If you’re searching for a new way to get in shape and have fun at the same time, the new rhyth-a-robics class now being offered by instructor, Mari Wagner, may be for you.
The class offers a fun way to burn calories through dance.
Mari spices up each class with a mixture of international dance music, and students follow her steps to a combination of dances, including Latin rhythms like merengue, salsa, chacha, cumbia and also belly dancing and Flamenco.
“Music is a big part of my culture, and I grew up listening to different types of music,” said Mari. “In my country, we can dance all night long and nobody complains about being tired because you’re having fun. That’s the idea of my class, listen to the music and have fun.”
Mari said she has been dancing Spanish rhythms since she was very young. Mari is native to Honduras. She traveled to the United States in 1998 to learn English and American Sign Language. After graduating from college, she married John Wagner, and they enjoy spending time with their family in Tyrone.
“I really enjoy the company I met here in Tyrone, and it is great being able to share a bit of my culture with the ladies of the class,” said Mari. “Plus teaching this class has been great because I’ve gotten to meet so many nice people,” she added.
Through dance, Mari incorporates exercises that tone, sculpt and provide an aerobic workout.
Some may be thinking that they can’t dance or that they can’t remember sequences to choreographed steps, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from trying it out.
“Don’t worry if you don’t think you can dance. The more you listen to the music, and the more you practice, the steps come easier,” explained Mari. “We work together to learn the steps, and choreography is not the main focus, but to have fun and keep on moving is the main goal of the class.”
Mari currently teaches the class to a great group of ladies.
“We all love it,” she said. “We really enjoy all the rhythms, especially belly dancing. We wear hip scarves with coins and dance to Middle-eastern music. We are having a blast. Exercise should be fun, and rhyth-a-robics is just that.”
Rhyth-a-robics is currently held on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday of each week from 6 to 7 p.m.
Those ladies interested in learning more about the class or who would like to sign up should call Mari at 684-0374.
