Burlesque for Beginners: Can You Really Shimmy Your Way to Fitness?
If the word “burlesque” makes you think of smoky vintage clubs or feather fans, you are not alone. For a long time, this art form was seen only as a type of risqué entertainment. But things have changed. Today, classes are popping up in gyms and dance studios all over the world. People of all shapes and sizes are pulling on long gloves and learning how to strut.
You might be wondering if it is just a bit of fun or if it actually counts as a workout. Can posing, peeling off a glove, and dancing in heels really help you get fit? The short answer is yes. It takes a lot of strength and stamina to make those moves look effortless.
In this guide, we will look at exactly what burlesque is and where it came from. We will also explore how it works your body and how many calories you might burn in a class. Whether you want to try something new or just hate the treadmill, this might be the perfect fit for you.
What Is Burlesque?
Before we talk about fitness, it helps to know what you are actually doing. Burlesque is a style of performance that mixes dance, comedy, and satire. The word itself comes from the Italian word burla, which means a joke or a mockery.
A Quick History Lesson
Burlesque has been around since the 19th century. Back then, it was not just about dancing. It was a type of theatre that poked fun at serious subjects like politics or famous plays. As time went on, the shows started to feature more singing and dancing.
By the early 20th century, it became famous for the “striptease”. This is the part most people know today. Performers would slowly remove items of clothing to tease the audience. But unlike what some might think, it was never just about nudity. It was about the tease. It was about humour, glamour, and confidence.
Modern burlesque, sometimes called “neo-burlesque”, brings those old traditions back to life. It celebrates all body types and emphasises self-love and empowerment. You do not need to look like a movie star to do it. You just need to bring your own personality to the stage.
More Than Just a Striptease
In a typical class, you probably won’t be taking all your clothes off. Most fitness-based classes focus on the dance moves and the attitude. You learn to walk with confidence, isolate your muscles, and control your movements. It is about feeling good in your own skin while getting a sweat on.
Is Burlesque Really Exercise?
You might look at a dancer moving slowly across a stage and think it looks easy. But do not be fooled. That slow control takes a lot of muscle power.
It Builds Strength
Think about wearing high heels. Now imagine dancing in them for an hour. Your calves and ankles get a huge workout just from that. But it goes deeper. To keep your balance while doing a high kick or a slow dip to the floor, you need a strong core. Your stomach and back muscles are working the whole time to keep you steady.
Many moves involve squatting or holding a pose. This is similar to doing a plank or a wall sit. Your muscles are under tension, which builds strength over time. You might feel a burn in your thighs (quads) and bum (glutes) the next day.
It Improves Your Cardio
Cardio is any exercise that gets your heart rate up. While some songs might be slow and sultry, others are fast and energetic. You might be doing jumps, kicks, and fast footwork.
According to health experts, dancing is a great way to improve your heart health. It gets your blood pumping and your lungs working harder. If you take a high-energy class, you will definitely be out of breath by the end.
It Helps with Coordination
Have you ever tried to circle your hips to the left while circling your hand to the right? It is harder than it sounds. This style of dance forces your brain to talk to your body. You have to think about where your feet are, what your arms are doing, and even your facial expression. This mental focus improves your coordination and balance.
How Many Calories Does Burlesque Burn?
This is the big question for many people. It is hard to give an exact number because every class is different. Some classes focus on slow, controlled movements. Others are fast-paced cardio sessions.
However, we can look at general data for dancing to get a good idea. According to Harvard Medical School, here are the estimates for 30 minutes of dancing:
Disco, ballroom, or square dancing:
- 125-pound person: 165 calories
- 155-pound person: 198 calories
- 185-pound person: 231 calories
Fast dancing, ballet, or twist:
- 185-pound person: 252 calories
- 125-pound person: 180 calories
- 155-pound person: 216 calories
If the class is more intense, like a fast aerobic dance class, that same person could burn around 400 calories or more in an hour.
A study published in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine examined Zumba, another popular dance fitness class. They found that participants burned an average of 369 calories during a class lasting roughly 40 minutes. Since burlesque often uses similar intervals of fast and slow songs, you can expect a similar result if you are putting in the effort.
So, while it might not burn as many calories as a full hour of running, it is still a solid workout. And because it is fun, you are more likely to stick with it.
The Mental Benefits of Burlesque
Exercise is not just about muscles and calories. It is also about how you feel mentally. This is where this dance style really shines.
