MUSIC AND DANCE FOR BETTER HEALTH

 

Satu Anderson has been teaching dance exercise for almost a decade at the West Sacramento Recreation Center. 

"When I was six, my parents brought me to hear the group ABBA in my hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden." Since that early age, this athletic and engaging mother of a teenage son has been sharing her love of music, dance and health with others in the community.

In addition to the Recreation Center, Satu teaches exercise classes at Bridgeway Lakes Park in the morning and evenings.  

One of Satu's hallmark classes at the Center is her Barre class. Barre is a form of activity that "uses the ballet barre to incorporate movement derived from the ballet." 

These classical movements include the plie where the student bends the knees while holding the body in an upright position. In the passe, the student, while continuing to stand upright, bends one knee and points the toes at the knee of the stationary or supporting leg. Students perform these movements while listening to a wide range of popular music.

"There is no jumping, skipping or hopping like in other classes," says Satu. Students rely on the traditional dance forms and the supportive barre to sustain them in a safe and reliable exercise sequence.

Classic positions, though, are only part of this inspiring teacher's offerings. At some point in the class, Satu encourages her students to move away from the barre.  In free and open dance sequences, she leads them in a medley of Indian or Bollywood dance routines or, in other instances, into a dynamic Latin style or Salsa routine.

Anyone interested in learning more about these classes can call the Recreation Center at 916 617-4614. In the meantime, everyone can be thankful that Satu chose to come to this country to go to college and, then, to make a home in West Sacramento.

Of note: Satu's classes are very popular and well attended. It is important to sign up in advance for one of Monday or Friday classes at the Recreation Center. 

That said, her sessions appeal to a range of age groups as well as to both men and women. Come, finally, to receive an aerobic workout but also a valuable lesson in various dance styles from different countries.