You Work Out to Xanadu

Get comfortable in your gay skin with Homorobics.

by Christina Shaffer

Craig Scull promises a lot in his new Homorobics dance class — he says it'll help students overcome their deep-seated fears about coming out of the closet, for starters. "If you are not comfortable in your gay skin," he says, "you will be by the end of class."

The local dancer and choreographer (he graduated from Temple with a performance and choreography degree), has less serious goals for Homorobics, too. "My main aim is for the class to be a social destination that provides a good workout," says Scull. "[But I also] wanted to create a class where we could dress up in fun outfits, socialize and be silly and expressive."

Incorporating cardio exercises, aerobics, Jazzercise and pole-dancing into the course, Scull will teach against a musical backdrop of diva dance mixes. For example, he's choreographing an arm warm-up series to Madonna's "Vogue." And if flabby forearms are the least of your worries, students can re-enact Jennifer Beals' seizure-inducing "Flashdance" scene to the tune of "Maniac" in a cardio routine.

Homorobics will also host theme nights — with "Mardi Gras" and "uniform" motifs — soon. Until then, creative, skimpy outfits are highly encouraged.

Sundays, beginning May 10, 7 p.m., $10 per class, Crossfit Gym, 201 S. Camac St., 215-985-4092, homorobics.com.