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Bahrain residents are being urged to shake, wiggle and pop their way into a healthy new lifestyle at the kingdom’s first Latin dance studio, writes Mai Al Khatib.
Known for its sultry hip action and sexy flair, the hot and sensual Latin dance-mix craze is gaining popularity on dance floors and even in fitness clubs across the kingdom.
Some enthusiasts describe it as an ‘art form’ as well as good exercise as it combines a fast tempo-style movement along with twisting and constant bending of the knees for an amazing fat-burning cardiovascular workout.
It’s great for lifting and toning of the entire body especially the thighs, waist, stomach and bottom, health experts say.
However, there is more to it than meets the eye. Participants are convinced it builds confidence, self-esteem and once the dance steps have been perfected makes the advocate a hit at any social occasion.
Let’s be honest, movers on the dance floor say that if you can Salsa, Merengue, or even Bahcata, you instantly become a star attraction with folk buzzing round you like honey to a bee.
Peruvian Amed Ramirez, 40, and Polish Eva Gavin, 30, teamed up to promote the beauty of Latin dance in Bahrain as a sport and an artistic discipline. Together they transformed the gym at the Coral Beach Club in Manama into a bopping studio which is attracting Bahrainis and expats from a variety of nationalities, all curious about the trendy moves that are currently setting the club scene alight.
Amed was a dance and fitness instructor in Peru for more than 10 years, where he was well-known for his Afro-steps and live percussion playing. Eva met him while visiting the South American country and completely fell in love with the style of dance. She then moved to Bahrain with Amed where they first started teaching at leading night spots.
She said: “This style of dance is derived from Latin America to entertain, captivate and help people keep fit. It is extremely popular in Peru.
“After seeing how many people in Bahrain love the dance we thought it would make sense to launch a proper studio where individuals could learn the moves and lose weight at the same time.
“There is lots of positive energy and the classes provide a great way to keep fit in a fun atmosphere. Reggaeton, hip hop and street dancing is very popular in Bahrain and once you master the steps people at the clubs will be amazed!
“We also have some travelling all the way from Saudi over the weekend. A lot of guests at the Coral Beach Club’s restaurants hear the music and come over to see what’s happening and get so excited they join in!”
Amed combines elements of Salsa, Cha-Cha, Merengue, Samba and his favourite Afro dance moves in his classes. The accomplished musician uses live percussion too.
The studio features Latin dance-mix classes for ladies and gents. There is also a combat class which includes different elements of martial arts, kick-boxing and capoiera, a renowned Brazilian art form. Amed reserves early afternoons dance sessions for children between 8am and noon and caters for youngsters aged 13 and 17 in a class called Teenage Break, featuring lots of funky dance routines and the latest R’N’B moves and Reggaeton hits.
Eva teaches the basic routines of Salsa, Merengue and Bachata in her starter classes. Couples can learn to groove together and there are also special women-only sessions entitled ‘Ladies Styling’.
Eva said: “Every class is different with fresh new music and steps. In Amed’s classes you never know what he is going to do next. He keeps you on your toes, sometimes literally.
“My Ladies Styling Class is geared for women only. I have a huge Bahraini demographic and most of the women start out shy about moving their bodies. So I teach them how to move their arms, their hips and even their heads. I find that Latin dancing is the most sensual and expressive style of dance.”
The studio is currently running a series of special summer sessions involving activities outside dance. Eva added: “We offer a fun and active lifestyle for children, teens and adults.
“We figured instead of the kids sitting at home and turning into couch potatoes why not let them join a club instead where they can swim, dance and make new friends.”
For further information contact Eva on 33889821, email latin.dance.studio@hotmail.com or visit the Latin Dance Studio Bahrain on its social networking site Facebook for more updates.
