Trash Dance: Stretch the spandex for a date with Eugene

25 November 2015 - 02:25 By Shelley Seid

Come 8am on Saturday morning, David Gouldie, aka Eugene, will be outside Surf Riders on Durban's South Beach dressed in luminous Lycra and legwarmers, ready to run his weekly "retrorobics" class. It's a 1980s revival of a much missed pastime, says Gouldie, who is sick and tired of tedious treadmills and dreary dance classes."Durban is ready for something fresh, it's ready to bring fun back into fitness, it's ready for . Eugene."While Gouldie has been a dancer, a dance teacher and an award-winning choreographer, Eugene, his alter ego, grew up in Springs with two left feet, but fell in love with Olivia Newton John while on holiday in Margate."That's where he had his first aerobics class," says Gouldie. "Eugene was badly co-ordinated but learnt to love and cherish aerobics and went on to teach classes in Margate and Amanzimtoti."Now he is launching his career big time and going for gold. He is living proof that aerobics is for everyone."Sartorially speaking, all you need for the great Let's Get Physical revival is a headband and a bad perm.Thankfully for those who wish to embrace the lifestyle, Eugene will have accessories and T-shirts for sale."UV is the new black, legwarmers are de rigueur, but everyone is free to find their own 1980s vibe. We do not judge, much," he says.Live DJs will mix the music, Eugene's team of dancers is there to accompany your moves and prizes are up for grabs for the best leotards."Don't worry about the weather," he says. "If it turns we will play It's Raining Men."And don't worry if you are slightly under the weather either. Eugene is willing to muddy the waters with a dash of vodka, and play your favorite tune on his boom box while you Jane Fonda your hour away.There is no charge, but donations are accepted and Eugene is also offering retrorobic classes for groups of five or less."We are going low impact, high fun. It is for the whole family," adds Gouldie, "Eugene will accept you for who you are - as long as you have a headband."All participants will get 20% off a hearty breakfast at Surf Riders from 9am to 10am.Classes will also be held on Mondays at Bulwer Park behind the NSA Gallery from 5pm to 8pm all December.For more infocall 083- 551-6345 or visit retrorobicsdbn on Facebook...

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