Once upon a time, dance classes were only associated with little girls wearing pink tutus and prancing around the school hall, sometimes gracefully, sometimes not so! Fast forward a few years, and cities throughout the world – Dubai included – are alive with classes in every dance style imaginable. The tutus have been replaced by gym pants and the music usually cranked up a notch or two. Dance is probably one of the biggest things in fitness since the treadmill was invented, and because it has the added element of fun, it is easy to get into. New dance classes are constantly mushrooming across town, so we decided to pick out our favourites.
Salsa
What and why?
Hailing from Cuba, this super-smooth dance style is one of the most popular worldwide as a fun way to find fitness. At Del Piero's classes – which are as authentic as it gets – not only will you master the basic steps but you'll shake and shimmy to some pretty cool sequences and in doing so get a great aerobic workout, plus improve tone and definition. Salsa also helps to reduce stress and increase your energy levels.
Real-life review "Del's classes have changed my life – I've found a passion for dance, learnt so much about the culture behind it and found rhythm that I never thought I had!” – Debbie, 33
Need to know
Del Piero's classes are held at Ductac, Mall of the Emirates. Priced at Dh800 for a package of 12 classes, call 050-6963520; visit www.salsaindubai.com.
Sh'bam
What and why?
Sh'bam is a unique new dance form that is set to the sounds of chart-topping hits, from Fame to Shakira. The class consists of 12 tracks and some very cool, yet simple, moves to match – so it's easy enough for even the dance-challenged to master!
As for the benefits, Sh'bam will increase your cardio fitness no end while improving your coordination, burning some serious fat and teaching you a load of hot new dance moves.
Real-life review "It's easy to see tht Sh'bam will be the next big thing. The music is great – it's the perfect combination between a workout and a night at a disco!”
Jennifer, 32
Need to know
Classes are offered for members at the Quay Club, call 04-3666821 or visit www.jumeirah.com. Dubai Ladies Club and Studio Fitness are also planning to offer classes soon, so watch this space.
Body Jam
What and why?
Body Jam offers a great cardio workout with an addictive fusion of the latest dance moves combined with the hottest new sounds. Super hip and loaded with attitude, the emphasis in these classes is on fun – but you can't help but break a huge sweat with moves called jump turns, moon runs, jive kicks and more. All you need is a basic sense of rhythm and coordination and you'll get super fit, ultra toned and enjoy all the benefits of improving your confidence and self-awareness.
Real-life review "I always thought I had two left feet but once I got the hang of it, I really started enjoying Body Jam. It gives me a fantastic rush with high-energy music and cool moves.”
Mary, 33
Need to know
Classes are held at Dubai Ladies Club, Dh50 per session, Dh500 for 12. Call 04-3499922; visit www.dubailadiesclub.com.
Hip Hop, Lyrical Jazz and Funk
What and why?
These classes are perfect for those who fancy a bit of everything! Starting with a choreographed warm-up, followed by stretching, abs work and then learning the actual routines, they give you all-round training to enable you to learn a few different dance styles to a pretty good level. You get a great cardio workout and you'll see huge improvements in your coordination and core strength. The routines change every two weeks so you never tire of them and you're always learning.
Real-life review "When I started the class I found it a bit scary; lots to take in and the routines can be a little tricky, but within a couple of weeks, it had all come together and now I look forward to every class.”
Susan, 29
Need to know
Sharmila's Dance offers these classes in Ductac, Mall of the Emirates, Dh55 per session. Call 04-3414777; visit www.sharmiladance.com.
Bollywood Dance
What and why?
Bollywood Dance is a commercial name for modern Indian dancing and is a combination of classical Indian and folk dance with Latino and Arabic influences thrown in for good measure! Stemming from Mumbai's colourful film scene, it now has a huge following the world over. This dramatic dance style is vibrant and energetic which makes it a visual treat to participate in and observe. It's a fantastic calorie burner, developing cardio levels and toning the entire body as well as boosting coordination and rhythm.
Real-life review "I love going to my Bollywood Dance classes. I know I'm getting a great workout as I'm dripping in sweat by the end but I don't notice as the atmosphere is great and the moves are such fun.”
Sarah, 26
Need to know
Bollywood Dance is offered at the Fairmont Hotel, from Dh350 per month 12 classes. Call 04-7094160; visit www.bollywooddancedubai.com.
Tango
What and why?
Originating from the slums of Buenos Aires, Argentine or Salon tango is without doubt one of the most emotive and elegant dances, both to watch and to perform. It's often referred to as the ‘thinking man's dance' as once the basic moves are mastered, it's all about improvisation. It is sensual, expressive and excellent for improving focus, coordination, communication and confidence. The Dubai Tango Festival takes place from May 18 to 21 – see the website below for details.
