LOVE ZUMBA! Special Masterclass

When: Friday, February 10th, 2012

Time: 5:40-6:30pm

Who loves Zumba Dance Fitness? I love Zumba, You love Zumba, We all love Zumba! Come show your Zumba love and wear your red and pink.

We will sizzle to hot, spicy Zumba dance routines that will give us the love our body needs from a good workout! Burn lots of calories an…d have fun at the same time. Come invite a friend and show your Zumba ♥

Use fitness punch pass or drop in rate is $12.00
(First time class only $7.00)

Hope to see you there!
Class is from 5:40 pm to 6:30 pm

Bring your water, your towels and your friends!

What is your favorite Holiday Recipe?

Share with us! Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any of your other favorite holidays this season!
Lisa & I love the pumpkin bread from Trader Joes. Although, it comes in a box, it’s delicious! Does anybody have a great pumpkin bread recipe they make from scratch? We’d love to hear from you!

Special Zumba Masterclass – Caribbean Style!

Zumba Caribbean Style

Student Spotlight – Valerie Juguilon

2nd Annual Summer Production, 2011

Valerie Juguilon, a.k.a. Val, joined the Dance & Company family just over two years ago! After two years of Hip Hop, Musical Theatre and Student Choreography at Mira Mesa High, our San Diego native felt it was time to expand her dancing horizons and discovered Dance & Company like most of us have… Google. It was a natural connection for Valerie as she walked in to be completely surrounded by her favorite color purple! Really, it was more than that though. D&Co. runs the gamut with a wide variety of dance class options and levels and Valerie quickly nestled into her home away from home.

Now 18 ½ years old, Valerie has been involved in dance and musical theatre for over 4 years. While her favorite classes are Advanced Jazz and Advanced Hip Hop because of the high energy and challenging tricks and jumps, she is also taking Contemporary, Advanced Ballet, Pointe, Beginning Tap and Choreography. When asked about what she likes about dancing, she explained, “I like how I can just express myself, what I’m feeling. It relaxes me from school. It always pushes me to do better, and gives me something to look forward to. Dancing gives me strength, encourages fitness and promotes a healthy lifestyle.”

In addition to classes for her own development, Valerie is also one of our Student Dance Instructors here at D&Co. She passes on her talents, skills and inspiration to a younger generation of dancers as she instructs the Intermediate Hip Hop and Toddler Ballet/Tap Combo classes. In between classes you will likely catch her working the reception desk or clearing little finger prints from the mirrors as she also works with us in an administrative capacity.

Valerie is also a full-time student at UCSD majoring in Sociology: Law & Society with a minor in Environmental Studies. She said she would like to be involved in policy making, specializing in the environment and raising ecological awareness. When asked about other creative interests or outlets she shared with me her most recent venture… Vale*rings Jewelry (retailing at $2 to $3 each). Valerie explained she had a style of jewelry in mind she wanted to wear but exhausted all retail stores in her search with either no success or too expensive of a find – so she made her own!

After just a few weeks of attending UCSD, Valerie has added several responsibilities and activities to her plate. She received an internship position at “CALPRIG (CA Public Interest Research Group)” which is a student directed and funded organization at UCSD that works to solve social issues. Valerie is interning as the Education Project Coordinator for their Energy Conservation Campaign. She organizes lesson plans that she teaches, as well as trains volunteers to teach to local schoolchildren about simple energy conservation methods.  She also auditioned and made one of the campus Hip Hop dance teams “Ascension”. They compete and perform at various events on campus and around Southern California.

Valerie intends to pursue a dance minor, along with her environmental studies minor with a heavy interest in environmental law.

Dance will continue to be a focal point of Valerie’s life journey as she wants to take more classes, expand her teaching skills into other genres and eventually choreograph large productions and musicals. Dance & Company is proud to foster your dance career, Valerie! We are very proud of you, everything you have accomplished and everything you have become.

 ~ Your Dance & Company Family ~  

Interview by Jamie Wiewiora

Breath

Are you breathing?

“Are you breathing?” I frequently ask this question in my yoga classes. Of course having a room filled with living and breathing students is ideal – but living and breathing students with breath awareness is better! Believe it or not, there are correct breathing techniques and incorrect breathing techniques, especially while challenging your body physically. When done properly, each inhale will increase your lung capacity thereby providing more oxygen to be absorbed by the blood. When the blood is well nourished with oxygen, the inner organs are supplied with new energy and can cleanse themselves. Deep, mindful breathing also calms the nervous system. By extending the length of your exhale you begin to activate the parasympathetic nervous system which induces a sense of calm over the mind and the body. Whether you are stretching and restoring your muscles in my yoga class or sculpting your abs and toning thighs in your core-strengthening class, bringing awareness to your breath will not only help to focus your mind but will allow you to purposefully guide your breath as needed for a more productive workout. Think of it as a breathing meditation… in yogic philosophy known as Pranayama.

