Last night, I taught my last "Dance Fusion" class at the dance studio I teach at before summer break. (I will be back in the fall! And I still teach this class at the YMCA.) First, let me clarify that Dance Fusion is NOT Zumba. (Not that I am knocking Zumba, but I, personally, don't like being confined to the music and movements that Zumba-certified professionals must follow.) The best way to describe it is DANCE BOOTCAMP for all levels. Once we start moving, we don't stop. It's a cardio conditioning class made up of different dance choreography/styles combined with TRADITIONAL aerobic and strength movements (we do a lot of lower bodywork like lunges and squats). It is a calorie and fat-blasting workout, but most of all, IT IS FUN & DIFFERENT. The music is cranked to help keep folks energized and feeling "the beat". I repeat the same songs each class (throwing in a new song every class), so that my students can become familiar with the choreography. You don't have to have ANY previous dance experience to join (but maybe a little coordination would help). You can make the workout as HARD or as easy as you want. We do do a lot of high impact movements, but I always offer modifications for those who prefer or must stick to low impact exercise.
Anyhow, it was AWESOME. Not only did my students bring their A-game, but they really enjoyed my *surprise* at the end of class. It's something I've always dreamed of doing- A DANCE CLASS IN THE DARK! So, basically one giant party. I encouraged students to wear bright, neon-colored clothing and was considering purchasing a black light, but when I was at iParty, I came across the glow stick aisle and decided to go this route. My class is from 7-8 PM, and so I waited until the end of class (dusk begins) to whip out the glow sticks. I only did it for the last two songs, because I wanted to give them a hard workout and then have some fun in the end. (And it was a great way to test out if a class like this would really work in the future!)
Long story short, it was SUCH A BLAST and it worked! Once I get my own studio, I will DEFINITELY try and incorporate a few fun evening classes like this. Maybe even a Friday night workout party?
If you're in my area, make sure you drop into one of my classes soon! I'm always trying to make things more fun and interesting.
QUESTIONS FOR YOU READERS:
-What kind of workout do you most enjoy?
-Would you ever take a class that worked out in the dark with glow sticks?
xo Jackie
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