Dance Meets Fitness

Instructor Spotlight: Ali Baldassare

2011-09-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome Ali to the DanceFIT Staff permanently! Ali has been subbing for classes, teaching at workshops, and participating in 6FIT, but I am super excited to have to her teaching every Sunday at 4 PM. Her classes are intense, upbeat and her energy is positively contagious--she doesn't stop movin'! Ali is an amazing person--her passion for fitness is really inspiring, and she will have you dancing your heart out each week. Come meet her!

How did you get hooked on Zumba--where and how did the addiction begin?

I have danced all my life whether it was formal training, dance fitness classes, socially at parties, out with friends or even impromptu dance sessions in front of the mirror in my bedroom! I’ve had 12 years of formal dance training when I was younger -everything from tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, you name it and then unfortunately I gave it up to play sports in highschool (what was I thinking?!). Nevertheless, dance has always inspired me, moved me, challenged me and it has always been a huge part of my life. I've also been a huge fitness enthusiast in general since I was young. I don’t remember how I was first introduced to Zumba, but when I heard about it about a year and a half ago, one class at the gym was all it took and I was completely addicted. It combines the three things I am the most passionate about – dance, fitness, & teaching. It was love at first sight! I don’t think I’ve ever had as much fun working out and sweating as I do during Zumba. It's not called a fitness party for nothing!

What is your favorite Zumba dance & song? Why?

I can’t pick a favorite – too many! You will find a lot of Pitbull on my play list though! He always gets everyone’s booty shakin’!

Do you have a favorite DanceFIT class?

As a relatively new addition to the DanceFIT staff, I haven’t had the chance to experience too many other classes, except Maeve’s Zumba class which simply put, is awesome! I would love to get to some of Gina’s BalletFit classes – I heard they are intense!

Outside of DanceFIT what do you like to do to workout?

The question is what don’t I like to do? In addition to the classes I teach, I love everything from Spinning, hiking, pilates, running and I absolutely love yoga. I’m training for my first full marathon right now, so running and yoga are high priorities on my schedule these days – well at least for the next 3 months :-) I also love to take other instructors classes - it keeps me challenged and I love being the student as well as the instructor.

What is your fashion style?? We always see you in workout clothes....what would we find you shopping and give an example of a weekend outfit :)

I love fashion – which therefore means I love to shop – probably WAY too much. It’s bad. But anyone who knows me will tell you I’m a very thrifty shopper. I love finding bargains! Lately, I've been all about fashion meets comfort. You can usually find me wearing black leggings or skinny jeans, some cute flats or sandals (swap this for some funky high heels if I'm going out at night) a cute silk top or tunic and definitely some funky jewelry. I love to accessorize and I absolutely love big cocktail rings or a big statement necklace!

What would we see on your plate for a summer dinner?

Summer is all about the BBQ food for me! Cheeseburgers, hotdogs, pasta salad, corn on the cob and some fresh watermelon for dessert! (All of this not in one sitting of course!) I also love a good summer salad (for a healthier option) – something like spinach salad with dried cranberries, almonds, goat cheese, and grilled chicken, topped with raspberry vinaigrette and a side of pita bread and hummus.

What is your favorite post workout snack, meal or drink?

This might sound funny, but low fat chocolate milk. After a hard workout, especially after a run, I crave something sweet! I could eat a huge donut afterwards, but I actually picked up the chocolate milk thing from a few people I run with because chocolate milk has a pretty good combination of protein, sugars, and carbs to replenish your body after a hard workout. I also really enjoy mixing Luna Sports Mix in water or a good strawberry banana or peanut butter banana protein smoothie!

From participating in 6FIT with you and keeping up with your food & fitness logs, I know you keep a very busy schedule with a full time job, instructing spinning classes and Zumba all over Boston, how do you juggle it all?

I’m not going to lie, it’s tough and at some points absolutely exhausting and I feel like I'm always overwhelmed, but even though I do have a full time job, I look forward to teaching classes because that’s what I love and what I’m passionate about. It does take a good deal of preparation and organization each week to make sure I’m on top of everything I have to do, but I’ve come to manage it pretty well. I keep a very robust calendar and I put absolutely everything from my 'to do' lists to my scheduled and 'potential' appointments & events on it and I try my best to schedule things in advance so I always know and can prepare for what's coming up. Sometimes even plans with friends needs to be scheduled in advance and I always need to be prepared for things that come up or change at the last minute - because they always do. I’m constantly researching and thinking up new class ideas, new music, new ways to challenge my classes so I’m the queen of making lists. No matter what, once I get to class and I see everyone there ready to go it makes the craziness all worth it and it reminds me why I keep the schedule I do. My classes motivate me and keep me going!

