Everyone at Hopkins is familiar enough with biology to know a thing or two about the benefits of aerobic exercise. A good workout burns off some of those calories accumulated from too many slices of pizza from Terrace, and it helps prevent health problems like heart disease. Moderate physical activity reduces symptoms of mild depression and keeps stress and anxiety levels down.
The constant stream of people in the Ralph S. O'Connor Recreational Center is proof enough that Hopkins students know that exercise is a key factor in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But running around the track and pedaling a stationary bike can get dull quickly and start feeling like a chore. So ladies (and gentlemen too, since most of you could use a little help with your moves), it's time to mix things up and take advantage of the new fitness class offered by the Rec. Center this semester -- Hip-hop Dance.
With all intentions of hitting the machines, I stumbled upon it after a grueling day of class, meetings and no coffee, and it seemed like the burst of energy I needed. So, instead of partaking in the monotony of the elliptical, I opted to bust a move instead.
Despite my lack of innate skill, I had taken hip-hop dance classes before, so I was curious to see how Hopkins' version compared. Before the class began, a long line developed outside the aerobics room -- a good sign, considering it was only the second week the class was offered. The two enthusiastic instructors, sophomore Jessie Bregar and senior Chrissy Allen, greeted the room full of eager students as soon as they all entered the room.
The workout began with a basic warm-up, including demonstrations and practice of isolated dance moves to be assimilated later in the combination. Next, instructors moved right to teaching the actual dance moves. After considerable practice and many run-throughs of the routine, the class finished with a cool down of toning and stretching. The class wasn't too hard to follow; however, for those of us who weren't so gracefully inclined, it got a little difficult at times. But, the rhythmically challenged were in luck--the fact that there were two teachers gave participants double the opportunity to mimic the steps as quickly as possible. Plus, the dynamic between Bregar and Allen was perfect -- with one to head the front, one to take up the back and both to answer questions, they make a solid team and led the class well.
As members of the Lady Birds dance team, Bregar and Allen have extensive backgrounds in dance. When asked what training they had in hip hop, both noted MTV as their teacher.
"Hip hop is what your body feels -- it's not always something planned. It's something you feel from within," Allen said.
As dancers, both Bregar and Allen possess this innate rhythm and ease of movement, and the purpose of their class is to help others find their own dancing talents. When creating the routines for the class, they used a mix of sources of inspiration, including professional performers and musicians on television, people they saw at clubs and other formally trained dancers.
In comparison to a kickboxing or step class, where steps are basic and movement is continuous, an introductory hip hop class like this one has a somewhat less intense workout, since much of the course is spent learning the routines. But, as the instructors emphasized, the overall cardiovascular intensity of the class really depends upon how much energy the individual puts into it.
"I want to really see everyone getting into it! You better be poppin' them collars!" Allen shouted at one point. Such forms of upbeat encouragement were prevalent throughout the class, in order to motivate the students to push themselves to their limits.
The structure of the class had a strong balance between the aerobic activity needed to maintain a healthy body and the dance moves, which spiced things up a little. Although there were some slow moments while the class learned the moves, once the majority of people got it down, the routine was performed repeatedly at a rapid pace.
So to all you avid gym goers looking to add "flava" to your fitness routine -- reserve Wednesday nights for a hip hop workout.
Or if you're just looking for something fun, this class is a great way to take a break from academics, let off some of the stress and get your heart pumping. And lastly, to all of you in the class of 2008, this is just one more alternative to help you avoid that loathsome freshman fifteen.
The Hip Hop Dance class is offered on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the third floor multipurpose room at the Ralph S. O'Connor Recreational Center. More information about this and other fitness classes can be found at http://www.jhu.edu/recreation or by calling (410) 516-4417.
