Rhythm is a dancer and something that I was not born with. I believe I lack spatial awareness; I am incredibly clumsy and at times know not what my body is doing. I struggle with copying movement I see and find it challenging to learn a new sport or motion. Therefore, I was keen to try a dance fitness class and to see if it would improve my uncoordinated skill.
Said classes are held at a Formation Studio in Mount Pleasant. The specific one we choose is called “Freedom”, where every month you listen to the same music, practice the same moves, and basically learn a routine through repetitive motion. And after a month, the music and choreography are then swapped out for something new.
Our first visit was on a Tuesday, where in addition to class, attendees were given a coupon for a free taco next door at one of the Tacofino locations, for Taco Tuesdays. That was reason enough to take the trial. Class time is 5:15pm sharp and you are asked to be on time, or can and will get locked out, as to not disturb the others in the shared studio space.
When you enter you are welcomed by staff. If you are a newcomer or celebrating an occasion, they post welcome notes and greetings on a locker for you. A very thoughtful gesture written in pink or green highlighter. You lock up your valuables, including your phone as there is no photo taking or recording during class sessions.
You hang your coat on a rail and place your outdoor shoes on a rack. The space is safe as a staff member is stationed outside of the closed dance space to tend to any walk-ins or patrons arriving late or extra early for the class after.
Should you need it, changing rooms, washrooms with toilets, and showers are available for use before or after your dance class. The shower is one of the nicest I have seen at any fitness centre. It is tiled in black and white with hotel quality products for use. This includes shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face cloths, a hair dryer, and even scented body spray.
But the highlight has to be their water tap. Choose between still or sparkling water for during and after your session. I have never heard of or seen anywhere else offering the latter as an option. How sophisticated.
When changed and ready (regular gym gear applied) you filter into the mirrored, dimly lit studio with everyone else. It is first come first serve for dancing room. Everyone faces the front where your instructors is miked up and ready to walk you through each routine, enthusiastically.
What I appreciate about the experience was how safe the space felt. I didn’t know what I was doing half the time, but did it with gusto anyways, and felt that that was absolutely okay. When the instructor went right, I pivoted left. When the class shimmied left, I rocked right. It was a constant catch up and more of a mental workout than a physical one.
At least in trying to keep up I was working on my cardio and improving my hand eye coordination. And once again, this was extra challenging for someone whose strong suit is not to learn by simply watching.
The movements aren’t strenuous, although I did find myself sweating. Crossovers, shuffles, side steps, knee ups, sashay spins, and a slew of hand options to match. The session was more like play with my ability to mingle with the friends who came with me. And with parts of the choreography living up to the “Freedom” title by having you let the music simply move you.
We enjoyed ourselves so much that we couldn’t pass up on the discount price for more passes, given to first timers. We ended up immediately signing up for a pack of 10 classes that we would share between 3 girls. So, after today’s intro we would have 3 more classes each to learn and retain some dance moves. We would joke this was all part of our clubbing plan, where we would learn moves to take with us to the dance floor, for real life applications.
In the future we plan to attend different classes at different times to be able to get the entire Formation experience. For example, the Friday night Freedom classes promises to be more spicy with more intricate and faster paced moves. It certainly felt that way as we struggled more to keep up, during our next class, which also coincided with a new month and new routine. And for those looking for more of a workout, they also have a dance class that incorporates weights into the choreography. You choose your dumbbells between 1-5lbs per hand and clutching it tight, do as you normally would for any other of their classes.
In closing. If you are looking for a fitness class that is less strenuous and more focused on movement and flexibility, coupled with fun: here it is. Check out Formation for a dance class that will give you new moves to show off and serves as a great thing to do for a friendship date, like what we are doing.
Formation Studio
16 E 5th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 1G8, Canada
+1 604-873-5933
theformationstudio.com
