Classes
Burlesque 101
Saturday, September 5th, 2009 | Classes | No Comments
We are head over heels for Burlesque dance!
Aradia Fitness is excited to have a new workshop added to our schedule – Introduction to Burlesque. Our instructor Fauna is a vivacious dancer & performer from Greensboro, NC – you can check out her company, Soulflower Dance, by clicking HERE.
When most people think of Burlesque, they immediately think “stripping”.
I however imagine brightly colored outfits, tight corsets, big feathers and a little “risque” behavior. Burlesque is not, and has never been, simply a strip show.
Origins of modern-day Burlesque dance can actually be traced back to the Shakespearean era of theater, when writers such as Miguel Cervantes (think Don Quixote) and Geoffrey Chaucer (The Canterbury Tales) began to poke fun at traditional literature/theater and medieval society.
The term “burlesque” itself is rooted in the Spanish verb “to joke”. The key to this form of dance is that it is FUN! Modern-day Burlesque emerged in the late 19th & early 20th century in music halls featuring elaborate, over-the-top sets and actresses. Known for turning social norms head-over-heels, Burlesque shows employed parody and wit to entertain its audiences.
British (or “classical Burlesque”) focused mainly on parodies of popular opera & theater often poking fun at upper class society. The entertainment of American Burleqsue, however, tended to focus more on bawdy humor and low society.
Striptease had its part in American Burlesque as it was incorporated into the comedy routines. Often people confuse the role of striptease in Burlesque and automatically associate it with the performances seen in modern-day strip clubs. The role of striptease and risque clothing in Burlesque dance was that it defied societal norms at the time; remember, the term “burlesque” itself means “to joke” and “to turn upside down”. If society turned its nose up at something, Burlesque troupes were sure to incorporate it into their acts!
The confusion between Burlesque and striptease arose in the mid-20th century as Burlesque shows began to feature less satirical entertainment. The 1930s was considered the birth of striptease as Burlesque performances ceased to feature elaborate comedies and instead hosted rather simple strip shows.
Burlesque dance became dormant for some years until the late 1990s when a revival began to take place. Presently you can find Burlesque troupes and shows at local theaters and even find elements of Burlesque incorporated into the increasingly popular Roller Derby circuit.
Now that you understand a simple history of Burlesque, isn’t it time for you to give it a try yourself? Check out the upcoming workshop at Aradia Fitness on Saturday September 12 2009 and get a taste of the fun and bawdy Burlesque style of dance!
Can’t make it in September? Keep an eye on the Aradia Fitness schedule for upcoming classes or add yourself to our mailing list to be notified of new classes.
(Interested in learning more on Burlesque? Information for this article is credited to Wikipedia.com; you can learn more by clicking HERE.)
New classes opening soon!
Wednesday, March 18th, 2009 | Classes | No Comments
Melt away your cold weather blues in April with a smokin’ hott Aradia Fitness class! We have plenty in store for both new and returning students!
NEW STUDENTS!
We will be opening new Level 1 Pole Dancing & Sensual Movement classes at the beginning of April. This 4-week session introduces you to the perfect mix of pole work and sensual movement… its energizing, lively and most of all, fun!
RETURNING STUDENTS!
Take a look at our website for a slew of new classes reserved for Advanced Students. New Level 1.5 through Level 5 classes will be added to the schedule. Don’t forget to check out our Pole Flow and Floor Play classes for a spicy new twist on your foundational moves.
BEYOND THE POLE!
Our Beyond the Pole classes are available to both NEW and RETURNING students. These fun, new workouts will help whip you into shape and get you ready for spring! Check out our Bunny Bootcamp, Booty Box, Sexy Butt & Abs and our Candlelight Stretch classes.
Register for these and other Aradia Fitness classes on our website. Spaces fill up quickly so be sure to sign yourself up today! Visit http://aradiafitness.com and follow the links to the North Carolina studio.
Are you ready to Meet Your Sexy Side?!
Ladies… it’s time for a TEASER!
Wednesday, March 11th, 2009 | Classes | No Comments
Perhaps you are wondering… what in the world is a “Teaser” class?!
The Teaser class is designed for the new Aradia Fitness student and is the perfect introduction to our one-of-a-kind workout! This one-hour introductory session will give new students a tantalizing taste of our trademark Pole Dancing & Sensual Movement for fitness routines.
March is halfway over, so don’t put off signing up for this intro class any longer!
Teaser classes available on:
(1) Monday March 16 @ 600pm
(2) Saturday March 21 @ 1100am
(3) Tuesday March 24 @ 700pm
(4) Saturday March 28 @ 1045am
Simply visit OUR WEBSITE and look for the “Schedule” tab. Once there, click the link of the day/time you want to sign up to register yourself for the class!
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Psst… here’s a secret hint! If you snoop around the Aradia Fitness ZSpotlight.com page… you may stumble across a way to save 50% off the Teaser class!
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Spaces are filling up fast so reserve your spot today!
Are you ready to Meet Your Sexy Side?!