I received a phone call early last week. It was from a long time friend of mine, Franco, who rang to invite me to his dance workout on the weekend. Apparently this particular dance workout was to be his own original creation workout called: Bounce Dancefit. I didn’t know what set apart bounce from any other dance workout session – however I was soon to find out… the power of Bounce. As I’ve never been to a single class before (Lazy friend I am) My curiosity got the best of me, and I agreed to attend.
Sunday morning came, and I woke up bright and early (for once) to meet him at Waterloo for 12pm. I waited at the station for a while, before hearing a familiar: “Hey Fratello”, from Franco who arrived at the station. Yes that’s right, this friend of mine hails from the hills of Naples Italy (don’t quote me on the hills part).
As we boarded the train, ready to go to our destination which resided just past London, Franco expressed his nerves at the prospect of his very first dance creation to people outside of London.
This was magic – not the harry potter type, but a positive, strong and sexy magic that spellbound all of us.
I never quite thought about it until now, but I can only imagine how tough it could be for someone to learn a completely foreign language, in a new country, earn a living and follow your dreams. I was reminded of certain experiences he faced that he mentioned to me in the past, when he first came here. With little English, Franco worked tending to dishwasher duties for some restaurants, and would often get blamed for things that weren’t his fault. However now, things are different. Franco now not only leads his own dance workouts, but is gaining a huge following with every session – however this particular upcoming session seems to have somewhat shaken him. Is it due to the fact that Bounce is his very own newest creation, or is this just usual giddy nerves?
This was a different person I thought I always knew. Right now Franco is in his element and dancing is his world.
We arrived at our destination, and I followed Franco to the studio to where he was to await the attendees. Each participant had never met him nor experienced his classes before, so I can only imagine the thoughts going through his head. However, the moment he switched on the PA system to warm up… something changed. The Initial sense of apprehension I once felt from Franco, turned into a bold fighter, ready to take on an entire army (an army of 30 attendees anyway).
They enter the class in small groups – waiting for Franco to make the first move. He briefs them on Bounce Dancefit – telling them that Bounce will involve street dance, body popping and twerking, which at that point the attendees chuckle. How naive they were.
Although I was sitting by the corner, even I was moving – as though an energy were pulling me back and forth
As soon as the session started, Franco transformed into a dancing machine and everybody followed. Although I was sitting by the corner, even I was moving – as though an invisible energy were pulling me back and forth. This was a different person I thought I always knew. Right now Franco is in his element and dancing is his world. His motivation is captivating, and now I truly see why many attend Franco’s dance workouts – Bounce now being no exception. 2 late comers arrive, at which point he shouts a welcoming and strong: “Hello guys!”, followed by a random cheer from a member of the group. This was magic – not the harry potter type, but a positive, strong and sexy magic that spellbound all of us. The weather outside is abysmally grey and raining – however inside, this is where the sun is hiding. On this sunday, the sun is now Bounce Dancefit.
As the workout comes to a close, the music stops and everybody leaves. I slowly stroll to Franco – afraid to approach this new person that set us all ablaze. He turns around and smiles before asking: “What did you think Fratello?”. “Amazing” I reply – left with a truly admirable appreciation for London’s hottest dance instructor: Franco.
Ricky Baxter
To attend one of Franco’s Bounce classes, simply connect with him on Facebook here!
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