African dancing, which also includes many different styles and cultures, is another popular alternative to step classes or the treadmill. These classes involve the entire body – arms, hips, legs, head, and torso – in movements specific to certain occasions. There are dances for weddings, seasons, and to honor ancestors. In traditional African cultures everyone dances, from the youngest toddlers to the oldest grandparents. “Anyone can dance – it’s an important form of expression we don’t use enough in our daily lives,” says Gillian Thomas, a teacher of Afro-Brazilian dance in Missoula, Montana and co-founder of Lineage Dance, a Los Angeles-based modern dance troupe. “You just let go of your inhibitions.”
Waxman believes that cultural dancing is important because there is meaning and history behind each movement, and explains that: “The movements are ancient and really beautiful. They come naturally. Students often feel more comfortable with these movements than the more formalized and structured forms of ballet and jazz. Yet you can still learn the grace, rhythm, and release associated with dance.”
In addition, many spas and resorts offer classes in belly dancing, an ancient Middle Eastern tradition. The sensual moves of this dance form create muscle tone, inspire students, and are easy to follow. “Belly dancing is something everyone’s familiar with, in some form, and what’s more exciting than learning a sultry tummy roll?” says Thomas.
Whether you’re rolling your belly, lifting your arms to the sky, or shaking your hips, there’s no doubt about it – dancing keeps your body strong, your mind sharp, and your soul shining.
Get in the Groove
Cal-a-Vie, The Spa Havens, Vista, California, (866) 772-4283; www.cal-a-vie.com. Dance classes: Latin, NIA,
Calluna Day Spa, Seattle, Washington, (206) 772-7205; www.callunadayspa.com. Dance classes: Dance Therapy
The Cliff House Resort and Spa, Ogunquit, Maine, (207) 361-1000; www.cliffhousemaine.com. Dance classes: Belly Dancing, NIA
Hosteria Las Quintas Eco Spa, Cuernavaca, Morelos – Mexico, (877) 784-6827; www.spalasquintas.com. Dance classes: Salsa, Merengue, Cha Cha, Cumbia
The Oaks at Ojai, Ojai, California, (800) 753-6257; www.oaksspa.com. Dance classes: Belly Dancing, Latin Dancing, African Dancing, Broadway Dancing, Funk
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, Ojai, California, (805) 640-2080; www.ojairesort.com. Dance classes: Belly Dance, Tribal Dance, Salsa, Dance Movement (beginner level/western dance), Capoeira (Brazilian marital arts dance)
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Worldwide locations, (888) 625-5144; www.stregis.com. Dance classes: Belly Dancing, Salsa
Topnotch at Stowe Resort and Spa, Stowe, Vermont, (800) 451-8686; www.topnotch-resort.com. Dance classes: Belly Dancing, Dance Fit (funk/jazz), Dance Energy (free movement/world music)
Turnberry Isle Resort & Club, Aventura, Florida, (305) 932-6200; www.turnberryisle.com. Dance classes: Rumbasize, (Latin high-intensity), Hip Hop
May/June 2004
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