AFRICAN dancing has hit Cootamundra in a big way with all invited to participate in the fitness craze at Christine Wishart’s Dance Studio on a Tuesday evening.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Elsie Tweneboa is brand new to Cootamundra, having moved from Wagga and is teaching HSIE (human society and its environment) at Cootamundra High School.
She has danced seriously since she was seven years old, however with a family from Ghana in Africa, Elsie grew up with dance being part of their lives.
She describes her style of dance as “African contemporary”, using traditional African beats and adding contemporary moves to it.
Rather than a focus on the technique of dance however, Tuesday night’s class is more geared towards fun and fitness. Elsie said she wants people to laugh throughout the class and leave feeling like they have had a great time and a good workout.
The class is open to all ages with everyone from mums to high school students attending Tuesday night’s class.
Elsie grew up in Randwick in Sydney where she was part of a dance group called Asa before moving to Wagga to study teaching. With Asa she danced at many prestigious venues including an event at Parliament House.
She and her partner, who is a basketball player for the Wagga Heat, now call Cootamundra home and are loving town.
He is currently studying teaching in Wagga.
Elsie said she began dancing, as so many young girls in Cootamundra do, learning jazz, tap and ballet.
As she grew up her African heritage began to influence her dance and when she joined Asa she thrived on the traditional dancing style.
Now teaching, Elsie said she is enjoying being able to impart her years of experience in dance to others.
“It is something different for Cootamundra and I really encourage girls and ladies to come and try it, it is about getting used to your body and feeling relaxed and having fun,” Elsie said.
Miss Wishart is thrilled to have Elsie on board saying “it is a very cardio-based class”.
She is aiming to including African Contemporary dance in her end of year concert, which is always a highlight of the year and will be a good opportunity to showcase the dance style as learned by participants over the coming months to the community.
Anyone who wants to join in can simply pop along to the class on any Tuesday at 7.30pm at Christine Wishart’s Dance Studio behind the old district hospital in Mackay Street or contact Miss Wishart for more information.
