I have been living in London for three months and have done all the mainstream tourist things. I want to surprise visiting friends and show them a different side of the city. Help! Jen from Maida Vale
WE all love Big Ben and the Tower of London but after a while it loses its interest and going to the same old pubs with your mates on weekends gets a bit dull. So I have taken to just spending a day a month doing things just for me. You meet amazing new people, it makes work chat more interesting and when friends visit you can show them something truly unique.
Flying high
If you have ever dreamt of running away with the circus then London is the place for you. There are a number of circus schools where you can learn trapeze, acrobatics, tight wire walking or handstands. It not only increases your fitness, but is just plain fun. It also makes great dinner party conversation when you announce you’re a flying trapeze trainee.
Most of the classes are run on a one-off basis, however there are also weekly intermediate classes for those truly addicted to the thrill of flying through the air.
Pole power
From single classes, through to couples lessons, pole dancing fitness is catching on quick. There are some who train up to 7 days a week and enter international competitions or others who just do it for fun as a one-off. Some of the moves I have seen on the pole are nothing short of jaw dropping. I mastered a swing.
Art of tease
It all started when Dita Von Teese started making headlines with her provocative dance — the Burlesque. Now women of all ages can take part in lessons from an hour, through to week-long or month-long classes. You get to wear sexy corsets and stockings, don some high heels and twirl some feathers whilst channeling the glamorous life of a 1930s dancer – what could be better?
Let there ‘not’ be light?
Have a date and not looking your best? Try dinner at Dans Le Noir — where you eat and drink in the pitch darkness. By suppressing the dominant sense of sight, you enter a world in which one is uncertain of surroundings and experiences. With the help of the restaurants blind guides you are meant to re-evaluate the notions of taste and smell.
Yes you’ll spill things and likely have no idea what you’re doing, but it’s a unique experience, and one which is sure to impress your visitors.
For all your London needs – from love life to landlord, from banking to being ripped off – Alley will have the answers. Ask her anything on [email protected]