What is your guilty food indulgence?

Steamed Chinese pork dumplings from a Chinese restaurant – I have no idea why but I LOVE them. I also have the biggest sweet tooth, so dessert is a huge weakness in general but Chips Ahoy Soft Chewy Chocolate Chip cookies are the devil. If I buy them, I will eat them all so you can guess what you will rarely find in my cabinet (and not because I ate them all – well maybe).

Who inspires you?

Both of my parents. Although divorced, they have both been through so much in their lives and they have overcome a lot of obstacles in their lives both big and small. My mom, especially, decided at the age of 50 that she wanted to go back to school to further her RN degree and pursue her doctorate in nursing. It just goes to show you that age is not a factor in pursuing and doing what you love. Both of them have taught me so much and they are two of the strongest people I know and my biggest supporters.

Favorite blog? Why?

One of my all time favorites is the Fitnessista (http://fitnessista.com). She’s a personal trainer, group fitness instructor and she teaches Zumba too! Mainly she is a big health nut and blogs about her recipes, things she eats, drinks, bakes, and cooks. She talks about her crazy life with her husband who is a pilot and gives great fitness tips, thoughts, and ideas and even shares some inspirations thoughts and quotes. She has some great recipes which I’m dying to try and it overall is just really enjoyable to read and I can kind of relate to her crazy life. She also is someone who struggled with her weight and turned to healthy eating and fitness to get in shape and stay in great shape which is very motivating!

Favorite quote?

“Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states."

I love this one because it is so true!

"The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it" - Michelangelo

This one is just a great reminder that we should always shoot for the stars and never think we can't achieve our goals. Never just settle for "good", but go for GREAT!

Fun facts about you?!

I love scary movies!

I’m petrified of heights but I’m dying to go skydiving!

As a participant in the 6FIT program, what parts of the program do you try and apply to your lifestyle now?

Every part, but I definitely try to stay conscious of the amount of water I drink - especially with how active I am. 6FIT promotes a greater awareness about your overall habits and especially the kinds of things you are actually putting into your body. The hardest part of the program which is the "hunt, gather, grow" was especially life changing since you really don't realize how many processed foods you can consume in just one day. I try to stay away from eating, pre-packaged, canned and processed foods as much as I can, but it's still hard! The program as a whole really promotes important lifestyle changes that stick with you even after the program is done.

Instructor Spotlight: Nicole Vaillancourt

2011-08-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

Nicole is a DanceFIT gem! She interviewed enthusiastically over a year old. In her interview she talked with such passion about dancing and working with children. Her background, experience and natural ability to connect with kids was a perfect fit! Even with a very busy schedule, she committed to co-teaching my Monday children's ballet classes and teaching an adult barre class at 6:15 AM, yes, AM...the DanceFIT ladies loved her early morning workouts! Nicole inspires me constantly with her positive attitude, big smiles and enthusiasm for her career as a professional dancer. She is the perfect example of a hard working individual following all her dreams. I hope you can try and take one of her virtual classes this fall--she will surely kick your booty through your computer screen. (All with a smile on her face.)

How did you get hooked on dance--where and how did the addiction begin?

My mother was a gymnast growing up and later an award winning body builder. She put me in gymnastics and dance at a very young age and I took dance lessons exclusively when I started competing in middle school. I went through that terrible teenage phase when I decided I was too cool for everything, including dance, but my mom wouldn't let me quit. And I am forever grateful for that.

What is your favorite form of dance?

I am always getting asked this question, and my answer is always changing. It really depends on the point I am at in my life. Growing up it was definitely Tap. I competed numerous tap solos over the years. I loved the idea of making your own music with your feet, of there being limitless combinations of rhythms and sounds. It makes you feel like a musician. In college I favored Contemporary. As a Dance Minor, a major part of the curriculum is artistic expression and storytelling through original choreography. It was a great experience being a part of other people's works of art and having them help you execute yours. Today I'm partial to fun, upbeat jazz or "cheer" dance- anything that will entertain a crowd. It doesn't have to "mean" anything artistically, in fact, I'd prefer that it didn't. These days I get the most out of performing with a huge smile on and just having a good time.

