Latoya Grindley, Gleaner Reporter

Age shouldn't be a factor for a dance workout. Under the guidance of dance instructor, Christina Gonsalves (front right), students warm up just before the choreographed routine during the African dance class at Dancefit Dance studio.

Trained or not, you love to dance! Every chance you get, you groove and shake that body of yours to some of your favourite music. So why not turn this hobby into more than something social and make it a health and fitness routine?

You may feel the need to hit the gym and probably shed a few pounds or just to keep in shape, but the thought of going there seems like a torturous task. But good physical and mental health doesn't have to be attributed to hours dedicated in the gym, which for many is monotonous.

Choreographers and managers of Dancefit Dance studio, Kameica Reid and Shapea Barnaby, say dancing, like any other exercise, comes with many benefits people will enjoy. Among them, Barnaby says, is the fitness factor. "Clearly, many will enjoy the fitness factor as it takes a lot of stamina to keep up in the classes. It's also fun and good for mental health. Flexibility is also another key benefit of dancing. It gives you renewed energy."

Need stamina

Certainly, you will need the stamina to keep up in the classes because for one hour non-stop, students, under the guidance of an instructor, will undergo some 'serious' dance workout. Last Wednesday evening, when the Flair team visited, the theme was African. With the constant pounding of African rhythms, students worked up a sweat during the warm-up sessions and choreographed routines. No matter how you do the moves, just ensure you put your all into it.

Reid says maintaining a fun-filled environment is critical at the studio, making everyone comfortable. "Everyone is welcome here, from professional, to amateur dancers. We ensure that we have a relaxed and stress-free environment, where it is like family here. People don't have to worry about being laughed at."

And that was evident, as students during the session were seen cheering on their mates and the cheers even got louder for those who aren't dancers.

Dancing as a form of exercise is certainly an interesting way for people to work out and according to Barnaby, there is no monotony, which increases the enjoyment while becoming fit. "Dancing is not monotonous and this is what makes it different from going to the gym. It's not the same thing every day, so you don't get tired of it like the gym," says Barnaby.

Trained instructors

With classes ranging from soca, hip hop, Latin, African, to Jazz, Dancefit also caters to children from as young as four years and adults up to 70 years old. Instructors are trained and there are two evening classes, Mondays to Thursdays, with each featuring a different genre of music. Classes are also offered in the mornings, as well as on Saturdays.

Daccefit is located at Savannah Plaza, shop 18.

latoya.grindley@gleanerjm.com

Kiesha-Ann Smith takes part in the warm-up session of the African dance class at Dancefit Dance studio.

Trained dancers and managers of Dancefit Dance studio, Shapea Barnaby (left) and Kameica Reid, say dancing is an alternative form of exercising, which breaks monotony while allowing people to reap health and fitness benefits.