Body Rolling at Belly Dance

Lirona Wainer-Yaffe, , Leave a comment

Hey Dancers! This week I tried a look anticipated dance style – belly dance! Read on to find out more about my adventure…

Basics

Class: Belly dance

Studio: The Dance Complex

Teacher: Johara (@joharaboston)

Time: 1 hour

Category: Teens 16+ and Adults

Cost (Single Class): $18

Background: Belly dance, also called raqs sharqi (dance of the East), comes from the Middle and Near East, primarily Egypt and Turkey. The style arrived in the US and Europe at the beginning of the 20th century, but it wasn’t popularized much till the 1950s/60s. The American cabaret style of belly dance blends Middle Eastern influences with innovations and movement styles inspired by the backgrounds of notable American teachers and performers. The class provides a fun and supportive environment for learning Egyptian, Turkish, and American Cabaret movements to the tun of Arabic rhythms and music. Some classes include props such as finger cymbals and veils (Johara, The Dance Complex).

OOTD

I emailed Johara before the class and asked what dancers should wear, and she responded that dancers wear many different things, including leggings, yoga pants, loose and fitted pants, tank tops, crop tops, short skirts over pants, and belly dance practice wear. So really, it’s up to you, and the important thing is that you can move, stretch, and feel comfortable.

Johara also noted that it helps to have a hip scarf with or without coins, but I didn’t have one and neither did several other dancers, so it was okay. She also recommended having a veil to use for some choreography (3 yards of polyester, chiffon, or silk), but she brings extra veils to class so dancers can borrow them, and we ended up not needing veils for the class that I attended.

For footwear, some dancers wore socks and others were barefoot, but either way just be prepared to take your shoes off and use your feet a lot to root yourself in the ground and shift your weight.

Atmosphere & Energy

Maybe it was that we were only 10 dancers (all women) in a large studio, and maybe it was that Johara also happened to be a certified yoga instructor, but beginning this class I immediately felt a sense of calm and relaxation.

The music Johara played and the movements we followed all urged us to focus on being fairly slow but accurate. Even Johara’s descriptions for our arm movements – to feel like we were moving our hands through Jello – encouraged us to pace ourselves, and prioritize technique over speed. This led to a soothing class atmosphere, even though the technique itself was at times challenging.

Dance Difficulty

Johara’s classes are set up so that she teaches 6-week sessions, and each session is an opportunity to learn belly dancing from the beginning and become a performer in a belly dance that Johara choreographs for the spring/summer event or festival. I happened to join the second class of the session, but it was still undoubtedly beginner friendly (in fact, another classmate brought her two other friends for the first time, so we were 3 new dancers out of 10).

We started with a warmup standing and laying down on mats. The warmup incorporated stretches from yoga, got us thinking about hand movements, and allowed us to begin working on moving our hips and glutes while on the ground, so the movements would be clearer when we eventually did them standing up. One of the movements I found particularly challenging was shifting my weight from side to side while raising one hip at a time in an increasing speed, but Johara encouraged us to start slow, and reassured us that perfecting this technique takes time and practice.

After warming up, Johara led us through segments of the choreography for the final performance she was working on, which was inspired by some swing movements and tango music, and incorporated belly dance. We practiced shifting our weight from one leg and hip to the other, rolling our hips in a half circle, and moving our upper body separately from our lower body. Since the class was small, there were never issues hearing Johara or seeing her or ourselves in the mirrors, which led to a calm and non-competitive atmosphere.

Top Tip

Relax. And I don’t mean mentally (although that will hopefully come too), I mean physically relax your muscles. You’ll find that you were tense in ways you weren’t even aware of, and that by relaxing your muscles you can manipulate them in new ways you didn’t think were possible!

Awkward

Some of the hip movements felt physically awkward, because I’m just not used to moving my body this way. While it made me uncomfortable that I hadn’t fully grasped the fluidity of the movement, it also excited me to discover new ways to move, and reminded me that every style I learn teaches me more about the various ways I can move my body and pair it with music.

Awesome

This class was calm and relaxing in atmosphere, but really challenged me in terms of the technique! I moved my muscles in ways I wasn’t used to and that felt difficult, but Johara’s reassurance that these things take time allowed me to feel content with the little I had achieved, and took away the pressure to excel while still encouraging me to keep improving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to try a class that’s technically challenging but calm and relaxing in atmosphere, belly dance is right for you!

That’s all for this week! Visit Dance Diaries next Tuesday at 8PM for another diary entry. See you then dancers 😊

Bouncing into Beginner Hip Hop

Lirona Wainer-Yaffe, , Leave a comment

Hey Dancers! This week I grooved with Carl and his dancers to beginner hip hop. Read on to find out how it went!

Basics

Class: Beginner Hip Hop

Studio: The Dance Complex

Teachers: Carl Alleyne (@dancewhereyouare)

Time: 1 hour

Category: Adults

Cost: $20

Background: “Hip hop – is a street dance form that derived from clubs and house parties in the 80’s.” It’s rooted in African American culture, and characterized by bounces, grooves, and more that get to the soul of African American culture (Carl, The Dance Complex).

OOTD

Some dancers in this class opted for looser clothing than I’m used to seeing in other classes, but I think that works well with the style of dance, which, especially for a beginner class, didn’t require floor work or a lot of flexibility. Still, everyone seemed to wear outfits that were comfortable and stretchy, and sneakers were the go-to. As always, if you have long hair you may want to pull it up before things get heated!

