BRONXVILLE, N.Y.—The Sarah Lawrence College Department of Athletics & Physical Education kicked off the semester with a trio of special events designed to educate and entertain students, staff and community members. On Sept. 11-13, three nights of recreation—including Zumba, self defense and belly dancing clinics—were conducted at Wendy's Studio at Campbell Sports Center.
On Tuesday, September 11, Diana Olano and Maria Callanan conducted a Zumba class to introduce beginners and experienced dancers to the popular style of aerobic dance. Enthusiasm for the event filled the room to capacity, as the participants burned calories and experienced the fun of Zumba.
Originating in Colombia, Zumba incorporates elements of hip-hop, salsa, flamenco and other dances. As Evening Program Director Joe Iannotti describes, “Zumba is not a workout; it's a party.” Iannotti was instrumental in planning all three events in the series.
Several students in attendance described the workout as “great” and “intense.” Many immediately enrolled in (and joined waiting lists for) the department's physical education classes, offering continued Zumba instruction two nights a week.
As one graduate student commented, “The workout was terrific, and I loved the pace of the instruction. I'm looking forward to the class.”
Wednesday, September 12, featured an evening of self-defense instruction provided by security expert Al Medina. In his fifth year teaching the event, Medina took participants through the experience of what it's like to be in a threatening situation.
The intention of the clinic is to raise conscientiousness of students who may not be comfortable or familiar in living close to a large city. Medina and his fellow instructors stress techniques to avoid or flee a situation without engaging a would-be attacker. Still, when all else fails, Medina walked students through techniques used to defend oneself from harm.
The self-defense workshop received high praise from participants, many of whom intend to bring their friends during Medina's next visit to campus. The clinic was co-sponsored by Director of Public Safety Larry Hoffman.
The week's final event was a belly-dancing class on Thursday, September 13. Sarah Hassan, an alumna of Sarah Lawrence and instructor at The College since 2010, guided beginners and experienced dancers through basic and complex dance movements.
For the second year, belly dance attendees enjoyed learning techniques of the Middle Eastern dance, which is known to improve flexibility and strengthen the abdominals and muscles of the spinal column.
As Iannotti notes, “when the night was over, our students understood that belly dance can be a 'dance of passion.'”
In response to the class, the department is currently exploring options to host a corresponding physical education class in the coming semesters.
The Department of Athletics & Physical Education would like to thank all attendees for participating and making the week of events a resounding success.
Be on the lookout for more events this semester, including a squash tournament planned for October and annual Turkey Day Bowling in November.
