Zumba Fitness Classes - New Schedule - Christie Johnson (Bilin)

OK, so it's 2014 and you still hate the #gym right?

Change is good and if you haven't tried #zumbafitness yet, you are missing out... on fun!

Sounds ridiculous right? A work-out that you will actually enjoy? Let me tell you what my Zumba class is like in just a few words:

DANCE, LOUD MUSIC, SWEAT, ENDORPHINS.... all smiles!

Here's some more words for ya:
Beats, latin, hip hop, squats, jumps, bollywood, booty shake, men-woman of all ages, beto-shuffle, SHAKE IT, follow me, just keep moving, abs, legs, arms are burning! Dance like no one's watching, bachata, salsa, merengue, jumping jacks, lunges, current music, flash back music... and so much more. No enough for ya? Check out my videos to see for yourself:
http://vimeo.com/zumbabergencounty

http://christiej.zumba.com/classes

Yes, you will sweat.
Yes, its easy to follow.
Yes, it's high intensity- (with lower level songs to bring your heart rate down & back up).
Yes, we have songs just for abs, legs & arms.
Yes, your age bracket it present (15-60).
Yes, you can DO IT!

CJ'S Classes:

Mondays - New Class! 5:30-6:30pm BALLY'S Fitness at 150 Sylvan Ave, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07623, US - Christie Johnson Bilin

Wednesdays - New Class! 5:30-6:30pm BALLY'S Fitness at 150 Sylvan Ave, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07623, US - Christie Johnson Bilin

Tuesdays -  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM    Retro Fitness Paramus at 11 Park Place Paramus, NJ 07652, US   Christie Johnson Bilin 

NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED. Walk-ins WELCOMED! Email me with any questions: MISSCJ37@gmail.com

My New Zumba Class Schedule! Summer 2012

Hello Friends!

Just a friendly reminder of changes in my Zumba Class Schedule!

Click here for my ZIN Profile: https://www.zumba.com/en-US/profiles/77642/

My Fitness classes are EASY and FUN... you'll forget you're working out (beside the sweat). Bring a towel and water! :)

New Schedule:

Mondays: 6:30pm & 8:30pm.

Wednesdays 7pm.

At Anchor Dance Studio in Oradell NJ,  right on Kinderkamack Road! (Parking behind the Library).

NOT SURE WHAT ZUMBA CLASS IS LIKE? Videos of my class: 

http://www.youtube.com/misscj37

MORE Zumba Videos:

http://vimeo.com/zumbabergencounty

ANCHOR DANCE STUDIO - DANCE CHARITY EVENT FOR ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL

DANCE.... SAVE A LIFE. IT'S THAT SIMPLE.

MEDIA ALERT for Friday, September 24th

Contact: Diana Daniel at 201-265-6100 or
Contact: Christie Johnson at 551-206-2756
Dance Party for St. Jude to Raise Funds for Kids Battling Cancer

WHAT: A Dance party will raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® through the Special Events for St. Jude fundraising program. St. Jude is one of the world’s premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases.

For all who want to participate, it is a $20 donation at the door for those not participating in raising money. This includes a half-hour group dance class followed by a Dance Party with finger foods, beverages & great music. Enjoy meeting new people, learning how to dance and being a part of a great cause.

If you would like to raise extra money for St. Jude, you may request a Sponsor Form prior to this event. All participants will try to get sponsors like friends, common neighbors, business associates & local businesses to sponsor you for Anchor Dance Studio’s Dance Party to raise money for St. Jude. All proceeds go to St. Jude! Please bring your sponsorship form & donations to this event.

WHEN: Friday, September 24th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
WHERE: Anchor Dance Studio 382 Kinderkamack Road Oradell, NJ 07649

VISUALS: Great music, dance lessons, make new friends, food, beverages & tons of fun!

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: St. Jude depends on community-based fundraising programs like Special Events for St. Jude to continue the hospital’s groundbreaking research and lifesaving care. The daily operating cost for St. Jude is nearly $1.4 million, which is primarily covered by public contributions.

This Dance Party is sponsored by Anchor Dance Studio.
 

HOW TO HELP:

 

WE NEED PRESS ON THIS.... WE NEED DONATIONS FOR THIS... WE WANT DANCERS FOR THIS! ALL ARE WELCOME!

