Get Into The Groove

It has been a while since my last post but I promise that I was keeping myself busy working on upcoming projects that I know you will love. 

Today's post is quite fitting of where my attention has been for the last few weeks. I just completed teaching a dance fitness children's program with the Toronto Public Library in celebration of Black History Month. Additionally, while leading my weekly classes with private clients I also launched ten week Carnival Spice programs in Toronto and Mississauga. It has been amazing seeing so many new faces and watching each person grow week by week. I appreciate everyone that comes out and can confidently say that the energy in each session is so special and felt by all!  Below are a couple anonymous responses from participants when asked, "How did you feel?" after one of my classes!

(Love you guys ^^^^^^ #squad)

"Get into the groove" is more than just a phrase, it is a an action that everyone should be practicing. I encourage you all to embrace the power of movement and if you have not tried a dance fitness workshop or class, then you are definitely missing out! I do understand however if you are unable to participate because of physical injury or other health reasons but any other concerns shouldn't stop you -  instead they should motivate you!

Dance fitness is a type of group exercise that incorporates dance moves/technique. This full body workout is tons of fun and the overall intensity of a class varies depending on the style of dance you are doing.  I often hear folks call dance fitness “ Zumba". To clarify, "Zumba" is a TYPE of dance fitness workout and one of the more popular dance fitness brands. Their instructors go through a training process based on the Zumba style, class format, and program principles. So for example, when someone calls any of my classes "Zumba" , they are very incorrect and legally if I ever advertised my classes as "Zumba" I could be sued for trademark infringement. #foodforthought #fyi #pleasestop #knowledgeispower

One of the main differences between dance fitness classes is STYLE! There can be fifty different hip hop classes out there but I promise you they are not the same. I challenge you to try them all so you can experience the difference for yourself and feel which one you enjoy the most. 

Whether in class or online there are so many great dance fitness classes out there that provide amazing results. Benefits include building your stamina and energy levels, strengthening and toning your muscles, burning tons of calories etc. Dance fitness workouts can also help you avoid or overcome plateaus because they will challenge the body in a different way. Plus most classes are super fun so you do not realize how much work you are putting in. 

Listed were only a few benefits that affect your physical state but there are amazing social benefits as well such as boosting your confidence, building your performance ability, releasing stress and meeting amazing people who are active and may also be looking for support for their workout too.  Not everyone in the class will be at the same fitness or dance level, but that is the beauty of it, you have to start somewhere in order to grow or see results. As as I would say, you have to "pace", listen to the music, listen to your body and take everything in stride. 

What to bring to a dance fitness class:

- a water bottle

- comfortable fitness attire and shoes

- a yoga mat (if you have)

- and a change of clothes because you will get sweaty!

There are so many different classes to choose from out there. Ask yourself:  What music do you like? How long is the class? Check out different videos and see how you feel while watching. 

Below are a couple different classes that I personally enjoy/attend in the GTA:

Army Of Sass with Carla Catherwood

- they also offer the opportunity for you to perform in front of a live audience. 

- they also have locations across Canada. 

Hot In Heels Canada with Angela Mahoney

- I especially enjoyed their 6 hour dance intensive in January. 

- See video clip here: https://www.instagram.com/p/BAYBz4LO7MC

Fusion Cardio Toronto with Sumera Q

- Get your Zumba on here!

Caribbean Movements with Kay Ann Ward

-signature classes include Wickedest Wine and Socalicious; great foundations are taught here. 

Carnival Spice with Simply Shakera

- fuses all the sounds of the Caribbean such as soca, dancehall, and chutney. 

- The Spring programs end May 9th in Downtown Toronto & Central Mississauga. See below for further program details!

If video does not load, please click here: (https://youtu.be/XUzbrAv1FTc)

Join Carnival Spice for Caribbean Dance Fitness. 
Click HERE to reserve your spot in Toronto or HERE to reserve your spot in Mississauga.

See you on the dance floor!