What are two of your favorite DanceFIT classes and why?

BalletFIT is definitely my favorite. It's funny because a lot of the exercises are the same ones you do growing up in ballet class. It wasn't until Gina made me look at them with a fresh set of eyes that I realized Ballet could be a total body workout for adults. Ballet has always been and still is the most effective form of exercise. I also really love Arms & Abs. Those are two areas of the body that generally don't receive as much attention as they can during a regular dance class, so an entire hour dedicated to them always leaves me sore for the rest of the week. That's a good thing though!

Outside of DanceFIT what do you like to do to workout?

I don't have a car, so I walk almost everywhere I can. Boston is a very pedestrian-friendly city that has so many unique walking paths, scenic bike routes, and stair-heavy architecture. The stairs at the Porter Square T station or the outdoor steps at City Hall Plaza alone are great mini workouts! I truly believe it's possible to get plenty of exercise in your daily transitions from point A, to B, to C, etc.

What is your fashion style?? We always see you in workout clothes....what would we find you shopping and give an example of a weekend outfit :)

I worked for Urban Outfitters for 6 years so I have a lifetime worth of "non dance" clothes. I definitely don't miss thinking about what I'm going to wear to work. In the rare event that I AM going out somewhere that doesn't require dance clothes, you'll find me dressed down. I don't own any heels, not a single pair. And I own something like 25 plaid flannel shirts haha. I also love my tie dye. A lot of my workout clothes as well as regular clothes are tie dyed.

We all know you keep a very busy schedule with making dance your career: you dance for the Boston Cannons, teach dance classes all over Boston & even your most recent accomplishment of making the Bacardi Dance Team, how do you juggle it all?
Add graduate school to that list starting in a few weeks! I think the key to being healthy, happy, and sane is eating a huge breakfast and not taking yourself that seriously. I also keep a well organized planner and have to schedule things months in advance. Things that you shouldn't have to schedule, like hanging out with friends, I unfortunately do have to schedule. Most room for spontaneity goes out the door and I have to be ready for anything to happen last minute, like class or rehearsal cancellations or the addition of one. Don't get me wrong, I am overwhelmed all the time. But I think I would be bored if I only had one place to be all day. A 9 to 5 desk job just wasn't ever in the cards for me!

What is your favorite post workout snack, meal or drink?

Coconut water! So refreshing after a long day of rehearsal and teaching.

What is your guilty food indulgence?

Pizza with black olives and chips. I'm one of those people that craves salt all the time.

Who inspires you?
Anyone and everyone who goes out of their way to do what they love. In the dance world, a lot of girls I know work full time jobs but spend countless extra hours at night and on the weekends driving around the state to teach, coach, rehearse, take class, and attend auditions. It's a special passion and drive. I have a few friends who are this way about making art and playing music. You just have to admire and respect someone who takes risks and won't stop until they make dreams realities.

What is your most super accomplishment to date?

Going from not dancing at all to making dance my life again in only 4 months. Everything fell into place once I put myself out there again. I took lots of risks to get to where I am today and sometimes I still can't believe that this is all really happening. My life did a 180 since last September. A year ago today I was working a full time job that I hated, going out for drinks several times a week, struggling to finish undergrad, and taking hot yoga occassionally. Who was I kidding?

Favorite blog? Why?
The Free People blog... blog.freepeople.com It features a lot of inspirational quotes and images, an online book club, fashion tips, awesome healthy recipes, and DIY art projects to name a few things. I check it almost every day. I don't watch tv or read magazines so it keeps me somewhat connected with the "real world" and what other girls my age are doing and are interested in.

