Can't stand another minute mindlessly jogging on the treadmill? Dog-tired of down dog? Whatever the reason, it's time for a new way to break a sweat -- without counting down every second until it's over. African dance, which mixes an intense workout with a strong cultural component, could be your salvation. Historically, the terpsichorean art commemorated celebrations -- marriages, baby-naming ceremonies and other festivals. The music is just as important as the movement: Most classes have live musicians on djembes (West African drums) and the occasional balafon, a xylophone-like instrument. While classes today preserve those African traditions by fostering a sense of kinship, it's also about working up a serious sweat. Once the drums start beating, you won't notice how hot it gets or how out of breath you are -- just how liberated and exhilarated it feels to dance, a part (for at least an hour) of a community moving and grooving together.
What to Expect: Classes range from 60 to 90 minutes. After a warm-up, the instructor will demonstrate moves one by one, building on each until a routine comes together. Some classes follow each step the teacher makes; other classes culminate with "rounds" forming, as everyone takes turns in the center. Teachers usually give impromptu tutorials to dancers who look lost, but that's the best part -- don't worry about how you're doing, just keep it moving.
Assane Konte can show you how to work some culture into your exercise routine.
(Gediyon Kifle For The Washington Post)
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What to Bring: Clothes range from gymwear to brightly colored sarongs -- you'll typically see the teacher's attire mirrored by regulars in the class. Since this is a barefoot exercise, you won't need any special socks or shoes.
Cost: $10 to $15 per class, with class packages (usually at a lower per-class price) available. Kate Ghiloni
Where to Get in the Groove
African Heritage Dancers and Drummers. 4018 Minnesota Ave. NE. 202-399-5252. www.ahdd.org. Started in the 1960s, this community organization is focused on building positive connections in the neighborhood through the arts. Founder and director Melvin Deal has studied dance in the United States and Africa, and the company includes after-school classes offered daily for children and evening sessions for adults. Single classes, $10 each for adults, kids free.
Dance Place. 3225 Eighth St. NE. 202-269-1600. www.danceplace.org. Sylvia Soumah, the founder of Coyaba Dance Theater, and members of her company teach fun, high-energy African dance classes with live drummers that will get your heart pumping. There's also an Afro-Cuban class and a children's African dance session. Single classes, $11 each.
DC Dance Collective. 4908 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-362-7244. www.dcdancecollective.com. You'll feel like you're at a friend's place at this very relaxed studio. They offer a more traditional African dance class, taught by Mihoby Rabeharison, a member of the Balafon West African Dance Ensemble, as well as a samba- and reggae-infused Afro-Brazilian class. Single classes, $15 each.
Joe's Movement Emporium. 3806 34th St., Mount Rainier. 301-699-1819. www.worldartsfocus.org. You'll find a diverse mix of students here, including College Park students and Takoma suburbanites. Choose from a variety of classes -- such as West African dance, Afro-Cuban and North African belly dancing. The belly-dancing class is mostly women, but both men and women attend the other classes, and they also offer youth programs. Single classes, $12 to 15 each.
Joy of Motion. Three locations in the Washington area. www.joyofmotion.org. The recently transformed Atlas Performing Arts Center, on H Street NE, offers Afro-jazz, an MTV-friendly class with traditional steps set to the music of Lil' Kim and Christina Aguilera. Neighborhood regulars and Hill staffers comprise the early crowd; evenings offer drop-in sessions and performance classes. Instructor Tyrone Murray also offers similar tutelage at the other two branches. Single classes, $14 each.
KanKouran Dance Company. 417 Massachusetts Ave. NW. 202 -518-1213. www.kankouran.org. This 20-year-old institution houses three West African performance companies and also offers weekly classes for adults and children. Semiweekly drumming classes are also available. Single classes $12 each ($10 for students).
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