3rd annual 'Sweat Fete Connect' dances in Downtown Brooklyn

It was a one-of-a-kind Afro-Caribbean fitness festival that featured classes like Afro-beat dance fitness and Soca aerobics.

News 12 Staff

Jul 24, 2023, 2:45 AM

Updated 452 days ago

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The third annual "Sweat Fete Connect" took place in Downtown Brooklyn Sunday.
It was a one-of-a-kind Afro-Caribbean fitness festival that featured classes like Afro-beat dance fitness and Soca aerobics.
"When we’re on a parade, we’re dancing, we’re sweating, we’re doing movements, we’re moving our waistline, so just meshing fitness and carnival is a beautiful thing," said co-curator Roazena "Rozey" Miller. She is a former Division 1 track and field athlete-turned personal trainer. Miller organizes the annual fitness festival along with Amanda Byam, a curator of Caribbean events.
"Together, we kind of put both of our passions in one," Byam said.
Miller and Byam said their mission is to elevate their Caribbean heritage all while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
"It brings a different experience to it, and it makes it more meaningful, worthwhile and easier all around," Byam added.
With carnival season around the corner, designer Kimberly Bryan was also at the event to put her handmade costumes to the test ahead of the Labor Day parade.
"It works hand in hand because when you’re on the road, you’re walking for miles, you’re dancing, so it’s still a workout," Bryan said.
For those who missed the event this year, organizers said they will be back next year with another "Sweat Fete Connect."