Taking advantage of the free dance classes offered here at Rio Hondo is an opportunity to sharpen any dancer’s skills, but more than that, it is also an opportunity for a fun-filled afternoon workout with no shortage of laughs, giggles and big smiles.

The dance hall was open for students and holding a free class where many took advantage of the extra credit opportunity, along the opportunity to practice the dance moves that they had practiced this semester.

 Before the fun began, class started with a series of stretching exercises that displayed grace and balance, mimicking the instructor who swayed her arms, rolling her shoulders and working her arms into the air, slowly reaching to their full potential, only to bend downward to her toes.

She referred to them as easy stretches and gave the class time to do the stretches that they felt suitable for each of them, individually.

As soon as the class stretched, it was on to Pliés. A Plié is a common dance step in ballet that lowers the upper body in a motion that maintains a balanced posture showcasing lower body strength and poise.

From there, class really sped up as the dancers leaped, sprinted, kicked and fancifully walked across the studio.

The instructor started with a few easy-to-follow instructions and asked, “Are you with me?” With no hesitation, the class responded, eagerly wanting to present the moves that they had been working so hard to perfect.

One instruction that resonated well with the class came when the instructor encouraged her dancers to “add frosting to the cake,” and this time, the class’ response was not verbal, but communicated through dance that they fully understood and agreed. As they waited for the music, they moved with conviction that could not be contained. They tried new moves and added new motions to old moves.

Playful improvisations were added as they rehearsed. Some were removed and other times were added. As the class progressed, the character of each dancer brought about an individual style, celebrated with much encouragement and enthusiasm.

Although, it did not take much coaching for the dancers to demonstrate how their individual styles presented their art as a confident passion. With few pointers, the idea expressed was to have fun and enjoy what they had created.   

It did not take long for high kicks to turn into sky-walking leaps, for turns to become dramatic twirls and fast steps to become powerful slides. All of this was done while maintaining a smile that indicated no discomforts or shortages of breath. It did, however, highlight the discipline and drive that these dancers have toward what they love.

As quickly as they had begun, the class had ended, but the dancing would not. A large group stayed for what looked like gossip but turned out to be peer critiquing. They shared ideas and laughs, and then they danced some more with just as much light-heartedness as they did during class.

The class almost seemed like an excuse for a good time, but it also showcased how dedicated the dancers are here at Rio Hondo.