Atmosphere & Energy

As soon as I entered the room, I saw broad smiles and heard the buzzing of friendly conversations among familiar faces. Though 3 of us raised our hands when Carl asked who was there for the first time, the other 12 or 13 (mostly women) had clearly been there before, and several seemed to know each other fairly well (of course, they all clapped for us newbies and made us feel welcome).

Carl continued to lead the class with positive energy and an emphasis on enjoyment over execution. He shared his favorite parts of the choreography and encouraged us to freestyle a bit at the end. He repeatedly checked in with us to see if there were any questions and generally contributed to a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Dance Difficulty

The difficulty of this class was perfect for beginners to hip hop, and I’d say even for beginners at dance in general. Carl started off with a warmup, where we jumped, stretched, and even did a few crunches. Then he led us through a sequence of choreography, breaking down each movement, answering any questions, and adding on the music after we learned each segment. There was one organized water break, and though I’m sure dancers were welcome to get more water if they needed it, the class didn’t really require it.

There were parts where the moves were a bit fast paced, and a part where we were challenged to do a sort of body roll, but otherwise the steps were fairly easy to understand and execute. There was one part where we each picked a number – 1 or 2 – and depending on the number Carl taught us to perform the choreography in the opposite direction, which made the dance look very cool when we performed it all together. I’d say the song he chose was more on the side of R&B, but Carl’s choreography went with it well, and all in all the class was just the right amount of challenging for beginners.

Top Tip

Have fun! That was the one thing Carl emphasized too. He had his favorite part of the choreography, where we would all swivel our heads toward the mirrors and point at ourselves in them, and he said that if got nothing else right in the dance at least to enjoy that part. Other aspects of the choreography – like when we walked in a circle, or when we freestyled at the end – allowed us to put our own spin on things, and the more I put my personality into the movements, the more I enjoyed the dance.

Awkward

Though I’ve danced a bit of hip hop before, I wasn’t ever formally taught it, and it’s not the style that comes to me most naturally. There were times when I saw myself following the steps in the mirror and thought I looked awkward and out of place compared to other dancers. But the more I followed my own advice and incorporated my style, the more at peace I felt with my dancing. And anyway, I was having so much fun that it didn’t matter what I looked like.

Awesome

The class really was ideal for beginners, so even if hip hop felt less intuitive to me than other dance styles, the choreography itself wasn’t too difficult to follow or too challenging to execute. Carl’s positive energy also took the pressure off of doing everything perfectly and reminded us to have a good time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to try hip hop dancing in a positive, supportive, and beginner-friendly environment, this is the perfect class for you!

That’s all for this week! Visit Dance Diaries next Tuesday at 8PM for another diary entry. See you then dancers 😊

Sizzling at Samba

Lirona Wainer-Yaffe, , , Leave a comment

Hey Dancers! This week I picked up the speed dancing samba. Read more about it below!

Basics

Class: All-Levels Samba and Afro-Brazilian

Studio: The Dance Complex

Teachers: Rachen and Ines (@sambavivaboston)

Time: 1.5 hours

Category: Teens 16+ and Adults

Cost (Single Class): $17

Background: An Afro-Brazilian dance style unique to Brazil, samba is a dance that “originated among disenfranchised communities of Black Brazilians and spread to the mainstream and beyond.” The class celebrates movement and “appreciation for Brazilian culture through music and dance” (SambaViva, The Dance Complex).

OOTD

In the information about the class on the SambaViva website there is a recommendation to wear comfortable exercise clothing (no jeans), so I opted for my usual short-sleeved top and leggings combo. The website also noted that sneakers, socks, and bare feet are all good footwear options, so I stuck to my sneakers, and noticed that most of the other dancers did as well. And of course, for those of you with long hair, I recommend getting it off your neck ahead of time.  

Atmosphere & Energy

The SambaViva website promised that the class is “non-competitive, high-energy and fun,” and emphasized that it is open to every gender and age, and to dancers of all levels of experience. As promised, the class kept us moving and enjoying ourselves in a judgment-free environment, welcoming all dancers equally. Though there were probably only 3 men in our group of 20, they were welcomed, and the teachers even suggested a traditionally men’s style for certain movements, which anyone in the class could choose to follow.

And with Afro-Brazilian beats playing as our backdrop, how could we not smile? Each song had a different pace, allowing us to experience a variety of rhythms and speeds while familiarizing ourselves with the technique.

Dance Difficulty

The title “all-levels” really fit this class well, and it was one of the most beginner-friendly ones I attended, simply because of how it was structured.

We started off with a collective, all-level friendly warm-up, and then the teachers asked who was a beginner, so they could split the class into two and each teach a different group. To my surprise, the class split perfectly in half, and I was surrounded by many other dancers who were new to Samba.

My beginner group joined Rachel on one side of the room, while Ines took control of the more advanced group on the other side. Luckily, they both followed the same music, but some dancers may find it distracting that they call out different instructions to their respective groups at different times, so I would suggest finding a spot close to your instructor and focusing on their movements to not get confused.

Rachel led us through a lesson of the basic step, breaking it down into stages that were more digestible, and gradually increasing the tempo. We started by stepping in place, then by stepping in various directions, then focused on taking backwards steps without moving from our spot, and finally we incorporated hip work and increased the speed. Though it was challenging to keep up at the end, the process was digestible, and it made the speedy movements make much more sense (meanwhile, Ines’s group, who were more advanced, had already mastered the basics and were focusing on incorporating arm movements and style).