 

IF YOU DON'T WANT TO DANCE, YOU CAN HELP IN TWO OTHER WAYS:

 

1) CLICK ON ST. JUDE'S SITE & DONATE: http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f2bfab46cb118010VgnVCM1000000e2015acRCRD

 

2) COPY MY BLOG PAGE'S LINK & POST IT TO YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE (FB-TWITTER ETC) OR EMAIL THE LINK TO YOUR FRIENDS!

 

ANY HELP, IS A LOT OF HELP- THANK YOU!

 

- CJ, PRGirl & DIANA DANIEL, DANCE DIRECTOR

 

 

Ps. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE: http://is.gd/eDVQs (if you have an in with any media source please send this link to them!) Thanks :)

Accutane Changed My Life... FOR THE BETTER! My Story.

First Off, I would like to give a FAIR WARNING to all the Accutane haters out there, I'M SORRY PEOPLE- There are always TWO sides to the story and I have GOOD things so say about this drug.  There may be a HUGE laundry list of terrible side effects, but Accutane changed MY LIFE for the better and everyone deserves to hear both sides of the story...

I'll never forget the Year 2000, walking passed the "Commons" area in my highschool, Sophmore year. I was so embarrassed that my face had suddenly turned into a freakish pizza-like nightmare and all I wanted to do was avoid seeing people face to face.  I had just gotten back from a trip to Aruba and the sun had sparked what would be YEARS of full-blown, nasty, red, cystic acne.  It was by FAR the most depressing time of my life.  My body was changing, my hormones were crazy and all I wanted was for a cool- older boy to LIKE ME.

I had a lot of friends in high school, I was always open to meeting new people & having a good time with friends.  I was a leader, smart, athletic, bold, loud and liked to make people laugh.... but suddenly my confidence was slaughtered by my painful ugly skin condition, acne.  My whole world came tumbling down and my parents saw how I changed from a happy-go-lucky cheerleader, to a sad quiet teenager who absolutely hated her OWN SKIN.  My Mom took me to a dermatologist and they picked my face once a month, gave me a bunch of harsh topical medications and although is got much WORSE before it got better- my skin seemed to clear A LITTLE BIT.  After spending tons of money and still picking my face almost every day, I got fed up- I asked my dermo if there was ANYTHING else I could take to calm the monsters forming on my skin everyday. He put me on an anti-biotic that I stayed on for 3 YEARS...

Either I grew out of the hormonal teenage acne spell or the antibiotics worked because I went off to college more confident and less pimpley.  Although I would break-out here and there, my face had gotten much better than my high school days.  College was an amazing ride, but little did I know that something was about to come back into my life.  I got my first REAL BIG-GIRL job at an advertising agency in NY, age 23.

Advertising is a fast-paced, no mistakes allowed, multi-tasking, crazy world with not so great pay... that was my new environment.  I don't really know if it was my hormones again or my body just had a terrible way of dealing with stress, but within 3 months of taking on this awesome-yet crazy stressful job, my face turned back into a monster.  I had a new pimple every day, spent 20 minutes every morning picking and covering them up... I hated my own face again and would avoid looking at it as much as possible! Luckily at this point in my life I had meant my boyfriend, Kyle (who is now my fiance). He was extremely supportive through-out my days of crying that "I hate my face"  or  " I cant see you tonight... my face is oozing." I know... disgusting, right? That was me... gross, pimply mess at 23 years old. I was told that when you have acne as an adult, it is from your hormones, so I took over 4 different kinds of birth control to see if it would help because I couldn't imagine going back on antibiotics again...it didn't work, nothing worked.

I went back to the dermo and told them I need to go back on antibiotics cause the DEVIL that is acne was back... the doctor took ONE look at me and said, "This is your hormones honey, you have adult cystic acne and the only thing that will help you is a drug called ACCUTANE."  She told me I would have to be on two kinds of birth control in order to be on the drug, that there are many sides affects... that I would need to have a blood test and a urine test once a MONTH for 6 months while taking this drug.  She gave me a pamphlet to educate myself on what I was getting myself into and I had to join the "IPledge" program.  The program was basically a way for the dermo to make sure I did not get pregnant on this drug because the side effects are THAT bad.  I even had to take an ONLINE quizz once a month about Sex/Accutane's side affects and remind them I was following the "rules" of taking Accutane.

