46 The QUEE NS Courier • dance • august 29, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com dance s s Ditch the workout, join the party! BY CATHERINE M. LOZADA [email protected] The newest dance craze is Zumba (ZOOMba), derived from a Colombian word meaning “to move fast and have fun.” It fuses Latin and other international dances with interval training set to global dance music. Zumba is being taught at over 60,000 locations in 105 countries, has sold millions of DVDs, and more than seven million participants take Zumba classes each week According to Zumba instructor Lisa Eskenazi, Zumba specifically tones your core and entire body, all while burning between 400-1000 calories per hour, depending on your energy level. With a formal dance class, the focus is on memorizing choreography and improving your skills as a trained dancer. With Zumba Fitness, it is not the dance steps that are important, but that you keep your heart rate elevated. “Working out has never been so much fun,” said Lalita K., owner of Creative Yoga Studios in Astoria, which offers Zumba three times a week. “It’s a dynamic, effective cardio workout with dancing that’s also easy to do. There are no ‘levels’ in Zumba. It burns fat, increases flexibility and makes it easy to lose weight.” Celebrity fitness trainer Alberto “Beto” Perez created Zumba in Colombia in the mid-’90s. One day, he walked into his aerobics class and realized he had forgotten his aerobics music. He grabbed whatever tapes he had in his backpack, which were traditional salsa and merengue music and improvised what went on to become Zumba. “It doesn’t feel like a workout. You’re dancing to great music and having a good time. It’s basically a party. You don’t have to be the best dancer or have any prior dance experience to do Zumba,” said Marisa Breglio, a Zumba instructor at the Flushing YMCA and Matrix Fitness Center in Astoria. In addition to Zumba Basic, there’s also Zumba Toning, which blends body sculpting techniques with Zumba moves using weighted, maraca-like Zumba Toning Sticks; Aqua Zumba, a “pool party” of water-based workouts Zumba Gold, which is modified slightly for seniors and adults with physical limitations and Zumbatomic for kids aged 4-12. Debbie Ann Schneider teaches Zumba at the Ozone Park Jewish Center and says even her 76-year-old mother comes to her classes “The hour flies by. You go at your own pace and move to the rhythm of the music, so there’s no wrong way to do Zumba. It’s simple and it works. I’ve had people take my classes and lose 40 lbs, or be able to go off their thyroid or diabetic medication. Just go with the flow and have a good time,” Schneider said. To find a Zumba class near you, log on to www.zumba.com. Look cooler in any hip hop class BY SHAWN BYFIELD If you are thinking about taking a plunge into the world of hip hop dance there are some things you should know. Hip hop class is a great outlet to release the everyday stress of life and learn a bit of history. The class is a great physical activity and excellent exercise no matter where you take it. Of course, nobody wants to stand out as “the new kid.” So here’s some proven tips to help you rank higher on the cool factor, no matter what your color, age or ability! Look And Dress The Part When was the last time you saw a hip hop video and the dancers were in bodysuits and tights? It’s amazing how just looking the part helps you dance and feel better. Here’s what to wear: • Find some baggy sweats, army pants or cargos. • Get a funky t-shirt or top that you feel comfortable and stylish in. • Find a pair of running shoes that absorb shock. No ballet or jazz shoes! • Accessorize with bandanas, hats, armbands and belts as long as they don’t distract and prevent you or others from dancing. • For the ladies, warm up with your hair up, then when it comes to dance, practice with your hair down. No celebrity ever performs with their hair in a ponytail. And lastly ladies – leave your Lulu Lemon pants at home. Bend Yo’ Knees and Get Low Hip hop has roots in African dance, which is very earthy and grounded. A basic rule for hip hop is, stay low to the ground. Here’s how: • Bend those knees of yours, and widen your stance like a football linebacker. This allows you to transfer your weight quickly as needed in class. • Center yourself squarely over your pelvis, and “sit” into it, almost like you’re going to ride horseback. • And no straight backs! It’s not ballet. Bend that spine, curve forward slightly and relax your neck. Bring a Positive Mindset Because we’re humans, as we age we tend to fear anything new. Afraid of change. Afraid of anything different. Afraid of what others will think. Afraid of how we’ll look. Afraid of making mistakes. ALWAYS remember this: You become what you think about most of the time. It’s true. So tell yourself that you’re here to learn, you are proud of yourself and you’re not afraid to make mistakes. Be positive! You’re eager to learn. And remember, you didn’t learn to run overnight. First you had to learn to crawl, then you learned to walk. The same basic process applies to hip hop dance – and any dance style for that matter. Be confident. Be patient. Encourage yourself and in time you will succeed. Get Professional Guidance Lastly, get involved often! You will only improve based on the level of effort you put forth. So if you dance once a month, you won’t get too far. But if you dance two or three times a week, now we’re moving forward. Set your schedule and PLAN to take yourself seriously. Research a professional hip hop instructor or school you’re interested in, sign up and commit to a class, and prepare to have a blast! Shawn Byfield (www. ShawnByfield.com) is an award winning choreographer, show director and a leading expert in dance lessons and industry advice.
QC08292013
To see the actual publication please follow the link above