Stay Connected With Me Via:

Facebook: Simply Shakera

Twitter: @SimplyShakera

Instagram:  @SimplyShakera

YouTube: Simply Shakera

Email:  info@simplyshakera.com

#Countdown2Carnival = 8 Days

Carnival Spice hosts PWC Canada's Corporate Appreciation Event

Carnival is one of my favourite things (as I am sure you have already identified).  To help you or a friend get ready for the road below are few resources particularly focused on your fitness.
There’s only 8 days left – are you ready!?

#Countdown2Carnival Episode 5

Fitness and Nutrition Tips From Body Envy, Carnival Spice, and Soul Fuel Wellness.

If the video link is not visible, please click here: https://youtu.be/INS4Dw4krEA

New: Carnival Spice Workout On CP24

If the video link is not visible, please click here: http://youtu.be/6HN8v2IgMGg

Free Carnival Spice Workout

Come and break a sweat with us! Bring your rag or flag and get ready to dance!

Stylance TV Interviews On: 

“Athletic Wear and What Not Buy”

 If the video link is not visible, please click here: https://youtu.be/cH96jxT7UKs

Stay Connected With Me Via:


Twitter: @SimplyShakera
Instagram:  @SimplyShakera
YouTube: Simply Shakera
Email: info@simplyshakera.com

In Case You Missed It (I.C.Y.M.I)

The aim of Simply Shakera Inc. is to spread Dance, Fitness, and Culture throughout the community. These areas are very dear to me so I thank you all for embracing the work I put out from them. When you are moving around so much writing becomes challenging; hence the small gap since my last post but surge of videos on my YouTube channel. Nonetheless, with Toronto Carnival season in full swing and Pan Am Games on its way the GTA will be buzzing! There will be lots to see, lots of moments to capture, lots of people to meet, and even more things to write about – can’t wait!

Below are a few highlights from the past couple of weeks:

Dance

'SS Flash Mob' on the Marilyn Denis Show

Disguised as audience members, the SimplyShakera flash mob initiated a marriage proposal on the March 31st episode of the Marilyn Denis Show.

If the video is not visible, click the link here: http://youtu.be/anfWAsk5zAQ

Thank you to the awesome dancers and volunteers who brought the mob to life:
For booking inquires please email info@simplyshakera.com.

Meet Me At The Diner with High Society Cabaret

A showcase taking you back to one of the most popular hang out spots in the 1950s. Thank you to all who were in attendance! The ladies and I had a blast in our crinoline poodle skirts. Here are a few great photos taken by Billy Archos. 

Fitness

Socialize, Energize, Exercise (S.E.E.)

I missed this so much last month! S.E.E. you Friday, May 29th for Socialize, Energize, Exercise! New location same vibes! Dress to sweat ladies! This event is dedicated to women connecting, women enjoying a night out and women getting physically active!
Looking forward to the latin fusion workout instructed by Carnival Spice.

Ticket info and further details available HERE.

SNAPD visited S.E.E. as well - check out their review!

https://etobicoke.snapd.com/event/804992#/

Photo Courtesy of SNAPD Etobicoke

The Carnival Spice Workout Series

If you ever attended a Dance An Ting event or taken a Carnival Spice workout class then you KNOW the vibes are coming. Carnival Spice will be hosting TWO three-week workouts in the GTA just in time for Toronto Carnival & Cropover in Barbados. Classes are 70 minutes long and each will be a different adventure. Bring on the Caribbean vibes and save the dates!

Monday July 6^th, 13^th, & 20^th.

Downtown Toronto – 7:30pm to 9pm

Thursday July 2nd, 9th, & 16th.

Downtown Brampton – 7:30pm to 9pm

Photo Courtesy of SNAPD Cabbagetown

Registration info and further details will be released via the Carnival Spice Facebook Page. Click HERE to join the page!

