By Margaret Hair
The Steamboat Pilot & Today
Gina Zedeck walked into her first Zumba class with years of ballet experience, some prodding from a friend, no background in Latin music and no idea what to expect.
Every Thursday morning since then, she’s gone back.
“I didn’t want to do it because I don’t dance and I was afraid to do it. I haven’t missed one,” Zedeck said. She tries to bring at least one friend a week — most of them claiming not to know how to dance — to Zumba, a high-energy aerobic workout that combines Latin music and dance moves with a fitness routine.
On Friday morning, about 10 dancers of wide-ranging ages and levels of experience met at Northwest Ballet Studio for a rescheduled Zumba class, which regularly meets there at 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Starting Friday, the class also will be at Steamboat Pilates Yoga & Fitness from 1 to 2 p.m. Fridays.
Instructor Renee Fleischer blasted R&B dance music from the stereo system and led the class in a warm-up, with easy-to-follow steps to get things going. After that, the Zumba routine slams on the gas, working through one up-tempo, Latin-flavored song after another with across-the-floor steps and aerobic moves. It’s not easy, and it definitely helps to have some sense of rhythm, but you don’t have time to think about that.
“It happens so fast. We all thought we would look like dorks, but you can’t look at yourself or each other; you have to look at Renee the whole time,” Zedeck said.
The dance class trend started in Colombia in the 1990s, with Zumba becoming a trademarked fitness brand in the early 2000s, gaining popularity through infomercials and dance-step DVDs.
Fleischer got interested in Zumba when a friend who owns a Front Range dance studio invited her to a class. She enjoyed it enough to go through a required Zumba Instructor Training Workshop and started teaching Zumba classes in Steamboat at the end of August. She also teaches jazz dance at Northwest Ballet Studio and spent a few years each as a San Diego Chargers Girl and a Denver Broncos Cheerleader.
Fleischer’s Zumba routine changes every four to six weeks, she said. Friday’s workout included a new routine with different music and a fresh set of challenges for Zumba regulars. It takes two to three weeks of listening to an hour’s worth of quick-moving Latin tracks for Fleischer to choreograph a new class workout that will work for anyone, she said.
“You don’t need to have any dance experience to follow the class at all,” she said. “And the class changes every four to six weeks, so if you feel like it’s a challenge at first, it definitely gets easier.”
Zumba certified instructor Renee Fleischer brings her Latin inspired exercise regiment to the Steamboat Today morning show.Watch here.
If you go
What: Zumba dance-fitness class with Renee Fleischer
When: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 to 2 p.m. Fridays
Where: Tuesdays and Thursdays at Northwest Ballet Studio, 326 Oak St.; Fridays at Steamboat Pilates Yoga & Fitness, 1104 Lincoln Ave.
Cost: $10 per class; 10-class punch cards are available
Call: Renee Fleischer at 970-390-1150
More information: Bring comfortable athletic shoes, water and a towel, and wear lightweight workout clothes to Zumba classes.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Latin-influenced Dance-fitness Class New to Steamboat
October is breast cancer awareness month
The Denver Broncos cheerleaders wear pink outfits in honor of National breast Cancer Awareness month during an an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Denver. (AP Photo/ David Zalubowski)
A Denver Broncos cheerleader leaps as she performs a dance routine while wearing a pink outfit in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month during the NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, October 4, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos won the game 17-10. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
A Denver Broncos cheerleader performs while wearing a pink outfit in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month during the NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, October 4, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos won the game 17-10. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
The Denver Broncos cheerleaders perform during a break in the action against the Dallas Cowboys at Invesco Field at Mile High on Oct. 4, 2009, in Denver.
The Denver Broncos cheerleaders perform during a break in the action against the Dallas Cowboys at Invesco Field at Mile High on Oct. 4, 2009, in Denver.
Mile High College Spirit
For those dancers heading to college that need up to date information on college dance teams, please check out the Mile High College Spirit Blog.
The first blog announces the 2009 - 2010 University of Denver Dance Team.
Eagles Chick Lyndsey Featured in MHSM
The "Girl in Your Corner" feature profiles local ladies involved in Colorado's athletic community. This month's issue features Lyndsey, a Colorado State University student who is entering her third year on the Chicks' team.
Click here to see the online version of Lyndsey's page, and check out the Eagles Chicks' Facebook page for all the shots from each one of the girls' photo shoots!
Mile High Sports Magazine Girl In Your Corner - Lyndsey Bressler
AGE: 21
PROFESSION: Colorado Eagles Chick, Student
SIGN: Libra
4 THINGS WE LEARNED FROM LYNDSEY
1. All hockey players smell bad.
2. A good number of hockey players have missing teeth.
3. Visiting Disney World never gets old.
4. Offering an officer game tickets may or may not be the best way to get out of a speeding ticket (not that Lyndsey’s ever used that trick or anything).
PULL QUOTE
“If Dora the Explorer ever grows up, we’ll have one tall doll walking around saying, ‘Hola! Me llama Dora.’”
