Feeling the burn

I know, she LOOKS innocent, right?

My legs are on fire.

I hobbled out of bed this morning and dragged myself into a semi-cold shower while my thigh and calf muscles begged for just a few hours more sleep. There's a blister the size of a dime on my right big toe, and a matching sore on my left heel.

I feel fantastic!

Just two days ago I was gushing about the Spin class Karen and I gasped through, challenging my other work-out buddies to find a more satisfying burn.


Nothing makes me feel more energized than Spin, I gloated.

I lied.

I'd forgotten about dance.

J'Adore Dance is hosting a week of free classes before the winter season officially opens, and so last night my friends Sue, Donna and Rhonda joined me for Salsa Burn - Meaghan style.

I'd be lying if I didn't admit to being nervous. I've known Meaghan a long time, but my fondest memories have nothing to do with dance. At Chapters, Meghan and Jessica formed an impressive duo in the children's books department, taking change of kid's events that drew hundreds of eager young readers. Our store had the best damned children's section in the whole franchise, mostly due to their dedication and enthusiasm.

That's not what scared me.

Meaghan's fitness journey is impressive. She owned her own dance studio in a small town, cheoreographed the Crush professional lacrosse cheerleading team, is certified as a personal trainer, and has accomplished a mesmerizing amount of fitness challenges - marathons, triathalons, and more!

Having been out of the dance circuit for a few months - gulp - the thought of shaking my ample booty with the awesomeness that is Meaghan made me sweat. And that was before I set foot on the dance floor.

But Meaghan, even with her years of experience and evil grin - isn't that intimidating. In fact, something about the way she worked through the moves clicked for me. Maybe it was because last night was an introduction class, but the break-down felt controlled, the pacing less chaotic. My two left feet didn't feel so awkward, and even when Jessica stepped in to introduce the fast Salsa and the Cha-Cha, I felt almost...ready.

Almost.

As always when I dance with Sue, I anticipated a few murderous glares, some verbal threats, and the occasional smart-ass remark. My fear was somewhat tempered by Donna's infectious enthusiasm and Rhonda's heartfelt style - not to mention that while Sue grumbled at me, Rhonda was grumbling at her. (And both are registering for classes this season...)

I'd forgotten how much I love to laugh with my dance friends, but also how every Salsa class reminds me of Dirty Dancing. How lucky was Jennifer Grey to meringue with Patrick Swayze?

Before that pretty head of yours gets too big, Megs, you should know that while I love you (a little) I still don't like you this morning. The end-of-class-toning torture was brutal (b.r.u.t.a.l) and I'm dreading the pain Liesa and Jessica will inflict on me tonight. However, I will concede, you're a pretty damn good torture artist instructor.

Want to check out the J'Adore experience? Free classes run the rest of this week. Schedule here.

The Book In My Bag Today: Living Dead in Dallas, Charlaine Harris