Dance Around The World To Fitness

The Virginia Tech Department of Recreational Sports is sponsoring “Fitness Around the World” on Nov. 13th in the McComas Hall gymnasium.

Kukuwa Nuamah, a Ghanaian native who has studied dance for about 20 years, and current professor of African cultural dance at George Mason University, will teach “Fitness Around the World.”

 “[Nuamah] mixes forms of Latino, Caribbean and African dances into one, fun workout,” said Alison Arner, Recreational Sports’ assistant director of fitness and assessment.

The event is generating support from students as well as local businesses.   

Cathy Kropff, Virginia Tech Recreational Sports marketing manager, said participants will receive a Subway coupon for a free six inch sub and a free T-shirt.

“Students should be very excited about this event; Kukuwa will be teaching an aerobic, dance workout that is upbeat, uplifting and fun,” Kropff said.

Fitness Around the World was established four or five years ago in conjunction with the annual international week.

Recreational Sports used to have international organizations teach different types of dance from around the world, such as Chinese and Lebanese, but that all changed when Recreational Sports discovered Nuamah.

“Nuamah’s dance workouts make it more convenient for Recreational Sports to host Fitness Around the World due to her convergence of the three forms of dance,” Arner said.

Kropff agreed.

“The best part of Fitness Around the World is Kukuwa; she is amazing and people have so much fun.”

Sadly, this is Nuamah’s second visit to Blacksburg this year.

“Fitness Around the World” was originally scheduled for April 16th, but it was postponed due to the day’s tragic events.

Kropff said Nuamah’s class is will begin at 6 p.m., and will last for about an hour.

The event is free, and is open for all students, faculty and staff.

For more information about Fitness Around the World e-mail Arner at aarner@vt.edu.