Sick of the Melbourne Shuffle? Try out these different alternative dance forms for new inspiration!
Capoeira
Capoeira is a traditional Brazilian martial art that combines music, dance, fighting and gymnastics into a dynamic fitness form. About 400 years old, Capoeira originated from slaves who were transported to Brazil from Africa. In order to attempt escape, they had to hide their form of fighting – and disguised it as a dance.
Capoeira is a ‘community’ game where capoeiristas form a circle (or ‘roda’) in which two people ‘play’. Those forming the circle play traditional instruments from Brazil and sing age-old songs the country. The game is based on tricking the other player – luring them into your space so you can then ‘attack’ them. A good game is where the person being ‘attacked’ can ‘counter attack’ and so on. But the fighting element is superficial. The game is based on fun and mischief, not on winning and games end when either person gets too tired, or believes they have been out tricked by their opponent.
Go to www.caproeira.org.nz for groups in your area.
Hip-Hop
Want to be in a Missy Elliot video? Well, now you can. Hip-Hop classes are popping up all over the country where girls (and boys) bump and grind to today’s chart hip-hop hits. The dance style is fast moving and rule breaking – no need for plies or pointed toes here. The brilliance about hip-hop as a form of exercise is that you can transfer what you learnt in the classroom onto the club floor.
Check out www.yellowpages.co.nz/sports
Belly Dancing
The traditional dance form from the Middle East is being rediscovered as a form of dance which tones the midriff while working those mind muscles. Taking a lot of concentration to contract those tummies to the time of the beat, Belly Dancing activates the stomach to create sexy curves.
Originally a ritualized expression for women (and not for the entertainment of men as has been previously thought), belly dancing is thought to be the oldest form of dance. Generally performed barefoot (although that wouldn’t be right in today’s clubs) it is thought by many to emphasize the intimate physical connection between the dancer, her expression, and Mother Earth.
Go to www.yellowpages.co.nz and type in Belly Dancing in the search engine to find dance schools in your area.
And once you’ve got your groove back you’ll want some flash shoes to practice your moves in. Skechers new Rhythm sneakers will keep you in time and on trend on the dance floor.
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