What 100 Dance Classes Taught Me About Joy, Sweat & Showing Up 💃🏻

Moving my body to music is one of my greatest joys

I recently danced my 100th class at 305 Fitness - a magical, wonderful dance and fitness studio that has changed my life.

A couple years ago I made a New Year's resolution to get back into dance and movement. I didn’t know what exactly I was going to do, I just knew I needed to move my body and feel music. A friend of a friend recommended 305 and the rest was history.

I absolutely fell in love with this studio - the instructors, the music, the choreography, and the community. Think: pop, hip-hop and Latin all mixed together into a nonstop cardio class focused on either arms, glutes or core. It is FAST paced and filled with a ton of energy. The choreography is some of the most upbeat, energetic, FUN cardio you’ll ever experience.

I still remember the first class I went to. It was an absolutely frigid January day and I arrived at the studio bundled up and windblown, only to then have to strip down to my leggings and sports bra. I stood in the second to last row because I felt a little self conscious about keeping up with the pace. I remember feeling out of breath (it moves FAST!) by the end, but totally energized at the same time. There is a DJ in the studio who is playing the music live, so that it really feels like you’re in a club or performing in a music video. I also really loved my first instructor, Kyra (whom I kept taking classes from for the next couple years!) I knew if I kept it up I’d get better and stronger, and I was so excited to come back.

As the months and years passed, I felt both my strength and confidence building. There’s something so special and empowering about seeing yourself dancing (well!) in the mirror - sweaty and strong. I’ve not only gained muscle, but a real appreciation for my body and what it can do.

What I love most is how freeing the movements feel - no one cares what you look like, what you’re wearing, or who you are. In fact, no one is even looking at you. Everyone is only paying attention to their own movements and the music. I feel like there are so few times in life where you can feel truly free, especially in a room full of other people, so you have to cherish those times.

I’m proud of myself for sticking to this routine and for prioritizing what makes me feel happiest and most like myself. Even when it’s been a long day and I have no desire to get up from my desk, get off the couch or get out of bed, I’ve learned to push through that feeling. And I’ve never once regretted it. I’ve never, ever returned from a 305 class wishing I hadn’t gone. I can’t say the same about too many other things in life - work, parties, dates, events - some can leave you feeling drained. For me, dancing has never left me feeling drained, only more alive. That’s a real rarity and I feel so happy to have found it.

Now, I stand in the front row in nearly every class. I see myself dancing in the mirror and think, “I’m a pretty good dancer! I can really do this!” It feels incredible to see myself in that light.

Dancing my 100th 305 class was a personal milestone I’ll always treasure because it represents so much more to me than just dance - it represents confidence, self discipline, and prioritizing myself, my health and my own happiness.

There's really nothing quite like dance. I strongly believe that the act of moving your body to music is one of life's greatest joys.