A new fitness class in Broward has set out to transform the exercise landscape, and it’s a class people can try for free.
It’s called “Soca Step,” a dance fusion fitness class with Caribbean roots.
“The atmosphere is like a concert,” said Kamal Cudjoe. Custom Fitness Gym Owner. “Have you ever been to a Chris Brown concert? That’s right!”
The Soca Step class is an initiative offered by Cudjoe and his business partner Craig Wilson, owners of Tailored Fitness.
“We have a live DJ 500-600 people sometimes, everyone has a flag,” Cudjoe said. “It’s like carnival, but every week.”
The centerpiece of the class is an Afro-Caribbean musical genre called Soca, which originated in Trinidad and Tobago.
“It’s the rhythm, the drums, the live instruments, it’s the good vibes of soca.” he said.
While the class appeals to the high concentration of people of Caribbean and West Indian heritage living in Broward County, he says it’s for everyone.
“It’s easy to adopt,” Cudjoe said. “We understand how to walk, dance, have fun and be happy.”
According to Cudjoe, the idea came about after watching a student “wine” or dance to soca music while cracking jokes during class.
He says that just as there are opportunities to take Zumba classes, or Bachata classes with other ethnic backgrounds, there are limited or no opportunities for the same type of class with West Indian roots from the English-speaking Caribbean.
“Say South Florida or wherever there’s no soca step class,” said Rhomyka Gardner, a gym member. “We wait until carnival time to let loose and dance and stuff, but now we get to enjoy that music and that kind of atmosphere every week. So that’s what sets it apart.”
During class, members of the Tailored Fitness team break down the routines in step-by-step detail so that people of all dance levels and cultural backgrounds can enjoy it.
They have also partnered with cities across Broward to offer the class for free.
“So we have the city of Lauderhill lined up that we do once a month,” Cudjoe said. “The city of Sunrise is also coming, and the city of Miramar. It’s free for residents.”
The first class in Lauderhill started with about 80 people, and by the third, it grew to more than 200.
Cudjoe says his goal is just to inspire the community and create an easy path for people to start their fitness journey.
“You can come out, bring your lawn chair, it’s a great thing for the community right now,” Cudjoe said.
The next class is Friday August 19th at 7pm at the Lauderhill Sports Complex.
To find out about upcoming classes, contact the gym on Instagram: @teamtailoredfitness
