DDMIX – Diverse Dance Mix – is new for 2016 in the dance fitness market. It is a full body aerobic workout programme, devised by former prima ballerina Darcey Bussell CBE, alongside Nathan Clarke. Adding another string to her bow, Bussell has since led DDMIX training sessions and one off workshops, adding her famous face to the longevity of DDMIX.
As with all dance fitness ventures, DDMIX is based on a range of easy to follow, yet diverse, dance styles. It is far from dance technique, but an opportunity to engage with many different styles of dance under the guise of dance fitness. It aims to be stimulating, fun and entertaining, and has trained teachers throughout the year to take on the DDMIX brand and teach their own classes.
Bussell and Clarke have used their knowledge of dance to draw on different genres to fulfil DDMIX, with a number of short routines adding up to a DDMIX mix, a little like Zumba. With the different routines and dance styles, for DDMIX there is emphasis on different cardio rates for the body and varying this to challenge the body. DDMIX incorporates two to three minute stints of different dance styles – from jive to salsa to Bollywood – keeping the movements fresh and interesting. Each genre places a different demand on the body and provides a taste of that same style for participants.
The core philosophy behind DDMIX is the distraction from the workout by fun and easy to follow aerobic dance moves, with short sections combined to form a longer workout. As a result DDMIX aims to appeal to a wide audience, from fitness fanatics to those erring of the side of dance. Either way it seems participants are eager to take part. The short sections of DDMIX are manageable and fun, supplementing missing dance knowledge that may be required in a straight dance class.