If we were to tell you that you’d just done a shot in a darkened room surrounded by neon-clad strangers, you’d assume you were in a nightclub, not at a dance studio at 6pm. But this is Clubbercise – a new dance fitness class that’s come to Australia from the UK, and now hosts sessions for over 100,000 people worldwide every week.
Up the stairs at Dancekool Studios, in the CBD, we’re greeted with foreboding ‘caution’ tape across the door. We’re told to suit up with flashing LED glow sticks and neon body paint, then wait in a darkened room. That’s when we’re given a shot – of orange juice, this is a fitness class after all – as instructor Mari Suzuki gets everyone pumped up and ready to dance.
The class costs $15, including your juice ‘shot’, which seems reasonable when compared to other dance classes in the CBD. It costs $1 to rent a glow stick, or $9 to buy one. It might sound silly but you’re going to want them for an added arm workout. These are proper sticks with different lighting settings and they really add to the vibe of the class.
If you’ve had any experience in dance it’ll be easier for you to pick up the combinations of aerobics, stretches and freestyle dance, but experience is not necessary in order to have fun and burn some calories. We’re told you burn 600 calories per 60-minute class. The whole session is done completely in the dark, which helps if you’re feeling self conscious. We were surrounded by people of all different fitness levels.
The music was a mix of ’90s club tunes and more recent hits – think 'Rhythm of the Night' by Corona alongside anything by Calvin Harris – it was a great selection which kept everyone motivated throughout the class. Even for those who just love a workout, the energy is infectious and you’re able to push yourself to your limits and work up a sweat.
After the high-energy dancing, we all got in a circle for a warm-down session to a more subdued beat. It felt great to stretch out and see so many happy faces, which is what this class is all about – providing a more funway to work out and with friends after a long day at the office.