Monday, October 5, 2009
SMUSH
LATEST NEWS -
*Have you always wished you had better technique?
*Always wanted to take hip hop but feel too out of place to take a class?
*How about jazz...always wish you would've worked on turns and leaps more but are now too intimidated?
Well, we have THE ANSWER!!!!!
Coming to Colorado and presented by Mad Monkey Project
"SMUSH"
A weekend full of Master Classes by the best in the business all consisting of Contemporary and Hip Hop.
No competiions, intimidation,or pressure. Strictly instruction.
This event is all about
YOU BECOMING A BETTER DANCER
The dates of this event are
OCTOBER 10th-11th, 2009
COST: $199 / Student for full weekend...
($185 if registered before September 15th)
you can register here.
For more information on the choreographers you can click here.
A Dream Project...
DREAM PROJECT is a performing team for women 18 years and older in the Denver area. DREAM PROJECT producer Lisa Pevateaux says, "I came up with DREAM PROJECT as a result of me missing the old Dance West DIVAS that I used to direct in Boulder. I feel there are very few opportunities for dancers over the age of 18 in Colorado with the exception of professional teams such as the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders, Denver Nuggets Dancers and professional theater. I have always found it sad that women stop dancing way before their time, and in many cases prior to reaching their highest levels of the sport/art. Because many dancers aren't comfortable taking classes in the "studio" environment once they graduate high school, they stop dancing all together and this is where DREAM PROJECT comes in."
DREAM PROJECT got its name for three reasons.
1. To fulfill the dreams of dancers not ready to retire,
2. To complete the dreams of choreographers unable to find other opportunities to express themselves and their talent,
3. And to help complete the dreams of the charities we are able to contribute to.
Their first show LUCID will be on October 23rd at 6:30 and 9pm at the Lakewood Cultural Center at 470 S. Allison Pkwy. A LUCID dream can be described as a dream in which the sleeper is aware the she is dreaming. When she is lucid, she can actively participate in, and often manipulate, the imaginary experiences in the dream environment. LUCID dreams can be extremely real and vivid depending on a person's level of self-awareness. Our dreams (and pieces in this show) encompass many emotions; love, heartbreak, fear, emptiness, horror, humor, and more. We invite you to join us and be a part of the VERY FIRST DREAM PROJECT.
Some familiar RMS Blog faces are involved in this project:
 |  |
| Becky Hamm - Nuggets, Rockstarz | Bree Cooey - Crush, Rockstarz |
 |  |
| Briget Steckler - Broncos | Courtney Conway - Broncos |
 |  |
| Heather Hartman - Nuggets | Heidi Bosk - Crush, Wild Bunch, Rockstarz |
 |  |
| Kristen Holleyman - Nuggets, Wild Bunch | Lindsey Judd - Crush, Mob Squad, Wild Bunch |
 |  |
| Megan Savage - Nuggets, Rockstarz | Stephanie Cary - Rockstarz |
 | |
| Keri Grogan - Nuggets, Wild Bunch, Crush |
Visit the Dream Project online here.
Friday, October 2, 2009
2010 WILD BUNCH DANCE TEAM ANNOUNCED
The Colorado Mammoth is proud to announce that the 2009-2010 Wild Bunch dance team, comprised of 14 women, has been selected. The audition process, which began with open try-outs on September 11, concluded at the end of the month with the naming of the squad. 
The Wild Bunch performs at all Mammoth home games and makes promotional appearances at charity and corporate functions throughout the year.
"Perennially, we have the best dance team in the National Lacrosse League," said Steve Govett, team president and general manager. "Based on what I witnessed first-hand at the try-outs, I'm certain that this year will be no different."
Click here to see this year's Wild Bunch team!
Didi Beard
Angela Black*
Danielle Denton
Alissa Flanagan*
Haley Hanson
Leah McNerney*
Amanda Murrow
Alexis Novak
Kate Percy
Sammie Rotello
Mallory Sauer*
Diana Schoengarth
Kate Thurgood
Michelle Wood
* Denotes returning veteran.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Where are They Now - Tiler Wilkerson
Sweethearts for Soldiers Organization Announces Impressive 2010 Sweetheart Lineup
SAN DIEGO, CA October 1 2009 - - The California based non-profit organization, Sweethearts for Soldiers (SFS), have announced their 2010 Sweethearts. The list of 28 women from all over the world represents more than 20 major professional football and basketball teams. Among the list of women are some familiar faces; Jenni Croft from the Bachelor, Megan Clementi who is currently Miss Florida USA 2010 and Bonnie-Jill Laflin, actress and first ever female NBA scout for the LA Lakers.
The Sweethearts will volunteer their time to provide morale boosting and entertainment-type services to military personnel in all branches of the Armed Forces. The Sweethearts will further the mission of the organization by performing variety shows on tours to military bases and installations stateside and abroad, making appearances at various charity events, and producing a yearly calendar that will be a delivered to military personnel.
