You Won't Believe How Latonya Style Is Revolutionizing Your Fitness Routine – Don’t Miss This!

As the carnival season kicks into high gear, dance instructor and cultural ambassador Latonya Style is bringing the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean to fitness enthusiasts through her soca and dancehall fitness fete series. In a conversation with Lifestyle, Style expressed the excitement surrounding this time of year, stating, “With carnival season here, soca naturally brings that festive, high-energy vibe that Jamaicans love.” Recognizing the integral role of dancehall in her brand, she aims to fuse the two genres for an unforgettable experience.

Both soca and dancehall originate from the Caribbean, sharing a celebratory essence that resonates with community gatherings and social festivities. Style described these genres as embodying “rhythm, freedom of expression, and community.” While they share similarities, she also pointed out their historical differences. “Dancehall comes from Jamaica and it’s deeply rooted in street and sound system culture, with specific dance moves, techniques, and a strong influence from the dance community. While soca comes mainly from Trinidad and Tobago and is closely connected to carnival celebrations, with movements that are more focused on continuous high-energy jumping, waving, and whining to keep the party atmosphere going,” she explained.

Style's approach to teaching dance fitness is rooted in her extensive experience, having started as a dance instructor in her high school days. She has developed a unique technique that emphasizes repetitive movement within a high-energy environment. “I aspire to create an environment where people of all ages and levels can feel comfortable in my classes,” she noted. By starting at a slower pace, participants can grasp the movements before gradually increasing the intensity, maximizing their workout experience.

For Style, repetition and simplicity are essential elements of her teaching method. This approach not only boosts confidence but also ensures that students quickly learn the movements and enjoy their time while getting a great workout. She advocates for the numerous benefits of dance fitness, highlighting that it's not just a physical workout but also a mental one. Engaging in dance fitness can significantly improve cardiovascular health, build stamina, and enhance coordination—all while burning calories in an enjoyable setting.

Beyond the physical, Style emphasized the therapeutic aspects of dance fitness. “Moving to music helps to relieve stress, release tension, and boost your mood. It allows people to express themselves freely, which often leads to feelings of happiness, confidence, and emotional release,” she shared.

A Community Experience

Many who have embraced dance fitness view it as more than just a workout; it serves as a safe space to escape the pressures of daily life, connect with others, and leave feeling energized and mentally refreshed. While her primary focus is on dancehall, Style possesses a deep appreciation for the wider spectrum of Caribbean culture and its musical diversity.

“March is an exciting time because the carnival season brings a lot of soca energy. So, it’s a great opportunity for people to enjoy that festive vibe through movement and fitness. Incorporating soca for this period allows the class to connect with the carnival spirit while also celebrating the richness of Caribbean rhythms overall,” Style explained.

For her sessions this month, Style has enlisted the help of talented guest instructors from the dance community, including Dansa Bling, Smilez, Omii CleanStep, Baby Ice, Mara ‘Jackhammer’, and Goose Too Kool, among others. Each dancer brings a unique style and personality to the classes, ensuring a fresh and dynamic experience for participants.

The soca and dancehall Dance Fitness Fete takes place every Tuesday this month at Hard End Fitness Factory on Ardenne Road in St. Andrew, starting at 7:30 p.m. This initiative not only promotes fitness but also fosters a sense of community and cultural appreciation through dance.