With International Dance Day on Wednesday 29 April, we’re thinking about ways to stay active, and inspired.
From hip hop dancing to ballet, choreographed classes to simply letting loose wherever you can, moving our bodies is a great way to get some much-needed endorphins in our systems.
While we may be missing dancing together at Rich Mix, we’re looking on the bright side. We’re still determined to get moving and express ourselves in the process.
Move to poetry
Feel-good dance moves are always a favourite of ours. Rich Mix team member Laura Dajao has worked with us for 12 years, as well as being a dancer. We were completely inspired by her most recent collaboration with Ella Mesma Company and 32 other dancers, ‘I Am A Woman’, in which Bridget Gray’s spoken word piece inspired everyone to get grooving. In the video, each dancer has choreographed a reaction to the video that proceeds them. Have you ever tried moving to poetry or spoken word? Give it a go! You might be totally surprised by the shapes you throw.
Read more about Ella Mesma Company’s ‘I Am All Womxn’ project here
Do a dance challenge
TikTok has well and truly become a beacon of silliness in lockdown, with even Judi Dench succumbing to its charms. Get moving in your own way with Robyn’s new dance challenge, inspired by her song ‘Dancing On My Own’.
See Robyn’s TikTok dance challenge
Embrace your inner ‘FAME’ ambitions
Take up a dance class and donate to charity – now there’s a two-in-one! Maybe you’ve never plucked up the courage to go to a class at a hallowed dance school like Pineapple Studios? Well, now is a great time to get to know the instructors and their routines. Pineapple Studios is closed, but they are offering a full timetable for their instructors to continue working. Many of the classes are free or ask for a donation to their chosen cause. Have a browse, find some space in your home and dance, dance, dance!
Browse the Pineapple Studios dance classes
Over 55? Try free ballet classes with the Royal Academy of Dance
The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is offering free ballet classes to the over 55s – because no-one is too old for a tutu! The Silver Swan classes are aimed to help older audiences improve mobility, posture, co-ordination and boost energy levels. They’re uploaded weekly on the RAD’s social media and website, so you can get involved whenever you have time.
Find out more about free ballet classes here
Work off that indoors energy
And finally, if you have young children cooped up indoors to entertain, you’ll be pleased to know the BBC has just announced a new package of TV and radio shows for children during the lockdown, including a new dance class with Oti Mabuse. The South African dancer and choreographer will front a new series of Boogie Beebies for CBeebies. If you can’t wait that long (we can’t!) you can take part in the dance lessons Oti uploads to her social media.
Learn to dance with Oti Mabuse
Top image credit of ‘Fame’ (1980), courtesy of Warner Home Video Ltd.
