Bed-Stuy resident Hanna Herbertson moved from her hometown of Sweden to New York City in 2005 to study dance at Broadway Dance Center and to immerse herself in the world of dancehall-- a style of dance-oriented reggae, originating in the late 1980s.
"I don't feel like I chose dance; it chose me," said Herbertson. "I couldn't resist it."
Today, she teaches dancehall aerobics classes at two locations in Brooklyn, the Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA and at the Brooklyn Dance Project in Park Slope.
Her classes are packed with other Brooklynites interested in learning the energetic dance style, an opportunity to no-holds-barred wine (wind), twerk, body roll, get in a good workout and have fun!
"I basically teach control, like hip control, hip work," said Herbertson. "So you learn how to control your muscles and isolate your hip area. In class, you're going to gain flexibility, strength, muscle control.
"I love what I do, because I see people come into the class really shy and limited in their moves. But then after a few weeks when they go out to the club, you'll find them ready to bust some moves, even go out to the middle of the floor and dance with confidence. It's really rewarding seeing people gain confidence dancing and having fun."
Hanna Herbertson teaches adult beginner dancehall fitness classes at the Bed-Stuy YMCA, located at 1121 Bedford Avenue, on Mondays 5:00pm-6:00pm, and Thursdays 8:00pm-9:00pm. Free for members, $12 for non members (bring ID for registration at the front desk when you arrive). See video from the class at the YMCA.
To learn about other class locations or to follow Hanna Herbertson, visit her website at www.hannaherbertson.com.
