Congrats on enrolling in your first Banana Skirt class! Now that you’re pre-registered, you might be a bit nervous and have some questions before you jump into class. No need to be intimidated — classes at Banana Skirt are all about having fun and exercising in an empowering and friendly space. Here are some answers to your burning questions so you can feel confident and prepared walking into your first hip hop dance class.
What Should I Wear to Dance Class?
Since many of us work before class starts, making sure you have the right clothes for dance class can involve preparation. Pack your workout bag the night before class to make sure you don’t forget the essentials! While some exercise classes require very specific wardrobes, our dance classes offer more flexibility; whether you feel more comfortable showing up in an oversized t-shirt or your sexiest sports bra, wear anything that makes you feel ready to own it on the dance floor. Fair warning – our high-intensity classes will definitely make you break a sweat.
Most importantly, wear something stretchy or loose that allows you to move freely and offers a full range of motion; we suggest reaching for your softest leggings, not your tightest ones. Pair them with clean sneakers and you’re ready to go! Wearing supportive shoes will help you stay balanced while dancing — plus, they offer better traction on our floors than socks, so you are less likely to slip.
If possible, we recommend changing into your workout clothes before arriving to the studio. While we do have changing rooms available, our large class sizes make changing space limited in the 15 minutes before class starts.
What Should I Eat Before Dance Class?
After a long day at work — not to mention the mid-afternoon slump — it’s important to eat a small meal to prepare you for dance class. Eating before you exercise is a great way to boost your metabolism and ensure that you have enough calories to keep your energy high. We recommend eating a nutritious lunch, focusing on complex carbohydrates like whole wheat pasta, as well as fruit, vegetables, and protein like meat or beans. A larger meal at lunch means you won’t be racing the clock to eat more on your way to class.
Eating large meals or snack food before class can lead to cramping and discomfort, so choose a small snack instead. Bring along a bag of nuts, an apple, or an energy bar to get that pick-me-up before you jump into class.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water before and during class. We highly advise that you bring a water bottle with you; however, if you forget, we offer water bottles for sale at the front desk.
What Will Class Be Like?
Banana Skirt classes are all about letting loose and having fun! Check in at least 15 minutes early to take some time to stretch and chat with your classmates. Each class has anywhere from 20 to 40 students, with dancers of all experience levels (and always plenty of beginners). You’re all there for the same reasons — to learn some awesome new moves, to break a sweat, and to shake it! Our high energy, low pressure classes are the perfect place to experiment, improvise, express yourself, and move.
No previous dance experience is required to take a class at Banana Skirt; even if it’s your first time dancing, this is the right place for you. Our judgement-free classes are filled with people of all sizes, shapes, experience levels, and ages. Some classes or teachers may be fast-paced or high-intensity, but in any class, we always suggest that you listen to your body. If a move is too challenging, feel free to adapt or simplify it; respect your own experience level and trust your gut to reduce the risk of injury. Keep your water bottle nearby and feel free to take a sip whenever you need a short break.
If you’re feeling embarrassed or nervous about dancing in front of other people, try a Ratchet Fitness or Lit Popstar Fitness class. These classes are all about improvisation and following along with your teacher, so there’s no need to learn or remember choreography. Plus, our head banging sound system and colorful lights will make you think it’s Friday night at the club! This low key atmosphere allows less experienced dancers to jump right in and release their inner party girl (or boy!).
Trying out a new workout can be intimidating, so congratulate yourself on joining your first Banana Skirt hip hop dance class! Now that you know what to expect in one of our classes, keep in mind that the main objective is always to have fun. This is an empowering place where we encourage you to express yourself fully. We’re certain that this class will be your first of many to come, and we can’t wait to dance with you!
About Banana Skirt Productions
Channel your inner PopStar and dance yourself into sizzling shape at Banana Skirt Productions, the studio Shape Magazine deems “perfect for anyone who feels like cardio can be torture…an instant mood booster and a serious workout.”
Selected as one of the “Biggest Fitness Trends of 2017” by Elle UK, Banana Skirt offers a one-of-a-kind dance cardio experience led by a team of ultra-energetic, fun, and friendly professional dance instructors. Banana Skirt offers 4 distinct classes to give you flat abs, lean legs, a toned seat, and soaring energy:
Starpop Fitness breaks down the exact moves from your favorite music videos or concert performances while whittling your body and boosting your confidence.
Cise (Beyoncercise, Britneycise…) and Bandz A Make Her Dance are calorie-torching HIIT classes that combine heart-pumping signature moves with calisthenic toners.
Ratchet Fitness is a watch & follow class that feels like your best night out, under club lights and a stress-busting playlist.
Banana Skirt hosts fun and lively fitness classes that increase your stamina and endurance. This constant motion helps build endurance and increases your aerobic capacity while you have fun learning the choreography and burning calories.
No previous dance experience required — just an open mind, a desire to have lots of fun, and the passion to move your body like a popstar!
