STEP TO IT!
GET FIT (AND HAVE A BLAST) AT THESE NYC LATIN-DANCE CLASSES
By RAQUEL CEPEDA
Posted: 12:00 am
July 2, 2008
Hate exercising? Maybe it's because your training regimen is about as boring as waiting on line at the DMV. Why not hop off the treadmill for a sec and enjoy a spirited workout at one of the city's many Latin-dance classes, where you can tone your body while also learning how to shake what your mama gave you?
Here are a few of our favorites.
SAMBA:
Taking a dance class with Quenia Ribeiro, the pint-sized carioca from Rio de Janeiro is not for the faint of heart. In addition to learning how to dance to samba from Rio and Bahia, be prepared to sweat your butts off to the irresistible rhythm of samba reggae, afoxe, maculele and xaxado. The live drumming is so intense that it feels as if it's not just your body getting a vigorous workout, but your mind and soul, as well. Wear comfortable clothing: dance pants or lightweight sweatpants, cotton T-shirts or tank tops and a sports bra (for the ladies). Bring water, baby wipes to clean your bare feet after class and an extra set of clothes. More importantly, bring a good sense of humor: It may take you a few classes to look as good as Quenia does when swaying her sexy hips across the dance floor.
405 W. 55th St. at Ninth Avenue. (212) 405-9000, alvinailey.org
Sun., 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon., 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Tues., 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m., Wed., 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m., Sat., 4 p.m.-6 p.m. $16.
AFRO-CARIBBEAN:
If live singing and folkloric drumming aren't enough to lift your spirits after a long day, Bábá Richard Gonzalez' energy, or ache, certainly will. It's no wonder that Bábá (father, in Yoruba) Richard's Thursday night class is one of the most popular in the city. The large room is packed with a multi-racial gumbo of (mostly) women of all ages and sizes wanting to exorcise their bodily demons. After only one session, you'll be sprinting to the nearest botánica (Abebe Ochun on 1645 Woodbine Street in Ridgewood is a favorite) to purchase one of those colorful full skirts most of the regulars wear over their Danskins while opening their heart chakras in honor of the santos.
Djoniba Dance and Drum Center, 37 E. 18th St., between Broadway and Park Avenue South, 7th floor, (212) 477-3464, djoniba.com
Thurs. 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., $15.
FLAMENCO:
Aurora Reyes's beginner flamenco classes will give you a thorough calisthenic workout because of the concentration on isolated movements that target the arms and legs. If you feel like you're ready to make a commitment after taking a class or two, it's worth picking up the proper shoes and (optional) flowing skirts at Menkes, located on the eighth floor in the same building.
Flamenco Latino Dance Studio, 244-250 West 54th St., between Broadway and Eighth Avenue, 4th Floor, (212) 399-1091, flamencolatino.com
Call for class schedule. $20.
