Barre-ing it all

When I was a wee one, I took a year or two of ballet. I wasn't very good, but I do remember enjoying it. As time went on, I always loved to dance. I took a dance class in high school and spent much of my early 20s busting a move at Club Landing and the Backer with my roommate, Krissi, a phenomenal dancer. Jazzercise, while not necessarily a dance work out, has provided me the outlet for moving that I've needed these past eight years. 

But lately, I've been wanting to try something new. I love Jazzercise, and I love running, but I needed something that would challenge me in a different way. I've heard about Barre classes, and even tried to look for some in the area, but to no avail. So, when my friend Andrea told me about a class she'd found (score!) with a woman who has a studio in her neighborhood (double score!), I was ecstatic. Andrea was able to go a few weeks ago, and she and I got to go together last night. 

The studio was beautiful, and the owner, Tammy has passion for teaching pouring out of her. She told Andrea and I before class that she wasn't feeling all that well, so she may not push herself too hard in class. If that's the case, I'd HATE to see what she teaches like on a day she's feeling great. 

Holy awesome workout, Batman! Barre was everything I was hoping it would be and more. It was tough. Like, REALLY tough. But it allowed me to challenge my body by pushing it to fatigue which is something I rarely get to do in my other workouts. I felt stronger and better walking out of there. I felt tough and happy. More than that, though, I left with a renewed sense of positive energy surrounding me, and that is something that rarely happens at this point in the school year (when the days are short and the grading piles are high and stress level is even higher and spring break is faaaaaaaaaaar away). I think it's safe to say I'm hooked on Barre. Is there such a thing as a Barre high?

Today, despite starting the morning with an eye full of hairspray (NOT my finest moment), I had a great day at work, connected with my students over Gatsby, and taught a great Jazzercise class tonight. Minus the hairspray, pretty great day! 

On that note, I have 26 more research papers to grade. And about 12 more minutes before I want to sack out. Happy almost weekend, all!