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Shake a leg

Photo: S. Gopakumar

Rhythm of fitness Dance-cum-exercise session at Code Red

There are a variety of ways to become fit, but nothing gets you upbeat and entertained like dancing. Dance can perk you up, get you moving and take the boredom out of exercising. So don’t look at dancing as a means of entertainment and recrea tion only, there are people in the city who are swaying to a beat-based fitness mantra. Take for instance ‘Code Red’ at Pattom. Jiving across the dance floor are individuals who swear by this rhythmic exercise. Says Faizel, propriertor, choreographer and teacher at Code Red: “Dancing strengthens muscles. It puts your whole body in motion, works on each inch and corner of your body with grace. In addition to all the physical benefits, dance brightens up your day. It keeps you positive and energetic. That is what all the students in my class say!”

Dancing is, for them, not only an artistic hobby and a pastime but an excellent exercise to burn calories and stay fit. Points out Faizel: “Before each dance session, we do general warm-up exercises after which comes a round of stretching exercises that flex your body so that it is ready to move to the music.”

Talk to Chitra Uday, architect, boutique owner and mother of two and she raves about the positive effects of dancing. “I began classes last October. I started with Salsa went on to do aerobics and now I am learning ‘Bollywood dancing.’ With each new step that we learn, we also learn new ways to move our body and stay fit!”

Adds Indu who has just completed her graduation: “I joined the class as I thought it would be an interesting way to spend my holidays. I was conscious of my movements at first, but now dancing has made me more assured and confident.” These two are learning the jhatkas and matkas of Bollywood dancing. Then there are others like Abi, a B.tech student, and Sanjitha, a research analyst with Asianet, who are learning the grooves of Salsa.

Salsa, is a dance that peps you up. Once the music starts playing, the feet start tapping.

“The dynamic and active movements of the Salsa improves blood circulation and breathing and swiftly burns your calories. And if you find the right partner, every step will be fun,” says Faizel.

Abi says that Salsa attracted him more than other dance forms as “it was more dignified and sophisticated. It’s difficult to master but the challenge makes it all the more exciting.”

While this youngster has already gone up to the third level within 45 days, Sanjitha too taps her foot in sync with him and says that she fell for Salsa “by watching it on TV. I am a trained classical dancer but the special rhythm of Salsa is wonderful.”

And the best part of a beat-based fitness routine is that it is creative. You can indulge in any form of exotic or ethnic dance, from Bollywood routines to hip-hop – all you have to do is get yourself on the dance floor and let the beat take over you as the stress slides away.

Code Red, established in January 2009, is run by choreographer Faizel. The school teaches Bollywood, contemporary, Salsa, jazz, hip-hop, tango, classical and other forms of dance. It also teaches yoga and aerobics. Fees range from Rs. 750 to 1,500 per month. Contact: 0471 297633 or 9895067955.

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