After our technique lessons, Rachel and Ines joined the two groups together again and led us through a short combo, which relied in parts on the technique work we did earlier but also incorporated slower and easier-to-learn movements that encouraged us to focus on style and to put our on “flavor” into the movements.

We ran the sequence several times on its own and then with music, eventually splitting the class into two groups so that each could enjoy having more space to move around. We cheered each other on and concluded with one last run of the combo all together (which you can see a clip of on the dance diaries Instagram, @dancediaries0).

Top Tip

Be open about your level of experience and try not to worry when the pace starts to pick up. It can be daunting to try a new dance style, especially one so speedy, but the teachers are attentive to the students’ levels of experience, and learning is broken down into several parts that are easier to join together once each aspect is mastered. True, you likely won’t perfect the basic samba step by the end of your first lesson, but luckily in this class no one is expecting you to, and the important thing is just to keep trying and have fun.

Awkward

At full speed, the basic step of samba is incredibly speedy, and though my hips have had their share of exercise when I danced salsa, samba was still quite a challenge. This led to some awkward slip ups where I’d lose the rhythm when things got too quick, but I tried to just compose myself, keep going, and remember that I’m there to enjoy myself!

Awesome

Maybe it was the energetic music, the smiles on the faces of the teachers, and the fact that I just love dancing.  Or maybe it was the amazing smell of food streaming in from the open windows, the unusually warm weather, and the fact that the class reminded my of my days dancing salsa. Maybe it was a combination of everything! Either way, during this class I felt transported to a dance festival in the middle of summer, and that felt amazing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an energetic workout to the tune of energizing beats, try this all-levels samba and Afro-Brazilian dance class!

If you’re entirely new to the dance world, just keep in mind that while the class is beginner friendly, by the end of the class you’ll be asked to pick up the speed!

That’s all for this week! Visit Dance Diaries next Tuesday at 8PM for another diary entry. See you then dancers 😊

Stepping it up with Street Styles

Lirona Wainer-Yaffe, , , Leave a comment

Hey Dancers! This week I broke a sweat dancing to street styles. Read on to find out why!

Basics

Class: Commercial Choreo | Street Styles – All Level

Studio: The Dance Complex

Teacher: Patrick Lloyd Opran (@pat_planet)

Time: 1.5 hours

Category: Teens 16+ and Adults

Cost (Single Class): $22

Background: Blending street styles like funk and hip-hop with sharp linework seen in jazz, street style is a type of dance usually seen in mainstream entertainment such as movies, music videos, and concerts. Pat is an experienced professional dancer who has performed on TV, in commercials, and on live stages; he was the first male to become an NBA Boston Celtics Dancer. His All Level class is designed for everyone, and helps dancers develop hip-hop technique and stage presence (Opran, The Dance Complex; Opran, patplanet).

OOTD

As with all the dance classes so far, comfortable clothes are essential l. In this case, so are comfortable shoes, and an updo for those with long hair who want it off their necks.

Atmosphere & Energy

As soon as I entered the studio, I knew that this was a class where dancers took themselves seriously. Not to say that they weren’t fun or inviting, but unlike other classes, where movement only began when the teacher announced the start of the lesson, here most of the 25 dancers in attendance were already warming up and stretching their limbs on the floor unprompted.

When the class started and Pat asked who was a first timer, I discovered I was the only one (okay, there was one other dancer who had been there only once before, but still), a fact which further cemented my understanding that the dancers who attend this class are experienced, serious, and committed. “So you don’t know what you’re in for? Good luck!” Pat said to me. “Thanks!” I responded, up for the challenge.

Dancers who knew one another greeted each other, and during the water break Pat encouraged us to speak to someone we didn’t know, because dance is a community (I spoke to the dancer who had only been there once before, and to the other dancer who shared the back row with us and informed us that Pat would go over the same choreography in another class later that week).

So, while the choreography was fast-paced and learning was intense, the atmosphere was also friendly and playful. For example, when we felt less confident going over the steps, Pat cheekily covered his eyes and agreed not to watch us during the first run, so we could gain confidence. Pat also kept the energy high through his own movements and motivating words, his background as an NBA Dancer really shining through. And really, how could the energy not be amazing when we were dancing to Christina Aguilera’s “Dirrty”?

Dance Difficulty

This was probably one of the more physically challenging classes I attended as part of Dance Diaries in terms of stamina, technique, and fast-paced learning.

Pat started us off with an intense warm up, which, beyond the usual stretching, consisted of sit-ups, push-ups, and other exercises that worked on different muscle groups and required stamina. Thankfully, we were awarded a water break after the warm up, before jumping into learning Pat’s ~30 second choreography to Christina Aguilera’s “Dirrty.”

Though Pat would consistently check in to see if we were catching on (“Yes or yes?”), answer any questions, ask if we wanted to review again before running with music, and provide detailed explanations of the movements he was looking for (raise your elbows, sharper, like cupid, etc.), learning was fast-paced, and so were the movements in the choreography itself.

So yes, the class is friendly to all levels in the sense that anyone can try it, but also, those who have existing dance experience with hip-hop or other classes with quick choreo sequences are more likely to catch on quickly (check out the class video I shared on the Dance Diaries Instagram @dancediaries0 to see what I mean).

