Dance instructors push fitness for carnival
Edwards is the brand owner of year-old Sanity Dance Fitness, but she has been practising dance fitness for three years. She said that it takes no special talent, only curiosity and a strong will to make the first move.
“Other dance forms like Wukup are utilised to keep persons intrigued. It not only exposes the individual to new movements, but a whole new culture,” Edwards said.
Wukup is rooted in African dance tradition and practised in other Caribbean islands like Barbados. She said “it forces the body to isolate the limbs and the hips, not just wine”.
Although other musical genres are played, soca remains the core, and quite possibly, participants will learn new songs for the season.
The workout session takes place at the Dance Xpressions Studio at Millbrook Plaza in St Andrew, and attracts as much as 30 participants every Saturday.
It is already five weeks into the programme, but participants have expressed their interest in continuing after the soca season. Through Karnival Kountdown, both dance instructors have created a body transformation challenge for the participants. “It is not only about weight loss, but weight gain for persons who want to have a bigger booty,” Pinkney said. Wellness evaluations and free meal plans are also provided. Each session costs $1,000 and includes a healthy smoothie, courtesy of Herbalife Nutrition. The classes continue this week under the theme ‘Soca versus dancehall’. “Music from the ’90s to present will be used to create different routines for a fun, fit and intense sweat party,” Pinkney said.