Can I get past my barriers to get into burlesque class?

For over a year, I've intended to sign up for a burlesque dance class in my neighborhood. At the last minute, every ten weeks, I've somehow found an excuse or realized I had a scheduling conflict or resolved that I just couldn't spend the money on it. But tonight is the beginning of another session and I swear I'm going to make myself go.

I've gone through the class-avoidance list many times this week, worrying that I'm not graceful enough, that I don't have enough endurance following a surgery several months ago, that I will be the only woman with a (long past) post-partum jelly belly, and that, as much as I cheer on embracing your inner goddess and feeling empowered in the body you have, I will feel embarrassed, uncoordinated, not worthy.

Even as I type out that pre-shakin' it confession, I realize how ridiculous it is that I've placed these artificial barriers between myself and a class I know will be fun and flirty and a great step in the direction of fitness for me. I called a friend I knew would get it and she gave me some great advice. She said, "Don't worry about all those reasons why not to take the class! Just look at it as one time, one hour. You can get through one hour! And if you hate it, you never have to go back. And if you like it, even a little, maybe you can try it again next week."

I think she's right. I think that by focusing on taking it one hour, one class, one session at a time, I can move forward in my quest to be active and have a good time working out. With a little "I think I can, I think I can" re-focusing, I may just be able to take the first step in my quest to burlesque.

The risk, at least tonight, is an hour or so out of the house, off of the couch. The reward might just come in a feather boa and some red patent leather dance shoes.

I'll keep you updated.

Ever been afraid to take a class or hit the gym? How did you overcome your own personal obstacles?