Book private dance lessons in Durban

Popping, Locking and Battling in the Zulu Kingdom

What might the first thing be that pops into your head you think of Durban, KZN? Perhaps you imagine popping out for some sun, sand, and beach time? You might think of bronzed bodies on perfectly waxed boards locking horns with the waves? Or maybe you are more likely reminded of the popular attractions Durban has on offer, such uShaka Marine World, the Durban Botanic Gardens, or even the metropolitan Florida Road with its eateries and boutiques.

If these are the examples your mind conjures up, you are absolutely on the right track.  These attractions are perfect for the alfresco-hungry outdoorsy types who are looking for nature and all the goodness that it offers. Even a non-Durbanite will tell you that there is definitely no shortage of fauna and flora fun in the Zulu kingdom.

But what if the sun and surf aren’t your thing? What will you do to entertain yourself? How do you keep active, fit, and social? Let’s face it, now, more than ever we are all far more aware of the value of living our “best lives.” Most of us have been couped up for a great deal longer than we hoped for because of the Coronavirus, and we are ready to get back into the world. Well, here’s a fun, funky and flashy suggestion for those averse to open-air activities: why not enrol yourself in a dance lessons?

Dance lessons, Durban?

While dance classes may not be the foremost attraction in Durban, the culture of dance is very much alive and well in this South African hotspot. Young and not-so-young alike can quite easily find a place to pirouette, cavort and wiggle. There are plenty of options to aid you in answering that inevitable query: are there dance academies near me?

Why, yes, there are! And, furthermore, you are also spoilt for choice when it comes to the style in which you can twirl, bop and sway. A simple online search for “dance lessons Durban” will open many doors for the dance enthusiast, be they a beginner or a professional. Within a 5-6-7-8 you’ll find something that suits your style and level.

Of course, you could choose to follow the more time-honoured route with styles such as Latin American and Ballroom, ballet, or even tap dance. These styles will inevitably fulfil your fitness needs, engage you with an assortment of like-minded people, and keep you entertained… but let’s consider a style that will engage you on a different level. Something that you may never even have considered. A dance style that is highly energetic, rich in history, and incredibly popular with the youth of planet earth…

This dance style is hip-hop, of course.

Wait… What? Why hip-hop?

With South Africa having such a rich array of expressive and cultural diversity, why would we choose hip-hop of all the dance styles? It’s a predominantly American style of dance after all. So, what does it have to offer us here on the other side of the globe?

Well, with its history rooted in providing a voice and message of power to segregated minorities, hip-hop as a dance style has more to offer the South African dance scene than that which may first meet the eye. Birthed as a way of giving a voice to a greatly marginalised lower class in the Bronx, New York, the artistic expression of hip-hop served to communicate a message of defiance and determination, depicting a downtrodden people with strength and power when faced with adversity. The hip-hop culture represents a society in motion towards victory, which quite coincidentally also describes the people of our beloved country.

Historical and cultural significance aside though, there is another particularly worthy reason that hip-hop classes should, at least, appear in your top three choices of recreational dance activity: it’s mad fun, Yo!

You need only look at a few of the names given to the steps and moves in hip-hop to get an idea of the experience you’re in for. Learning to pop, lock, and battle sounds interesting in its own, but throw The SpongeBob, The Moonwalk and The Cabbage Patch into the mix and you have something quite exhilarating! If you’re going to be getting some exercise in, why not do so while you do The Steve Martin?

Not just a young-man’s game

You may think that a dance style as current and improvisational in nature as hip-hop would be considered a “young man’s game”. Krumping, The Soulja Boy and breaking may sound a bit intimidating to the would-be dancer who remembers the original Nokia 3310, for instance. But you are wrong, because Hip-hop dance is for all ages and all levels. The benefits of dancing hip-hop most certainly run the gamut.

Whether a spring chicken or not, we all want to keep fit to stay healthy. Doing cardiovascular exercise is an essential part of this. Also, no matter your age, participating in an activity which is socially stimulating and enjoyable will inevitably strengthen your general quality of life. 

It is absolutely worth taking a moment to appreciate the mental workout that’s undoubtedly factored into learning new dance moves, and then sequencing these moves into routines. Remembering these traditionally fast-paced routines is fantastic way of keeping the mind active and on the go. Having to quickly recall that the dip and step follows the chest pop while you move across the floor from left to right and end with the arm wave will keep you on your toes – figuratively and (most likely) literally too.

Of course, all of this is true for other dance styles as well. Most, if not all other dance styles are equally loaded with health (physical as well as mental) and entertainment benefits. But when faced with the choice of which dance style to choose, why not steer towards the less obvious opportunity. We are living through the emergence of the “new normal” after all. Ride with it and explore this new normal. Also, imagine being that mom, dad, or even grandmother that whips out The Coffee Grinder at the next Saturday night family get-together. “Did you see gran bust the moves at the braai on Saturday?”, said the awe-struck teenager to his equally amazed mother.

So, if you ever find yourself with some spare time and a hankering for something new and “lit”, consider joining hip-hop classes and get your popping, locking, and battling on in Durban!