Top Tip

Be kind to yourself. If, like me, you have less experience with fast-paced choreography, you’re unlikely to get everything right the first time. And that’s okay! The important thing is that you’re moving and enjoying yourself.

Luckily for me, I danced in the back row, so I was able to learn from those in front of me. Also, Pat would only give notes to dancers in the front rows which he knew well, so I wasn’t worried about being called out in front of everyone. Yes, it was challenging getting these sharp movements down within an hour of learning them, but it was also fun to move in new ways and rewarding to feel myself improve and become more comfortable with every additional time we ran the dance.

Awkward

There was a particular part of the dance where I kept messing up and going to the opposite direction, and I got frustrated with myself every time. Even though no one was calling me out or judging me, my reactions to the mistakes showed me that I was being hard on myself and reminded me to give myself grace. Frankly, I was too shy to ask for clarification on the step, but luckily another dancer did, and it made me dance more smoothly moving forward.

Awesome

I wasn’t entirely confident in my movements during the class, but I was confident I was getting a great workout! From the warmup and till the end of class I felt my body at work, and even though I wasn’t in the best mood when I arrived at class, I left satisfied that I had completed it. This was also one of the only classes where I noticed my muscles felt sore the next day – always a good sign that I pushed myself and made the most out of the physical activity!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dance challenge, a good workout, or a high-energy fast-paced professional dance environment, this would be a great class for you! If you’re new to the dance world, don’t feel confident in your stamina, or prefer slower-paced learning, I suggest you keep moving.

That’s all for this week! Visit Dance Diaries next Tuesday at 8PM for another diary entry. See you then dancers 🙂

Loving Latina

Lirona Wainer-Yaffe, , , Leave a comment

Hey Dancers! This week I fell in love with Latin music all over again. Read below to find out why!

Basics

Class: Latina for Beginners

Studio: The Dance Complex

Teacher: Carolina Sánchez (@coachcaro.latinatribe)

Time: 50 minutes

Category: Teens 16+ and Adults

Cost (Single Class): $22

Background: Latina is an energetic dance fitness class for women that provides a safe space and encourages dancers to feel strong, confident, and empowered. Choreographies are designed to provide full-body workouts and set to trendy Latin music, including pop, hip-hop, and reggaeton (Sánchez, The Dance Complex).

OOTD

I went with comfortable footwear, flare leggings, and a thin and loose long-sleeved top. Many of the dancers dressed similarly, but if I had to do it over, I would have opted for short sleeves. Also, everyone with long hair had it semi or fully up, and you would be wise to do the same because this class will have you breaking a sweat!

Atmosphere & Energy

The class atmosphere is exactly as advertised – fun, energetic, and empowering. Having danced salsa, I was already excited to move to familiar beats, but Carolina’s excited attitude made the class even more revitalizing! She encouraged all 15 of us to smile, express ourselves, and channel our emotions into our movements. She cheered and clapped at the start of each new song and led us in a celebration of Latin music.

But more than that, she empowered us to feel confident in ourselves and our bodies. As the class wound down to an end during our cool down, Carolina asked us to hug our bodies, be grateful for what they let us do, and love them as they are. She even provided a few inspirational words, telling us that whomever we want to be, that person is inside of us, and we can start to bring them out as early as tomorrow.

These may not be original sentiments, but it was touching to be part of a class that not only led us in movement, but also took a moment to acknowledge our relationships with our bodies and inspire us to embrace them.  

Dance Difficulty

While the attitudes of the teacher and dancers are very much beginner friendly, I was surprised that this class was characterized as “for beginners.”

As with every class, we started with a warmup and ended with a cool down. In between, Carolina would teach a short segment of choreography without music and then put on the corresponding song for us to follow her moves. The dance moves themselves weren’t too difficult, and Carolina did a great job explaining how to perform them using different metaphors and demonstrations (“you’re pressing your hands on a wall, and they can’t go through”).

Though we knew how to dance to the specific segment of the choreography she taught, the rest of the dance was a mystery to anyone who was a beginner (she repeats some of the same songs during different classes, so regulars are caught up). To be fair, Carolina clarifies that new dancers won’t know all the steps, and reassures us that it’s okay; I just wasn’t expecting to have that challenge in a class categorized for beginners. I can also see how this is a great strategy to get dancers to attend other classes – the more classes they attend, the more choreography they will know, and the easier it will be to follow along.

In fact, I think another one of Carolina’s classes is more suitable for beginners. Carolina offers two other classes: Latina Power Moves, and Latina Step by Step. Power Moves is 50 minutes of non-stop cardio, with song after song playing and little pause to teach the choreography for each. Step by Step, on the other hand, focuses on a single song for the entirety of the 50-minute class, breaking down the choreography in detail (Sánchez, carodancefitness).

Knowing about all of Carolina’s class options, I think Step by Step sounds the most beginner-friendly and would come in handy when the song learned is later played in the Beginner and Power Moves classes.  

Top Tip

Embrace the opportunity to explore different attitudes and personas in your dancing!

For one dance, Carolina directly requested we put on our “bitch faces,” and she teased not to tell her we didn’t have them, because we must have held the expression at some point when looking in the mirror alone in our rooms. For another dance, Caroline asked for a few volunteers who, toward the end of the song, were to freestyle in the middle of the circle, while everyone else hyped them up.

