We chose a Burlesque workshop with Pink Kitten Dance School. Our poor instructor was faced with a…read morenumber of extremely hungover / still half drunk hens who put us through our paces. First of all we were taught how to walk alluringly across the floor! Easy eh? We stumbled ungraciously and self-consciously across the floor in our high heels! However by the end of the class we were all able to do a routine. Dita Von Teese isn't going to be hanging up her boa anytime soon but it was a fun activity which really bonded the hen group and taught us some saucy tricks to use at home! The workshop took place in the club part of Java on a lovely light up dancefloor which gave that additional glam factor! We borrowed feather boas but bring your own cardigan (buttons rather than velcro, this isn't The Full Monty) to help you practice your reveal! No nipple tassle twirling required, you can wear a little top under your cardi. I wore shorts, a top, cardigan and high heels. It may be gentle exercise but were definitely sweating our toxins out towards the end of the workshop.

I heart Pink Kitten! I recently moved to Bristol from America and was mourning the loss of my…read moreburlesque and pole teacher there. As a shy retiring type and still very new to any sort of dance, I was hesitant to dive in with strange teachers in an unfamiliar place. But the PK students and teachers are some of the loveliest and most encouraging people I've met here. After trying several of the schools in Bristol, PK is my favorite! Great burlesque and pole, along with amazing circus classes...my newfound workout passion. Also, the student showcases mean opportunities for as much or as little individual creative expression as you want. My self-confidence has soared, and I've transformed from "scared to wear a swimsuit" to feeling so sexy and super-strong these days. And as a non-dancer I can safely say, absolutely anyone can and should try this! Take on a taster session and believe me, you will love it.

A friend of mine is quite the Keep Fit fanatic. She works hard, and so she needs the adrenalin high…read moreof exercise to de-stress. As well as the gym and running marathons, she has found a more playful way to let off steam, and has had a shiny silver pole put up in her living room. Whenever friends and colleagues go round - for dinner, for drinks, for a meeting - somehow, it always ends up with us dancing around the pole, and the next day we can play spot the UFOs or bruises. I get plenty. Still if done properly (i.e. not after several cocktails) it can get you super fit. Pole Twisters know this which is why they have friendly professional dance instructors available to offer home, gym or club classes. The dance school specialises in many different forms of dance including: * Pole Dancing * Burlesque * Exotic/Lap Dance * Can Can * Belly Dancing * Salsa

Have been attending classes with Pole Twisters for almost 2 years now and they are really helpful…read more I've only once had to share a pole at thier cardiff studios but it was only with one person. When I was learning with ther companies I often found I was sharing a pole with 5 or more other people. You get a great course structure whichmakes it easy to refer back to moves for practice. Even in a group class environment you get all the help you need. The courses are very reasonably priced also. I have always found that my needs have been met even if I try to book the studio just a few hours before I want it hired out. Very helpful and friendly, I've referred many friends already and would continue to do so.

The leading centre for contemporary circus and physical theatre in Europe, right here in our city…read more In the restored church swings a permanent flying trapeze rig and a sprung dance floor. Very weird setting with stained glass windows and font still in situ! Still, its pretty incredible. As an organisation they run exciting (and never before seen) training courses in performance and circus from a two year diploma, teacher training, evening courses to workshops and team-building exercises. Some of the skills covered include clowning, corde lisse, acrobatics, juggling and unicycling. As a venue, Circomedia also hosts theatre and circus performances and train up exceptional performers who have gone on to Cirque du Soleil and local 'Invisible circus' fame. And if you think all that's not enough, they've just started pilates classes that I might try too. Roll up, roll up!

A somewhat hidden gem (so hidden that it's pretending to be, well OK, once was, a church) in…read morecentral Bristol, St Pauls to be precise, Circomedia is a performing arts centre with a difference. Running classes aimed at all abilities and ages, you can walk away from the centre with a recognised qualification or just dabble in a bit of what you fancy. The less flexible among us should look out for their regular shows as they can be truly spectacular.

