‘Fitness Around the World’ Brings Cultural Values Home
By Kate Lehmkuhler

“Are you ready to move your body?”

With that one sentence, Kukuwa’s Dance Workout sprang to life on the basketball courts of McComas Gym on Friday April 7th at 3:00 p.m. One hundred and twenty-five Blacksburg bodies, both faculty and students, male and female, of all different backgrounds, began to attempt the foreign dance moves Kukuwa exhibited with such ease.

Immediately, Kukuwa began to work not only the stage provided for her but the floor as well. Donned in a red workout outfit and constantly motivating over her headset, she was captivating. Behind her sat her three drummers – Greg, Joe, and Esi, who provided an upbeat and exotic soundtrack for the workout. She introduced a constant flow of fresh and exciting moves to her audience, and set off encouraging individuals and simultaneously the entire group while they practiced. She would become so involved within the group of “Shake your boombsey!” shirts that, at times, she was lost to those on the outside watching. However, within moments she would be located with her permanent smile and energetic presence. “I think that when God created me, I think and I always say he gave me a burst of energy that is a little bit more than the norm, and I think that is how I manage …” Kukuwa said. “Even at schools, George Washington University, George Mason University, Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, all these schools I go to I think I wear the students out with even within one-hour classes.”

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