Fitness factor: Burlesque lesson

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How hard was it? Physically, not too bad. Emotionally, it's more demanding. Initially I was afraid of what I might be letting myself in for but after introducing myself to the 12 other women and warming up with some stretches (including by far the most erotic, cleavage-enhancing shoulder rolls I've ever done), my anxieties were banished.

We went straight into the dominatrix walk. Wearing heels you walk briskly, angrily even, towards a fixed point, pouting at the person in your line of fire. This was followed by a quick run-through of the showgirl walk where, instead of walking with one foot in front of the other, you cross one leg over and slightly shake the other. This is a real heartbeat-raiser and far harder on the quadriceps than you might imagine.

Kate suggested we each add another dance move and turn it all into a routine. She demonstrated our options — a purring sound accompanied by a catlike clawing action, a Betty Boop-style giggle covering our cheeks with our hands, or a more forceful point towards our shoes using a feathery fan. Having chosen our steps, we performed in pairs, waving fans about haphazardly and shaking booties as we went.

Calories burned? Around 300 in 75 minutes (part of the lesson is spent watching demonstrations).

Ready for more? This is good for shaking off inhibitions. Later I felt I commanded a certain authority on the street, if only by holding eye contact with various unsuspecting businessmen on their way home.

Try it out: £20/two hours (classes at myhotel Bloomsbury, WC1, 020 7274 4865, www.polestars.net)