Welsh Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in Wales, and is responsibly for…read moreeight gymnastic disciplines across the whole of Wales. WG organises gymnastics and teams, as well as offering courses for the training of coaches and judges, and workshops to allow them to develop their skills and knowledge. There are a variety of clubs organised by WG, and they provide support to all providers of gymnastics in clubs, leisure centres and schools. They also put a lot of work into developing gymnastics in school, working closely with them to encourage better involvement of gymnastics into both curricular and extra-curricular activities. WG should be the first point of call for coaches looking for work in Wales, and also for anyone looking to set up a gymnastics club and need advice or help applying for funding. Once based in the Cardiff Central Youth Club, it moved this year to the Welsh Institute of Sport.

My mum needed a partner to keep her company because she didn't want to go on her own. I really…read moredidn't want to go and have never really seen the appeal of exposing my tummy to the world while trying to wiggle it! It turned out to be one of those really weird but wonderfully fun experiences where I spent more time laughing than dancing. The whole mood was fun and everyone seemed to enjoy. I wasn't tempted to go back but if your after fun exercise this could be a good option.

We come here regularly to train for cheerleading, particularly recently because we are getting…read moreclose to Nationals - eek! There is a large sprung floor to practise tumbling, as well as asymmetric bars, an inflatable tumble track and a trampoline. There are also various mats and spring boards for you to use as you wish. We use it to run through routines and to practise splats - a somersault where you land on your bum - because there is a good amount of room to spread out equipment to cater for people working at different levels. There are good facilities - loos, a kitchen and a reception area. The gymnastics centre also runs a lot of classes for children. The only negative really is that it is quite far out from the centre of Cardiff, so it is only really accessible by a car. Also, a little note, the turning is the one with the B&Q sign - I'm telling you this because we know and yet we still manage to miss it every time!

My toddler loves Planet Gymnastics…read more This family run warehouse, situated on an industrial estate in Grangetown, houses two large trampolines, a soft play pit, inflatable air track, springboard, tunnels, rings, professional gym equipment and much much more. It's a giant indoor playground with a sprung floor, that accommodates lots of bouncing and tumbling but with less chance of injury. The sessions we've been to at 'Space Hoppers' have been on a Thursday and Saturday afternoon and they are designed specifically for toddlers. (I imagine the tunnels disappear and the space transforms for the serious gymnasts.) Space Hoppers classes are mostly freeplay, with a break towards the end for games and songs. I have to say my son was not so impressed with this bit, as he wanted to continue bouncing on all the fun stuff, not sit down and do more structured play. That said, most of the time the staff are pretty understanding and you can let your child continue, all be it feeling slightly sheepish. Tips: Planet gymnastics is better on a rainy day, as little natural light gets in. Bring a quid or two for tea and a snack, which are reasonably priced. See the Planet Gymnastics website for more details and long list of times: www.planetgymnastics.co.uk NOTE: They are closed for the Summer and start back up with the new school term

As well as Planet Gymnastics, sometimes we come to Somersault to train, as one of our committee…read moreworks here. All round it is a really good centre - they have all the equipment that you could need: a tumble track, springboards, vaults, a sprung floor, beams, a trampoline... I feel as though there may be more equipment which I can't name! There is also a huge heater which means it can get pretty hot but Planet can sometimes be fairly cold so this makes a welcome change. There are loos and a place to buy food and drinks. Aside from when we use it, Somersault holds gymnastics classes for all levels of ability.

cardiff central youth club is fantastic, all top equipment and the coaches are probably the best in…read morecardiff. loads of activities for my children- of which i have 4. there is aways something for them to do- whether it is gymnastics/ cheerleading or dancing. there is also a gymnasium for my partner to train in and fitness classes for me. would definately recommend.

I have learned Pole Dance at three different pole schools and Spin City is by far the best, with…read morestructured courses, routines to build on each week and static and spinning poles. I have always found all of the instructors friendly, there is always flexibility when trying to find a session to suit, with lessons being run 7 days a week, including practice sessions every weekend, which are free when you have attended a free class! Pole fitness is a great way to keep fit while having fun, and it is so much more motivating than the gym, with there always being a new move to learn. I couldn't recommend it more!