From West Africa, to hip hop music videos, to the Isle of Man - a Douglas freelance fitness instructor has introduced twerking classes here.

Keisha Hewison is the island’s first twerk fitness instructor having launched ’Twerk After Work’ classes in the Isle of Man on Saturday with about 30 people showing up to shake what they’ve got.

The launch at Fitness 360 in the Isle of Man Business Park, Douglas, included bubbly and cupcakes that matched the theme of the booty-shaking dance recognised across the world.

The 19-year-old decided during the Covid-19 lockdown that she would start classes here.

She hopes the classes will build people’s confidence up while helping them to have fun learning the moves.

Keisha said: ’I started dance when I was three, including ballet, tap and other usual dance classes.

’While growing up, I had seen twerking around on social media and TV.

’I just started doing it in the house and mum would say: "Oh my God! What is that?". I’d say: "It’s twerking!".

’I taught myself to do different types [of twerking].

’Over lockdown I started thinking about classes and found that nobody was doing it here.’

She looked into how to become trained in twerking and came across Bami Kuteyi, the owner and founder of BamBam Boogie dance class and creator of ’Twerk After Work’.

’I started working towards a certification on Zoom. When I got that, I started my course in April,’ said Keisha.

’The course showed me how to teach twerking and how not to teach it. The whole principle is making people feel self-love and have self-confidence,’ she said.

After passing an exam she waited until lockdown was over to have a launch party.

’After the announcement, people got in touch saying that they had been hoping that there would be a class like this at some point in the island,’ she said.

When it came to the launch day on Saturday, Keisha said the nerves ’started kicking in’, but it was seeing people casually chatting while sipping bubbly that kept her calm.

’It was more excitement after then,’ she said.

The fitness instructor held classes for two groups where she taught some basics before getting the women to follow a quick routine.

She said it was great seeing a mixture of people from twerking novices to those who were more experienced.

’It’s a good class to bring a friend with you,’ she added.

’Some people may be nervous and think "I don’t think I should come because I don’t know how to twerk". I just ask them, "but do you want to learn?".’

Keisha understands that there are stereotypes attached to the dance.

’Twerking originated in west Africa where it is a celebratory dance,’ she said.

’Some people may think of it as a dance done by strippers or class it as sexy dancing. You can make it whatever way you want it to be.

’It’s about learning and feeling like a fearless female or male - and it’s a great workout!’

Keisha is due to give classes at Warehouse Fitness and Fitness 360.

Follow @_twerkeisha on Instagram for further updates.