Frame up (strip plastic)
Frame up is a choreography style known in Eastern Europe as strip plastic: a feminine, flowing dance built on body waves, smooth transitions, graceful arms and a lot of floor work. Nobody undresses in class — it is a dance lesson in ordinary dance clothes. It is taught in a group, often in high platform shoes, and some schools teach frame up as a technique of its own within strip plastic.
What it is for
Section titled “What it is for”- Plasticity — soft, flowing movement: waves through the spine and smooth changes from one shape to the next.
- Strength and flexibility in the back, hips and legs, and control on the floor.
- Confidence and a warmer relationship with your own body.
- Femininity and expression, danced for yourself rather than for an audience.
- A calm, focused hour to slow music.
Equipment
Section titled “Equipment”- Knee pads: essential, because a large part of the class is on the floor.
- Shoes: many classes are danced in high platform shoes. Beginners can usually start barefoot or in socks and add heels later — ask the studio.
- Clothes: fitted clothes you can move in on the floor, such as shorts or leggings and a top. Long socks or leg warmers protect the shins.
- Water and a towel.
How a class goes
Section titled “How a class goes”- Usually 60–90 minutes. Some studios dim the lights to help people relax.
- A warm-up and stretching, especially for the back, hips and neck.
- Technique: body waves, floor work, rolls, going down to the floor and coming up, and walking in heels.
- A choreography to slow music, learned in parts and danced several times.
- Some studios film the choreography at the end; you can usually choose whether to take part.
- A first class needs no experience. The teacher shows how to go down and get up safely.
Who it suits best
Section titled “Who it suits best”- Women who want to feel more at ease with their body. Classes are mostly for women.
- Beginners: a basic class needs no dance background.
- Pole and heels dancers who want more flow — see Exotic pole and High heels.
- People who prefer slow, sensual music to high-energy classes.
- It is less suited to anybody looking for intense cardio. Floor work and heels load the knees and back: with problems there, or in pregnancy, ask your doctor first and tell the teacher.