Features

 1. Bachata: Bachata is a Latin dance, which originated in the Dominican Republic. According to Greg Szymborski, the artistic manager of Dance Studios, it is a moderate-paced dance that requires a partner. It follows a four-step beat, with the man taking the lead. The dance is unique because it involves a “pop” movement of the hip followed by footwork on every fourth count. It can be danced in open or closed position.

I braved the cold and the dreaded OC Transpo to get all the way downtown for my first-ever belly dancing lesson.

Without any dance experience at all (well, unless you count that six-class hip-hop program at the community centre in the sixth grade), I walked into Dance Studios, nervous as heck.

It was then that I realized I had been directed to the intermediate class.

I was faced with the decision of staying and potentially looking like a total fool, or waiting for the beginner class.

 Burlesque is a form of tongue-in-cheek theatre that involves a keen sense of irony and a whole lot of sex appeal. According to Toronto starlet Coco Framboise, burlesque is – pardon the pun – cheeky. Framboise says the hallmarks of burlesque are a focus on character and costume, use of body humour, song, dance, sketchy comedy, physical comedy and striptease. The Charlatan’s Elise A. Milbradt spoke with the burlesque dancer about the sexy art form and it’s appeal. Below is an abridged version of their chat.