshop is $40, or $15 per class. Sign up online here.
“We’re taking burlesque-inspired moves and putting them in a fitness-style workout set,” Ellis said. “We’re burning calories and fat, which keeps the ladies interested and engaged.”
Chereeta Botchwey, the dance and fitness studio’s founder, said she wanted to bring Ellis to her studio to offer women in the community something different.
“It is a sexy class, but it is also in the format of a fitness class so that students still get that workout aspect,” Botchwey said. “She designed it in a way that will not be intimidating, but fun and inviting.”
Botchwey said that classes like the ones she offers are usually only found on the North Side.
“We’re in the community, and women on the South Side don’t have to go to the North Side, they can have it right in their backyard,” Ellis said, who is certified in teaching the art of exotic dance.
She has attended several burlesque workshops. After getting exposed to the dance, she became so intrigued she said, that she began to learn everything she could about the era.
“I started on the journey of exploring burlesque and taking the classes, learning the art, and the music,” Ellis said, who entered the fitness industry in 2011.
To make working out fun, Ellis took dance fitness classes, and realized that it was a lot of fun.
After losing 140 pounds, she said she wanted to find a way to stay fit and healthy. Right before Ellis’ mother died that year from a heart attack, she promised her that she would continue the journey.
“I made it part of my career, and my career is what I’m very passionate about,” Ellis said.
“I said, 'If I make this a part of my career I’ll never stop.' And I have worked out every week for at least three to five days a week since my mom has passed. I’ve never stopped, and I started teaching. I teach at a few studios and that’s how it started,” Ellis said.
The workshop being offered is for all levels, so beginners are welcome. Ellis said she doesn’t want anyone to feel intimidated or uncomfortable.
“It’s going to be for the everyday woman who wants to go and enjoy themselves, so don’t worry about the 8-count, we won’t be doing that,” she said. “Sometimes when I do workouts it’s ‘1-and-2-and-3-and-4’ and women say ‘How can I keep up with that?’”
The first class, “Burlesque Fitness 101,” will go over the basics. In week two, “Booty Lab,” (Sept. 18), women can work on their core strength and flexibility, while adding some seductive burlesque style moves. The last class, (Sept. 25), will try choreographed moves to help burn the calories.
Wine and cheese will be served before and after each workshop.
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