Charlie Fit
After failing to find a dance class that fitted in with her schedule as a busy mum and wedding singer, Charlie Ball decided to train as a dance instructor to create the perfect class for herself!
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I have a long background in dance and performance. When I was 11, I had a major hip operation which left me unable to do any physical exercise for 2 years while I recovered. Finally, I was given the go ahead to do something physical and one of the suggested exercises was dancing.
I danced at a local dance club through my teenage years, then took a degree in Dance and Drama at University, where I got to perform lots of physical theatre and learn new dance techniques. It was completely different to what I was used to, but so valuable in broadening my dance style. This led me to become a show performer at holiday parks where I met my husband, Will. Will and I formed a showband and got to travel the world performing, dancing and singing on cruise ships (Will didn’t dance I have to add – he was the band’s drummer!). After having my second baby, I really wanted to find a dance class to improve my fitness, but could not find one that fitted my schedule. So, I created my own! I trained up with an American company called Red Hot Dance Fitness, and learnt everything I needed to know. From choreographing routines, teaching, how to cue moves and how to run a business. I originally intended to teach the class once a week to some mum friends, however I quickly discovered that quite a lot of other ladies wanted to join in, too! There are so many people out there who want to exercise and get fit, but dislike traditional methods like going to the gym. When you dance – you have so much fun you don’t realise you are working out! I absolutely love my ‘job’ – although it doesn’t feel like one. It is such a privilege to be able to teach the Charlie Fit ladies, be a part of their fitness journey, watch them build friendships and grow in confidence. I genuinely come away from every class with a huge smile on my face. I am not a typical fitness instructor, I like to show my human side and I get just as tired as everyone else in class. I welcome anyone who wants to work at their own level and those who think they have ‘two left feet’. Everyone is very welcome! I try to make new dancers feel at ease by buddying them up with someone, and introducing them to the class. I also send out lots of information about how to find us, what to wear and useful information about the class. One of the most common worries is that everyone will look at you because you don’t know the routines – spoiler alert – everyone feels like that so you won’t be alone. I currently teach three classes a week. Monday evening is Dance Fitness, which is open to all levels, dancing to lots of different music genres and dance styles. Tuesday Evening is Charlie Fit Broadway where we dance to songs from the musicals. Every month, we learn a new routine learning it bit by bit each week. The most recent addition to the programme is Charlie Fit Easy Steps, which I created for ladies that want a dance fitness class at an easier pace. This takes place on Monday mornings and is perfectly timed to finish with a morning cuppa. We often nip to a café afterwards, for a catch up and create new friendships. I have lots of ideas for new classes, including a beginners tap class, so watch this space! For more information on classes and how to join, head to charliefit.co.uk or email [email protected] |
Issue 18
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