photo set

page of 1

tools

Let's dance

16-03-2021

2021

Exercise

Who says you can't get some serious cardio and look cute at the same time? Swing dancing is one sport that will have you breaking a sweat in vintage style. Women's Fitness; issue 1213; p122 - 124; Text Available

id169453210234474

supplier accountmagazinefeatures

file nameFI1312-FI1213P122.jpg

place

credit

caption122womensfitnessmagazine.com.au womensfitnessaustralia @womensfitnessmag @womensfitnessau L e t ’s d a n ce! Who says you can’t get some serious cardio and look cute at the same time? Swing dancing is one sport that will have you breaking a sweat in vintage style TAKING TO THE DANCE FLOOR for a bit of Lindy Hop, the Charleston or Balboa, not only gets your abs working and your heart racing, but also fi res up those facial muscles used in smiling. “It’s really hard not to smile when you swing dance, it just makes you happy,” says Lexi Keeton, one of the leaders of the swing dance revival and part owner of Melbourne’s 1929 Studios. “There’s something special about the rhythm of the music that’s designed to keep you moving through the whole song.” Swing, a 90-year-old style born in the dance halls of 1920s Harlem, is fi rmly back in favour. A strong resurgence kicked o about 15 years ago and now most nights of the week, in every capital city, you’ll fi nd a group of guys and gals wrapping their heads around the intricate, happy steps.Picture jitterbug-style movements with a partner, and those lightning-fast feet, swings, tosses and turns, and you’re pretty close to swing dancing. It’s all about the high-voltage Lindy Hop, thigh-burning Charleston and energetic shu e of the Balboa. Why not also try the Boogie Woogie, Ceroc and Modern Jive? If vintage is your thing, dressing up in fabulous ’40s frocks is all part of the fun – which is the main goal of this style, says Claudia Funder, director of a leading swing school, Swing Patrol. “It’s about getting o the couch and away from computers, joining a dance class, chatting with people, dancing, sharing a glass of wine and having some fun,” she says. “It’s also about being part of a night out, rather than locking yourself away in a dance studio, all anxious about which way your foot is pointing.” Heart popping Swing also delivers a decent cardiovascular workout and toning session. Just how much of a workout will

id169453210234475

supplier accountmagazinefeatures

file nameFI1312-FI1213P123.jpg

place

credit

captionwomensfitnessmagazine.com.au womensfitnessaustralia @womensfitnessmag @womensfitnessau 123 Sport t Burn up the dance fl oor You wouldn’t expect to get a moderate-to- intense cardio workout, while having loads of fun, would you? You’ll charge through 1,200 to 2,300 kilojoules an hour while swing dancing, depending on your level of fancy footwork skills. You got rhythm Get bopping by downloading these classic swing tunes: “Shiny Stockings” by Ella Fitzgerald “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Benny Goodman “It Don’t Mean a Thing” by Glenn Miller “Jumpin’ at the Woodside” by Count Basie Orchestra “Swing is about getting away from computers, joining a dance class, chatting with people, sharing a glass of wine and having some fun” FI1213_ Sport fit - Swing dancingP123 - 122 2013-10-24T17:13:33+11:00

id169453210234476

supplier accountmagazinefeatures

file nameFI1312-FI1213P124.jpg

place

credit

caption124womensfitnessmagazine.com.au womensfitnessaustralia @womensfitnessmag @womensfitnessau Sport t WORDS CARMEL SPARKE ADDITIONAL WORDS SAM BAILEY PHOTOGRAPHY GETTY IMAGES * PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINT but classes are done in whatever way is comfortable. Feeling as though you have two left feet when you swing and fl ip to the rhythm is no excuse not to try either.“Nobody has two left feet,” says Claudia. “Some people take a little longer to pick up the steps than others. It’s not a race or a competition; it’s just good fun.” “Dancing is not about being good at it,” Claudia continues. “It’s about interacting with other people and having a good time and a hobby that’s physical, emotional, enjoyable and brings reward to your life – and you can do it forever.” Yep, this is one fi tness workout that you can do well into your twilight years with a dapper young-at-heart partner. Cover Girl dress, $160*, plus shipping, stopstaringclothing.com 1950s’ satin dress, $150* plus shipping, vivienofholloway.com Hell Bunny Mariam dress, $150*, plus shipping, sirensandstarlets.co.uk TIP: For some local fi nds, check out these fabulous websites: vintagebettie.com.au, bonnierosevintage.com.au, atomiccherry.com.au 3 swing dresses we love… SWING NOT YOUR THING? Head to the dance fl oor and whip into shape with one of these styles. HIP HOP A combination of breakdancing and body-popping, with sharp isolations and big breakout sequences. Best for: Those who want to tone up and embrace their inner Kanye. Attire: High-tops and baggy pants. JA ZZ If you secretly love Glee and want to be in a musical, then this is for you. Best for: Those who love the theatre and are born performers. Attire: Sequins, lycra and glamour. FUNK A stylised combo of hip hop, jazz and pop. It’s all about sexy moves, popping, and lots of attitude. Best for: Those who want to add sass to their dance fl oor moves. Attire: Tights and leg warmers. BAL