The Evolution and Transformation of Ragga Jam: From Fitness to Dance Culture

Ragga Jam originated in France and was patented by choreographer L. Courtelmont in 1996 as a fitness program for the sports brand Nike.

The dance combined hip-hop movements with Jamaican reggae music. The young woman added street moves, which she later systematized and made accessible for learning.

To launch the new moves to the masses, Courtelmont went to Jamaica and performed at several events. Her performances caused a sensation, and she began giving master classes.

Initially, Ler Courtelmont's goal was not to gain popularity. She wanted to teach shy, inhibited women to master their bodies, feel their energy and sexuality, liberate them, and boost their self-confidence. And she succeeded.

The new dance style was primarily taken up by women, but later it turned out that men with low self-esteem were no less numerous, and they also needed to overcome their fears.

More and more people became fascinated with Ragga Jam, as the moves were so simple and beautiful. Learning a couple of moves could impress the opposite sex and show off one's prowess.

Men were also attracted to the dance because it involved high physical activity, intensity, and body strain. It became a form of fitness that also looked impressive from the outside.

A distinctive feature of this style was that it looked sexy but not vulgar. Naturally, it appears striking and appealing.

Over time, Ragga Jam transformed into other directions, adding new basic moves, sharper body movements, thrusts and squats, and giving rise to new styles.

A driving force in the dance's development was Nike's active promotion of fitness training and its products. Since Nike was already a well-known brand, people trusted its fitness programs and genuinely believed they were effective. And these very workouts were Ragga Jam dances.

Thus, thanks to Ler Courtelmont's perseverance and the famous brand, Nike's sports products were advertised, and people were introduced to dancing.

Ragga Jam became so beloved by famous choreographers that they practiced moves almost around the clock, adding new moves from Dancehall and creating new combinations. This led to the emergence of new styles. Eventually, the patented fitness program appeared with competitor brands, which was considered fitness piracy.

Nike was forced to stop promoting its brand because, under market competition, it was no longer worth continuing the fight. Then Ragga Jam began to be used literally in all countries, taught in all dance schools, and danced on main streets.

Today, Ragga Jam remains at the peak of popularity because it attracts with its sincerity. It is an energetic dance that invariably lifts the mood of both dancers and spectators. The music to which Ragga Jam is performed leaves no one indifferent; the body starts to sway to the beat, feet automatically begin to dance, and a smile spreads across the face.

Ragga Jam can confidently be called a comfortable dance because there is no need to perform moves that cause discomfort. The entire form is comfortable and stylish, and accessories help complete the performer's look.

It is also important that this dance suits any category of people. There is no division by gender, age, or lifestyle. Absolutely anyone can join the cult of Ragga Jam. Dance Ragga Jam - be in trend!