Instructional &
Informational Posts
rut. noun /ret/: a habit or pattern of behavior that has become dull and unproductive but is hard to change.
In our column, Rut Buster, we challenge writer Valerie McTavish to climb out of the all-too-common health ruts we find ourselves in from time to time. From the running rut to the gym rut, and even the couch potato rut, join us as Valerie tosses aside the usual and takes on a variety of get-your-sweat-on activities.
“It’s a class where anything goes!!” Suzanne Presinal wrote in an email invitation to a Flavour Friday class at Yo Dance in Calgary. I didn’t know what ‘Flavour Friday’ entailed but who doesn’t want a little more flavour?
I arrived to the little studio tucked in the middle of a small industrial area just off Blackfoot Trail SE. A group of ladies were already taking their places behind folding chairs. Immediately, I could tell the flavour would be spicy. I came with no idea what to expect which, as it turns out, is the perfect way to approach this class.
The chairs were our props and it became clear that we were on stage – not to be fooled by the wall of mirrors and rubberized floor standard in a dance studio.
The Latin beats kicked the class into gear and Suzanne (owner and dance instructor) was ‘on’. She quickly had us kicking, strutting, shaking and miming our way through various lyrics-inspired actions – “besa, besa, besa…” had us blowing kisses to ourselves in the mirror.
The chairs were used as supports. While we kicked, they were dragged, spun and pushed. But make no mistake - they were not there to take a load off. In fact, they were more of a tease as our butts hovered over them or came within inches of the seat during countless variations of squats.
The chair-focused moves provided flashbacks to Flashdance and recollections of Cabaret. These were in addition to a cornucopia of African, Bollywood, Middle Eastern, Latin, Brazilian and Country moves that Suzanne threw together in the whims of the moment.
And that’s the charm of Flavour Friday – a buffet of dance flavours that come together in a deliciously different combination every time.
Delicioso.
--
Valerie needs your help. Email your stories about how you busted out of a rut (fitness or otherwise). Share your successes or suggest an activity for her to try. Stay motivated together.
