MANILA, Philippines?For years, Nikki Ganihong waged a losing battle with the bulge. She tried all kinds of diets. She even enrolled in a popular gym for aerobics exercises. ?But, I couldn?t exercise very well because the floor was always crowded,? she recalls.

Then, an aunt told her to try dancing at Emily Silva?s 116 Dance Studio at LRI Design Plaza, 210 Nicanor Garcia st., Bel-Air II, Makati City. Nikki beams: ?I walked in, and got hooked.?

Today, she?s a svelte 126 lbs, down from 150 lbs. Nikki shares that she lost more than 10 pounds in May and June alone. ?I didn?t only lose weight, I also gained self-confidence, good posture and health,? she adds.

Watching her on the dance floor has inspired me to take up dancing for health and aesthetic reasons. I also enrolled my children to improve their posture.

I?m in good company! Other participants include business executives, expats and yuppies, as well as teenagers who are being nurtured as scholars for future dance sport competitions.

Visit www.studio116 danceschool.com, or call 895-5581.

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Join the Batanes Photo Safari on Feb. 26-March 1; March 19-22; April 1-5 (Holy Week), and April 23-26. And, on May 15-18, the safari goes to Coron, Palawan. E-mail mandynavasero@yahoo.com, or call 899-1767/526-6363.