Dance101

Profession: Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Current age: 48...but my spirit and body feel way younger
Started dancing at 42

No matter what was on my mind, I had to completely be present each time in class and give it my all. The result was endorphins to the sky, a huge smile so wide I can't believe I fit through the door on my way out. Next I know, I become the one recommending dance 101 to all my friends.

I used to take a wide range of classes at the gym down the street, but when they eliminated almost all of the more intense morning (mom time) classes I was taking, I started to look for another gym. I asked around for recommendations and funny enough, what I was getting recommended wasn’t a gym at all. 9 out of 10 friends recommended Dance 101. I thought they were crazy, I mean, I love to dance - but for fun. I never studied dance before and the really amazing dancers go to Dance 101 - not someone like me. My friends clearly understood me better than I did. I needed to open my mind, embrace the unknown, and take a chance.

I started with the dance fitness types of classes figuring they’d be like the Zumba classes I would take at the gym and I was pretty intimidated. I stuck with it, trying different classes, until I landed in a class called Reb3l Groove where the music had my heart pounding. It was so much fun that I NEEDED to come back even though I was probably tripping over my own feet. The people were so nice, it felt like I found a new home. My body had literally never done half of those moves, but I was determined to improve, loving the journey. My class was only offered twice per week at the time and I longed to come back each time! No matter what was on my mind, I had to completely be present each time in class and give it my all. The result was endorphins to the sky, a huge smile so wide I can't believe I fit through the door on my way out. Next I know, I become the one recommending dance 101 to all my friends.

Dance 101 has made me stronger and more physically fit in my 40's than I have ever been in my life! I lost a ton of weight and toned parts of me that I didn't know had the potential to be toned. I’m in better shape now than before I had 3 kids and I’ve gotten this way so easily because I am doing something that I love. No matter how I feel when I arrive at dance 101, I thrive on hugs from my friends, feeling completely badass dancing, and resilient for the rest of the day. Dance 101 is my therapy.

I LOVE Dance 101!