After years of making excuses not to go to dance classes I finally went to a West African class with my friend at the Djoniba studio near Union Square. He preferred Afro-Brazilian and I can understand why. As we walked into the studio the advanced class was just finishing up. The pounding rhythms of the djembe and other instruments could be heard from the elevator. The percussion alone had my heart racing and as I walked to look through the studio window my excitement grew even more.

At the end of each class students line up in rows to go through the routine they just learned. Arms were flailing, bodies gyrating along to the drums and I was about to spend the next hour and half exerting my body in ways I have not done since my days playing sports.

I have a long way to go to learn the basic movements but looking forward to get back into shape.


Some tips:
Djoniba offers a free trial class for new members;
Wear loose clothes - the air circulation in the studios is limited;
Bring a water bottle!