Best Shoes For Dance Workouts and Classes - Under $80

Throughout the last years, I’ve seen my share of shoes. And I’ve worn my share of shoes. Shoes that look great on but aren’t functional for dance workouts/dance classes. I’ve seen some come in with heels, others in winter boots, and some in sandals. I’ve even seen some participants throw off their shoes in the middle of a class because they just aren’t able to move in them as they’d like to. Wearing the wrong shoes in a dance class is like driving a car in the snow with summer tires. You’re getting by until one day, you just can’t.

To help you find the best shoe for your dance workouts/classes, without breaking the bank, I’ve put together a quick list of inexpensive shoes available in Toronto and online. Most of the shoe brands and styles on the list I’ve purchased and really liked wearing.

1) Dance Sneakers (suitable for high impact dance workouts/classes)

Reebok Women's Hayasu (Starting at C$40 Reebok online)

Reebox Women's Pilox Dance Sneaker (C$60 Sears Canada)

RYKA’s Women's 'Grafik' Training/Studio Dance Shoe (C$70 at Sears Canada)

Pastry’s Hip Hop Dance Sneakers (C$70 at Dance Wear Center)

2) Jazz Sneakers (suitable for dance classes)

American Ballet Theatre Women’s Twin Gore (C$30 at Payless Canada)

Capezio DS29 High Top Split Sole Dance Sneakers ($40 at Dance Wear Center)

Canvas Phanton Bloch Jazz Show (C$56 at Malabar Toronto)

3) No to Low-Cost Options

An old walking shoe (with a flat bottom that has minimal grip and allows you to twist and turn easily). Running shoes are not ideal as they are made for forward motion.

Barefoot (jumping and rumbling may have an impact on your knee joints and ankles. If you tend to get sweaty feet, this option may not work well.

Investing in a good pair of shoes will pay off if you’re getting the results you want. And you don’t have to spend over $90 to reach it.

The one thing I wish for all of you is fewer injuries and better performance.

For further reading, check out these articles:

Shape: http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/best-sneakers-crush-your-workout-routines

Elle Magazine: http://www.elle.com/fashion/news/g26198/podiatrist-approved-workout-shoes/?slide=5

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A Mesmerizing Evening of Classical Indian Dance & Bollywood Fusion Workshops

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On Saturday, October 5, our team ran a Classical Indian (Bharatnatyam) and Bollywood Fusion workshop to inspire the participants taking our Bollywood Dance and Fitness programs physically, mentally, and artistically. After seeing lots of big smiles, hearing lots of laughter, and getting to see the beauty and gracefulness in their movements, I think we did just that.

During the 3-hour workshop, participants were taught a history of the dances they were learning, the meaning behind the songs, and beginner steps and techniques in Classical Indian Dance (Bharatnatyam), Classical Indian dance with Bollywood Fusion, and Bollywood Dance Choreography (an evolution of iconic moves and songs from the 70’s to now). All instructors provided professional, easy to follow, and exciting learning experiences for the participants.

Although we’re sad that the workshop is over, we look forward to putting on another workshop series in February for all of you who want to join us!

For more info on the next series, please join the e-news list (on the home page) or send a message below.


Bollywood Magic At The Tibetan Women's Association Fundraiser

Bollywood Magic At The Tibetan Women's Association Fundraiser

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On August 31, Kalsang, and the dedicated Tibetan Women’s Association volunteer committee invited me to their 2019 Annual Bollywood Fundraiser to put on a Bollywood dance lesson for over 200 lovely women joining them. As I’m all about making workouts fun and good causes, I was thrilled to hop on board and help raise funds for their community needs!

If you grew up in Toronto, like me, than you know, that if anyone knows Bollywood, it’s the Tibetans! For this reason, I spent extra time getting their input on songs for the night so that I could make their Bollywood night everything they saw in the movies, and more!

During the one-hour lesson, the women learned 6 easy to follow dance moves to Saki Saki. With practice and lots of laughing, the women performed the entire routine for me, and most importantly, themselves. We also busted out a friendly competition where one lucky lady walked out with a belly dance scarf.

To see clips from the event, please visit:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2AqhTanyyj/

https://www.facebook.com/fusioncardiotoronto/videos/1399632713522424/

To find out more about the Tibetan Women’s Association of Ontario, do visit them at: https://www.facebook.com/TibetanWomensAssociationofOntario/

If you would like to add some Bollywood Magic to your event, please feel free to contact me below with more information on your event and what you’re looking for.

Happy Fall and stay active!

Sumera

Easy Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oatmeal  (gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free)

I come from a line of Brits. Not heritage wise but I’m a Brit. And Brits love their porridge (what we Canadians call Oatmeal). The great thing about Oatmeal is that it’s packed with iron, fiber, protein and is low in fat and sugar. Huffington Post has noted its impact on reducing high cholesterol, blood pressure, and sugar levels. To shake up your oatmeal this fall, try my overnight recipe.

Easy Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oatmeal (gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free)

  •  1/2 cup Oats (can by gluten-free steel cut or rolled oats)
  •  3/4 cup liquid (cashew milk, rice milk, water etc)
  •  1 teaspoon Chia or Flax seeds
  •  1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  •  1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger & cloves)
  •  3 tbsp pumpkin puree (no sugar added)
  • 1-2 tsp maple syrup/honey or ½ ripe banana mashed into pulp

Method: place all ingredients together in a jar and seal with a lid. Shake the jar well and place in the fridge overnight. Eat in the morning for breakfast or as a snack.  

 My Tip: I add in crushed vitamin C and D3 capsules to help build my immunity in the winter. Also, I like to sub the pumpkin for dairy-free cocoa powder to make it brownie-like. When it comes to the seeds, while both seeds above are said to be healthy, they should be used carefully as they are high in fat.