Dance Trance DC: A Review of the City's Newest Fitness Craze | Fun Stuff

I experienced my first Dance Trance last Thursday in the heart of Washington, DC. Dance Trance is an upbeat workout with simple, yet fun moves that are paired with top 40 hits, making it feel less like a workout and more like a party.

Our class was led by former DC lobbyist, Sarah Sands, who shed her life as an attorney on Capitol Hill for sexy athletic gear and rhythmic beats. While during the day many of us DC women don suits and heels and focus solely on the endless tasks ahead, Dance Trance offers a fun and energetic way to break it down on the dance floor with your friends. I was joined by two of my close friends and at times we laughed at how rigid our bodies were after a day at the office. We also acknowledged how great it felt to let loose in a healthy way, free from ogles.

The laid-back Balance studio is also home for cross-fit enthusiasts. When I drooled my way passed the cross fit area and made my way to the private Dance Trance studio, our instructor ensured us that every Friday they have a roof-top happy hour with the cross fit guys (post workout of course). Hello untapped treasure!

Best of all, the instructor led choreography works all major muscle groups and is perfect for women of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Each week new songs and routines are introduced into the mix to keep the momentum going. Wondering how worthwhile these work outs really are? According to our instructor we burned roughly 1,200 calories in our one-hour session.

A couple of tips for newbies: your clothing should allow you to move freely (think yoga or dance clothes) and your shoes should be supportive in the ball and the heel (make sure they are broken in).

Currently, you must be a member of Balance Gym for weekday access to the classes; however, you can attend weekend classes without a membership. You'll enjoy a free weekend trial class. Afterwards, weekend classes are $20 each ($180 for a ten-pack) or $10 each for members of Balance Gym. The gym itself is a $59 monthly membership. There are also "intro" classes that break down the dance steps each weekend for those who want a bit more one-on-on instruction! (Another perk: Balance was voted best gym in DC in 2011.) 

My only critical feedback is that I would like to attend the classes during the weekday without committing myself to a gym membership. The classes are so enjoyable, that I think Sarah is going to run into that comment a lot!