I can’t dance, even if my life depended on it. My typical dance moves at parties are standing awkwardly in the corner and bopping my head. So when my friend invited me to WERQ, a dance fitness class at SPAC, I was definitely skeptical. However, after much convincing, I decided to try out the class and see if it was a good workout.
WERQ is a cardio dance class featuring hip-hop and pop music. The instructor performs the dances in front of the room, and the class follows along as she adds more movements, intensifying the routine. WERQ was different from any other workout I’ve ever done before. I typically gravitate toward weight training and cardio based classes, but this involved lots of coordination and focus. In fact, the class incorporated athletic moves and squats that reminded me of the workout classes I normally attend.
At first, I found myself struggling to keep up with the fast-paced moves. However, the instructor remained supportive and upbeat throughout the entire class. She encouraged us to be ourselves and not worry about how we looked as we followed along. By the end of the class, I began to catch on to the routines and find my groove.
From “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish to “KIKA” by 6ix9ine, the music made the class far more enjoyable. I found myself singing along to the current pop and hip-hop hits featured on the playlist. My favorite routine was to “Like A Girl” by Lizzo, as the moves reflected the empowering themes of the song.
For people who may not consider dance to be a sport, I can now say from experience that it is, in fact, a very difficult workout. However, I definitely plan to return to WERQ and show off my newly-acquired dance moves. So, next time there is a WERQ class at SPAC, my friends will no longer need to convince me to attend. Instead, I’ll be the one dragging them to come dance with me.