Yes, this drug is SERIOUS- the side effects include dry mouth, dry lips/eyes, changes in eye sight, depression, stomach issues, head aches, liver damage (can't drink on this drug) and MANY more... but it was my last option and I was SICK of living in shame.  For those of you who never had acne, I would describe it as a soul-eating facial disease that can truly make a person hate themselves. It's HORRIBLE, painful, ugly and there is no cure.

My best friend's boyfriend, Tom, had taken Accutane and told me it really worked for him, between seeing how great his face looked and hearing the doctor say Accutane WILL WORK FOR YOU, I made the decision to take the risk and go on Accutane.  Remember, there is NO CURE for acne, so all my life I heard from doctors, "this may work for you otherwise we'll try this."  I was sick of trying drugs, creams, gels and the doctor seemed SO confident that Accutane would work for me. Was it a scam? Do dermos make more money getting people on Accutane? Who knows... all I know is that my friend Tom and that doctor, where two people who helped me CHANGE MY LIFE- for the better & I will never forget it.

Within 3 months of being on Accutane my skin started to change. I had a pinkish glow and maybe 1 or 2 pimples at a time instead of 10-16.  I had dry lips and head aches here and there, but my bloodwork came back normal every month.  My night vision definitely changed a bit while being on the drug, but that was the extent of my side effects.  Six months of no drinking, blood tests, urine tests, ipledge quizzes & doctor visits actually went way quicker than I thought...

After all the effort and risk... 6 months had passed and my SKIN WAS CLEAR, NOT ONE PIMPLE, NOT ONE SCAR, NOTHING.... just beautiful, clear, happy skin.  I cried to my boyfriend that I never really believed it would work for me and it DID. He told me that my personality started to change within just 4 months of being on the medication, I wasn't complaining as often and I seemed happier-healthier-confident.  Accutane changed my LIFE.

Here I am today, 2 years after being on Accutane and my skin is STILL clear.  I used to avoid taking pictures, now I have albums and albums of memories with my friends- with my clear skin.  I'm looking forward to getting married and having pictures I can look at and be happy to see the REAL me, not the sad acne-prone teenager/adult I know well.  I will never forget the pain I felt due to acne, both physically and mentally.... but most of all I will NEVER forget my supportive friends/fam/BF.... the doctor who told me to take Accutane and the drug itself... that changed my life. I found ME again because of Accutane.  I may sound shallow for expressing how much acne hurt my ego, but anyone who has acne knows the detrimental effects.

So... I know there are some terrible stories out there about this drug and I wouldn't recommend it to just anyone.  There are questions you have to answer before taking a drug like Accutane (like history of depression and such), but if you CAN take Accutane and are willing to take the RISKS, I can tell you one thing, IT WORKS.

P.S- The picture at the top was taken 1 month after being finished with Accutane. (I am wearing the blue dress)

I've got ZUMBA Fever & the ONLY Prescription is More COW BELL! Inspired by a Stranger, My Story.

Hi Bloggie Readers :) It's been awhile, but something has happened to me that I can't hold in anymore! ZUMBA FITNESS.

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I like to dance, eat, drink my wine & be merry. I was always athletic as a child & still take dance classes, but once you hit a certain age, sports fall-out of the mix & the boring GYM comes into place. This has left me a jaded gym goer... lets face it people, the treadmill hurts my knees, the elliptical (only God knows how that's spelled) is too easy, the stair-master is TORTURE and NOBODY likes doing traditional crunches, don't lie. ;) Thus, I have lost my motivation & love for working out/being active... which isn't good for a MAJOR cheese-wine lover...

An Idea is Born:

As someone who was NOT thoozed about going to the gym- I was enticed when my best friend, Jessica, suggested I go to http://www.zumba.com/us/ to sign up for the ZUMBA Certification Workshop to become an instructor. You see, Jessica knew how much I loved Latin music & dancing, so she suggested I become a Zumba Instructor because this type of workout is packed with dance, cardio, fitness, fun & great music... all packed into a 40 minute class. She was trying to motivate me, but the price for the workshop was holding me back (about $200). I thought, could this REALLY be fun for me, is it worth that type of money, am I ready to commit to this? I had a few more friends mention that I would be perfect for Zumba, but I was still not ready to commit to the idea. It wasn't until my cousin, Gina, mentioned that she wanted to try the Zumba Workshop & asked me to try it with her that I realized this is something BIG calling my name. (I believe in signs & fate). To have so many people believe in me, finally made me believe in me.