Favorite quote? "It is in all of us. To defy expectations. To go into the world and to be brave. And to want, to need, to hunger for adventures. To embrace change and chance and risk so that we may breathe and know what it is to be free." - Mae Chevrette. This is an original quote/painting by my friend Mae. I have a copy hanging in my room :)

Last question: As a participant in the 6FIT program, what parts of the program do you try and apply to your lifestyle now?
EVERYTHING. The 6FIT program really is life changing. Tracking what you eat and drink and the amount of time you spend exercising and sleeping every day for 6 weeks really changes the way you think about things. In fact, it's hard to get OUT of the habit of charting. I really pay attention to how balanced my meals are. And I feel guilty if I don't get at least 30 min of exercise (walking counts too!) every day. I never used to factor in sleep to level of fitness and overall wellbeing. But it is true. You need plenty of sleep and lots of water. Those two were and still sometimes are the hardest challenges for me. I actually have a huge water bottle that I bought specifically for 6FIT to help me fulfill the water requirement and I take it with me everywhere.

Instructor Spotlight: Maeve Byrne

2011-08-17T05:12:00.000-07:00

Many of you know her and love her and can't get enough of her classes! Her famous Zumba® classes are amazing--they boast record-breaking attendance, booty shaking choreography, kind words of motivation and a very comfortable atmosphere to let loose and let the hour of dance (and extreme calorie burning) fly by! Maeve is a beautiful person, both inside and out. I have seen her go above and beyond for teaching at charity events, encouraging clients & using her talent & creativity when choreographing her fun and easy-to-follow dances.

I am very excited to announce that Maeve recently accepted a more active role in the business side of DanceFIT. As our new Marketing Director, she has been very proactive in upcoming projects and events for the fall--stay tuned--we have lots of exciting things happening! This past month Maeve has also been a huge help in the overwhelming administrative duties that come along with running a very popular dance & fitness studio (many of you might have received e-mails from her lately!). Maeve, I can't thank you enough for your incredible professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication to the community and growth of my studio!

I wanted to take this chance to interview Maeve and let you all get to know her a little bit better :)

How did you get hooked on Zumba® --where and how did the addiction begin?

I grew up in dance classes, cheerleading, a dance team in college- and missed dance in my adult life. I heard about zumba and decided to try it at my gym and instantly fell in love!!! At the end of my first class I was drenched in sweat and had a great time dancing- from then on, I never missed a class.

What is your favorite Zumba dance & song?

I love doing a Reggaeton- they are full of attitude and of course my fav- booty shakin! Current favorites- anything with Pitbull and "Zumba He Zumba Ha."

What are two of your favorite DanceFIT classes and why?

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Cardio & Core- every class is a little bit different- I always feel like I got an amazing full body workout, and I love getting my dance fix in at hip hop.

Outside of DanceFIT what do you like to do to workout?

I love to take walks on the beach or around the city- exploring and people watching while getting a workout! But there are times that I like to jump on the elliptical machine and just power through for a few miles.

What is your fashion style?? We always see you in cute workout clothes! What would we find you shopping for and give an example of your weekend style?

I love fashion...and a bit obsessed with shoes (seriously, it is bad for my wallet). I usually go for a chic look and add a few trendy touches to it. I love a great pair of jeans, a perfect fitted blazer and funky high heels and giant cocktail ring. Think Charlotte with a touch of Carrie (for all those Sex and the City fans).

We all know you are a great motivator and an excellent 6FIT example, but what would we see on your plate for a summer dinner?

The best part of summer is being able to BBQ. You can make a really delicious & healthy meal! My dinner plate would have some grilled chicken or a turkey burger (maybe a hot dog-not so healthy, but always yummy) and corn on the cob! Veggies on the bbq with some salt & pepper- you can't beat it!

What is your favorite post workout snack, meal or drink?

I've become addicted to the vita coco waters- they are the best at keeping me hydrated after teaching a class- then I usually have a snack of fruit or some veggies & hummus.

What is your guilty food indulgence?

PIZZA!! I could eat pizza everyday- plus I have a weakness for cupcakes (red velvet is the best).

As a participant (and coordinator) in the 6FIT program, what parts do you try and apply to your lifestyle now?

I try to keep a healthy balance in my meals. If I snack- I try to eat fruits & veggies. I am very inspired by Michael Pollan and his methods that we reference in 6FIT- especially the ever challenging hunt.gather.grow week (but I don't think I can ever give up coffee!).

Where is your favorite Boston hotspot?

The Beehive- great food...great drinks & fun girls night out type of place!

Favorite "adult" beverage?

Can never pass up a cosmo!