Culture

Toronto Caribbean Carnival is only a few weeks away!  The Carnival Spice model team hit the runway at costume launches for Saldenah Mas, Carnival Nationz, Toronto Revellers, and Fantazia International – pretty mas everywhere! I am curious to know what costume you have selected for the big day. Please share in the comments section below.

 

Photo Courtesy of The Caribbean Camera

Be sure to check out #Countdown2Carnival on YouTube. #Countdown2Carnival are video installment that will be shared with the public through my eye. Toronto Carnival Season is full of many highlights - all which lead up to the grand parade on Saturday, August 1st. Look out for costume tips, engage with other masqueraders, get behind the scene action from special events, and check out various performances by Carnival Spice entertainment. 

Episode One: The Saldenah Mas Costume Launch

If the video is not visible, click the link here: https://youtu.be/RYG9lQ__wx0

Episode Two: The Toronto Revellers Costume Launch

If the video is not visible, click the link here: https://youtu.be/nKrUG48OTAQ

That’s all folks! Till next time.

Xoxo,

Stay Connected With Me Via:


Twitter: @SimplyShakera
Instagram:  @SimplyShakera
YouTube: Simply Shakera
Email: info@simplyshakera.com

Back From Intermission

Wow, I haven’t written a post in almost THREE months! The last time I posted was after Trinidad carnival and that should say a lot.

“Carnival Tabanca”: The feeling of hurt and pain when a Caribbean carnival experience has ended often compared to the feeling of being lovesick… Sing away Bunji Garlin.

The weight of my “Carnival Tabanca” post Trinidad was equivalent to about fifty elephants, the weather in Toronto was horrible, I played catch up with a few of my projects, new projects were beginning blah blah blah. It was a rough time – Ha! However, on a lovely Saturday afternoon, friends of mine accompanied me for a pedicure and dinner at my favourite Greek restaurant. They then brought me to Skyzone (for my first time) where I literally jumped and jumped till I was happy again! Recovering from my tabanca experience exemplifies how life can change in a matter of minutes with great people around you.

Moving forward, you can expect biweekly posts on this blog from here on out! I have many exciting projects and initiatives coming up that I can’t wait to share. Wishing you all nothing but the best! Stay blessed!

Check out some of my most recent work that I would like highlight:

CARNIVAL

Toronto Carnival just completed their “band launch” season. Beautiful costumes from the city’s nine mas bands were released to world. For the first time in years, costumes have been selling out quickly! I was so happy to see models from  Carnival Spice And Everything Nice hit the runway with bands Saldenah Mas-K Club, Carnival Nationz, and Jamaal Magloire’s Toronto Revellers. The team DEFINITELY brought a different energy to each stage we touched. I even tried a “ting” too! Ha! Warning, the Saldenah footage has lots of bum! Yowza.

DANCE

I and over 50 women brought the “Age of Electronica” to the Mod Club stage with the High Heels High Hopes Performance and Training Group. This company “enriches women's lives not only through confidence building, but in strength and skill training!”, and you KNOW I’m ALL about girl power. The show was filled lights, cameras, and a whole lot of action. The company will be hosting a summer dance intensive in support of Carolyn Van. A wonderful young woman and dancer who is battling cancer… actually, she’s kicking cancers ass!

Read more about the High Heels High Hopes summer intensive HERE

Read more about Carolyn via her website HERE - The site actually shares much of her current journey. This woman is an absolute fighter.

 HEALTH & WELLNESS

If you have not attended one of my dance fitness workshops, you are definitely missing out! I hosted a public workshop in February and will be hosting another one Sunday, June 22^nd in Downtown Toronto. See details HERE. My workshops are open to all ages, ethnicities, and dance levels. One of my awesome class attendees shared this quote:  

“I love the workshops, and the energy/enthusiasm of instructor Shakera. Fun and exercise are all combined… it’s a win-win situation (or is that ‘whine whine’?)"

Stay Connected Via:


Twitter: @SimplyShakera
Instagram:  @SimplyShakera
YouTube: Simply Shakera
Email: info@simplyshakera.com