PoleLaTeaz (pronounced like pilates): Finding my Inner Shake-dancer

For the past month or so I have been exploring ways to "shake things up" and invigorate my normal, mundane routine.

To start, I decided to get serious about my physical fitness and diet. I started going to the gym only a year ago. These days I have increased my routine from 2 days a week to 4 (5 if I'm on a roll). I even changed my diet 6 months ago. I’ve repented from my carnivorous ways. My new diet consists mainly of fish, seafood, egg whites, veggies, grains, beans, and light dairy, ya know-- the ‘good for you’ stuff! I’ve learned to sacrifice and discipline myself in an effort to, as Diddy would say, "preserve my sexy."

Sure, I'm young and hot now but I'm knocking on 30's door and I've started to notice some... errr... changes, if you will. Certain parts of my anatomy seem to have begun to hang and jiggle a little more than they used to. So, in an effort to develop the healthy habits my mother warned me long ago I would need, I have been pushing myself to be proactive in this aging process. After all, aging IS inevitable- so, I mine as well do it gracefully.

Anyhow, I was talking to my stylist about my desire to do something liberating and to cultivate some excitement. Plus, I want to do something new to distract me from a certain guy that I like waaaaay too much (that's another blog for another day). "I want to do something that makes me feel energetic and sexy, fun and carefree," I told her. Her reply was, "You should try Polelateaz." "Oh, I already take a Pilates class,” I answered, as if it was nothing new. "No!" she exclaimed. She then proceeded to tell me about this dance studio in Atlanta where you can take pole dancing, chair dancing, jiggle it classes-- and a few other femme fatale courses designed to help women unleash their inner vixen. She explained that the class was taught by dancers, and not just the exotic kind. Some of them have backgrounds in classical ballet and other formal training. "It's not what you think," she said. "You are going to meet a lot of women-- all from backgrounds as various as their body types. Believe me there is no shame or judgment; it's just a real good time."

At this point I was intrigued. It sounded appealing in a non-threatening way. I figured-- I'm on summer vacation, so what if it's across town and gas is astronomically high. At this point I'll try just about anything in the name of fun and excitement.

So, I signed up to attend my first class, 'Jiggle it'! After all, I do have quite a bit more to shake in the rear these days (thanks to my aunts on my dad's side). And boy did I ever shake and jiggle it like I never had before! I had no idea there would be so much vigorous gyrating, thrusting, and popping! OMG, by the time it was over I was dripping sweat! I had no clue as to how much of a workout "shake-dancing" really is.

My girl said she was a little sore from lifting herself up on the pole in her class. But, I guess there was no way she could have forewarned me of the intense cardio involved in jiggling! That glass of wine I chugged down before class was DEFINITELY a mistake! The class description did say casual. I guess that meant come by when you can, not relaxed for sensual seduction-- LOL!

So ladies, be advised... if you are in the Atlanta area and are looking to unleash your inner booty-shaker, pole dancer, or whatever-- baby, trust and believe it's not just for kicks! You'll have a ball and learn something new, but you better come ready to WORK-IT!