What is your alltime favorite movie?

Dirty Dancing! BEST. MOVIE. EVER

What has been your most memorable trip thus far?

I loved my trip to Paris. It was everything I imagined Paris would be and more!! It was an amazing girls trip with my mom, aunt & cousin. I fell in love with the city, we went sightseeing, sat in cafes, ate, drank and soaked up all the culture. We went to the ballet, saw Versailles, and even convinced my mother who's deathly afraid of heights to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower! I'll never forget my summer in Paris!

Who inspires you?

My mom. I love her and would be lost in life without her. She works, volunteers, survived cancer and is still always there for me and our family. I hope to be as strong and amazing as she is!

What is your favorite blog?
TheBloggess.com. You can't ignore a blog with the tagline "Like Mother Theresa, Only Better." The Bloggess is hysterical and gives us an uncensored look at her life- marriage, kids, and an outlook on life. Trust me- its hilarious & addicting!

What projects have you been working on with DanceFIT lately?

We have some very exciting things coming up this fall!! Our Zumba Party in Pink--which I'm beyond excited to have at DanceFIT! A few members of my family have been affected by breast cancer so it is important to me to make a difference and raise money for a cure. Plus, we have recently teamed up with Vita Coco water- they are going to be a big part of our 6FIT program as well as providing us with their delicious and healthy drinks at our events!!

What is your favorite quote?

"When we know better- we do better." ~Oprah

Sweet words from Maeve's dedicated Zumba crowd!

I love Maeve's class because her upbeat personality is very motivating and it's a blast dancing with her. I also think she does a great job of mixing up the playlist between the more traditional Latin songs and current pop songs. It's a smart way to pace the hour and keeps it fun! From coming twice a week, I can see more definition in my arms and legs. It's been a really fun and easy way to get back in shape! - Ellen O.

Maeve's song choices and dancing styles are really varied from song to song so I always feel like we're on to something new. She's also very good at breaking down steps and showing the degrees of difficulty in a single move that we can work up to over time as we get more comfortable. I know Maeve works us hard because I sleep like a baby after class! I've been going to her classes regularly now for a year and my legs, especially thighs, have become noticeably more toned. Maeve has pretty much turned me into a Zumba machine. :) - Sara O.

I love Maeve's Zumba class because it's the most fun I'd ever had working out! It's like you're dancing and you don't even notice you're working out! Plus, she always very nice and positive! I have never been so regular at any gym in my entire life! It actually makes me want to go to class. It helps motivate me to go to other classes too! I feel I have more energy and I sleep better too. - Sónia T.

Tutu Cute!

2011-07-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

Sorry this post is a little late!

This beautiful photo (and all others in this post) were taken by my sister-in-law Mavourneen Fay. I love this one below. It captures the beauty and calmness of the few quiet moments before more than 200 parents piled into DanceFIT Studio. (There were two performances, so don't freak out too much!)

Quiet DanceFIT

Morning Sunlight Setting Up

Showtime!

What an amazing morning! The budding ballerinas came into the studio just glowing. They couldn't wait to show me the makeup on their faces (I let them wear blush & lipstick!) Their hair was slicked back in perfect ballet buns and they were so excited. After being ushered backstage, my staff quickly greeted every single dancer with an encouraging smile (very important since they were so nervous), and we had lots of parents helping with headpieces.

We were very well staffed (thank you Liesl, Kyndra, Maeve, Lauren & Courtney!); they were there bright and early setting up chairs, all the fancy desserts, flowers, Vita Coco (they sponsored our event), Hint Water (another sponsor), and enough cookies for an army. I had a sense of calmness to this day since I learned from everything on Monday and knew what I needed to do to make it run smoothly!

Big Thanks to Vita Coco!!!

Fancy Cookies

So excited!

Little Hoppers: Take Me Out to The Ball Game

Ballet 1A: Me & My Teddy Bear


Ballet 1A: Me & My Teddy Bear

Miss Liesl in "Attitude"

Miss Liesl's Beautiful Performance

Coppelia
Ballet 1B

Ballet 1B

Port de Bras

Ballet 1A Swan Lake

Bravo!!!!!

What a beautiful recital day and a beautiful year of dance! Thank you so much for all your support and enthusiasm and voting DanceFIT the #1 Dance School in Brookline.

