ALTERNATIVE CARDIO: DANCE!!!

Happy Monday everyone!!!! It's a brand new start to the week, a brand new day, and another opportunity to get out and LIVE LIFE!!!! There are plenty of adventures to have in this world that cost nothing but an open mind and the desire to explore. In so many ways, dance is an adventure for me...let me explain...

Dance has taught me the difference between discipline, dedication, and determination as you need all three if you're interested in making something serious out of dancing. However, dance can be used as an outlet to release pent up emotions, express a passion for something, or even to tell a story. Whether it is for art or pleasure, dance...I think, is a perfect celebration of how emotions can be so complex.

Another awesome way dance can be incorporated into your life is through fitness! There are many times in my own fitness routine where before I start my workout, I just turn on the music and dance however the music makes me feel. It warms and loosens me up before beginning my workout. Although I also use fitness-like dance moves in my hip hop classes and in ZUMBA!!!! For those who don't know what Zumba is...it is a fitness based dance class (about 45min - 1hr) that features Latin, Hip Hop, Pop, Techno, African, Brazilian, Bollywood, etc. dance styles and music. Most of the routines are high energy and fast paced to really get the heart rate up, but there are slower style songs and moves included within the classes as well.

Below you'll find 3 routines from my Zumba class (I'll explain a little about each one too) and 2 hip hop dance pieces (one from beginner, the other intermediate) that show how you can mix dance and fitness to have a totally fun and amazing workout that helps you burn fat, but forget you're doing any work!!

ZUMBA

Zumba is all about being care-free and living in the moment. Take your stress and throw it out the door because Zumba will make you forget everything that happened prior in that day...even if it is just for an hour. These next three videos were shot during my latest Zumba class last Wednesday. I thought it was a great way to show that all levels of dance and fitness are welcome and encouraged to try this unique fitness style. I really hope by watching these videos my class and myself can inspire some of you to go out and try out a class in your local area!

Here is an example of my very first warm-up song. My goal is to get the students engaged, comfortable, smile, and most importantly start to increase their heart rate for the upcoming class. The moves are kept simple and are very repetitive. They can also incorporate movement that focuses on toning various areas of the body, which I believe encourages the students to try some of these moves outside of class once they realize how easy they are to perform. Not to mention the music...I mean doesn't it just make you want to PARTY?!?!?!?!

This second video is at a midpoint of my entire 45min class. The students are engaged and usually ready to put in some work by this time. I kept the song up beat in order to keep up the overall spirit of the class (we did a slower song right before this so they were well rested haha). The moves are still repetitive and switch between various styles depending on the associated song. For example, there are fitness/toning related moves as well as more Latin style moves.

Sharing these videos is reminding me of when I first tried Zumba and I couldn't last more than 20 minutes!! It's so weird to think about because now I'm leading an entire class, giving twice the energy, and feel like I could teach multiple classes back to back (I'll pass on doing that though, my body can thank me later).

Alrighty so this last Zumba video is right before the cool down and I wanted everyone to just go crazy and have a blast! The song is instantly recognizable, which I think usually gives the students an extra boost, and the moves are up beat to match the song style. All of the songs I use come directly from the Zumba website and boy do they have an unbelievable way of mixing music! In order to download their music you have to purchase an account, but I'm sure there are plenty of other places like, YouTube, iTunes, Spotify, etc. to get Zumba music. Maybe one day I'll share my ultimate Zumba playlist!!!

Check out this sports bra I wear pretty often when I teach Zumba. I particularly love the quote, "Let it move you..."

THAT COST WHAT?!

Neon Sports Bra (zumba.com): $42

Black Sports Jacket (Macy's): $30

Black two-tone Leggings (Nike): $52

Pink & Gray Running Shoes (Nordstrom Rack): $26

GRAND TOTAL = $150

HIP HOP

My first love, well kind of...

I didn't start dancing hip hop until Middle School, but I have loved every moment of it since!!!! From school teams, to All-Star teams, to college teams, to choreographing, dance has always been a significant part of my life. I began teaching hip hop classes at UCR in 2010 with my close friend Gabe (miss him), but have been teaching on my own since 2013. Currently, I teach two classes, a beginner class from 7-8pm and an intermediate class from 8-9pm. I let the students select the songs and choreograph accordingly, except for the very first class where I have started doing what I call a "Vibes Class". This is when I put on a random, hip hop influenced playlist and do dance moves according to how the music makes me feel while the students follow along. It is growing in popularity among my students so I think I'll keep building upon this idea for future classes.

BEGINNING CLASS

Song: Dance (A$$) by Big Sean

This is a dance Gabe and I made up back when we first started teaching the class...funny thing is I have taught it to almost every Beginning Class since then, crazy....

The fun part about this routine is the moves are easy to grasp for most levels, while the song is unforgettable, encouraging students to put more of their personality into the routine. We wanted the vibe of the routine to be hype, silly, and a little rachet...however, strongly encouraged out students to put their own "flavor" into the choreography. Above, you'll see my most recent beginning hip hop class dancing to this routine. I think it's a perfect demonstration of what this class is meant to represent. Just look at their faces, you can tell this means something different to each one of them, but that they are all enjoying expressing themselves through the movements.

If anyone has ever had even the tiniest thought about trying a dance class, I 100% support you and would advise you to check around your local studios or recreation centers and see what types of classes are available. You'll build new relationships, step a smidge outside of your comfort zone, relieve some stress, and have FUN!!!

INTERMEDIATE CLASS

Song: Wine Slow by Gyptian

Most of my choreography, this one included, is made up a couple hours before class to ensure the moves are fresh in my mind. Plus since I allow the students to select the songs, I usually don't have time to make up choreography until then anyways.

The Wine Slow routine was simply inspired by the vibe of the music. I wanted something where the moves flowed together and pushed the students to enter a vulnerable state with their bodies (this is the intermediate class after all so there must be some challenges, otherwise where does the growth happen?) Even though there were moments where they were uncomfortable with a particular move, but they always danced through the difficulties, improving with each set.

I know for a fact I am not the best dancer or choreographer...and my students know this as well, but that never hinders our time together. At the beginning of each class we take the time out to learn why each person has chosen to take this class and build upon that small desire. With each passing class I have the privilege of watching their passion for dance grow. Ultimately, that is why all of us are in the class...to learn, grow, experience new social situations, and push ourselves in a unique way that could possibly affect our everyday lives (...and often does).

Here's my outfit from Sunday's class...

THAT COST WHAT?!

Black Leggings (Macy's): $20

Black off-the-shoulder Tee (Forever 21): $7.50

Black Lace Strap Bralet (Victoria's Secret): 2 for $25

Chambray Button-up (Delia's): $23

Sneakers (Miss Lola): $26

Faux Leather Baseball Cap (Nastygal): $15

*Jewelry is mixed*

GRAND TOTAL = $104

Such a fun post to write and put together for you all!!!! I love dance, I know I've said that, but it is such a big part of my life and I enjoy sharing it with others in hopes to enhance or uplift their own lifestyle as it has done to mine.

ESCAPE THE ORDINARY!!!