Let loose, get workout at burlesque dance class

When officials at Northwest Community Hospital's Wellness Center in Arlington Heights, talk about "taking it off" after the holidays, they mean weight -- not clothes.

That's important to know for prospective members of their new five-week class that starts up Jan. 2, called "Burlesque Dance," that also goes by the name "Urban Striptease Aerobics" at workout facilities across the country.

It takes some of the moves of striptease and combines them with aerobic elements to create an energizing and unique workout, officials say. Members will use everything -- but poles -- to dance and exercise in the one-hour class, held Wednesday nights.

Instructor Danna Gardner says class members will use chairs, body bars, planks and other apparatus to offer enough resistance to work up a sweat. Feather boas, she quips, are optional.

At a free, first-time offering of the session last week, it drew many different women to let down their guard and give it a try, Gardner said.

"All the women had so much fun," she said. "There were all ages, all sizes. Everyone was letting loose and having a good time."

As far as she knows, the Wellness Center is the first Northwest suburban facility to offer the trendy new workout class. They decided to offer it after they saw the demand for their Zumba classes, which incorporate aerobic classes with Latin dance music.

Gardner, who also doubles as program director at the Wellness Center, had to add a second class of Zumba, and move it to the aerobics room, just to accommodate all the interest from patrons.

She became certified to teach the burlesque dance class earlier this year at the Midwest Mania Conference in Chicago, by officials with the Urban Striptease Aerobics company, which is based in Seattle.

"It combines so much core workouts with strengthening of the upper and lower body," Gardner said. "It's cardio, toning and flexibility, all in one class."

Like the Zumba workouts, classes are open to Wellness Center members as well as nonmembers.

If you go

What: Burlesque Dance aerobics classes

When: 7-8 p.m. Jan. 2 and for the next four Wednesday nights

Where: Northwest Community Hospital's Wellness Center, 900 W. Central Road in Arlington Heights

Cost: $40 for members and $60 for nonmembers

Call: (847) 618-3501 or visit: www.NCH.org