I can't wait to share with you all the exciting plans for the fall!

Virtual Fitness Classes, What is It?!

2011-06-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

Well, it is time for me to explain all these facebook posts, tweets and DanceFIT Studio moving to the next level! We now offer our signature BalletFIT class via skype conference. Does it sound weird to you? It is not! In fact, it is remarkable what a great workout you get, personal corrections by your instructor, not to mention the convenience of working out from your own home.

How did this virtual concept evolve? Well, kind of selfishly....We all know the story....I have two children, run DanceFIT Studio primarily from home, drive 1 hour to Brookline to teach 1-3 classes and then drive 1 hour home. The days I can't teach I have my wonderful staff teaching their classes: Zumba, Hip Hop, Barre, Yoga, etc. I wish I could take their classes every night too. I want to teach more and I know my clients want more classes, but the scheduling issue is a nightmare with the need for babysitting and the long commute right at rush hour.

SOLUTION....live fitness classes via skype conference. I can allow up to 10 participants in a class and I have a huge monitor at home to see all of them working hard on their living room floors. So, this idea began selfishly, so I can teach more, but I found out that there is such a need for this. The DanceFIT community of parents and busy professionals are loving them. To be able to workout with a fitness and dance professional in the comfort of their home while the kids are sleeping is quite popular!

I am teaching two virtual classes a week in addition to my hours at DanceFIT Studio. I teach virtually Tuesdays at 8:30 PM and Thursday mornings bright and early at 6:15 AM. I have partnered with Tanya, the owner of Barre N9NE Studio in Danvers. Tanya is teaching her signature (and amazing) barre n9ne workout on Wednesday & Friday mornings at 6:15 AM. Stay tuned for more classes from both of us!

This is how it works. You register for a VIRTUAL class on DanceFIT Studio's mind body registration system. New clients will receive the promotion, buy 1 class, get 1 free.
https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/adm/home.asp?studioid=10045

Any questions? Curious and want to learn more?? Email me or Tanya:
gina@dancefistudio.com
barren9ne@gmail.com

Water Challenge is BACK

2011-06-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

In this post, my 6fitter's know exactly what I am talking about. 6FIT is a program (lifestyle) I have designed and adapted to increase overall health & well-being (and reap drastic positive physical changes on the way.)

6FIT program has a dual focus. First, what do you do on a daily basis to stay FIT, exercise and push yourself physically? Second, what foods fuel your body and how do these habit forming choices directly relate to our personal health and energy levels? Excelling in one of these areas is good. Mastering both of them is life changing and necessary to reach your goal of a healthy lifestyle.

What to learn more or join in the next 6 week challenge? http://www.dancefitstudio.com/6fit.php

I am going to give you a sneak peek at week #1.

Week #1 starts off with a bang--the WATER CHALLENGE!

We all know that water is good for us. But there are some very powerful reasons to drink lots of water every day, and forming the habit isn't hard, with a little focus. The thing about it is, we don't often focus on this habit. We end up drinking coffee, and lots of soda, and alcohol, not to mention fruit juices and teas and milk and a bunch of other possibilities. Or just as often, we don't drink enough fluids, and we become dehydrated -- and that isn't good for our health.

1. Weight loss: Water is a great appetite suppressant, and often when we think we're hungry, we're actually just thirsty. Water has no fat, no calories, no carbs, no sugar.

2. Energy: Being dehydrated can sap your energy and make you feel tired -- even mild dehydration of as little as 1 or 2 percent of your body weight. If you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated -- and this can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, dizziness and other symptoms.

3. Headache Cure: Another symptom of dehydration is headaches.

4. Healthy Skin: Drinking water can clear up your skin and people often report a healthy glow after drinking water. It won't happen overnight, of course, but just a week of drinking a healthy amount of water can have good effects on your skin.

5. Cleansing: Water is used by the body to help flush out toxins and waste products from the body.

6. Reduces Cancer Risk: Drinking a healthy amount of water has also been found to reduce the risk of colon cancer by 45%. Drinking lots of water can also reduce the risk of bladder cancer by 50% and potentially reduce the risk of breast cancer.

