You’ve heard of Zumba. Now meet Whamba! – the exercise routine that will see you disco dancing your way to health and happiness!
Focusing on fitness and fun, Whamba! is the brainchild of former Leeds native and current Oroklini resident Warren Hudson. A fitness instructor and professional dancer, Warren (a.k.a. Ricardo Tavares, but more on that later!) recently moved to Cyprus with his family, leaving Leeds behind for warmer climes and a more relaxed lifestyle. And now he’s here, he’s intent on lifting local spirits (and trimming our waistlines) with his patented brand of unique disco dance moves.
Showcased twice weekly in online videos, Whamba! Fitness – “I wanted a name that was short and punchy; which jumped out at you just like my crazy energy!” says Warren – is billed as “the world’s most entertaining disco party workout. It incorporates the upbeat and inspiring energy of the 70s and 80s complemented by the music of the era, and projects that Saturday Night feeling with colourful, swirling disco lights,” he reveals.
For anyone who grew up in the 70s and 80s, Warren’s workouts are sure to be a hit: each video really does evoke the age of disco, with its glittery lights, non-stop energy, and catchy tunes. Even better, the whole thing is led by Warren himself, who brings his patented brand of zany energy to every workout via the character of Ricardo Tavares. Complete with glittery flares, mirrored glasses and amazing afro – “it’s totally real,” says Warren, “I’m half Jamaican!” – Ricardo is Warren’s on-stage persona, created during his days with the world-travelling LuvBug Disco Show and now transposed to this latest fitness craze…
“I was the choreographer and lead dancer for the LuvBug show for over 20 years,” says Warren. “We travelled the globe, filling people in the UK, Switzerland, Italy, France, Romania, Ibiza and Lebanon with fantastic disco fever, and meeting all sorts of celebrities in the process: Sister Sledge, Kenny Carpenter and the Gibson Brothers to name just a few!”
But while dancing is Warren’s main passion, his talents have always been far more wide-ranging. Fluent in French, he’s an occasional language teacher; he holds an RSA qualification in Exercise to Music and has taught in primary schools across the UK; and he’s created his own dance programme for the British National Curriculum. The 48-year-old (though you wouldn’t know it from his energy; he has the enthusiasm and energy of a 20-year-old!) has also been a fitness instructor at any number of professional gyms; an events manager for major brands such as Walkers, Tropicana, Nokia; and holds a marketing degree – which no doubt lends him a distinct edge when it comes to promoting such a joyful fitness programme!
“The easy-to-follow routines make Whamba! so entertaining to do,” he reveals. “We’re looking at an hour’s workout each time, twice a week, and the prevailing feeling is one of pure fun – you won’t even know you’re working out! I know it may not be appropriate to use the word ‘infectious’ during a pandemic,” he jokes, “but people do thrive on the spirit of Whamba! Fitness: it’s a fantastic workout that flies by and seems effortless.”
Describing the workouts as “funny, theatrical, uplifting; something in which you can totally lose yourself while stuck at home”, Warren is as committed to bringing health and joy to the people of Cyprus as he is to disco.
“Especially at the moment, it’s more crucial than ever that we remain fit in order to stand up to corona; to give it a run for its money. But when all of us are being forced to remain at home, where we run the risk of becoming depressed and suffering mentally and emotionally, it’s hard to stay happy and healthy.
“That’s where Whamba! comes in: it indulges in the euphoric nature of disco music, giving you a great escape from everyday trials while allowing you to remain safe and happy. And even silly, at times,” he laughs. “Exercise can sometimes be very tedious and strenuous, but with Whamba! Fitness the time will fly by and you will feel on top of the world. The fact that you can laugh your way to a fitter day is a bonus!”
A dance workout – especially such a joyful, upbeat programme – he continues, is the perfect way to feed the soul and allow you to express your feelings during these darker times. “I’ve taught salsa, contemporary, street and Cuban style dance before now,” Warren explains. “In fact, back in the UK, where my wife and I often volunteered with underprivileged children, we had the honour of founding an Arts Council-funded youth dance group which we took all the way to the 2012 Olympic celebrations!”
But it’s disco which really inspires Warren and his Whamba! workouts. “It was a really eclectic time; the movements are just so funky and soulful and the tunes so catchy that it just makes you smile. And that’s what we’re creating with Whamba!: an aerobic-style workout that follows basic 70s and 80s dance routines, and transports you to a magical, musical place.
“And it doesn’t matter if you don’t get the moves right,” he smiles, “the emphasis is on having fun and burning lots of calories whilst doing so. It’s suitable for all ages, and all abilities,” he adds. “I’ve already got kids, mums and dads, and retirees all enjoying Whamba!, and even if you’re sitting down, clapping along and using your upper body alone, you’re going to see a benefit.”
True to the spirit of Whamba!, the fitness programme comes at a cost that’s eminently affordable. “There’s a nominal fee for participating in the Whamba! Fitness Live Online Classes,” says Warren, revealing that those who sign up will get eight classes each month – and a whole load of whacky enjoyment – for a mere €9. “When you subscribe to the Whamba! Fitness Live Online Classes, you’re sent a link twice a week, so you can fit your workouts round your schedule. And there’s a private group on Facebook for participants. We’re already becoming a real community,” he acknowledges.
“The world – and especially us, under these new restrictions – is in such a sombre mood at the moment. It needs its spirits lifting. And Whamba! Fitness,” he concludes, “is something that puts a big smile on people’s faces. It’s going to help them stay fit and remain positive during the pandemic. It evokes the happier, fun-filled era of the 70s and 80s: a natural remedy for the sadness of these challenging times!”
For more information on the Whamba! Fitness workouts call 97 799173 or visit the Facebook page Whamba Fitness. You can also join the fun and lift your spirits by participating in the #HAPPYWhambachallenge on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Warren has released a free Whamba! Fitness workout to the readers of the Cyprus Mail. To enjoy the free online workout, visit https://bit.ly/3hUJKOq