Alternatively, taking deeper breaths on your inhale and shortening the exhale creates a hyper state of mind or anxious sensation throughout the body as with the “fight or flight” response when we sense trouble. Although in both instances you are in fact breathing, one method is indeed more productive than the other taking into consideration the situation. One last breathing technique I observe frequently in my classes is the “holding and turning blue” method. This method is far less successful than the previous two methods discussed above – as ceasing oxygen to the blood tends to result in fainting. In all seriousness, breathing techniques are like any other physical activity, there is a learning process and it takes time. The first step is to check in with yourself… are you breathing?

“Our breath is constantly rising and falling, ebbing and flowing, entering and leaving our bodies. Full body breathing is an extraordinary symphony of both powerful and subtle movements that massage our internal organs, oscillate our joints, and alternately tone and release all the muscles in the body. It is a full participation with life.” – Donna Farhi

 

Jamie Wiewiora; Dance & Company

Student Spotlight – September, 2011

Michele Schweppe

Michele Schweppe;

Two years ago, Michele and her daughter, Sadie, walked through our doors, eager to get moving. They were two of our first students when we first opened back in July of 2009. The mother/daughter duo signed up for unlimited classes, and soon after they become a significant part of our Dance & Company family.

Michele had lived in San Diego in the late 1980s but for nearly 20 years had been living in Nebraska, raising her children in the state where she grew up and her parents lived. Michele performed in her youth with a drum and bugle corps as a member of the color guard, and as an adult she instructed a color guard for 15 years.  One of the first things on her list after relocating back to Southern California was to find a dance studio where Sadie would be challenged and could grow as a dancer, and where Michele could take adult classes. “This proved to be quite a challenge for us, that is, until Dance & Company opened,” explained Michele. 

“There were a lot of changes associated with our move across the country and it was a stressful time. Consequently, my activity level had fallen off and I was not happy with my fitness level or the shape my body was in. I was eager to make changes in these areas and was pleased that Dance & Company offered not only adult dance classes, but fitness classes as well.” Michele tried a variety of new classes and kept increasing her participation.

Fast forward two years, and now Michele has lost over 50 lbs with her exercise regimen at Dance & Company in combination with better eating habits. Her healthier lifestyle leads to more energy, confidence and, most importantly, a love for dance and fitness.  “This certainly was made easier for me thanks to the support and encouragement that I have received from my family and my friends and teachers at the studio,” said Michele. Not since Michele was a teenager has she been so active, and she has come to really enjoy the workouts and the way they make her feel better on a daily basis.

Way to go, Michele! We are all proud of you and all that you have accomplished! You are an inspiration to all the women out there. Keep up the good work!

TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY + NATIONAL DANCE DAY!

DANCE & COMPANY

Performing Arts Studio

    Celebrates Our…

TWO Year Anniversary!

 

Join us for a week of celebration: July 25-30, 2011

 

• Each day we will be featuring several classes on our schedule FREE to all NEW & CURRENT students!!
• ½ off new student membership fees!

 

Visit our website at www.danceandcompany.com or call (858) 750-3021 to view our schedule and the specific classes we are offering for free. *Note* The classes highlight in purple are the free classes each day.

Join us on Saturday, July 30^th from noon-2pm for our open house celebration! We will also be celebrating NATIONAL DANCE DAY by learning one of the National Dance Day Routines from “So You Think You Can Dance!” Invite is extended to anybody and everybody! Help us celebrate two wonderful years; LETS DANCE!

GROUPON PURCHASERS!

Hello to all, and welcome to Dance & Company!
We are thrilled that you found interest in our studio and would like to offer some answers to our frequently asked questions.

We are located at 6635 Flanders Dr. Suite D. San Diego, CA 92121. We are about one mile from the 805, two miles from the 5, and about 5 miles from the 15 freeways. We have students from all over San Diego because of our convenient and central location! We are located in a warehouse in a commercial building, so many people didn’t know we existed! We are right on the corner of Mira Mesa Blvd & Flanders Drive.  Phone number: 858-750-3021

Keep in mind, there is only ONE Groupon per person, but if you purchased more than one, you can gift it to a family member, friend or anybody else you know that may be interested in dance and/or fitness, ages 2+. We start children at the age of 2 in our Toddler Combos, and we have adults of all ages!

For those of you who purchased the 4 drop-in class option, you have until Oct. 26th to activate your Groupon, and 8 weeks to use your classes from your activation date. Just simply browse our class schedule at www.danceandcompany.com and find which classes spark your interested and suit your schedule. I would recommend calling ahead of time if you have questions, or emailing me at Katie@danceandcompany.net.

For those of you who purchased the month unlimited option, you have until Oct. 26th to activate your Groupon, and it expires exactly one month from activation. We recommend browsing our schedule and coming to any and every class that sparks your interest and suits your schedule. If you have any concern about the class suiting your age group or level, please email Katie or call the studio for clarification. Typically, you can find all of your answers on our website under “Class schedule”. We use Google calendars and therefore a very easy agenda to read, find descriptions and add classes to your personal calendar (if you so desire).