I signed up for the Zumba Workshop & hoped that I wasn't wasting $200 bucks & a WHOLE Saturday (8:15am-6:30pm) on a workshop... Yes, I'm a social butterfly that would be pissed if I gave up my whole Saturday to do something I didn't like. Needless to say, I went out the night before for a friend's birthday & thought to myself, "Wow, I have to get up in a few hours to workout for 5 hours- what am I getting MYSELF IN TO?" The next morning I jumped out of bed with nerves & excitement, I was ready to try something new. Someone once told me that the ONLY way to make change in your life is to do things that are out of your comfort zone. The truth is, I LIKE my comfort zone, it's hard to try new things, but for some reason I was excited for this one.
 My cousin & I arrived at 24 Hour Fitness in Hasbrook Heights at 8:30am, we signed in and went to the fitness room. There were over 50 girls sitting around waiting to get started... all different ages, races, shapes & sizes (oh and 1 male- which was impressive because Zumba is 80% female). It made me comfortable knowing that ANYONE can do this, you don't have to be a super star to be a Zumba Instructor. I chugged my red bull & thought to myself, this feels right... and the day had not even started yet.

How it Happened:

Tanya Beardsley, the main instructor & teacher glides across the floor, introduces herself & says, "are you guys ready to dance?" Helllll YA I thought... (mind you, I'm some1 who is in a bad mood until about 11:30 in the morning, the AM & I are NOT friends). So the Zumba Master class begins & OH MY GOD it was amazing. We did merengue, salsa, cubia, reggaeton, belly dancing moves (& more) squats, jumps, lunges, abs, arms, legs, cardio & toning. The music was amazing, upbeat, fun & current! I noticed that the WHOLE time the instructor did not talk or yell AT like traditional fitness class.  Zumba is based on non-verbal cues and following the instructors moves (monkey see, monkey do). The instructor danced around the room, stopped & danced with students, laughed, sang to the music & electrified the room with her personality & LOVE for Zumba. I was HOOKED... not only was it FUN, I got one of the BEST workout's I have had in a long long looooong time! Seriously, my WHOLE body hurts.

After taking a number of classes & courses that day I knew I was made to be a part of the Zumba Culture. Even the lecture portion of the workshop was interesting & inspiring. Tanya B (Instructor) taught us what the blue print of Zumba is & we learn the formula of how to choreograph our routines for classes. The thing I loved the most about it is that your workout is BASED off of your music. It's ALL about the music! 70% of your music needs to be international, 30% is your own music- 35% of your class must contain a warm-up & cool down. We learned that the key is to memorized you music, it helps you memorize your routine, feel comfortable teaching & make the class a fun atmosphere. She broke down the music & showed us exactly how to prepare a great routine.  It was clear that Zumba was made to make exercise fun, not "pretend" fun like some classes you have been to... like REAL fun, REAL dance, Freedom, Great music & Non-judging atmosphere. A-MAZ-ING!

So to make a long story, short- Zumba Fitness is an AMAZING workout, that's fun & extremely inspiring.  The class is based on international rhythm dance fitness and they aren't kidding when they say "Come join the party!" On that note here is my cousin's Zumba Profile if you want to try a class: http://77673.zumba.com/  (I'm still preparing & need to find a place to teach- so if you know of a GYM or Dance Studio that needs a Zumba Instructor, please contact me).

If you are interested in trying a workshop, definitely go to zumba.com, it's worth the money! Just a heads up, there are other certifications you need to consider to be a safe/great instructor (which I am working on now).

Thanks for listening & I hope I've inspired you to get OFF the couch & Try ZUMBA, it won't let you down! I am officially ZUMBAFIED, lol.

Here's a video Clip of what ZUMBA is like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf0q6qtThF4 (watch the whole thing to see how it's cardio, dance & toning!)

Love Always, CJ :)

http://www.facebook.com/SocialMediaNewsroom

People That SUCK - Best List Ever

If you like to laugh, you'll like this post. I'm just being honest. Don't cry about it. If you know what my voice sounds like when I'm annoyed... you'll really enjoy this post.

Today is an ode to PEOPLE THAT SUCK (I'm guilty of being this way) and you probably are too.

I wrote up a few of these lists in college, but every so often, I feel the need to update it and change my tone.  Let's face it, I was an asshole in college and probably still an asshole, but a little less ignorant.  ;)

1) I Drive Like it's Sunday, EVERYDAY-

Listen up turtle-driver (in the PASSING lane), it's a called the passing lane FOR A REASON. If you aren't on your way to work or a fire... GET OUT OF MY WAY. All the normal people who have to be somewhere, will appreciate it. This complaint has not changed with my age. Even when  I am on time, I can't HANDLE getting stuck in the passing lane when all this SLOW MO needs to do is go to the proper lane...you know, the slow person lane.

