WHEN we hear soca music, as St lucians, we are immediately tempted to move our waist to the beat. Who would’ve thought that you can do that and keep fit at the very same time?
Clinton “Chacho” Didier, a certified level 2 Pilates & Fitness Instructor and professional dancer originating from the sulphur town of Soufriere, has combined his two favourite things, dance and fitness with the additive rhythm of soca music to create St. Lucia’s new dance craze SocaFit. His warm and welcoming personality will surely win you over.
Being raised in a household of eight children and a determined mother, he grew up with love, understanding, humbleness and some mischief. The passion of dance was never far from his heart, being part of dance groups and eventually forming his own in later years.
SocaFit is now being considered the preferred way to lose weight by dancing to your favouriteSoca tunes of the Caribbean islands. The company has now introduced its newest addition to the brand SocaFit Instructor Miguel La Port. The two continue to turn heads at every event/ party they are booked for. SocaFit will certainly be the liveliest dance fitness party you will ever attend.
Clinton, a former model, is determined to introduce more persons into this exciting form of exercise and stresses that the days when working out was boring and rigid are long gone.
RRD had a chat with this young fitness guru and here is what he had to say.
What ignited the spark in you to start your fitness movement?
After dancing professionally for 8 years in the hotel industry, I decided to make a change. I loved dance and I also loved keeping fit. The idea that Soca music could be used to conduct a high energy cardio and toning workout class was like a constant plague in my mind. I had since accompanied amazing zumba instructor LouLou to many of her classes but never truly left connected to the music. I then decided to choreograph my first Soca dance fitness class for the clients of Motion Studios, and the rest is history.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by many things!
-Seeing smiles on my clients’ faces after a SocaFit session.
-Clients stealing 2 minutes after class to express their joy about the transformation SocaFit brought to their lives and families indirectly.
-Knowing that I am a part of the great few who are constantly trying to bring St. Lucia to a healthier people.
How do you generate new ideas?
I always try to keep ahead of the game by taking the time to listen to the client needs and wants. YouTube is also an avenue that I frequently access as it displays so many new and exciting programs, dances, events, songs etc. Sometimes I may go through a playlist of 20 songs before I choose that song that captures my interest, because I know I have to give my very best every time. Other times I rely on taking cool one on one moment with myself to feel a new step or routine for a particular song.
What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
My greatest fear in life is not trying! Not trying to be the best daddy to my kids, the best husband to my wife, the best version of me, the best instructor to my clients, just not trying! I understand that I will never get everything perfect, so I try to give everything my best.
If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?
I would have to say The King of Pop Michael Jackson. He is truly a talented soul, note I did not say was, true he is dead but his powerful legacy lives on in our hearts. No one else has ever touched so many lives like the king of pop has. He is one of the reasons I started dancing.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My greatest inspiration would have to be my dear uncle Mr. Egor, He was someone who constantly taught me the meaning of self-worth and who showed me that anything is possible if you just try it.
What do you do in your non-work time?
I love to spend my pass time with my family, watching my favorite television anime or just relaxing on the beach listening to my favorite Soca tunes.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
One of my most memorable responses was little kids hugging me every minute after I conducted a SocaFit class at their camp.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
The best piece of advice I was ever given is that, you and you alone can create the final product of yourself.
If you could have only one superpower, what would it be?
It would have to be flying. I’ve always imagined myself leaping off tall buildings, being one with the birds and the sky. At one point in my life I imagined that I was indeed a vampire, with all its flying abilities. Lol!
After speaking to Clinton, I definitely have faith that with the right amount of perseverance, passion and hard work, you could turn a talent into a career. It is evident in the stories of all of the individuals we have featured here the past few weeks. They all have a vision, they all have passion, they are hungry for success in their various fields and will stop at nothing to obtain it. Hmmmm, this is a very simple lesson. So today my parting words are that of Colin Powell; “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.”
