Dance to a better you

While the season of binge eating is over, the next most exciting event isn’t due until summer vacation, where sun, sand and bikinis are sure to be the main events. But with all that food consumed sans proper exercise, the extra weight is sure to settle somewhere nobody wants others to notice.

Cardio Hip-Hop funky fitness classes combine freestyle aerobics exercise with hip-hop dance moves for an energy-generating process, strengthening muscles in respiration, toning muscles, improving overall circulation and reducing blood pressure

However, exercise is a virtue. Admit it or not, most people are just too lazy to move their butts, pump up heartbeats a little and sweat it out on a regular basis. And then there are other excuses, i.e., "It’s dull and boring," as some claim. Well, here’s good news: why not dance the fat away?

"Most people only think of dance as a form of art, entertainment or recreation. However, dance as a form of exercise is the ‘in’ thing today!" stresses Anna Marie Periquet, president of Kessel Dance & Fitness Manila.

At 43, Periquet continues to advocate that dance is the best way to combine fun with fitness. Proof of this is her 23-inch waistline, buff arms, toned legs and washboard-like tummy – all on a 90-lb. frame! Indeed, dancing is a sure way to a healthy, balanced and fit way of life.

She adds, "I truly enjoy and celebrate my body and that’s exactly what I want our students in Kessel Dance to experience as well."

Fun in the dance

Starting from a simple goal and born of a clear vision, Periquet stresses that her studio is more than a business venture. "We want to provide a venue not only for people to become dancers: it is also for those who want to live a healthy life. It is in this light that we emphasize the importance of dance to one’s fitness and wellness, giving new meaning to the word lifestyle," she says.

Periquet describes the essence of a sound mind and body through feet stomping to the beat and graceful bodies gliding through the air. It doesn’t matter what the dance is so long as it suits the individual’s particular preference. Thus, the studio offers a variety of dance classes to suit anyone’s ability and personal style.

Among these dance classes are jazz, dynamic and high in energy that stretches and strengthens the body; ballroom dance, which derives its syllabus from Latin America’s discipline in samba, chacha, rumba, and jive; and ballet, which develops a heightened sense of grace and flexibility. In addition, the studio’s classical ballet classes apply the training of The Royal Academy of Dancing (RAD), London and International syllabus under the tutelage of RAD-registered ballet teachers.

"I really encourage parents to get their children started in classical ballet as this form of dance establishes a foundation that will carry you on until your golden years," says Periquet, who started her formal training in classical ballet at the age of three.

On the more contemporary side of dance, Periquet’s school also offers Hip-Hop. "Our New Wave Hip-Hop is a funky street hip-hop with a fusion of jazz. This class integrates energetic and clean moves, vibe, style, musicality and fun," she adds.

Finally, Periquet concludes, "Dancing is central to the social culture at any given time. People dance to meet people, socialize and have fun, or to de-stress, relax, stay fit, lose weight, or just dance the blues away."