6FIT Rules

Drink plain regular water (no sparkling, no flavored)
No juice, soda, smoothies, hot chocolate, coffee drinks, iced tea, etc
No alcohol, except 1 glass of wine in the evening (Michael Pollan suggests it!..if you don’t like wine, no substitutions for this. Please just drink water instead.)
1 small cup of coffee/tea/milk before noon is accepted. (Green tea is recommended!)
Drink 60 ounces or more of water a day. (This number changes if you are nursing or pregnant!)

For all of you who groaned when you saw the title for this post, chill out...remember my rule of this mini challenge only being a week ;) Try it again...tell me how it goes. You all felt AMAZING at the start of 6FIT. I attribute it to caring for your body with something as simple as water :) This is easy & cheap :)

Lazy Day Blues

2011-06-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

Ugh! This weather is depressing! As I was just feeling frustrated about low DanceFIT attendance when it rains (we have had such large crowds the past few weeks!), my friend sent me an e-mail...Gina, can you please blog about how to be motivated to workout when the weather is terrible?

Why are we so accustomed to lounging on the couch during dreary weather? Is it a comfort thing? Does it really affect us that much? What can you do to boost out of those blues!? What happened to our "child-like" excitement of splashing in puddles and running in the rain?!

A FEW MOTIVATING TIPS:

1) E-mail or call a friend to go workout with you after work. Peer motivation

2) Pre-register yourself for a class! Once you commit, you commit :)

3) Remind yourself why you are working out. To look & feel beautiful & energized, of course!

4) Plan a creative and new post-workout healthy snack. (I love natural peanut butter on a banana or apple. Perfect amount of sweet & salty and good protein.)

5) Remind yourself how great you feel when you stay committed to your fitness routine! One night off can result in loss of fitness momentum.

6) I like this little challenge....Every rainy or gross day, commit to trying a new fitness class that day. Go to something a little bit out of your comfort zone. Challenging new muscles & performing new movements will keep your body in perfect physique!!!

7) My newest solution & responsible answer to these lazy day blues would be to enroll in a Virtual Barre class offered at www.dancefitstudio.com OR
http://www.barren9ne.com/
Enjoy a well planned, unique, intense barre workout with me or Tanya :)

Don't let the puddles keep you on the couch!!!

Baby Take A Bow!

2011-06-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

Do you remember your first dance performance?

Tutus, lipstick, blush, roses, and a sea of "pink" flooded my studio last night.

At DanceFIT Studio we just had our first ballet recital of the year! Our recital differs from other studios. We don't buy the expensive costumes, rent out the theater or have stage lights, surround sound, etc. The dancers are so excited about this performance experience experience; after teaching 3 year olds for over 8 years now, I know that the little dancers feel very comfortable during the actual "recital" because they are performing in the space they have grown to know & love.

Without revealing all the precious dances and cute choreography, I just want to say how proud I am of all of them. In their own way, each little dancer has grown up and blossomed into beautiful ballerinas. Dancers who were too shy to leave their parents arms are now in the front row smiling and dancing. Ballet will boost confidence at ANY age.

I had been anxious about this recital all week. Will they remember it? Will they run off their shapes? Will they face the audience (Yes, this is a challenge.) Will I be able to maintain a sense of order and organization with over 100 adults in the studio? Will I have enough seats? Will the dancers enjoy this experience or be nervous? My goal as a children's ballet teacher is to create ballet memories to be wonderful, exciting and not-scary...that is my big thing....dance classes can be very intimidating, and I want it to always be a positive experience. BIG RESPONSIBILITY!

Proud parents, a zillion video cameras, flashes everywhere. I must say, it was like the red carpet in Brookline! I was a little self-conscious, honestly, squeezing a post partum body into a skin tight, shiny light pink leotard with a romantic length tutu adorned with sparkles. Yes, I was a little bit out of my comfort zone, BUT the compliments and admiration from all the little dancers made the uncomfortable outfit well worth it! And I actually am excited to wear it again on Saturday ;)

In our tutus!

How did it go? Well, it naturally, it started off a little chaotically,....with 60 dancers waiting for their headpieces and lots of excitement and giggles in the air ;) We started 4 minutes late (which I think is pretty good!) and the show was a success. It was so cute to see the different levels; watch the girls grow with new movements, choreography and dance expressions/emotions while performing. The Ballet 1B (my oldest group) dancers performed true classical choreography from Coppelia, and let me tell you, they were in full perfect character last night. They were mechanical, graceful, and had perfect doll smiles! I think the big round pink cheeks made them feel "real."