For some (me included), putting on a sassy persona and freestyling your heart out can be intimidating, but the environment Carolina created was welcoming and supportive, and I think the fact that the class was women only helped us move more freely without fearing scrutiny or judgment.

Awkward

The fact that I only had the opportunity to learn a small part of the choreography for each song led me to trail along somewhat helplessly during the rest of the song. True, choreography did repeat itself, so I caught on eventually, but in general I just prepared myself to not know what I’m doing and be okay with it. Thankfully, that seemed to be the agreed upon attitude among the classmates, and Carolina assured us that we would learn more of the choreography from attending additional classes.

Awesome

Of all the classes I attended, this felt like the most socially welcoming to beginners. Maybe it was the fact that I was the first to enter the room, so I had a minute to talk to Carolina personally, or the fact that Carolina announced that the other dancers were our new sisters at the beginning of class.

Maybe it was my brief conversation with another dancer at the start of class about this being her first time at the studio, or my other quick chat with two dancers about the class as we were leaving. Either way, I felt like the class was about more than just the movements, so if you’re looking to create community through dance, this could be the right class for you!

Final Thoughts

While I was a bit surprised by the pace of a class characterized as for beginners, I had a great time and would definitely go back! The music is energizing, and Carolina fosters a welcoming environment for dancers to feel empowered.

The focus on our attitudes and emotions in this class was refreshing, and indicated that Carolina sees Latina as more than just dance: “It’s a lifestyle that celebrates strength, joy, and self-expression” (Sánchez, The Dance Complex).

If you’re looking for a confidence-boosting dance class led by Latin beats, Latina is for you! Though, if you’re new to the dance world, maybe start with Latina Step by Step.

That’s all for this week! Visit Dance Diaries next Tuesday at 8PM for another diary entry. See you then dancers 😊

Hopping into House

Lirona Wainer-Yaffe, , , Leave a comment

Hey Dancers! This week I learned some basics of house dance. Keep scrolling to read my thoughts on the class!

Basics

Class: Beginner House

Studio: The Dance Complex

Teacher: Sean Bjerke (@shizz_matic)

Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Category: Teens 16+ and Adults

Cost (Single Class): $20

Background: House is a genre of electronic music that has become popular in the last few decades. It originated in the late 70s/early 80s in Chicago, following the disco era. The term “house” comes from The Warehouse, a Chicago club which often played the music. The essence of the dance is freestyle, but steps performed in NYC clubs were ultimately recognized as foundational steps of the dance (Bjerke, Beginner House).

OOTD

On Sean’s website he recommends dancers dress comfortably, and videos on his Instagram page gave me an idea of what other dancers wear to his classes.

Since the movement in this class is primarily footwork, I opted for a looser, more comfortable top, and saw that many other dancers did the same. While comfortable sneakers were the consensus, Sean acknowledged that the vinyl dance floor was a bit challenging to move on with this dance style, so we were welcome to dance in socks if we wanted.

Atmosphere & Energy

I must admit, I didn’t expect to enjoy the class as much as I did. I knew very little about electronic music, but once I heard how repetitive it was, I was somewhat put off. However, as the class went along, I became more drawn to house dance not for the music itself, but because as dancers we were creating sound with our steps; the music became the accompaniment to our own dancing, and that felt powerful!

I also appreciated how inclusive and welcoming the class felt. Of the 25 dancers in attendance, about a third were first-time house dancers, and this class had more men dancers and more age variety than any class I have tried thus far. The class even had a few participants who were first-time dancers, and I had the pleasure of partnering with one for a footwork drill (more on that in the next section).

After the partner exercise Sean invited several pairs who seemed comfortable in their movements to demonstrate to the class, which clapped in encouragement. The energy levels were a bit more mellow than some of other classes I attended, but that worked great with the dance style, and the participants were just as accepting and nonjudgmental.

Dance Difficulty

The class is very beginner friendly for those new to house dance and also for those who are new to dance in general. No prior experience is required, and Sean does an excellent job breaking things down in different ways – through counting, demonstration, the use of metaphors, and an emphasis on rhythm – that all dancers can apply the learning approaches that are most suitable for them.

We started with a short warm up, followed by footwork drills first individually and then in random pairs (we just turned to the person next to us). These drills, during which we stepped to the music at different beats, provided a great opportunity to slowly become comfortable with timing and our rhythm moving to the music. And the partner work, during which we followed the rhythm our partner created and vice versa, encouraged us to be more playful with our movements and attentive listeners to other dancers.

After the drills Sean led us through a combination of steps, first teaching the steps on their own, and then adding music to the choreography. This was also the only class I have taken so far that had a set water break, so don’t worry about being pushed to your limits. It’s definitely physical, but not overly demanding, and the emphasis is on finding fluidity in movement, feeling the music, and enjoying yourself.  

Top Tip

Just loosen up, physically and mentally. Sean stressed not to overthink the footwork, but to focus on the rhythm, and the sounds we created with our steps. It can be difficult to quiet your mind when you first start dancing, but once you start taking this less-technical approach you will not only move more freely, but also probably have more fun with it!

Awkward

The room was smaller than some of the previous classes I took; it was wider, but only had room for 2-3 rows of dancers, so I felt like I didn’t have anywhere to “hide.” When I stopped trying to hide, I remembered that being able to see myself – and the teacher – in the mirrors at the front of the studio is a great way for me to get a sense of what I’m doing, adjust, and learn from those around me.

