THERE seems to be no end to the amount of ways one can shake one’s booty. Just ask Beyonce.
Or indeed Emma Golpys, the brand new Booiaka teacher at Studio 25 in the Northern Quarter.
Having taught the ever popular Zumba for two years and coming from a ten year salsa dancing background, Emma was in search of a new fun fitness challenge when she came across Booiaka (pronounced boo-yak-a in the voice of Ali G).
Moves are inspired by several styles including Latin, Brazilian, Jamacian, hip-hop and Reggaeton– but the emphasis is on having fun, releasing your spirit and feeling the beat.
Bored of the monotony of aerobics classes, Booiaka appealed to Emma as she found it “not too dissimilar to a fun night of dancing with friends at a party or club, to music you love.”
Emma Golpys demonstrates two routines...
A clip from Emma's Booiaka class in Wigan earlier this year...
Following a master class held in Oxford with Booiaka founder, Tatiana Tamai, Emma has now decided it’s time Manchester was on the Booiaka movement map.
She said: “As far as I’m aware it hasn’t hit Manchester yet, but there are loads of classes in London, Los Angeles and even Wigan!"
So what can you expect from a Booiaka class?
Lots of sweating and shimmying, if Emma has anything to do with. In a demonstration for Confidential (see the top video), Emma showed how choreography is broken down into easy to learn movements over a number of weeks in order to eventually master a full dance routine with plenty of improvised shimmying and wiggling. Class members who join midway through can still pick up moves easily according to Emma, who monitors and adapts classes according to varying levels.
Music used ranges from the Latin flavour associated with Zumba with many more commercial tracks you’ll be familiar with. Emma’s playlist includes ‘Dancing gym’ by Elephant Man, ‘Sweet lady remix’ by Tyrese, ‘Shoop’ by Salt n Peppa, ‘The boogie that be’ by Black Eyed Peas, ‘Booom’ by Snoop Dogg, ‘Bootylicious’ by Destiny’s Child, ‘Shake’ by Ying Yang Twins and Pitbull and ‘Dance little sister’ by Terence Trent D'arby.
Moves are inspired by several styles including Latin, Brazilian, Jamacian, hip-hop and Reggaeton– but the emphasis is on having fun, releasing your spirit and feeling the beat.
The final result looks worthy of a music video but in actual fact is a simple series of pre-learned moves performed seamlessly. You certainly don’t have to come from a dance background. In fact Booiaka doesn’t require any prior exercise regime. Emma’s favourite feedback from a first-time Booiaka participant is "I didn't think I could ever dance like that."
Thinking the same? Emma is inviting newbies to attend her first two class free of charge at Studio 25 in Manchester's Northern Quarter (£1 entry fee to Studio 25 still applies) on Thursday 14 March and Thursday 21 March, 6-7pm.
From then on prices will be £4 per class plus the £1 entry fee to Studio 25 (or its £25 for their annual membership).
For more details visit the Booiaka North West Facebook page here and follow Booiaka North West on Twitter @booiaka_NW.
Booiaka North West
Studio 25 Manchester,
25 Church Street,
Manchester,
M4 1PE
