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| Jess mid-flight, supporting our claim that we can fly at MaZi! |
Meet Jess, our newly appointed Wicker Park Studio Manager! Jess has been working as a choreographer and instructor for the past four years. Her choreographic works have been featured in festivals & concerts and she has taught ballet, jazz, modern. Her certifications include Zumba, NETA and Ballerina Bum! We'll let you know when she performs again so you can catch her onstage!
"MaZi provides the environment and community to share a passion for creative and innovative workouts that truly make a difference".
What do you love about teaching Ballerina Bum classes?I love the workout itself! Ballerina Bum works my core, gluts, legs, and more. It's the perfect combination of strengthening and stretching and I always leave energized and toned. As a dancer, it's definitely strengthened me technically!
How do you chill out?My favorite way to relax is spending the day in a coffee shop reading a book. My life is so hectic that I rarely get down time, being able to sit still and read is a luxury! Add a Chai Tea Latte and that is my weekly therapy session!
How do you rev up?
I rev up by putting on my favorite song. It changes weekly- but whatever it is I blast it while taking a walk and let myself dance a little bit. The right music and movement can really wake up my senses and fill me with adrenaline.
What fashion item can you not live without?
Two things: a scarf and pair of boots. They compliment every outfit and I feel so classy when I add these accessories to my wardrobe.
Go to healthy snack?
Granola. I'm a granola-holic.
Fave indulgence?
Frozen Yogurt. I have quite the sweet tooth and usually it's hard but possible for me to turn down junk food, but if ever someone mentions ice cream, I'm in!!
What do you like about teaching at MaZi!?
I love that everyone at MaZi is so warm and giving. It means a lot that I work in an environment where the students are invested in working hard and want the class to grow in the best way possible. It isn't often that you run across a student base that is devoted to a studio.
Song that keeps you going?
No matter what my favorite song of the week is, my go to is always "Hey, Soul Sister" by Train. Particularly the verse: "the way you move ain't fair, ya know." As a dancer, I like to listen to that and it reminds me that I'm lucky to be doing what I do.
Fun fact?
I've read each of the Harry Potter books a dozen times.
Your #1 Fitness tip?
Make sure you enjoy your workout. The best way to maintain a work-out schedule and stay on track is if you love what you are doing. Having a passion for working-out makes the world of difference. Try several forms of classes and find the ones that are both challenging and fun. An hour long class can fly by much faster if you're smiling the entire time!
Catch her classes Mondays at South Loop, and Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays at Wicker Park!
- Zi
