Coaches train kids in dance The secret to sports stardom is all in the hips Falice Chin Calgary Herald - Saturday, July 1, 2006

The secret to Ronaldo's amazing soccer footwork may be - believe it or not - salsa dancing. "When you look at the Brazil team, they're not moving - they're dancing," said dance choreographer Nino Acosta, 31. It's all in the hips, he said. For generations, South America's greatest Wold Cup stars have incorporated salsa, samba and merengue moves into their games. The Dominican Republic native said it's a normal rite of passage for aspiring soccer players to train with dance instructors when they're young. Now, he's revealing this well-kept secret to young Calgarians. "When Canada didn't make it to the World Cup, I was quite upset," said Acosta. "I thought, 'We have to do something about our athletes.'" Instead of "kick, tread, kick", Acosta's version of coaching sounds more like, "Cross kick, turn around, deceive and kick" - movements that are timed perfectly to the eight-beat pattern of salsa music. "There's a lot of rhythm and swagger in the steps," said England-born Tommy Wheeldon, 27, one of the owners of Premier Academy of Soccer Skills. The former Calgary Storm player and coach decided to team up with Acosta this summer to help children and youth develop a more flavorable style. They teach regularly at the Latin Corner Dance Studio at Eau Claire Market. About a dozen students showed up Thursday. Standing behind Acosta, they twisted their legs and wiggled their hips to Latin music. "It's different, I've never done anything like this," said 16-year-old student Cody Cook. Before they tried salsa, students warmed up with capoeira exercise. Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that requires good balance and an ear for drum-beat rhythm. The exercise can help athletes develop the strength and flexibility to perform Pele's legendary bicycle kick, said Acosta. During practice, even Wheeldon's partner coach, Shaun Wimble, fell flat on his butt while attempting the backflip. "In England, we never dance," he joked. "It's hard," said 10-year-old Kathleen Chin. The most challenging part, she said, was the hip-swinging movement. "I'm not used to not moving my shoulders," said the junior Calgary NorthWest United Milan striker. A summer camp version of the class is available in several weeklong sessions: July 3 to 7; July 17 to 21; and Aug. 7 to 11. Prices range from $120 to $240. For information, call 262-3282 or visit passltd.ca.