My name is Suzie. I have DCW.
Just a couple of Pretty Strong 40s chillin' post class.
Looking at the above photo I realise I'm currently suffering a serious case of DCW - Dance Class Withdrawal, whilst my instructors are on holidays. Symptoms include: breaking out into random dance moves at inappropriate times and places (apologies Coles Deli staff) and relentlessly pleading with Siri to find dance classes running over the Christmas break.
Dance classes tend to be very instructor driven, in other words, the instructor makes the class. So, when I find an instructor I like, I’m hooked. The more I go, the more I need to inject classes into my life. I typically attend six, one-hour classes a week. Going cold turkey for three weeks is killing me. I’m in a cold sweat as I write.
Actual class footage - my dance class addiction
So, my bff for life – Siri, and I, were excited to discover Simone de la Rue was running a pop up dance-cardio class in Melbourne last week. Simone’s Body by Simone studios in New York and LA are the place to get your boogie on, for A-listers and regular folk alike. And she is on a Kardashian TV show. I don’t think it gets any bigger than that.
Fun fact - we were at high school together. I guess you could say I’m practically at 'girl squad' level with Khloe and Kim. Well, maybe not, but I remember Simone well and success could not have happened to a nicer person.
I discovered the class last minute and couldn't find anyone to come along with me (Siri was busy - another Tinder date.) I had the choice to go solo or not go at all.
My motto is always to just go. If you wait to find someone to come along every time you start something new, you might wait forever. As comforting as it is to walk through the door with a hand to hold, the reality is, when it comes to exercise classes, it really doesn’t matter. Once the music starts it’s every person for themselves. With all the endorphins flying around, group fitness classes are also a great way to make new friends. As they say in the legal profession, aka Legally Blonde, 'Exercise gives you endorphins; endorphins make you happy; happy people just don't shoot their husbands!'
Happy people don't shoot their husbands - they dance and make friends.
The class was a lot of fun and combined dance moves with aerobics and boxing. It reminded me that a talented instructor can make any class great. My advice is, if you come across an instructor you like, it might be worth trying out the different classes they teach. You never know, it may open you up to something new.
As much as I enjoyed sweating it out, my biggest take-away from the class was how unaffected by fame and down to earth Simone is. She gave me a big smile as soon as our eyes met and happily chatted about old school days after class. A healthy body and a healthy mind – now that’s something to aspire to.
Looks like it’s back to deli-dancing for one more week. Ham it up. Cheese that was good. Do the shaved salami.
Want to learn to dance and get fit in the comfort of your own home (or anywhere?) Check out the 'Win My Workout' competition on the Pretty Strong 40 facebook page.
How are you coping with the Christmas shutdown period? Do you have any advice for me?