2) Chronic Commenter on Facebook -

I'm sorry, but if I see your comment on every person's status on my newsfeed and comment on my status almost every time I write one, you need find something better to do with your time. I'm not that interesting and neither are the other people in my newsfeed!?

3) The Infamous "K" Replier-

I don't know about you, but 'K' makes me want to stab my eyeballs out. I understand why we abbreviate, it makes sense for words like MESSAGE or when you are tweeting something in that annoying 140 character box on Twitter. Let's face it, if you feel the need to remove the O from O-K, you suck.

4) Dumb Questions Galore-

I desperately want to understand why people tend to ask stupid questions, when it's literally a click away. There's this thing called GOOGLE, it's been around for quite some time now, it literally answers every stupid question you could THINK of. Type it in, get the answer... faster than your dumb mouth can say it. Use it or lose it sister. (Ps- I do this ALL the time).

5) Smelly Office Person-

We all have them. "Hey Buddy... want some gum? a little perfume? how about some shampoo? air freshener?" It's totally complicated and not ok to tell someone they smell right? What I really want to understand.... How do you NOT smell yourself? There's probably science behind it, I guess I'll have to use that good old search engine that has all the friggin answers...

6) GET THE LAST WORD IN, GUY-

Listen Guy, WAIT...Was I even talking to you? Nope.

7) I went to the diner, I sat by the window, the window was dirty, I had eggs, here's what my eggs looked liked...

We don't need a play-by-play of your life on social, no one gives a shit, not even your crazy Aunt Milly.

8) FUN SUCKER- (Adjective)-

Person who ALWAYS brings up the negative, doesn't like the music at the place we picked, complains about money at a special occasion, sits in the same seat all night and doesn't talk to anyone at a social event. Synonyms: Negative Nancy, Debbie Downer, boring. Please stop sucking the life out of me. If you don't want to have fun, YOU CAN'T SIT WITH US!

9)  Mooch Magee-

You know, the person who comes to an event empty handed, depends on everyone else to pay the bill, never has enough to pay for their portion... (forgot my wallet again!?) Mr. or Miss "I owe ya one." That person that constantly takes advantage of  the people around them and then COMPLAINS they don't have money?! Get a job NOW... I don't care if you work at McDonalds, pick up garbage, clean someone's house or swipe at the grocery store. A job is an honest job... get one and STFU.

10) I try way to hard to be liked-

Could be a guy or a girl, but from experience... I have caught many girls in this situation (girl, not woman). This is definitely more of an age thing. The young chick who makes-out with her girl-friends for show, does a body shot at a family resort bar.... Hey, I can see your vagina in that shirt babe! As a male or female, I've seen a few of these types makes up 'inside jokes' that everyone knows about... like a movie quote (yeah, that's not an inside joke, eh?), laughing at your own jokes again... awesome. Makes fun of people at a public event...trying to be funny, except it's actually totally offensive and wait WHAT did he just say about pregnant girls? Yeah, that guy.

Now I usually Stop at 10, but I have a few more...

11) People who hate on Jersey dwellers because they actually BELIEVE "The Jersey Shore" is a realistic portrayal of EVERY HUMAN BEING the lives in NJ.
You don't suck, you're an idiot.

12) Facebook Promoter Person... (Me)

I can't even remotely count how many USELESS events and pages I've been invited to, but I have to admit, I remember names/places/parties because I see so notifications everyday.... so maybe, it works like a billboard. You don't want to see it, but you pass it everyday and it just gets IN YOU BRAIN. Either way, it's still annoying because... who gives a shit about your mom's pottery page?

13) Asshole who's famous for... being an asshole-

People like Spencer Pratt... Kayne West... need a swift kick to the jaw. See what I just did there, Taylor Swift? There's so many more, but I really don't feel like thinking about these people, ever.

14) I-can't-get-to-the-point (in under an hour)- storyteller-

I absolutely stopped listening 10 minutes ago. Yes, I'll nod my head until I'm blue in the face, but have NO IDEA what you are taking about. Great story!

