Burlexercise, is the creation of Katie Hardwicke and business partner Sarah Lou Buckle, and takes its name from its showgirl inspired format, claiming to reach parts other classes don’t.
“Lots of classes out there don’t necessarily push you” says Katie, “with Burlexercise you can burn over 600 calories a session. And it’s fun.. we have taken exercise, made it sassy and it works. ”
The accessories are not your usual stretchy rubber fitness bands. Instead the girls use boas, yes boas.
“Our boas are weighted .. set at 2kg each. We designed them ourselves, they are made from washable tutu material – feathers would get manky! ”
We choreograph everything to a wide variety of music genres … from Etta James and other vintage to Electro Swing, divas – a bit if Britney and musical theatre tunes – we love Moulin Rouge! We start the class with a dance aoerobic cardio workout incorporating showgirl dance moves. The second half is a resistance workout for the whole body which is really important for bone strength and density. A lot of women tend to focus on the Cardio side. To finish off, our cool down stretches all the muscles worked.”
Katie, a Chorleywood girl, went to Stag Lane Primary followed by St Clement Danes School and began dancing at Carol Kristian Theatre School . She went on to study a BA Hons in Theatre Dance at London Studio Centre and has since performed in music videos, TV ads, musical theatre and been a professional commercial model for 4 years. She specialises in fitness testing, nutrition and sports nutrition and as well as having private PT clients, has taught dance classes for children and adults for over 10 years. But performing burlesque is her greatest love and she currently performs regularly as ‘Ella Boo’, with London’s leading burlesque troupe The Folly Mixtures which has grown to 14 girls and performs in all top London Cabaret Clubs; Café de Paris, Privee of Knightsbridge and the Hippodrome Casino.
The Folly Mixtures have grown to 14 girls and we’re performing in all top London Cabaret Clubs
“I was part of ‘The All New Hurly Burly Show’ troupe in London’s West End which was directed by Kylie Minogue’s director and stylist William Baker and am now in The Folly Mixtures and we perform all over the country. I love burlesque because it is more liberating and creative than any other performance.
We get fit by allowing ourselves to have a hip wiggle and a giggle! Anyone over sixteen can join our classes although most are between 20 and 65yrs. We offer options – you can work at your own pace like marching on the spot instead of skipping.”
Burlexercise Classes every Monday 8pm – 9pm at Chorleywood Primary School, WD3 5HR £10 a class, 6wks paid up front, £48, allowing 2 weeks off in 6 classes to roll over
info@burlexercise.co.uk M: 07832387496