Awesome

I gained a new appreciation for a style of music and dance that I had little understanding of before this class, and frankly didn’t expect to enjoy much. I learned to connect to the rhythm we dancers created with our steps and see the music as a backdrop to our own creation, which was really cool!

Though I didn’t find the movements particularly challenging on their own, I was challenged to stop overthinking, and let my body move more freely, and that was the perfect amount of difficulty to keep me going.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of electronic music but not sure how to move to it, I suggest trying house dance. And if you’re new to the world of dance in general, I think this class, which focuses a lot on finding the beat and practicing basic footwork, is a great introduction!

Have you ever tried house? Let me know in the comments, and check out Dance Diaries on Instagram @dancediaries0 to see more of my dance journey.

As always, I’ll be back next Monday to tell you about another style! See you then dancers 😊

Dance Sassy with Chris

Lirona Wainer-Yaffe, , , , Leave a comment

Basics

Class: Unleash Your Diva: Dance Sassy

Studio: The Dance Complex

Teacher: Chris Suharlim (@dancesassywithchris)

Time: 1.5 hours (+/- 15 minutes)

Category: Adults

Cost (Single Class): $20

Background: Dance Sassy is a high-energy class with a sassy-sexy attitude, taught to popular K-pop and pop hits. After a warmup, Chris leads dancers through a step-by-step breakdown of choreography, followed by a cooldown. Dancers are welcome to stay and capture their moves at the end. Each class is a standalone experience that follows a new dance sequence, and new choreography is taught every two weeks (dancesassy.com).

OOTD

I checked Chris’s Instagram page before the class and learned that we would be dancing to Lady Gaga’s new song, Abracadabra, so he suggested dancers come wearing white, black, or red, to match the colors of the song’s music video.

I went with an all-black outfit and saw that this was the popular choice among many other dancers (though red, white, and many other colors were represented). As with the other dance classes I attended, comfortable clothing that is easy to move in and athletic shoes are the consensus, though I did see a pair of high heels, so wear what makes you feel your best!

Atmosphere & Energy

I arrived 15 minutes early, as requested, and the room was already flooded by dancers reviewing last week’s choreography and warming up. There were around 40 dancers, mostly women, but anyone who is an adult was welcome.  

After Chris introduced himself, he asked who was new, and I was relieved to see 5 other hands shoot up. The class burst into a round of applause for us, and Chris emphasized that every move was optional, and reminded us that we were all there to have fun.

After teaching segments of the choreography, Chris divided the class into three smaller groups, allowing each group to run through the dance with more room to move around. As each group performed, all the other dancers cheered them on, shouting in encouragement, and motivating the dancers to go all-out!

At the end, Chris even filmed 10 dancers who felt confident enough to appear on his Instagram. He invited dancers to come back next week to go over the same choreography, build their confidence, and perhaps take part in the recorded performance the following week.

Overall, the atmosphere was non-judgmental, inclusive, and centered on self-expression and having fun. And with 40 people in the room vibing to their favorite popular tunes, spirits were high, cheers were loud, and energy levels were infectious!

Dance Difficulty

The class was very beginner friendly! I bought my ticket online, and the receipt included a note detailing where the class takes place, and reminding me to bring water, dress comfortably, and be ready to move! Further, the registration information noted that about 20% of each class is usually first timers, so not to worry if I were new.

Dance Sassy included a quick warmup, a step-by-step breakdown of choreography, and a quick cooldown at the end. After running us through sections of the choreography, Chris played the music at a slower tempo, and then at the natural tempo several times so we could get the hang of it. Then, he divided the class into 3 sections, and had each section run the dance twice (which gave dancers more room to dance and some time in front of the mirrors at the front of the room).

Chris would re-teach anything he sensed we couldn’t catch on to, and he welcomed questions. There were no set water breaks, but dancers took the opportunity whenever their group wasn’t performing.

As much as the class is beginner friendly, experienced dancers can have just as much fun! The moves are fast-paced, and the songs are current and catchy (like this week’s Abracadabra by Lady Gaga). Sometimes there are floor movements, so I suggest asking Chris in advance if you would have difficulty moving on your knees, but otherwise this class is great for various levels of dance experience.

Top Tips

This may not be the case for all of Chris’s classes, but this class was PACKED, which made it difficult to see him teaching the steps. You could get by following someone dancing in front of you – especially since Chris projects well when instructing and breaks steps down slowly – but if you have less dance experience, I recommend getting to class early enough so you can grab a spot up front.

I also recommend checking Chris’s Instagram page before going to class. Staying up to date may help you make decisions about what color to wear to class, or let you know which dance is being taught that day. Since Chris teaches the same dance two weeks in a row, you may choose to go again to gain confidence in the same dance, or you may decide to skip a week and rejoin for a class with new music and choreography!

Awkward

Sassy dancing is certainly outside of my comfort zone, which made for some awkward movement. Occasionally I stumbled, losing my balance, or danced a bit messy trying to keep up with the fast-paced music. Still, it was a great workout, and the supportive environment really motivated me to get into it and helped me feel more comfortable! Ultimately, no one cared what I looked like – they were just there to have fun, and as the class went on, I gained confidence and had more fun too 😊

Awesome

I was really encouraged by how beginner friendly the class was, and how motivating the group was. Class also ran longer than I expected, and students were welcome to stay longer to review choreography or film themselves dancing at no extra cost, so we really got bang for our buck!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fun, confidence-building class that lets you dance sassily to the latest pop and K-pop hits – this is the class for you! I for one will definitely be going back.

