Dance yourself into shape for the summer

After Alesha Dixon's recent defection to join Simon Cowell on ITV's Britain's Got Talent, fans were left wondering who could possibly fill her shoes on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. Alesha brought sensitivity, contemporary dance knowledge and a hefty dollop of glamour to the judging panel, so she was certainly going to be a difficult act to follow. With this in mind, it is with great joy that legendary dancer Darcey Bussell has reportedly agreed to be her replacement. She had previously appeared as a guest judge on the show back in 2009. Darcey can definitely compete with Alesha in the glamour stakes and, frankly, is there anyone better qualified to talk about dancing? Darcey is also no stranger to TV, with countless episodes of her Royal Ballet performances being shown on screen over the years. She also famously starred in an episode of The Vicar of Dibley in 1998. 

Source: maryhelenbowers

Of course, you'd expect Darcey - even at 42 - to be in fantastic shape. A lifetime of ballet will do that to you. And the secret's out! Many other women are finding out how good ballet can be for your fitness - even at a later stage in life. Ballet develops flexibility, agility and muscle strength, and is a brilliant way to a lean, toned physique. Darcey stands as living proof.


The other major benefit to ballet as a form of exercise is that you don't need lots of costly equipment. You don't even need to take out an expensive gym membership. Simply find the right class for your ability level. Plus, unlike the gym - and because you're learning a new skill - you'll really enjoy it. There'll be no forcing yourself out of bed to go for an early morning gym session. Instead, you'll be springing up and pirouetting your way to class, full of motivation and enthusiasm. 


If you need more information on how to use ballet to help lose weight and re-contour your body to look as graceful and elegant as that of a ballerina's body then try reading Ballet Beautiful Method, a book by Mary Helen Bowers. Mary Helen Bowers is a former professional ballerina in New York City who helped transform Natalie Portman's body for the movie Black Swan. 

Source: self.com

The only equipment you need to take up ballet is the right supportive clothing. That means a pair of ballet shoes, some supportive underwear from a brand like Elomi Smoothing Seamfree Bra, and some flexible clothes like a Pineapple Roll Sleeve Jersey Tunic paired with Pineapple Cropped Jersey Workout Pants or isme Coast Silk and Chiffon Maxi Dress. Once you've got those, you're ready to go. 

From top clockwise: isme coast silk and chiffon maxi dress, elomi smoothing seamfree bra, Pineapple cropped jersey workout pants ,Pineapple roll sleeve jersey tunic


We can't promise that you'll end up looking like Darcey, but you'll definitely start to notice the difference sooner rather than later. And when you're watching the next series of Strictly, you'll be able to sit there smugly and say to yourself "I can do that."

Please note: This is a sponsored post with content provided by isme.com. The post has been altered slightly to go with Heel in Mint's look, feel and overall message. 


Credits:
Fitsugar

Self.com


xx
Heel in Mint