The Can-Can dates back to around 1830, originating as a social dance first performed in the Parisian music halls. The traditional petticoat lifting and showing a bit of leg was always guaranteed to get spectators’ heartbeats racing but believe me it’s nothing to what it does to the performer.

The experience left me feeling completely defeated. Not because the steps were too hard to pick up, but because the 16 continuous high kicks, were too hard to keep repeating. The Can-Can is no laughing matter and after the first 20 minutes I was too out of breath to crack a smile.

However; if unlike me you have some dance experience or can cut a dash in an aerobics class then Can-Can dancing is a great alternative workout. It may be hard but there’s no denying that it’s fun. The class provides a thorough lower body workout, as well as improving your rhythm and coordination, while burning off around 300 calories in the process.

Polestars run a two hour taster session for £20 (for the curious) and offers a four week course for around £100 (for the committed). I opted for 2 hours in which we learned a variety of different Moulin Rouge inspired dance moves and routines.

The main moves are; the High kicks, (Battement), the Rond de Jambe (Quick rotary movement of lower leg with knee raised and skirt held up), the Step Ball Change, The Jazz Splits and the Gallop. It’s all done in 2/4 timing and you’ve got to be quick or you fall behind.

I discovered that I can’t do the Can-Can without breaking a sweat but all the skirt lifting and knicker flashing does make it rather exhilarating. Whether sweating profusely while flashing your knickers is a good I’ll leave up to you to decide.

Polestars
Classes at Trafik - 331 Old St, London, EC1 9LE
http://www.polestars.net