Showing posts with label style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label style. Show all posts

Monday, 28 March 2016

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. 

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

Wednesday, 11 February 2015

Afraid of Color No More




Helllllloooooo To All Of You Wonderful People!


2015 has been quite adventurous, wouldn’t you agree? 
Thank you for all of the referrals, for the new follows/likes/subscribers, and to all those who attended my January classes. Trust me when I say the love is received and I aim to give the love right back to others through my work. Xo.

My first Simply Shakera blog post for the year could not have been any more special. It is dedicated to those of you who LOVE to wear black. I get it; black is slimming, easy to wear, corporat-esque, elegant, chic… the list goes on! For many of these reasons black is a common color found in my wardrobe too. I manage to squeeze color into my outfits using accessories, make up, or a pashmina. You will normally only see me dressed in color when I am on stage or “in meh costume on di road” (ha!).

Thankfully, the color angels came to my rescue! On Friday, February 6, 2015th two lovely ladies and I were featured on a segment of the Marilyn Denis Show! Each of us received style advice by fashion expert Alexis Honce as well as a head to toe outfit that suited our body types and personalities.



Before: Typical Shakera outfit includes a knit top or sweater, yoga pants, and wedge heels or combat boots… and you can’t forget my glasses (not shown) and ballerina bun!

Photo Credit: www.marilyn.ca


After:  My new look definitely made me feel fabulous! The fit of everything was perfect and the pieces were so far from my comfort zone. I would never have thought to put these pieces together (shows you what I know). I guess I shall stick to dancing my butt off while I get better at incorporating color into my wardrobe. Wish me luck ya'll.

Photo Credit: www.marilyn.ca


Outfit Breakdown:
Necklace
- H&M,$9.95

Top - H&M, $39.95

Skirt -Ted Baker, $220

Shoe - Nine West


Check out video from the segment below: 
...OMG Marilyn got me to dance! lol - goodtimes!




Thank you so much to the wonderful team at the Marilyn Denis Show for having us! The ladies and I had the best time and learned so much. Shakera, Michelle and Neelam are afraid of color no more!



For more style tips on how YOU can add more color to your wardrobe visit:
 http://www.marilyn.ca/Fashion/segment/Daily/February2015/2_6_2015/HelpAfraidColour



Stay Connected With Me Via:


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