15) Peppy Morning PERSON-

Hiiieee, HOW ARE YA TODAY- HOW WAS YOUR WEEKEND- I LOVE THAT JACKET... WANNA HUG? AND EXERCISE on RAINBOWS or RIDE UNICORNS at 8am? I sincerely hate your guts until my third coffee, but thanks for the uncomfortable hug.

The end.... for now. ;) Find what's going viral at: https://www.facebook.com/SocialMediaNewsroom.


Please feel free to add your comments on 'who sucks'! Also, be sure to know that this is not intended to insult or offend anyone. It's for fun or a good laugh at yourself. My tone is meant to be playful and I am so guilty of many of these everyday mishaps! If you feel the need to rant over this blog post, you can go ahead an add yourself to the list of people that suck. No one likes an overly sensitive social media reader.... there's a big world out there with tons of information, offensive people and places to rant. Go hang out there. Buhbye. To all the others, hope you had a good chuckle! Have a good one. :)

Inspiration::: We all Need it! Dance, A Healthy, Fun Way to Love Yourself.

Hello My little Bloggie Readers!

Ever sit back in your cubicle/office/class room and feel like you've lost yourself in your job, career or everyday life? Sick of living that 9-5 mundane work-life.... where you're so tired by the time you get home that the gym seems like hell and all you can think about is food...TV and bed? Or a stay-at-home mom... where you've been chasing the kids around all day and barely finished any house work when suddenly it's dinner time and you need to cook, finish the laundry and make sure your son doesn't burn the house down? Whatever your story may be, we all have had that moment were we realize we lost the child in us... the dreamer, the free spirit. I was there, and I find myself there from time to time... I thought to myself, is this it? Is this what adult life is? Waking up the same time everyday, going to a same job, seeing the same people, dealing with the same jerk-off clients/customers...students. Stay late to "get some more work done," then finally get home... hungry, tired... bed. Then wake up and do it all over again. THIS IS NO LIFE TO LIVE. We are human beings, we need love, passion, fun, inspiration, music and to me... that's where dance comes in. For others, it may be the gym, singing, writing, reading- whatever it is that gives you "ME" time. A time to dream and get away from the world because lets face it, the world we live in today, is NOT an easy one.

Where it all Started...
One night I was watching "Dancing with the Stars" with my mom and she said "Christie, I could SO see you shaking your booty on this show." I laughed and thought to myself, "Those things don't happen to people like me." I was right... those things don't HAPPEN to people... people MAKE it happen. As a 26 year old, just trying to find out who I am and where I'm going to be some day... I knew that the chance of being on a show like that was SLIM to none, but Mamma-Bear gave me a GOOD idea. DANCE... that's what I really needed. I don't have to be a super star, I just have to find out WHAT makes me happy and incorporate it into my everyday life in some way. The thought came and went like any dream and I went to bed. The very next night I was at gym, doing my "get this workout over with"- routine, when I saw a girl practicing in the aerobics class room. She was doing some Latin moves and looked absolutely beautiful. I stopped... mid-elliptical and walked toward the window of the fitness room. As I did look like a total creeper, I decided to go in and confront this dancer... "Hi... Um I couldn't help but see you dancing thru the giant window," I giggled at my awkward comment. She looked at me and smiled, "It's salsa, I like to use it as a workout because everything else gets boring after awhile." I laughed because I couldn't agree with her more. I asked her where she had learned to do that and she gave me a couple of local Latin/ballroom dance studios to google. I left the gym that day inspired by a stranger, I googled away and found Anchor Dance Studio, in Oradell, NJ.

Where, HOW to find your Inspiration?
I took dance lessons since I was 3 years old... ballet, jazz, hiphop. I wanted to major in dance in college, but my father told me it was too unstable and I needed to get a "REAL JOB," so I took some dance courses in college and it all dwindled once I got into my major, Advertising. I watched shows like, "So You Think you can Dance" and always knew I had the talent to try out, but I didn't have the drive and I stopped dancing for a few years since college- rusty. I did not pursue dance as a career, but that doesn't mean I can't have it in my life, right?! I look back at my life as a child and it was so amazing, not a care in the world... dance class, soccer, MANHUNT... crushing on my childhood neighbor. That was THE LIFE! Now, at 26 years old, I knew I needed more, I need "ME" time, to feed that INNER child that we all have inside us. Between my mom reminding me my talent in dance and seeing the girl at the gym, I was ready to make some changes. Once I found Anchor Dance Studio, everything began to change.

