BHM Celebration Spinning Class: Thursday, February 6th, 6:00-6:45PM, Werblin Recreation Center/Cycle Studio: Celebrate Black History Month through Movement and great music by the best of black artists. Spinning® is an internationally known program for indoor cycling. No experience is needed for this low-impact cardiovascular workout. Dress comfortably, wear sneakers, and bring water. Arrive early, bikes are limited to 25. Class is drop-in. No registration is needed. View this class and all other Fitness & wellness class opportunities here.
Community Line Dancing Event: Thursday, February 13th, 5:00-7:00 PM, College Avenue Gym/Upper Gym. Line dancing is one of the many forms of expression in Black culture. This dance style is typically seen at family functions, reunions, and weddings. This workshop will dive into the world of line dancing where we will learn classics like the electric slide to modern trends like Tamia's and Cupid shuffle. This is for EveryBody, from all backgrounds, anyone who would like to embrace Black Culture with us. No dance experience is needed. Sponsored by the Scarletwell wellness grant program. To register, click here.
Afrofit Fusion: Saturdays (2/8 & 2/22) 11:30 am -12:30 pm, Cook/Douglass Recreation Center:
Embrace the vibrant rhythm of Afrobeats! AfroFit Fusion is suited for all experience levels, blending dance and Pilates for a truly invigorating experience. Strengthen your muscles, energize your body, and end class with a restorative stretch. This class is offered bi-weekly during the spring semester as part of the Fitness & Wellness Class program. Classes are free, drop-in (no registration) and open to all fitness levels. View this class and all other Fitness & wellness class opportunities here.
For more Black History Month Programs, please click here.
Our instructors:
Zina Ogunnaya (she/they) is a GSAPP graduate student in clinical psychology originally from Nigeria and raised in California. Ogunnaya grew up listening to Highlife traditional Nigerian music and Afrobeats while performing in a dance company. They decided to teach dance classes through Rutgers Recreation after realizing they missed dancing to cultural music often celebrated in Black culture. Students are invited to try something new and explore a genre of Black dance in the class. All students from diverse identities and backgrounds are welcome to participate.
Victoria Valentin (she/her) is a fourth-year Organizational Psychology Psy.D. student at GSAPP passionate about wellness, systems, and creating spaces that empower others to thrive. As a queer Black Latina, Valentin is committed to fostering an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome. A Zumba instructor for 10 years, she finds nothing more exhilarating than stepping into a room, bringing her full self, and sharing that energy with others—it’s pure freedom. At Rutgers Recreation, Valentin teaches Pilates and Zumba and is certified in BodyPump and Turn Up Fitness. For her, dance is about celebrating what the body can do, building community, and finding joy in movement.
Ariel Leget, known as Dr. L. (she/her), is a Student Affairs administrator who has been with Rutgers since 2011. Of Jamaican American descent, she hails from Queens, NY. Dr. L. loves Afro-pop, reggae, hip-hop, and soul, incorporating these genres into all of her Spin classes. Passionate about movement and nutrition (veganism), she became a Spin instructor out of a deep desire to create community and ensure everyone in her class feels seen. Specifically, Dr. L. strives to be an example of care for Black women, creating a brave space for joy and movement.
