MERIDEN Recently I attended a heels and coquito class at United Rhythms Dance Studio taught by instructor Lyzbeth Ramos.

United Rhythms has been at its current location on Powers Drive for 17 years and is known for high-energy bi-annual dance showcases. United Rhythms offers a variety of classes for beginners and advanced dancers of all ages.

1. What to wear

The heels and coquito class was spurred by Ramoss desire to share her passion for Latin style dance and empowering women to feel confident.

Dancers wore a variety of shoes from heeled boots, peep toe wedges, to stilettos. Ramos welcome participants who did not feel comfortable in heels to dance in sneakers.

Participants dressed in yoga pants, jeans, and loose-fitting shirts.

Whether you decide to wear athletic clothing or dress up for a heels class, make sure that you feel comfortable enough to dance at a fast pace in the attire you select.

2. Choreography

Ramos, a city resident, choreographed the dance we memorized throughout the hour and a half long class in real-time so that she could authentically learn it along with us.

I wanted to create a class that would be good for all experience levels she said.

She went through movements step-by-step, with and without music, to ensure that every participant understood the sequence.

Ramos kept the dance moves simple.

For anybody that is just starting out I always say, just open yourself up to try something new said Ramos.

3. Culture

Ramos said she was looking for an excuse to make and share coquito, which is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday alcoholic beverage. Coquito contains coconut, cinnamon, and rum.

The taste and texture of coquito is similar to eggnog and it is also known as Puerto Rican Eggnog.

Ramos gave the class frequent coquito breaks while we learned a dance to a song by Daddy Yankee, a Puerto Rican singer.

Ramos shared with us that reggaeton music, which originated in Puerto Rico, is a favorite of hers because it inspires her dance sequences.

4. Health benefits

Throughout the heels class my heart rate stayed elevated as I was constantly moving.

I find the gym boring Ramos said.

Ramos said she needs to get her cardio through dance because that is the type of exercise she finds most interesting.

There is a lot of health benefits of dance. For me, one of the most important benefits of dance is mental health said Ramos.

She added that having a hobby, such as dance, helps with stress relief.

I see a lot of people come in and their eyes just brighten up when theyre dancing said Ramos.

5. Future events

United Rhythms frequently hosts workshops in addition to their regularly scheduled classes.

Its a family environment, we all have so much fun together here said Ramos.

Ramos said for additional updates on future heels classes and events check out the studios Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/unitetherhythm/.

For more information about other class offerings at United Rhythms, visit: https://unitedrhythms.com/.

Continued here:

HEALTHY LIVING: 5 things to know about heels and coquito class - Meriden Record-Journal