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- Royane Green, who began taking dance classes at the age of 16, is a professional dancer and a proud modern contemporary dance fitness instructor.
- Green firmly believes that more Jamaicans should have access to dance classes for their physical and mental well-being.
- Green (centre) is happily in his element with some of his students after teaching an open dance fitness class at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.
Zumba aerobic classes have become a popular fitness option, with workout routines incorporating musical genres such as hip-hop, soca, electronic dance music and even dancehall. But if you once had dreams of pirouettes, jetés, tendus, pliés and arabesques, or if these terms sound curiously enticing, the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMCVPA), through the School of Continuing Education and Allied Programme (SCEAP), has introduced a modern contemporary take on dance fitness. The class is open to anyone interested in dance, whether or not they have a background in the art form.
“The dance floor is that safe space where people from the community of mature women, a few men, young adults, former dancers and neurodivergent individuals can simply be human, enjoying and celebrating life through movement, [and] sharing time and joy with others,” instructor Royane Green explained to Lifestyle
According to Green, teaching modern contemporary dance fitness is an absolute joy and privilege. It not only allows him to draw from the famous Horton and Graham techniques, which are built on classical ballet, as well as the Jamaican modern dance vocabulary he developed through his own training with Movements Dance Company, but also gives him the opportunity to help others tap into their passions and conquer a new or familiar challenge
“As a teacher, I strive to be motivational, ensuring the students are able to appreciate themselves, their bodies and capabilities,” he revealed, adding, “Progress looks different for each person. For one student, it could mean holding a leg extension. For another, simply coordinating the left arm with the right foot, or being able to balance on one standing leg, is a big achievement.”
No growth is too big or too small. And the beautiful thing about this form of fitness is that it performs a delicate dance between encouraging and challenging first-timers or veterans to be locked in on becoming better after each class
“Dance is like touching grass. It’s about reconnecting with self and those around you, tuning into internal frequencies. Dancing is freedom, to be all of who God has created you to be, in many ways, limitless,” he shared
Green continued, “Dance is a reminder that, in fact, you are spirit, soul and body. And dance fitness is this great entry point and platform to experience all the physical, emotional and psychological benefits one could get from sport, but uniquely so while enjoying the qualities of art. It’s such a wonderful gift to give to yourself, the assurance that, after a long day of work or facing a stressful situation, you are able to offer yourself mental relief and a reset to your system, ‘dancing your troubles away’.”
Promoting health and vitality through strength training, balance and coordination, and cardiovascular conditioning, among other benefits, dance also produces a rush of endorphins that can boost one’s mood. Additionally, dance fitness helps to sharpen focus and creates new brain patterns through neuroplasticity
“The Ministry of Health [and Wellness] recommends 30 minutes of physical activity a day for the average adult, so having one hour of dancing will be so beneficial. Investing in regular movement, for example, through a dance class, is investing in improved quality of life, reduced pain and stress, more strength and physical security to carry out daily tasks and overall wellness for body and mind,” Green added
NEW LESSONS
Teaching for a year and a half has taught the instructor new lessons in empathy. The role has instilled the value of genuine encouragement and care, inclusion and advocacy
“Dance is an incredible character-building tool. The connections also flourished with time, as many have developed good friendships. Interestingly, I feel I’m at that threshold of my own artistic journey, and this tour de force in giving back to my community through dance has given me the confidence to make bold new steps,” he said
Although he has closed this teaching chapter to delve deeper into adult education and expand into lecturing at the tertiary level, he firmly believes more Jamaicans should have access to instructed dance classes to support their physical and mental well-being
“It could be such healing for the community,” he shared, noting, “I’m looking forward to continuing the conversation on the utility and sustainability of dance in Jamaica. Artistic projects are on the horizon in choreography, as I do teach with other companies and groups as well. I already miss my students, but there are a number of studios and well-trained teachers which promote dance fitness, including EMCVPA. Sometimes all it takes is some courage to try something new. So, just go for it!”