To be selected as a Sweetheart they must have performed with a professional major league football or basketball team and have a passion for volunteering their time to the military. “I can’t think of a better way to spend my time and I am proud to be a member of the 2010 Sweethearts for Soldiers”, says Anna Smith who is one of the new 2010 Sweethearts and cheered with teams from Seattle, Baltimore and Washington, DC.
Co-founder Tonya Helman states “The past two years have been extremely successful for the Sweethearts for Soldiers Organization. We were able to go Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar and bring some light to those serving overseas. Also by partnering with the Wounded Warrior Project in Jacksonville and Snowball Express in Phoenix for various events, we were able to combine our efforts for troop support and get the Sweethearts’ into the local community talking about our mission.” Helman has been on 14 tours and danced for three Professional football teams.
With the program growing so has the staff of the SFS organization. Donald Wells, former Director of the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders is taking the helm as Director of Marketing and Sponsorships. Mr. Wells has been on a record setting 27 Department of Defense tours and has a true passion for the military. With his 16+ years of pro entertainment experience he plans to help take the Sweethearts to a level that they can reach hundreds of thousands every year. This year Mr. Wells worked with designer Deb Erickson of The Line Up to develop an official uniform for the Sweethearts. Each uniform will showcase the Sweethearts for Soldiers logo and is covered in hand placed crystals.
Sweethearts for Soldiers is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the troops by providing morale boosting and entertainment-type services to our men and women in uniform. Sweethearts for Soldiers is not a government agency and relies on the generosity of the American people. For more information on Sweethearts for Soldiers or to donate please go to www.sweetheartsforsoldiers.org or contact:
Donald Wells – Marketing Division
Donald@sweetheartsforsoldiers.org
(240) 876-3014
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Best Dance Studio In Colorado
Allana's Academy of Dance was voted the...
Best Dance Studio in Colorado
on the Denver Channel's A*List!!! We were up against 62 other dance studios - and have only been open for a short 7 months!! Thank you all so much for your support and your votes, this truly could not have happened without all of your support!!! Thank you especially to my wonderful dancers and their awesome families!!!! You are the best!!!
Now I understand, the concept behind - once you find something that you have a passion for, it doesn't feel like work - and you are bound to succeed. It is so true and I am so truly grateful!
-Allana
Allana's Academy of Dance
3625 W Bowles Ave #17 Littleton, CO
303-794-3663
Offering : Jazz * Hip Hop * Lyrical * Poms * Ballet * Belly Dance * Pilates * Breakdance * Salsa Workout * Leaps/Turns/Progressions * Dancer Tone/Flexibility
Now enrolling!!
Ages 3 to Adult ** Beginner Thru Advanced **
Performance and Competition Opportunities Available!!
Official dance studio of The Belles Performance Team
Allana was co-captain for the NBA D-League's Colorado 14ers Basketball Dance Team - Draft League of the Nuggets, Raptors and Nets!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Where are they now - Carla Sanchez
In 1997, Carla earned her IFBB professional status and in 2000 founded the Performance Ready Fitness and Figure Team. In 2002 she started the NPC Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta Fitness, Figure and Model Search Championships. She also weekly co-hosts the radio show, webcast and podcast, the Performance Nutrition Show. Carla continues to both compete and perform in fitness and trains a number of very successful fitness and figure competitors.
Carla would like to invite local cheerleaders and dancers to compete in the 2009 NPC Carla Sanchex Fitness Fiesta coming up October 3.
Monday, September 21, 2009
2010 Denver Broncos Cheerleaders Calendar
Congratulations to cover girl Erica Golding!
This year, the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders traveled to the Steamboat, Colorado to shoot their 2010 Calendar compliments of Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation and Mountain Resorts.
Price: $20.00 USD
Purchase your calendar here.
All the final months are posted here.
Check into Rehab
Former Colorado Crush Girl Ashley Mull stars in the hot Las Vegas reality show, Rehab: Party at the Hard Rock Hotel.
You can catch up with Ashley and the entire Rehab gang, at 10 PM on Tuesdays on TruTv.
Visit the Rehab website here.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
16 Wild Bunch Finalists Announced
Meet the 2009 - 2010 Wild Bunch Finalists!
Jen Bakane
Didi Beard
Angela Black*
Danielle Denton
Alissa Flanagan*
Haley Hanson
Leah McNerney*
Amanda Murrow
Alexis Novak
Kate Percy
Sammie Rotello
Mallory Sauer*
Diana Schoengarth
Kate Thurgood
Casey Toups
Michelle Wood
See pictures and biographies here.
Movers and Shakers: Danielle and Kate T. are former Outlaws Dancers. Diana is a former Nuggets Dancer and finalist for the Broncos Cheerleaders. Leah returns to the Wild Bunch from a season as a Nuggets Dancer. Michelle is a former Crush Girl.
* Denotes returning veteran.
