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Get to know aspects of Jamaican culture with Snapp’s dancehall for beginners class

As I walked into the Dance Teq Studio last Tuesday night, all I could hear was the sound of Wayne Wonder, Capone-N-Noreaga & Mr.Lexx’s classic reggae tune Anything Goes pounding through the walls. I was already feeling the vibe and the energy, so I knew I was in for an experience. I rushed to join the class of 15 people. When the first beat dropped, it was time to put in work: it was all about letting our bodies flow to the beat – and this dancehall class for beginners, led by Jan Yalda (a.k.a. Snapp) every Tuesday night at Dance Teq, is all about it.

Dancehall’s riddims have appeared in a recent wave of pop and rap music. Toronto artists such as Drake, PartyNextDoor, Tory Lanez and Roy Woods have joined artists like Rihanna in pushing the culture into the mainstream, and filtering into the world of dance and fitness. But Dancehall isn’t new. It’s just here to stay.

“It’s been the hottest thing from time,” Yalda says. “I am just trying to share what I love and learned as a kid.”

Catching up to the choreography isn’t easy. We took our time learning each step and got into the groove. But once we got comfortable and finally caught on to the beat, things came naturally.

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Jennifer Joseph

“I got influenced from a few friends that were dancing in the Sean Paul videos,” Yalda says. “I then started getting more serious with it and took it as a passion.”

Dancehall moves have been subject to some negative backlash because of their sensuality. Clifton Stennett, co-director and owner of Toronto’s Cadence Dance Academy, says that every step links back to the roots in Jamaica. It’s one of the best ways to get a better understanding of the culture.

“A lot of people when they see it for the first time they are confused, disgusted or embarrassed,” he says. “But when you boil it down and get to understanding the culture, you see the meaning behind a lot of the things.”

We learned step combinations such as the Log On, Tek Weh Yuhself and the Gully Creeper – which Jamaica’s Usain Bolt danced when he won gold at the 2008 Olympics. It’s a slanted way of walking. As your legs bend side-to-side and move forward repeatedly your arms eventually end up synchronizing with your legs. Stennett says the moves reflect a part of Jamaican demeanour. For example, the Gully Creeper is inspired by the way that some Jamaicans walk, with swag and attitude. The Tek Weh Yuhself, which means taking yourself away from a situation, starts off with a simple two-step routine that eventually leads to moving side to side with the help of your arms. 

As our class progressed, we continued to perfect our routine. Even if we messed up, we added our own little flare and moved forward, which was one of the main elements to Dancehall.  

“I grew up around a lot of Jamaican culture and to me it was incredible to see the way that people used to move and groove – I definitely wanted to learn how to vibe with everybody,” Yalda says. “Dancehall is expression, culture, flavour, an attitude, love! It isn’t for one specific race or nationality – it’s for everyone!”

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