I am feeling… in the pink at The Pink Studio, Toronto’s newest dance and fitness studio in city’s east end. I recently grabbed a group of girlfriends and dropped in to check out the beautifully renovated and wonderfully designed space owned and run by local mom Natalie Borch (and her bro).
This is where – against a hot pink backdrop – you’ll find a fantastic line up of one-hour classes that are fun, inclusive and inspire people to move, dance, sweat, stretch. And in my case – shake and strut.
I arrived on a Wednesday night for the weekly Cabaret class, excited to channel my inner Roxy Hart. As I tried to mimic every sass and shake-your-*ss step by the incredible instructor Rosie Mae, I realized we were in fact learning the basics of burlesque. And, despite my horrible inflexibility and sad ability to remember the choreography, I kind of rocked it.
Or at least I think I did.
And that, in so many ways, is the point.
The Pink Studio strives to create a community that is welcoming and empowering – no matter the size or level of dance. The goal – written above the studio’s entrance – is to be ‘In The Pink’ – meaning ‘in good health’ and ‘strong both physically and emotionally.’
For Natalie, who is a trained dancer, dancing was a way to find herself again after the early throes of motherhood. And opening a dance studio that was focused on non-competitive fun has been a dream come true. We’re so happy to know there is a place where, for an hour, you can get the heck out of the house, get active and reacquainted with yourself.
Happy looks good on you!
TRIP TIPS:
Getting there: The Pink Studio is located at 2053 Danforth Ave (south side) just west of Woodbine Ave – basically steps from Woodbine Station. No designated parking but there is paid parking on Danforth and some free residential parking in the hood.
Low-Down: The classes are for adults (18+) only and range from Beyoncé to Barre and Hip Hop to Yoga. Here’s the line-up by a roster of some incredible instructors. You can register online to secure your spot or just walk in. Drop-in classes cost $15 or you can buy packs of classes. You can rent the space for private events. Gift certificates are also available.
In the hood: For moms in TOw, a pre- or post- drinks and food, The Wren. Shopping at The Nooks and coffee at Zav Coffee Shop. For kids in TOw, the local green space is East Lynn Park. On the same strip you’ll find indoor playspaces Oaks n Acorns and Kids Fun Town and shops Merrily, Merrily and Silly Goose.
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