Fitness Roadtest: Subsdance Afro Brazilian
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I cannot dance.
How do I know this? Well, once when I hit the dance floor, it prompted the DJ of the club to film it and upload my efforts to Facebook, in a charming short film entitled “white girl wasted”. I’d had two wines. Seriously.
Or, there was that delightful occasion several months ago at a bar when a particular gentleman asked me to dance and then laughed in my ear “you really can’t dance”.
Thank you, kind sir – of this I am aware.
So, in the face of that mounting evidence, you can imagine my apprehension when I received an invitation from Subsdance to sample their Afro Brazilian dance class (you may have caught a snippet of it in their performance at The Forage on Saturday).
A quick look over their website revealed that it was an ‘intermediate’ class. Gulp. In the last week of term. Kill me.
My fears were somewhat quashed by the memory of my last class at Subsdance, where despite the presence of my two left feet, I was treated with kindness, warmth and patience. In spite of my fears, I’d ended up having a really good time and left feeling, dare I say it, a little bit sexy.
Not quite as sexy as the stunning Kate Ticehurst—Director, Performer, Instructor and Choreographer—who would be teaching the class. Or the Zumba goddess herself (and HerCanberra’s fearless leader) Amanda Whitley, who would be in attendance.
Last time I sampled Subsdance’s Fit Fun Fiesta, the classes were held at MonkeyBar. This time around, I was invited to check out the new digs at the Cusack Centre in Kingston, where Subsdance have not one, but three, gorgeous studios. I’d recruited a friend to come along and we were both nervous and excited to see what the class held in store.
Image: Bec Doyle Photography. Courtesy of The Forage.
The first thing I’d say about the Afro Brazilian class is that it is so much fun. Like, ‘can’t wipe the smile off my face, almost forgotten how unco I am’ fun.
The second is that it’s very high energy. The class is described as ‘a mix of Afro Samba & Reggae with a fusion of African movement’ and is a dance that’s rich in culture and history, originating from way back when Africans were forced to migrate to Brazil as part of the slave trade. Over time the two cultures blended to create a beautiful dance that’s energetic and spiritual. Kate teaches not only the movements themselves, but also the meaning behind them.
It was quite a big class and—to be honest–I was probably the biggest rookie of the bunch, but within about five minutes, I was feeling a whole lot less self-conscious. This is mostly because everyone in the class was so lovely, but also because it’s such a fast dance that most people were just focussed on keeping up!
Image: Bec Doyle Photography. Courtesy of The Forage.
My girlfriend and I had such a good time, walking out smiling, sweaty, breathless and excited to sign up for Dancehall classes (a sexy fluid, earthy style of dance originating in Kingston, Jamaica) in the next term, which runs from 26 April until 1 July.
With over 20 years in the dance scene, Kate is a really excellent instructor with a knack for making choreography that looks impossible seem achievable. As it was the last class of the term, Kate taught fresh choreography for everyone, but next term will be the same choreography for the whole term, in preparation for the (optional) mid year performance.
Image: Bec Doyle Photography. Courtesy of The Forage.
If you like the sound of Subsdance but want to get a taste of what they’re all about before you commit to a term, the studio is running a Workshop Week starting next week, from Monday 18 to Saturday 23 April. Classes range from “How to Dance 101” for the very beginners through to a “Formation by Beyonce” workshop (sign me up!). There really is something for everyone.
So, whether you’re the “white girl wasted” type like me looking for serious help, or a dance goddess looking to improve your form, I can’t recommend Subsdance highly enough.
the essentials
What: Subsdance
Where: The Cusack Centre, Level 1, 27-29 Eyre Street, Kingston
When: Workshop Week runs from Monday 18 to Saturday 23 April. Term 2 2016 begins Monday 25 April.
How much: Workshops start at $25, term passes start from $160 for 1 course. See www.subsdance.com.au for a full price list.
Contact: Kate Ticehurst on 0404 687 806 or email info@subdance.com.au.
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