"I love to get the exercise on Friday night. I can get as sweaty as I want because I get my hair done tomorrow," said Cynthia Roberts, a banker in Gardena.
The class is designed to allow women to set healthy goals for themselves. Jackie Rice, a co-creator of J & J Soulful Steps dance classes and a nurse practitioner, begins class by discussing target heart rates depending on age and weight.
"We want African American women to be healthy. These classes are a fun way to get exercise without having to make tireless treks to the gym," said Jackie Rice.
The Minority Health sector of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that African American women have the highest rates of obesity compared to other groups. Four out of five African American women are overweight or obese according to a report released in 2007.
"I get great joy from watching people improve their lifestyle by learning healthy eating and exercise habits. You wouldn’t think that one class could do so much. But, we have had women come to our class and drop three or four dress sizes. It doesn’t just make a difference in their appearance, but in the way they live their lives," said James Rice, the co-creator of J & J Soulful Steps with his wife and a dancer for more than 30 years.
J & J Soulful Steps dances classes began in the Rice’s own home and since moved into larger locations such as the First AME Church. Classes are designed to include nine dances and periods for warm-ups and stretching.
"I joined the class because I wanted to exercise in a fun way. I came with a friend and we were laughing as we did all the different soul dances. We can also go out together as a class afterwards," said Roberts.
Participants are not only improving their health at the dance classes, they are also making friendships. Women are encouraged to come early to class and enjoy healthy snacks such as fruit and vegetables.
"I come because the classes are organized in a way that allows you to really perfect the dances. I like that there is an instructor on both ends of the dance floor that way when you turn you don’t get lost," said Zena Meeks, an aerobics instructor.
Soul line dancing began on the East Coast and since has moved out to the West Coast especially in predominately African American communities. Each week, new participants come to the church to learn how to soul line dance.
"It always great to see new faces. But, many of the people in this class have been going to the same church since childhood. A lot of us were born and raised right in Los Angeles," said Roberts.
The various levels of dance training can make teaching new dances difficult according to both Jackie and James Rice. "But, it’s all about having fun. We can all mess up even the instructor," said Jackie Rice.
J & J Soulful Steps dance classes are free to the public on Friday nights from 7-9 p.m.
I love going dancing at the clubs. Although, I’m sure it’s a little healthier dancing at a studio rather than in a smoky and alcohol-laden club. When I go dancing, I try to drink water only so I’ll burn calories.