Have a question about Dance Sassy? Want to recommend a dance for me to try next? Let me know in the comments!

For more visuals of my dance journey check out @dancediaries0 on Instagram

As always, I’ll be here next Monday at noon (EST) to tell you about a new dance! See you then dancers 😊

Having Fun at ‘Froca Fitness

Lirona Wainer-Yaffe, , , , Leave a comment

Hey Dancers! This week I tried an African inspired fitness class. Keep scrolling to read my thoughts!

Basics

Class: ‘Froca Fitness (African and Caribbean dance fitness)

Studio: The Dance Complex

Teacher: Sylver Rochelin Randrianantenaina (@frocafitness)

Time: 1 hour

Category: Adults and Teens 16+

Cost (Single Class): $16.00

Background: ‘Froca was created by Sylver, and draws on movements rooted in traditional and contemporary African and Caribbean music and dances, celebrating the rhythms of Madagascar, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Jamaica, and more (Sylver Rochelin R., frocafitness.com).

OOTD

I wore my trusty sneakers, a comfortable top and leggings, and made sure to have my hair up because I knew I’d be breaking a sweat! If you have long hair, I recommend having it off your neck before class starts, because you won’t want to waste time later.

All the dancers were dressed in similarly stretchy and comfortable tops and bottoms of all colors, and though most of them wore sneakers a few danced barefoot, and I even saw a pair of jazz shoes, so choose what’s most comfortable for you.

Atmosphere & Energy

There was a strong feeling of community in the class, and energy levels were high all throughout!

Many dancers held conversations with others before class and brought friends to dance, so that with 35 dancers in the room there was a lot of excited chatting before we began. Most of the dancers were women, but dancers of all backgrounds were welcome, and no one was made to feel uncomfortable, even if they were new to the class.

The class started simply when Sylver turned on the music for the first song, and from then on it was nonstop movement for the next hour (with a 5-minute cool down at the end)! After a song would end, everyone would clap, cheer, and reset, and then we would jump straight into the next song.

Though he didn’t speak much (the music was too loud), Sylver introduced the choreography in real-time through his own movements, so dancers followed along, looking out for his hand signals to indicate the direction of the dance. Sylver’s smile and energy were infectious, and the fast and strong beats of the music were invigorating!  

Dance Difficulty

‘Froca fitness focused less on accuracy, flexibility, and strength, and more on quick learning, coordination, and stamina.

Sylver didn’t really teach steps, rather he guided dancers through nonstop celebration of movement by demonstrating in real-time. I will say the choreography within each song does tend to repeat itself (sort of like Zumba fitness, if you’ve tried it), so there are plenty of opportunities to get the hang of things.

That may make some dancers nervous, but it was encouraging to see that every dancer focused on themselves. There was no critiquing or judgment, just a wholehearted intention to have fun and break a sweat!

If you feel awkward not picking up on steps right away, or if you prefer to be directly taught dances, at first without music, this may not be the class for you. However, if you are open to celebrating movement in a judgment-free and energizing environment, this may be a great way to move beyond your comfort zone.

Top Tips

If you tend to prefer dancing in the way back corner of the room for your first class, in this class I suggest you dance a row or two up, and not on the edge of the row. That’s because some of the dances change directions, so that the side and back rows become the front row. It’s only momentary, but if you’re unsure of the steps and prefer not to have to twist your head behind you to see what’s happening, stick to the row before last.

Also, there are no organized water breaks, but you can step away at any time. If you need to rehydrate, I suggest heading to your water only after the first three dances. Though all of the songs are fast paced, the first three felt most high in energy, and they are essentially your warmup, so I recommend getting the most out of them before taking a break.

Awkward

Since I danced in the last row, I found it difficult to see the instructor, and to see myself in the mirrors at the front of the room. At first, I felt really uncomfortable not being able to assess my movements or compare them to the teacher’s.

But after a while, I just began relying on someone in front of me to follow along, and I found it freeing not to have the ability to scrutinize myself while moving my body in new ways. It allowed me to let go a bit from self-judgment, and instead forced me to focus on how the movements felt, and the fact that I was having fun!

Awesome

There were several moments during the dances when Sylver parted the studio in half and led the two groups to dance facing each other. Seeing all of the smiling faces on those passionate dancers before me felt powerful, and reminded me of the sense of community that dance can cultivate 😊  

Final Thoughts

If you are a speedy learner looking to experience energizing African and Caribbean rhythms, or even a less experienced dancer prepared to move freely and work up a sweat – this is a great class for you!

I really enjoyed the high spirits and focus on energy over accuracy, so I can certainly see myself returning to this class.

Have you ever tried ‘Froca fitness, or something similar? Do you want to suggest a dance for me to try next? Let me know in the comments!

Want to see more images and videos of my dance journey? Follow me on Instagram @dancediaries0

Come back every Monday at noon (EST) to find out which dance I try next! See you then dancers 🙂

Beginning with Bollywood

Lirona Wainer-Yaffe, , , Leave a comment

Hey Dancers! For my first diary entry I’ll be sharing my experience taking a Bollywood class. Keep reading to learn how it went!