I went for my first private Latin/Ballroom dance lesson alone (which was strange b/c I always find a wingman for stuff like this), but I had SO much fun and picked up some steps faster than expected. I was embarrassed to go with out my boyfriend, but it turns out that you don't need a partner! My teacher was nice and patient and I worked up a good sweat! After class, I met with the Dance Director to discuss a dance package. She suggested a few dance packages and they seemed a little expensive for my budget. Either the Dance Director was REALLY good at what she does (selling dance)or fate was lending a helping hand, but we connected in a way that she saw, believed and understood my profound excitement for dance. We figured out a small dance package and a payment plan that would work for me... I was IN! After two years of dancing at Anchor Dance Studio, I STILL can't get enough! I became so inspired by my studio that I now help with their advertising and created a facebook fan page to help promote dancing. I want people to feel what I feel when I leave that place, Happy ;)

The Perfect Vessel
Everyone at Anchor Dance Studio was so encouraging, funny and nice! I quickly became friends with some of the teachers and students. I found a NEW place to let my guard down and allow my stress to melt away. A vessel where I could be goofy and laugh... with new friends outside of my college friends and family. I had my own little dance family, that I look forward to seeing every time I have a dance class. Anchor Dance Studio has some amazing talented teachers, but the best part of it all is that the teachers love what they are doing and their goal is to make sure everyone feels free and is having fun, which is EXACTLY what a person needs in his/her life, besides work and home life. So think about that thing you USED to love as a kid... baseball, rock climbing, paint ball and go do it, you have nothing to lose. Isn't that what life is all about anyway, it's the GOOD STUFF and sometimes we all lose sight of it. If you can't do an activity you enjoy, than find a way to get involved. If you can't play football, then find out where schools need a coach, assistant coach.... you don't need to have your passion be your job. Sometimes... a hobby that gives you "ME" time is just enough!

One Small Change Can Last Forever!
I know there are advertisements for this dance studio all over my page and this whole blog is based around dance, but this story is about something MORE than that. I hope you read this and get that twinge in your heart like when you watch a really good movie, hear an inspiring song or see a perfectly beautiful painting. That nostalgic feeling when you see an old friend from grade school or catch a glimpse of two kids giggling as they chase each other down a driveway. Our lives are short... jam-packed, stressful and we seem to put too much value on how much money we make, or who we impress. Through dance and finding "ME" time, I've learned that there is a lot more to life than money and stature. Now I go to work everyday and the excitement for my dance class lingers, which gets me through a hard day's work. I leave the office anticipating how great it will be to see my dance friends, learn some new moves and get a good work out. I leave Anchor Dance Studio with grace, inspiration and a feeling like, I've fed my soul today."

What can YOU do to feed the hunger of your soul? If you feel jaded or are missing something in your life, I think you should write down all the things you miss as a child.... sleigh riding, biking... rollar bladesss!!! OR maybe something you've never tried before!? Give your soul a reminder that you still love the child inside you and the most important step is to pick something on your list and DO IT. NO EXCUSES because you're never too old, too tired, Inexperienced, there's always a way to start. The only way your life will change is if you DO something about it. Start with a list and see where it takes you. Learn how to snow board, take an art class... dance like no one's watching, feed your passion because that feeling we get is really who WE ARE. It's what makes us happy. I... am happy even though I don't have my dream job and I'm not on a dance show (which I so should be) lol... Just playing, but on a serious note- I'm happy because I found a way to give myself activities I love.

So, for me... Dance has brought me back to my childhood, a glorious time in my life I will never forget. What brings you back? What makes smile... What are YOU missing in your life? I wish you all the best in finding your inner child. ;)

P.S-
If you are interested in trying dance as a hobby, I must tell you that at Anchor Dance Studio there are all ages, genders and sizes... with or without a partner and dance classes such as salsa, bachata, samba, tango, swing, waltz, hustle, foxtrot and more! ANYONE can do it, Contact me if you ARE INTERESTED. I also suggest that people try out the newest workout classes that really seem to be on the rise- if fitness is what you are looking for... POWER STRIKE, BOXING and ZUMBA are all fun workouts that make you FEEL GOOD. Zumba is available at Anchor Dance Studio.

My next adventure: I haven't been skiing in over 10 years, I want to get by butt out on the slopes before the spring and see if I still got it in me! Maybe even snow board?

Thanks for reading!
Xo- Miss CJ