Celebrity fashion designer Victoria Beckham once famously said, “I can’t concentrate in flats”, and in the process redefined in those five simple words the way we view heels.
Similarly, here at home dance choreographer Takkies, real name Nkateko Maswanganye, is changing how women see heels.
As founder of dance workout class Rockingnheels, Takkies has managed to convince women to trade in their trainers in favour of heels during a strenuous dance routine.
Established in 2013, Rockingnheels classes run twice a week in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria. Takkies came up with the idea while training in Los Angeles for six months. “I had been exposed to some great classes and concepts that didn’t exist at home. I realised that there was a gap in South Africa for ladies who wanted a fun workout but also a sexy, confidence building class.
Ironically, her nickname Takkies, was given to her by a school teacher who couldn’t pronounce her name properly, so decided to call her “takkies” after the pair of shoes the young dancer always carried on her way to class. “Somehow it stuck and later in life I realised it could become a unique brand name,” she says.
These days, Takkies hosts classes for a range of functions, including corporate events female empowerment seminars, and bachelorettes. And the demand is so great, she is looking to set up additional locations.
Her aim with Rockingnheels is to create a safe space for women, so that they can own being sexy and boost their confidence level. “Being sexy is a different ball game for women; you need to be so comfortable in your own skin to master it,” Takkies says. “Being sexy and owning a room doesn’t mean dress less, but it’s in your attitude and your walk. It’s your confidence glowing from inside out and how you carry yourself.”
Maintaining a hot body, Takkies style
1. Eat throughout the day: It’s very important to eat healthily. I eat five times a day if I’m not travelling. Breakfast is very important, then I snack on fruit, nuts, or biltong. Lunch as usual, then I snack again or have a homemade smoothie when my brain tells me I’m hungry. Later I eat supper at about 6pm or 6.30pm. Eating also helps with making your metabolism faster, keeping your weight consistent or helping you to lose weight. Some foods I like eating are grilled chicken and fishl; steak, maybe once a week; lots of spinach and beetroot (I’ve got low iron so need to pump my body with iron); and I love stir fry cooked with a wok, so it’s basically steamed.
2. Drink/bottoms up: Drink lots of water every day. If you don’t like the taste of water you can put fresh fruits in it, for example, lemon, cucumber, or strawberries. If you feel like you need energy throughout the day, don’t grab the closest energy drink, try coconut water because it’s got amazing hydrating powers. But my favourite is green tea. I drink it every day, because it improves my physical performance and it’s loaded with antioxidants and nutrients.
3. Juicing/blending: Summer is a great time to enjoy natural fruits and vegetables filled with nutrients, antioxidants to protect your skin from the sun, and the vitamins and minerals you need. Great fruits and vegetables you can blend are: pineapple, berries, watermelon, greens, tomato, cucumber, and citrus fruits. I usually start my morning with a nutriblast before I go to gym or work.
4. Keep fatty foods at a minimum: It’s okay to eat chocolate or your favourite snack, but make sure you don’t eat too much of it. For example, if, like me, one of your favourite chocolate slabs is Lindt, have two blocks and put it away. Don’t eat half the slab because of your “cravings”. In reality our cravings just need a taste and that’s enough.
5. Exercise: Try to exercise at least three times a week, and if you can, try mix up your different forms of exercise, for example, road running, gym, boxing, dance classes, or home workouts.
Kicking up her heels
Celebrity fashion designer Victoria Beckham once famously said, “I can’t concentrate in flats”, and in the process redefined in those five simple words the way we view heels.
Similarly, here at home dance choreographer Takkies, real name Nkateko Maswanganye, is changing how women see heels.
As founder of dance workout class Rockingnheels, Takkies has managed to convince women to trade in their trainers in favour of heels during a strenuous dance routine.
Established in 2013, Rockingnheels classes run twice a week in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria. Takkies came up with the idea while training in Los Angeles for six months. “I had been exposed to some great classes and concepts that didn’t exist at home. I realised that there was a gap in South Africa for ladies who wanted a fun workout but also a sexy, confidence building class.
Ironically, her nickname Takkies, was given to her by a school teacher who couldn’t pronounce her name properly, so decided to call her “takkies” after the pair of shoes the young dancer always carried on her way to class. “Somehow it stuck and later in life I realised it could become a unique brand name,” she says.
These days, Takkies hosts classes for a range of functions, including corporate events female empowerment seminars, and bachelorettes. And the demand is so great, she is looking to set up additional locations.
Her aim with Rockingnheels is to create a safe space for women, so that they can own being sexy and boost their confidence level. “Being sexy is a different ball game for women; you need to be so comfortable in your own skin to master it,” Takkies says. “Being sexy and owning a room doesn’t mean dress less, but it’s in your attitude and your walk. It’s your confidence glowing from inside out and how you carry yourself.”
Maintaining a hot body, Takkies style
1. Eat throughout the day: It’s very important to eat healthily. I eat five times a day if I’m not travelling. Breakfast is very important, then I snack on fruit, nuts, or biltong. Lunch as usual, then I snack again or have a homemade smoothie when my brain tells me I’m hungry. Later I eat supper at about 6pm or 6.30pm. Eating also helps with making your metabolism faster, keeping your weight consistent or helping you to lose weight. Some foods I like eating are grilled chicken and fishl; steak, maybe once a week; lots of spinach and beetroot (I’ve got low iron so need to pump my body with iron); and I love stir fry cooked with a wok, so it’s basically steamed.
2. Drink/bottoms up: Drink lots of water every day. If you don’t like the taste of water you can put fresh fruits in it, for example, lemon, cucumber, or strawberries. If you feel like you need energy throughout the day, don’t grab the closest energy drink, try coconut water because it’s got amazing hydrating powers. But my favourite is green tea. I drink it every day, because it improves my physical performance and it’s loaded with antioxidants and nutrients.
3. Juicing/blending: Summer is a great time to enjoy natural fruits and vegetables filled with nutrients, antioxidants to protect your skin from the sun, and the vitamins and minerals you need. Great fruits and vegetables you can blend are: pineapple, berries, watermelon, greens, tomato, cucumber, and citrus fruits. I usually start my morning with a nutriblast before I go to gym or work.
4. Keep fatty foods at a minimum: It’s okay to eat chocolate or your favourite snack, but make sure you don’t eat too much of it. For example, if, like me, one of your favourite chocolate slabs is Lindt, have two blocks and put it away. Don’t eat half the slab because of your “cravings”. In reality our cravings just need a taste and that’s enough.
5. Exercise: Try to exercise at least three times a week, and if you can, try mix up your different forms of exercise, for example, road running, gym, boxing, dance classes, or home workouts.