Burning off those extra holiday calories doesn’t have to be dreaded. At Fitness West in Pacific Beach, a new Heels dance class is attracting women who can dance the night away in their high heels while burning calories and building confidence.
An urban fusion class for all levels, Heels has roots in street jazz, burlesque and hip-hop club dance styles, at times resembling a Beyonce music video. Dancers are responsible for bringing their own high heels to class and can select whatever height or style is most comfortable for them.
“It’s a great emotional release that you won’t get with solo exercise,” said Niara Eustace, dance instructor and choreographer. “Aside from a great workout for toning your thighs, calves and waist; it’s a huge confidence builder.”
Eustace, a Pacific Beach resident and mother of three, has been teaching dance for nearly 15 years. Originally from Brussels, Belgium, Eustace moved to San Diego two years ago from Boulder, Colo., where she owned and operated her own dance studio. While in Boulder, Eustace was also a member of the Denver Nuggets hip-hop team and had the opportunity to work with the founder of the Jabbawockeez dance crew, Gary Kendall, while touring throughout the country and abroad.
Classically trained at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and the Chicago City Ballet, Eustace moved to New York after college, where she began training in hip-hop and was introduced to Heels. She now focuses her energy on developing adult dance programs that specialize in urban and contemporary movement.
“There are so many young women in PB that I really think there’s a demographic here for it,” said Eustace. “There are lots of young families and health-oriented, fit, active, adventurous people here. I feel like my classes could fill a void for a type of fitness that’s not here.”
One of only a few Heels instructors in San Diego, Eustace introduced the class at Fitness West last October, but has taught hip-hop classes there for about a year. She also teaches contemporary jazz at the Del Mar Ballet and Academy of Performing Arts in La Mesa as well as jazz fusion at the San Diego Circus Center in Miramar. Currently in the process of building a dance division at the Circus Center, she works with circus performers to choreograph their acts.
Eustace’s classes at Fitness West are held on Thursday nights and do not require a gym membership. For those who plan to attend classes regularly, punch cards can be purchased for $10 per class, or drop-ins can pay $12 per class. Hip Hop Fusion is from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. and Heels is held from 7:45 to 8:45 p.m.
Hip-Hop Fusion is set to a high-energy mix of heavy bass music with choreography influenced by different styles, including dancehall, street jazz, breaking, popping and locking. Routines capture the raw feel of hip hop movement and can be personalized to dancers’ individual styles.
“I’m gearing classes here for all levels,” said Eustace. “You’re going to get a great workout and you don’t have to have any dance experience. I like to give people the framework and let them build it how they want.”
Eustace is open to the idea of running her own dance studio again one day and has firsthand knowledge of what is needed to be successful. For now, she’s considering adding a beginner-level contemporary jazz class in Pacific Beach.
“I love introducing new movement to people,” said Eustace.
Fitness West is located in the Pacific Plaza II shopping center at 1880 Garnet Ave. For more information, visit www.niaradance.com