Basics

Class: Beginner Bollywood

Studio: The Dance Complex

Teacher: Swati Tiwari (@swatiboss)

Time: 1.5 hours

Category: Adults and Teens 16+

Cost (Single Class): $19.49

Background: Rooted in South Asian folk, classical, and contemporary dances, and tied to the Indian film industry, Bollywood is a contemporary global style that connects South Asian dancing to a larger audience (Tiwari, The Dance Complex).

OOTD

I attended class in sneakers, black leggings, a semi-fitted maroon top, and of course accessorized with a hair tie just in case (and boy did I need it!).

My outfit fit right in! Everyone attending the class wore some sort of stretchy pants that allowed them to move comfortably (leggings or sweatpants), and a top that was fitted or semi-fitted to avoid it getting in the way (anything from long sleeve to tank top is fine, so just keep in mind your comfort level and how easily you warm up). Everyone wearing shoes opted for sneakers of some sort, but some dancers preferred to move barefoot, so the choice is up to you!

Granted, I may have stood out wearing such a bright color, but colorful and patterned clothing is not off the table. Also, if you want more chest support, I recommend at least a medium impact sports bra. If you prefer to blend into the crowd, an all-black outfit is a good option.

Atmosphere & Energy

The class had a very welcoming atmosphere, suitable for returning and new dancers. Of the 25 dancers that attended, about a third of us shared that it was our first class. Several of the attendees confessed that they were brought to the class by friends, so this could be a fun group activity as well!

While most of the dancers were women, and mostly South Asian, several men attended as well, and dancers of all backgrounds were welcome. Every so often dancers were asked to switch rows, a change that made sure everyone had their chance to shine up front, near the mirrors and the teacher (if you’re shy, like me, you may want to start in the back row, so that you can ease your way up while watching others, and gain confidence as you move forward).  

I really appreciated that dancers were focused on their own movement and success, but at the same time they were very willing to help and support each other; when a dancer next to me was struggling with a move I was happy to meet his ask to walk him through it again, and when at the end I asked one of the dancers if they could film me performing they agreed with a smile.

Our teacher, Swati, matched her teaching pace to our learning pace, and checked in frequently with the class to ask whether we should repeat a step or move on to the next. Questions were welcome, and Swati was happy to pause and demonstrate whatever a dancer asked before continuing.

The energy in the room started and ended calm and reflective, but during the class it rose and became loud and vibrant. Swati started the class with a check-in, where we stood in a circle and shared our names and something we were thankful for (I shared that it was my first class at The Dance Complex and I was grateful to be there). She ended the class with a cool down for stretching and provided parting words that reflected on the song we had danced to. She explained that the song said to leave the past behind and live in the present, and thanked us for being present with her during the class.

Between the check-in and the cool down, the energy was high! After doing some jumping jacks to warm up, we began learning choreography for a dance (about 40 seconds long). Learning was accompanied by questions, laughter, some freestyling and feeling the rhythm before we were cued to start, and even a part where we all sang along as we danced (“Ooh, aah, take the world and paint it red”).

When we finished learning the dance and rehearsing it several times, Swati divided us up into three groups, and each got to perform on their own and utilize more studio space. This gave the dancers an opportunity to ask classmates to film them dancing, and encouraged those waiting their turn to clap and cheer for those dancing!

Dance Difficulty

The dance did not require any significant level of strength or flexibility, but it did require stamina, coordination, and fast-paced, energetic movement. Be prepared to break a sweat, but don’t expect to collapse afterwards, or to be sore the next day.

There was no need for previous knowledge of the style, but I do think that some background in dance makes the class somewhat less challenging.

Swati made sure to divide the dance into digestible sections, to teach arms and legs separately so we could learn one and then join it with the other, and to practice the steps we learned multiple times before adding on the music. She was also glad to reteach a steps per request, and to go over steps from various points in the routine.

If you are new to the dance world in general or have less experience with fast-paced styles and feel uncomfortable asking questions, you may find this class difficult.

If you have some dance experience, especially with a fast-paced style, like hip-hop for example, you may resonate with Bollywood dancing. From my own background, I recognized moves that resembled a half-turn in salsa dancing, and the drunken sailor step in swing dancing, so that made those steps easier for me to grasp.

Top Tip

Bring water! Twice during the class we took drinking breaks, but dancers also placed water bottles in strategic locations so they could reach for them in between dance runs. If you forget to bring a water bottle, try to locate a water fountain at your dance studio (The Dance Complex has several), but for the best experience make sure to stay hydrated.

Awkward

We were about 25 dancers, which filled the studio and made for an occasional bump into each other. In a crowded studio, I suggest being careful not to get injured/injure anyone, and to be aware of your personal space.

Did I occasionally accidentally start dancing before the music cued us in? Yes, yes I did. And it was a bit embarrassing, but no one seemed to care, and it all turned out okay 🙂

Awesome

It was fun to try a new style, cheer for each other, and enjoy a looser style of movement than I am used to!

I was even able to find the song we danced to online – Ik Junoon (Paint It Red) – so I’m enjoying the fact that I can listen to it whenever I want, and even practice the dance on my own if I’d like.

Final Thoughts

I would absolutely try Bollywood dancing again! If you have experience with another fast-paced dance style or are looking for a high-energy dance that will challenge you, then I suggest you give Bollywood a go!

Have you tried Bollywood dancing before? Do you want to suggest a dance for me to try next? Let me know in the comments!

Want to see more images and videos of my dance journey? Follow me on TikTok and Instagram @dancediaries0

Come back every Monday at noon (EST) to find out which dance I try next! See you then dancers 🙂