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Out of the gym and onto the dance floor
Story By: Andy Koen
Source: KOAA
At the Springs Salsa and Dance Fitness Studio in Old Colorado City they are teaching lessons in Bollywood style Masala Bhangra fitness dancing. Dance instructor and studio owner Dorie Wexler says the traditional Indian folk dance turned fitness craze is a great way to get in a high-energy workout.
"I lost a lot of weight doing these types of programs and I realized that dance fitness is something that really needs to be put out there," Wexler said. “It kept my interest, I was consistent, I was happy doing it and it really replaced the traditional aerobic class for me.”
Thanks to Wexler’s classes, the dance trend from the East is now helping people sweat away pounds here in the West. A single one hour session burns as many calories as a five mile walk.
"Dance is a weight bearing activity,” explains husband and co-owner Mark. “It helps stimulate bone growth, and also, most people don't realize that the connective tissue also can get stronger so that you're less likely to have sprains and strains and things like that."
Dorie and Mark are two of only six certified Bhangra dance instructors in the country. They will perform and give lessons in Bhangra and other dances this Saturday at the 2008 Spirit of Women Day of Dance in Colorado Springs.
Jody Petry, director of the Colorado Springs Spirit of Women organization says she’s excited to have the Wexler’s be a part of the Day of Dance.
"Dance is a wonderful way to exercise,” Petry said. “I think there are a lot of people who are intimidated going to a gym, maybe don't feel that they want to be out on the street, pounding the pavement, riding a bike."
The Day of Dance is Saturday February 22 at the Bigg City Events Center, 5825 Mark Dabling Boulevard in Colorado Springs. It's a free event. Health screenings start 8:00 a.m. and the dancing starts at 10:00 a.m.
