January 8, 2008

Hieya Power

Baleté Fitness

The Sharks or the Jets? A tired old question.

Time to rumble with something new: Baleté, a ballet-karate hybrid workout.

First, a dance-based warm-up and a lengthening, toning exercise series led by Whitney Shannon, a pro choreographer classically trained at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. This preps you for the fight sequence designed by Mindy Kelly, who happens to be the current world champion in Extreme Martial Arts. Once you nail the ninja moves, you spar with a partner, feeling like a very sweaty Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon extra the whole way through.

Having a background in either discipline is totally unnecessary. The hour-long classes are open to all levels so there’s nothing to be afraid of.

Besides, a little dance-fight never hurt anybody.

Baleté at Studio Soma, 624-630 North La Cienega Boulevard, between Melrose Place and Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood (310-435-3611 or thelab-rx.com).