Rhythmic alternatives to traditional exercise gain popularity

By Christopher DaCosta

In a world of fad diets, fitted fashions and fast-paced trends, shaping your body these days can be as painful as sculpting your untamed eyebrows. As a result, students are taking a more rhythmic approach towards exercise, bringing the art of dance to the forefront of workout routines.

High-energy dance-themed movies like "Honey" and "You Got Served" have been the inspiration for the recent resurgence of jazzed-up workouts. Pat Malley Fitness Center, always ahead of the curve, caught on fast and has included many dance-oriented exercise classes in its quarterly fitness curriculum.

"Occasionally, we have dance classes here," said sophomore Malley employee Christel Allen. "Last quarter we had hip hop and belly-dancing this quarter."

When junior psychology major Carey DeAngelis heard that a belly-dancing class was being offered on campus, she and droves of other students jumped at the chance.

"I heard how it was a great workout," DeAngelis explained.

DeAngelis awoke early to join the lengthy lines hoping to land a highly coveted spot in the mid-eastern style dance class.

Geared toward beginners, the 45 student belly-dancing class aims to teach its pupils the basics of belly and hip rolling. At $25 for eight, hour-long sessions, the class proves to be a bargain.

Other alternatives for dance workouts include the classes offered by the dance department. The dance department classes are not only for majors â€" who says only dancers can have lithe bodies? Choices include jazz, modern, tap and ballet.

A popular alternative that combines the grace of dance and the intensity of aerobics is the exotic flavor of Capoeira of San Jose, a studio specializing in the blend of traditional Brazilian self-defense and rhythmic music. Although Capoeira is typically considered a form of martial arts, its musical influence adds another element to the 400 year old form of defense.

According to the studio's website, Capoeira "possesses a very unique style that brings together beauty and power, developing mental balance, physical conditioning, self-defense, music and a profound sense of art."

With classes starting at $14 each, Capoeira does not require any contracts or upfront commitments â€" just sweats and a good attitude.

Experimenting with any sort of dance style may prove to be a practical investment â€" not only can you maintain tone and flexibility, you might even learn enough to wow the crowd at the next packed Bronco event. Don't count on any live mid-riff rolling shows, though â€" "you will not be performing in front of mass audiences with this class [belly-dancing] it gives you a great taste of it that maybe you might choose to continue on," according to DeAngelis.

So ditch the free weights and don the leg warmers because a dance-tastic routine results in hard, limber bodies.

û Contact Christopher DaCosta at (408) 554-4546 or cdacosta@scu.edu.