Chaos Is A Dancer

And she’s me!

Ah, the joys of Saturday mornings – a tranquil oasis for most, but for this Mommy with a ten-month-old baby, it was waking up bleary-eyed to yet another gray day in Raincouver. I already knew it was going to be a good day - my first ever dance class! The air was thick with possibilities, or possibly… drowsiness?

As the world wakes up, savoring their calm sips of coffee, I was slapping my cheeks, telling myself to “Look alive!” This eternal struggle was captured perfectly by WTF Hubby's words, "You can skip it, you know."

Yeah, right. Giving up isn’t in my vocab! Powered by stubbornness and scrambled eggs, I looked at my wardrobe choices which drastically dwindled when it comes to athletic-wear.

Tennis skirt? Too cold. Maternity leggings? I mean sure, but where were they? I carelessly threw on a pair of you-can’t-miss-me, neon-pink leggings, pulled on a t-shirt and sweater, then raced downstairs to meet my friend. My accountability partner. My ride or die.

I looked at her. She looked at me. We bursted out laughing.

“Look alive!” I repeated my soon-to-be dance mantra. Scratch that, my everyday mantra.

My friend looked very much alive and ready for class, as we rolled out to VCHA and (G)I-DLE.

Hello PayByPhone, We Meet Again

Formation Studio might not have a parkade, but there’s a Pure Bread bakery across the street and ample, pay parking spots. Free parking in this area has become a distant memory. No need to mourn for long because stepping into the studio quickly altered my headspace.

Outside Formation Studio - Presence, Freedom, and Power are the three types of classes offered

Come Inside Formation Studio With Me!

Formation Studio founder and cool mama-to-be (umm we have the exact same due date, but a year apart!), Saschie Maclean immediately greeted us and welcomed us with her vibrant and upbeat energy!

Hang up your coat and let’s get ready to dance!

We stashed our belongings in the keyless lockers (mine had a cute welcome note), grabbed our water bottles, and filled them up with sparkling water like we were at a fancy spa instead of a dance studio. And for those who forget their water bottles (hey, no judgement here), there are drinks for sale to save you from the dreaded dehydration. Stay hydrated, darlings!

Flow water for purchase and complimentary still or sparkling water available

Arrive Early, Embrace the Calm

Formation also carries products from locally-owned businesses

Sure, being fashionably late has its charm, but ever considered the perks of being fashionably early?

Picture yourself waltzing in a cool 15 minutes ahead, soaking in the studio's comforts, scoping out the scene, and maybe even sneaking in a quick bathroom break. As I found out firsthand, being an early bird helps you ditch those first day jitters!

We spent those extra minutes chatting in the cozy living room – the spot to mingle with fellow members before dancing the morning away!

Saschie closing the blinds to the dance studio as class starts

A FREEDOM Cardio Dance Party

Presence, Freedom, and Power are the three types of classes offered at Formation. I chose Freedom for my free class.

What it is: No need to memorize routines—just follow a fab Movement Motivator through 50 minutes of non-stop cardio-heavy fun. Think full-body movements with a hip-hop twist and sprinkles of other genres to keep you on your toes.

The studio space: What better way to say your privacy and sense of safety are a priority than by banning cameras in the studio?! Love this!

Formation’s 1000 sq ft studio is more than enough room for 20 members (that’s the cap for each class!) to spread out and dance! The high-ceilings, together with the polished industrial vibe, elevates this urban chic space. The studio is outfitted with a state-of-the-art light and sound system that delivers an immersive and multi-dimensional experience. You'll feel the music pulsating through every fiber of your being!

How class went: Sweat to the beat, dance through the missteps, slay the self-doubt, and repeat! I’m no sixth member of NewJeans, but I kept moving! And the more I moved, the more present I became. By the end of class, I felt accomplished that I had done something good for my body… before buying four pastries from across the street hahaha. Being a student again was definitely a fun and humbling experience!

Okay, time to hit the change rooms!

Change rooms, showers, and washrooms are to the right

Complimentary towel service is available

Is it scary trying something new?

For a myriad of reasons, going to dance class can be scary:
- I’m still getting acquainted with the post-baby changes my body has gone through. Some days I just want to be a comfortable, dishevelled blob!

- Saying yes to dance is just welcoming another change into an already expanding lifestyle and schedule. It’s daunting.

- I don’t know my left foot from my right foot. The possibility of face-planting is high, and then the unwanted paparazzi will swarm me!

Like My Daughter Says, “WOAH WOAH WOAH!”

Stop. Take a breath.

I acknowledged how incredibly blessed I am that WTF Hubby was taking care of Bunbun so I could go to class. For an aquafit enthusiast such as myself, water aerobics is basically the aquatic version of a Freedom class at Formation! Hahaha. Making a connection to a familiar experience that I love helped ease me into the unknown.

Most importantly, I made it my goal to show up and move! No performance evaluation allowed. Dance class became fun when I stopped living in my head and second-guessing everything.