Dancorcism

THIS CLASS IS AWESOME. Debbie makes Richard Simmons look like a funeral director; she’s always got a huge smile on her face (even when doing extremely energetic dance moves, haha) and her happiness is totally contagious. The best way I could describe Dancorcism would be jazzercise meets twerkshop with a touch of yoga, all manner of neon spandex, and the most fun soundtrack possible. Oh, and YOU WILL SWEAT. This is no joke! You’ll dance out your demons, obviously, hello, dance-​ORCISM, but you’ll also tighten the hell out of those glutes! While laughing and smiling because Debbie’s dance routines (and personality, seriously) are so fun you can’t NOT smile. I’m not a coordinated person in general, and I loved this class. It’s clear that Debbie has a core group of folks who have been dancorcising religiously and I want to be one of those people.
It’s kind of a surreal experience (especially for non-​churchgoing people like me) to be rocking out in a random church basement with a bunch of strangers, and by surreal, I mean that Dancorcism is one of those singular, fantastically strange and wonderful NYC experiences that you’ll still be talking about when you’re 95 years old.
This class is a great example of something that makes me initially think, oh man, I hope word doesn’t get out because then it’ll get all crowded and I won’t be able to go. Except it’s such a wonderful experience that I hope Debbie’s cult following turns into an actual cult, and Dancorcism gets bigger than Zumba (no offense, I have no idea what Zumba people do other than buy lots of apparel that says Zumba on it), and Debbie becomes the new Richard Simmons/​friendly Jillian Michaels, yadda yadda yadda, world peace is achieved. Not sure exactly what happens in the yadda yadda part, but I feel quite certain that Dancorcism could make even the most cynical bastard smile and eventually, you know, world peace.
GO TO DANCORCISM! DEBBIE FOR PRESIDENT!

I’ve been a regular at Debbie’s incredible class for the past two years, and I can honestly say it’s been a life-​changing experience. Not only is it one of the most fun ways to get an hour of exercise in – seriously, it’s like an hour-​long dance party, minus the hangover the next day – it’s also an incredibly positive, uplifting space where everyone is welcome and no one is judged. A rarity in New York – better (and cheaper!) than therapy!
So what does it mean to «Dancorcize»? Well, it’s an hour-​long class with aerobic, choreographed routines – nothing too difficult and if it’s your first class, by the end of the song, you’ll know the routine. And if you don’t, no biggie – as Debbie always says, the only rule is that you’re having fun.
The best part is really Debbie’s musical selection. She’s also a DJ, so knows exactly the right way to incorporate familiar and not-​so-​familiar songs, from reggaeton to ‘70s disco to ‘80s pop to all your current favorite songs. By the end of the class, the mood is akin to the happiest and most alive you’ve ever felt on the dance floor. She ends it with yoga-​based stretching (she’s also a certified yoga instructor) and a chill, always-​welcome savasana with an ever-​changing soundtrack. What more could a stressed-​out New Yorker ask for?
The space is a huge gym at a super cool non-​denominational church across from the lovely McGorlick park in Greenpoint. The crowd is a fun mix of easy-​going, dance-​loving people of all ages. Bring sneakers, wear your bright colors and bold patterns and don’t forget water and a towel, because you will definitely work up a good sweat.
Everybody dance now!