Real-life review "I started Tango lessons after seeing it in a movie. It's so expressive and is the perfect release after a busy day of work. I can escape all my problems and focus solely on mastering the art of Tango!”
Louise, 31
Need to know
Dubai's active Tango community offers classes at Kempinski Hotel and Ductac. Prices start at Dh200 for a beginner's course. Call 050-4516281; visit www.dubaitangofestival.com.
Zumba
What and why?
Zumba has caught on like wildfire, as a fun, effective fat-blasting dance workout. With its exhilarating blend of Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves including those of salsa, merengue, cha-cha, cumbia, soca, samba, bellydancing and flamenco, it offers an interval style of training. And now, Zumba is being taken to the next level with Zumba Toning – which includes targeted body sculpting and strength training moves using toning sticks; and Aqua Zumba – offering a cardio-conditioning and body-toning workout in the pool.
Real-life review "What could be better than hopping around to fast, loud, Latin pop music and disco? You sweat profusely, laugh a lot and enjoy an hour of fat-burning fun.” Claire, 34
Need to know
Zumba classes are offered at Fitness Beat in Tecom, Dh100 for four sessions as an introductory offer. Call 04-4324528; visit www.fitnessbeatme.com. Zumba Toning and Aqua Zumba are held at various locations, Dh50 per session. Call 050-2242282; or email jzumbadubai@aim.com.
African Dance
What and why?
At Exhale's African Dance classes you learn expressive movements unique to Africa's deeply engrained dance heritage. Improved mobility, strength and coordination are the key benefits, as well as blasting a ton of calories while you jump, skip, kick and run through the fun sequences. You don't need a partner and it's pretty straightforward to pick up.
Real-life review "African Dance classes have really helped me build a sense of rhythm by teaching me to move instinctively. At the end of each class, I always feel totally rejuvenated and like I've burnt a lot of calories!”
Mizuho, 45
Need to know
The Exhale studio is located at The Walk in Jumeirah Beach Residence, classes cost Dh60, or Dh550 for ten sessions. Call 04-4243777; visit
www.exhaledubai.com.
Zouk
What and why?
Zouk-Lambada, meaning ‘party' or ‘festival' hails from Brazil and combines African drumming with American and Caribbean pop music. It's a very sensual dance; unlike salsa, where you lead with your hands, zouk is led by the body. Zouk is great for building stability and core strength and is also known as the ‘moving meditation', due to the spiritual benefits it offers.
Real-life review "Zouk is a passionate dance that improves coordination, balance and flexibility. It has helped me lose weight, build confidence and is a great stress-reliever after a hectic day at work.”
James, 30
Need to know
Zouk classes are offered at Capitol Hotel, Dh40 per session. Call 050-2806362; visit www.zouk-dubai.com.
Ballet
What and why?
Classical ballet has seen a great resurgence in recent years and has an ever-growing following. Ballet classes offered by Lisa Dance cater for all levels, whether adult beginner or experienced dancer, and consist of a barre warm up, stretching, pirouettes and jumps. Posture, grace, core strengthening and body control are just some of the benefits to be had from ballet. And for those who fancy getting on the stage, last year dancers in the class participated in a local performance of The Nutcracker.
Real-life review "I've been doing ballet since 2001 at various dance schools in Dubai but there's no class like Lisa's. The level and format of each class is perfectly tailored to suit everyone there and she's extremely dedicated.”
Valentina, 41
Need to know
Lisa offers ballet classes at Gloria hotel, from Dh60 per session. Call 050-8754982; visit www.lisadancedubai.com.
Can't decide what dance is for you?
The renowned Arthur Murray Dance Centre has opened its second centre in Dubai at Souk Al Bahar. From one-to-one classes to group programmes, their simple and timeless methods teach both beginners and accomplished dancers everything from ballroom to hustle, tango to nightclub and every conceivable dance style in between.
Visit www.arthurmurraydubai.ae to check out the various options.
In the rest of the UAE
Abu Dhabi:
>> The Village Club offers free salsa classes, as well as zouk sessions for Dh30.
Call 02-4952095.
>> You can opt for high-energy hip hop classes at the Intercontinental Hotel, Dh65 per session. Visit www.noradancegroup.com or call 050-8750111.
>> Bellydancing helps you burn calories, and gain strength and flexibility. The Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi offers classes, from Dh35 per session. Call 055-5526513.
>> Zumba classes are offered in various venues, including the Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi. From Dh30 per session, call 050-6165273.
Sharjah:
>> Body Jam™ and belly dancing are offered at Sharjah Ladies Club, from Dh40 per session. Call 06-5067865/7868.