Our facility: We offer (free) parking in the front of the building, and if that is full, there is plenty of space behind the building. We have one restroom large enough for changing, however, we do not have a locker room or showers. We have two studios; Studio I & Studio II. Studio I is smaller, wood floor, and is made for our toddler classes, as well as some of our adult ballet and fitness classes. Studio II has a warehouse style feel and is much larger. Studio II is used for our advanced technique classes as well as other adult technique and fitness classes.

We have a lounge with free WiFi for those who would like to wait for their children while they are in dance class. Both studios have a viewing window from the lobby so that you can watch your children or friends while they are in class. We ask that you do not go into the classroom during class time as it is a distraction to both the students and the instructors.

We sell cold water bottles and healthy snacks if you forgot yours at home, or if buying from us is more convenient for you. Just ask the receptionist, or Katie/Lisa in the office, and we would be happy to help you.

Please note, we are in the midst of rehearsing for our 2nd Annual Summer Production on June 26th, 2011. If you are interested in a technique class, just be aware that the majority of our classes are working on their piece for the performance. This means, the last 15-20 minutes of class time will be dedicated to choreography. For those who are new to glass (Groupon-ers), you are of course more than welcome to attend the full class; warm-up, across the floors, center work, etc, but just know that there will be some choreography that the current students already know. All instructors are aware that they will have new students in class, so just have fun and learn the new choreography that is being taught!

We have added, however, new classes to our schedule that are specifically technique. ie: NOT performing in the show. Classes not performing in the show are as follows:

Adult Beginning Ballet  – Mondays at 5:30pm, ages 15+

Ballet I – Mondays at 6:30pm, ages 8-13.

Adult Hip Hop I – Tuesdays at 6:00pm, ages 15+

Ballet/Jazz Beginning Combo – Wednesdays at 3:30pm, ages 4-7

Adult Tap I – Wednesdays at 5:30pm, ages 15+

Toddler Combo – Thursdays at 4:30pm, ages 2-4

Adult Ballet I – Thursdays at 6:30pm, ages 15+

Introduction to Break Dancing – Saturdays at noon, ages 7+

Jazz I – Saturdays at noon, ages 8-13

*Note* ALL fitness classes are open and are non-performing classes. These classes are specifically for adults, ages 15+

Class Attire:

For adult technique or Fitness classes, we are not super particular. We just want you to be comfortable. For fitness classes, we suggest that you dress as if you were going to the gym. For dance classes, you are more than welcome to wear a leotard/tights/skirt (for ballet) if you wish, or you can simply wear yoga pants and a comfortable top. We do ask, however, that if you are taking ballet, that you have ballet slippers.

We sell a very good quality and affordable dancewear line at Dance & Company. Please see Katie if you would like to purchase shoes or clothing. If we don’t have a specific item in stock, we can order based on your needs.

We update the class schedule everyday on our website, www.danceandcompany.com so you can always check there if you have a question. If a class is cancelled, it will be noted there. We also have all  of our instructor’s bios, information about Dance & Company, specials for new customers, along with a map and customer reviews.
Lastly, as an incentive to continue with Dance & Company after your Groupon expires, we will offer you 50% off your second month/package with a paid membership of $30. Once you pay the membership fee, you are a lifetime member. We do not charge an annual registration fee. Your membership never expires.

For example, if you bought the 4 drop-in class package and you decide that you want to take two classes/week with us, the normal price for this would be $104/month (with paid membership). We would offer this to you at $52 for your first month as a member. This applies to ANY package you purchase with us.

If I left anything out and you still have questions, please feel free to email me at Katie@danceandcompany.net, or call me at 858-750-3021. Note, the phones are ringing like crazy, so if you prefer a quick response, email is suggested.

Thank you for your interest in Dance & Company and we look forward to welcoming you to our Dance & Company family!

Katie Lewis

Dance & Company

Artistic Director

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF EPSOM SALT BATHS

Hello all!
I just thought I would share this with you all because I am always preaching to my students how important it is to soak in Epsom Salt for our tired and sore muscles.
There are also numerous amounts of other wonderful health benefits from soaking in Epsom Salt.
Read this article to find out!

Health+Benefits+of+Epsom+Salt+Baths

Enjoy!

Katie Lewis; Dance & Company; Artistic Director

SEE’S CANDIES FUND RAISER!

Hello all!
It’s that time of year again! Preparing for our show means it’s Fund Raising time! The See’s Candies Fundraiser began on Monday, March 7th. The sign up sheet is in the lobby. There are 4 flavors to choose from, at $23/box. You would sell each candy bar for $2 each and in turn, you make $25 profit per box of candy sold! It’s a great return and the reviews from last year were nothing but positive. You get to keep all of your profits!

If you would like more information, please email Katie at Katie@danceandcompany.net, or come into the Dance & Company lobby.

The money is due no later than March 19th at 1pm.

Happy fund raising!