Boosting Confidence
One of the biggest benefits is confidence. You are encouraged to love your body exactly as it is. You learn to walk tall and take up space. Many people find that this confidence spills over into their daily lives. You might find yourself standing straighter at work or feeling less shy in social situations.
Relieving Stress
Life can be stressful. We all have worries about work, money, or family. When you step into a class, you get to leave all that behind. You have to focus on the choreography, so there is no room in your brain for worry. Plus, moving your body releases endorphins. These are chemicals in your brain that make you feel happy.
Expressing Yourself
We do not always get to show our wild or silly sides in everyday life. In a class, you can be whoever you want to be. You can be funny, dramatic, or sexy. It is a safe space to explore different parts of your personality.
What to Expect in Your First Burlesque Class
If you are ready to give it a go, you might be feeling a bit nervous. That is totally normal. Here is a rough guide to what usually happens.
The Warm Up
Just like any gym session, you need to warm up your muscles. The teacher will lead you through some simple moves to get your joints moving. You might do some neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, and gentle stretches. This helps prevent injury.
Learning the Basics
You will likely learn a few classic moves. These have fun names like the “bump and grind” or the “shimmy”.
- The Shimmy: Shaking your shoulders or hips fast to make your costume (or just your body) shake.
- The Bump: Sticking your hip out to the side with a sharp movement.
- The Grind: Moving your hips in a slow, circular motion.
Don’t worry if you feel uncoordinated at first. Everyone does. The teacher will break it down so it is easy to follow.
The Routine
Most classes will teach you a short dance routine. You will learn it step by step. By the end of the class, you will be dancing through the whole song. This is the best part because you really get to perform.
The Cool Down
At the end, you will do some stretches to help your muscles recover. This is a good time to relax and breathe.
What Should You Wear for Burlesque?
You do not need to buy a corset or a feather boa to start. The most important thing is that you can move comfortably.
For your body:
- Leggings or yoga pants are great.
- A t-shirt or vest top works well.
- Some people like to wear shorts and tights to feel a bit more “dancer-like”.
For your feet:
- You can often do the class in bare feet or trainers (sneakers).
- If you want to wear heels, pick a pair that is comfortable. Dance shoes with a strap are best because they won’t fall off. Avoid huge platforms until you are more experienced.
Can Anyone Do Burlesque?
Yes. This is one of the most inclusive forms of dance out there. It does not matter how old you are or what size you are. You do not need any dance experience.
If you have injuries or health conditions, just tell the teacher before the class starts. They can usually give you a different version of a move if one is too hard or painful. For example, if you have bad knees, you can do a squat that isn’t as deep.
How to Find a Class
A quick search online for “burlesque classes near me” should bring up some options. You can also look for dance studios in your local area. Some gyms also offer dance-fitness classes that incorporate these styles.
If you cannot find a class nearby, do not panic. There are lots of online classes you can do from your living room. This can be a great way to build confidence before you go to a real studio.
Safety Tips
Even though burlesque is fun, it is still physical exercise. You need to take care of your body.
- Listen to your body: If something hurts, stop. Push yourself to work hard, but never into pain.
- Stay hydrated: Bring a bottle of water with you and drink when you need to.
- Check your space: If you are dancing at home, make sure you have enough room. Move the coffee table so you don’t kick it.
Conclusion
So, does burlesque count as a workout? Absolutely. It builds muscle, burns calories, and gets your heart working. But it offers something that a treadmill never can. It teaches you to celebrate your body.
Instead of counting the minutes until your workout is over, you will be having too much fun to notice the time passing. You get to play, perform, and sweat all at the same time.
If you are looking for a way to get fit that makes you smile, this could be it. Grab some comfortable clothes, find a class, and give it a try. You might just find that you love it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take my clothes off?
No. In a typical fitness or beginner dance class, you keep your clothes on. The focus is on the dance moves and the workout, not on stripping.
I have no rhythm. Can I still join?
Yes! Classes are designed for all levels. Teachers break the moves down into simple steps. It is about having fun, not being perfect.
Will I lose weight doing burlesque?
It can help. Like any physical activity, it burns calories. If you combine regular classes with a healthy diet, it can be part of a weight loss plan.
Is it safe for older adults?
Generally, yes. It is low impact compared to running. However, always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you have health concerns.
Can men do burlesque?
Yes. Burlesque is for everyone. There is even a style called “Boylesque” specifically for male performers, but regular classes are usually open to all genders.
