Come shake your boombsey at Rec Sports!

Recreational Sports patrons worked on their boombsey at the Kukuwa master dance class held at the Siegel Center.

Boombsey being their backsides, according to Kukuwa Nuamah.

Kukuwa, the instructor and creator of the Kukuwa Dance Workout, said the program is a total body workout that combines African, Caribbean and Latin dance into one.

“Nothing is left out,” Kukuwa said.

Kukuwa said she created the style 27 years ago, but it was not until 10 years ago that it became popular. Six years ago she created certifications to train others to teach the program, because the numbers of those interested began to become too overwhelming to handle herself.

Now she owns a business that includes workout clothing and DVDs that have been featured in 'O,' Oprah Winfrey's magazine.

Originally from Ghana, Kukuwa said she created the exercises to move the entire body and work everything from the abs and ribcage to the neck. As a cultural dancer, Kukuwa said she puts Ghana into what she teaches.

Kukuwa said she choreographed the entire dance to music and uses the music to facilitate changes among the different styles of dance.

Pamela Greiss, a 20-year-old biology student and first timer participating in the master class, said her favorite part was the routine dance, where the class participants formed two lines and circle around the classroom.

“Everyone was doing it in sync,” Pamela said.

Pamela said the class was fast paced and required you to keep up with the beat of the music.

“It really works out your abs,” Pamela said.

Erica Jackson, a freshman psychology major, said the instructor’s energy was infectious and caused the class to be high energy.

“It’s just like a big party,” Erica said.

Erica said the class is a positive environment for someone looking to burn large amounts of calories, get a heavy cardio workout or just have a lot of fun.

“You can have fun and be yourself,” Erica said.

Kukuwa will return to VCU on November 23, 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. for a certification workshop. Details on how to be certified to teach Kukuwa Dance Workout and Latin, African and Caribbean Dance can be found here.