The Thursday 7pm Beginner Hip Hop class is the highlight of my life right now. Literally just said that to teach, Chris, last night. Super bummed I will be moving out of the area - wish I could take them with me in my pocket. I look forward to this night as a fun / healing / full-on creative expressive / challenging / aggression outlet night of the week. Leave feelin' good, sexy, and worked - even if you're goofy like me. I always say, my enthusiasm makes up for my lack of experience and ability to do a smooth body roll.
I've always loved dancing, but had never taken in-person classes. When the COVID shutdown happened, I had a hankering to start practicing hip hop at home, away from judgmental eyes. I've always been one to like getting a good workout without knowing because it's so damn fun (and is why I do sports and such rather than be a gym rat). Youtube and Cize were where I first started choregraphed at-home dancing, but even if you have wall mirrors like I did, it just ain't the same without your peeps by your side.
When I came back to Cali, I started doing ClassPass and was incredibly lucky (and fated) to find Agape Dance Lab. I believe they're the only hip hop class I saw on there, and I jumped on it. GPS is not the best in finding the studio, but don't give up - it is in front of the plaza instead of the back and on the first floor.
My first class, I walked in and witnessed the Advanced Class happening downstairs, and I mistakenly thought it was my Beginner class and started to slowly back out, hoping no one would see me. These people are FIERCE on the dancefloor -- everything I wanna be on the planks, but I'm. just. not (yet)... gotta start somewhere though.
Luckily a rep came out and told me the teacher, Chris (referenced above), was about to come in and said I could wait on the living room couch situation they have in the front lobby. Can't lie, got a little nervous as I didn't know what to expect, and note, I came alone. I could tell these people dance. Like really dance.
But don't back out! Out of the 20 studios I've been to in the last month+, Agape is my absolute favorite. I've only been three times, but I make sure I schedule around it. Two other patrons then showed up and waited with me in the lobby - one was a regular, and the other a newbie, ClassPass person like me. I can happily say we had and do have great times together in that dance studio upstairs. We groove, welaugh, we sweat, we mess up (and kill it), and cheer each other on.
This is the community-type experience I look for when I go to ANY studio whether it be in the realms of Zumba, yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, cycle, gyms, or even at the sauna.
Chris is a GREAT dancer and teacher! My first time, he asked me about previous experience, and I told him about my home practice. We then stretched and stretched / danced / warmed-up. Every class, he pauses and asks the class if we have questions, if we want to go over anything, slow it down, move on, etc. etc.
Every class, he comes in with a new pre-planned choreographed routine to pair with a song he's already picked out (last time he asked if we had any requests for next time, which was pretty freakin' cool). Last time, we did a sexy-kinda dance with a lot of freestyle and body rolls (one of my weaknesses) to TLC's "Creep". The week before that, we did somethin' a little more old school-gangster to "Rap Super Star". My first night, we did a super fun dance to "Dunk Contest". So, every week is a different song, different choreography, different challenges. I LOVE IT. Not only is this type of challenge super fun, but did you know it's incredibly good for your mental health and stimulation which in turn keeps ya young? Yeah, overall = amazing.
Oh, and one of the greatest parts is that Chris offers for people to record final product so you can watch yourself later to see how you can adjust / improve. I refused the first time as I don't like seeing myself on camera, but my ClassPass buddy did and sent it to me, and I'm actually really glad he did. It not only helps you improve, but it makes me laugh seeing my facial expressions and my "mistakes", but it makes me super proud of myself for even going out there and trying - and even being in the front. This type of class is the stuff of life. Break outta your shell, and go shake yo bootay. Why the hell not? read more