INSPO Fitness Journal May 2017

and Whangarei.
Specialising in aerial and pole workouts,
Joanna thrives on introducing dance to people
of all ages, particularly adults who have
always wanted to dance but never been brave
enough or known where to start.
“There are a lot of common concerns or
reservations people have about giving dance
a go. I’ve heard everything from: ‘I can’t lift
myself, I’ll fall off, I’m too big, I won’t be able
to do it….
“It’s different from going
to a gym and doing the
same old workout. Pole
and aerial works your
entire body while getting
the same results - you’re
lifting your entire body
weight.”
THE ART
OF DANCE
The art of dance has rapidly crossed over into the world of
fitness – with an increasing number of people of all ages
looking to put a fun aspect into their choice of fitness activity.
INSPO Fitness Journal finds out more...
BY LISA POTTER
Not long after she started walking,
Joanna Burch discovered dance. Three
decades later and she is still dancing
her way through life.
The vivacious dance studio owner took up
ballet at the age of three, and has also studied
jazz ballet, ballroom and tap dancing. These
days she is bringing the world of dance to
all ages and abilities as a means of fitness
and strength training; with branches of her
business The Studio in Hamilton, Tauranga
“Everyone starts somewhere. If you have
a positive, willing attitude you can achieve
anything. Anyone can do pole and aerial no
matter their age, size, fitness level, weight or
ability and no skills are required to start.”
Joanna personally loves the fun of dance,
and the fact she is exercising while enjoying
it so much. And seeing other people reach
the same levels of enjoyment ensures the
passion for her business continues to grow.
She lists the physical benefits as ‘toning,
strengthening, weight loss, increased
confidence, increased flexibility and happy
endorphins that come with doing awesome
fun fitness’.
“It’s different from going to a gym and
doing the same old workout. Pole and aerial
works your entire body while getting the
same results - you’re lifting your entire body
weight.
“And there’s a huge sense of achievement
when you master something you never
thought your body or mind was capable of.”
Described as a form of performing art,
pole dancing combines dance and acrobatics
and is fast gaining popularity as a form of fitness,
practised by many enthusiasts in gyms
and in dedicated dance studios.
“The feedback we receive is so rewarding,”
she says. “Other than the physical changes,
our students share how dance has helped increase
their self-esteem, become more confident
in their body and also their mind, be
less stressed and happier, make new friends
and feel a strong sense of community.
“That’s pretty remarkable considering
they are all doing something fun which is
good for their bodies and minds.”
Joanna is delighted to see more people,
8 INSPO – FITNESS JOURNAL MAY 2017