WITH the new year traditionally being a time we all think about getting in shape and toning up, thoughts turn to exercise.

But if aerobics, spinning and all the other high energy classes don’t appeal, there is an alternative style of working out which has been taking off in a big way over the past few years.

Burlesque combines dance with exercise in a bid to boost self-confidence for those taking part - and involves a bit of cheeky dressing up along the way.

And one group, set up in Essex five years ago, is re-launching this year with existing classes in Colchester being joined by new ones in Chelmsford.

The Burlesque Jems was founded by Harlow businesswoman Jem Ayres in 2011 and has gone from strength to strength since.

Throughout the year they put on five charity cabaret events and appear at a number of vintage fairs and arts festivals as well as hosting the only Burlesque residential weekend in the UK, which takes place in Cambridge.

Jem has now stepped down from the company but Lizzie Cheeld and Gennie Powell are taking over the running of the group and throwing open the doors for potential dancer to come along and have a go with a mind to signing up for a course.

Lizzie, from Colchester, explains she was one of the first tutors for the group and has been teaching with them for the past three years.

She and Gennie have stage names for the purposes of the class, Lizzie is Lizzie Lovelace and Gennie goes by the name of Bitsy Sunshine.

A retired professional dancer, Gennie has run masterclasses and co-hosted the residentials for Jems for four years and explains the plan to expand the business bringing “glitter and glamour to the lives of as many women as possible.”

Importantly, the classes are aimed at ladies of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes and mixed ability meaning experience is not necessary.

“Bring your mums, daughter and girlfriends along to share a friendly and relaxed introduction to this fabulous dance form,” says Gennie.

The group is putting on taster events so ladies can give Burlesque a go.

There will be on at Diamante Dance Studio, Beehive Business Centre in Beehive Lane, Chelmsford, on January 9 from 7.30pm to 8.30pm and at Theatricool Performing Arts at Bellvue Road in Colchester on January 11 from 8pm to 9pm.

Classes, costing £75 for an eight-week course, begin the following week but Lizzie and Gennie suggest booking in advance as places are limited.

Amanda Glasper has been attending Burlesque Jems classes for eight months and says it is a fun hour she gets to herself every week.

She says: “Burlesque has made me feel better about myself and my body.

“I just love having an hour a week when I can stop being a mum, and take time to discover me.

“And I love dressing up for it also, it’s just so much fun.”

Lizzie Cheeld says she herself does not fit the waif-like dancer stereotype but explains this is part of the appeal of the class.

She adds: “Every woman should have the opportunity to feel fabulous and positive about her own her body, and most importantly have that all important hour to herself a week.”

  • Email the group at info@burlesquejems.co.uk to book a place or contact Lizzie on: 07903 188404 or info@burlesquejems.co.uk