It was beautiful for me to see these dances come alive.

Stay tuned...more blogging to come after Saturdays performances!

*PS. Big thank you to all those involved in making the performance such a success and for all the extra parent help before the performance: setting up the reception and helping all the dancers with their headpieces! I couldn't have done it without you. A HUGE thanks to Chris for setting up the entire studio and my boys for cooperating!! Miss Nicole, you danced beautifully. Thanks for setting a great example for the dancers!

BalletFIT....It's INTENSE!

2011-06-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

After having my babies I needed a 1 hour workout that would give me the intense cardio, dripping in sweat feeling, without the pounding of traditional jumping jacks and burpies (which I know, I am known to still do in other classes...yet, it gets old after a while).

Of course, my ballet roots resurfaced and, yes, the best workout really is ballet. BalletFIT boasts...

...the intensity of a bootcamp

...the grace of a swan

...repetition for comfort and weekly improvement

Lets take the hardest parts of ballet class and put them all into one challenging workout for the average person to do. Without revealing all my secrets and the well thought out flow, I will just tell you this is a class you need to get to. The next day walking will be difficult, your shoulders will ache and you will feel so proud to say, yea, this is from BALLET.

A Ballerina Sandwich

2011-06-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

A tiny ballerina favorite...."Let's make a sandwich!"

All the little dancers giggle in delight. We sit on the floor, our ballet backs very straight against the stage. We say hello to our toes and goodbye to our toes...flex & pointe. Then we begin to build our ballet sandwich. We lay the bread out and start to spread, chop and place all sorts of random things on it (I let them all offer suggestions)...I have heard everything....marshmallows, ice cream, jelly beans, cream cheese, eye balls (yes, random!).

Yesterday I told them we are making a green sandwich. They offered up suggestions of cucumbers, celery, lettuce, pickles (lots of pickles) green beans, grapes, spinach, broccoli and peas. They actually smiled as they "ate" it. A few parents thanked me afterwards saying that the only way they get their child to eat broccoli at night is reminding them that Ms. Gina always puts it on her sandwiches to get strong ballet bones. How cute is that?! I hope these little dancers keep eating their greens to keep their brains and bodies young and agile.

I better practice what I preach and eat all these fabulous green things. My personal favorite green...spinach! The "busy mom" and "lazy" way to cook spinach:

Place baby spinach and water in a microwaveable bowl.
Cover tightly and microwave until starting to wilt, about 30 seconds to 2 minutes depending on your microwave.
Add a dash of olive oil, salt & pepper and voila! A healthy bowlful of greens just for you!

Listen to these ballerinas....lay out a lavish or wheat tortilla....giggle a little and start to make a huge green sandwich. Your body, waistline and energy level will thank you!

Mammas Can Move!! (With our Baby!)

2011-06-12T09:06:00.000-07:00

I recently started teaching a DanceFIT Babies class. Well, before you imagine all these adorable little babies in pink tutus, I have to tell you that I am thinking a little selfishly on this one. Picture very happy moms (because they finally get to go workout!) with a baby bijorn on, holding their little one close to their heart and ready to do some fitness.

We are hard core! My friend Tanya (another fitness professional) and I designed this program to give moms a unique barre workout while dancing and holding their precious one that they couldn't fathom leaving at home with a babysitter. My son Tommy (10 months old) loves this class! He even holds onto the barre when I am facing it doing exercises. He just learned to clap and of course claps for me and all the other mommies when exercises get tough ;)

So, what can you possibly do with a baby strapped to you? Let me tell you, with a 20 pound child attached to you, this just makes the average workout much harder! We do plies (demi and grande), tondus, degagees, matwork and even incorporate some salsa and dancing in the beginning to warm up. I teach it with Tanya which has made this class so peaceful for me. If Tommy is crying or fussy, I don't freak out and stress, she just takes the exact exercise I was working on and finishes counting and adds on the next exercise. Her baby hardly ever fusses so I don't have to do this much for her; I love co-teaching and look forward to this class every Tuesday morning.

After this class Tommy sleeps for 3 hours. Perfect!