Monday, February 4, 2013

Meet Jess! Wicker Park Studio Manager



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

Friday, February 1, 2013

MaZi Dance Chicago Q & A

We've had such an amazing response to our 3rd Season of MaZi Dance Chicago! We're going to take a minute to answer some FAQ's.

-Do I have to audition for MaZi Dance Chicago (MDC)? 
Nope! We welcome anyone who wishes to perform to join.

-What is the format of the Monday 8:00 PM class?
You will warm-up (plies, isolations, etc.) for 15-20 minutes and then you will begin the choreography process with the featured choreographer for the month; learning the steps, working through the piece's "language" and theme, repetition, polishing, and more repetition.

-Will this be available at South Loop location?
Not at this time........next season maybe!

-What style of dance will we be learning?
We always incorporate several styles into our performances and choreo classes. First month will be Contemporary/Jazz, and second/third will be hip hop or lyrical.

-Do I have to commit for the entire time? 
Yes. From 2/11-4/29 we will have rehearsals/class on Mondays. We can only grow as a performing group with consistency and teamwork!

-Do I have to perform?
Not necessarily. If you just want to partake in the rehearsal experience that is ok. Additional rehearsals will be needed in the 2 weeks before a performance and if you choose not to perform you would not be part of that. You might decide that you want to be in one of the 2 scheduled performances or both. Not everyone will be in every piece, usually there's a natural gravitas that occurs in the rehearsal process for a certain piece or the other.

-What/where are we performing?
Currently, we are scheduled to perform at RIC's ArtFUTURA Opening Celebration, May 30th at 6PM, with Jackson Junge Gallery in April, and some other opportunities might come throughout the Spring......they always do! Additionally, you have the opportunity to audition for AyOH's music video being shot 2/22 (all day).

-How do I audition for AyOH's music video?
The audition is Friday, 2/8 at 6:30 PM and you must be part of MDC. AyOH will be at the studio to watch a short combination and select a couple of dancers for the video based on their vision for the edit.

-What happens if AyOH selects me to be in the video?
The shoot will take place all day Friday 2/22. Rehearsals for the video will be seperate from Monday night's class and will take place the weekend of 2/9-10, and 2/16-17 with Ziba (choreographer for production).

-How many additional rehearsals will be needed?
Usually, it's 2-3 additional rehearsals prior to a performance. The dates/times are arranged so that it works for all performers at that time.

-Do I have to have professional experience?
No. We do recommend that you feel comfortable in the existing MaZi formats; Zi-Cardio, Dance Cardio, MaZi Urban Hip Hop, etc.

-What does the price include (Zi members $55/month, MaZi general students $95/month, Feb, March April)?
It includes the Monday evening scheduled classes/rehearsals and all additional rehearsals. It does not include any other class on our schedule. Shoes and wardrobe are also not included.

-How much are shoes & wardrobe?
Generally, we've kept it under $50 for every performance. We usually leverage clothing that you would already own.

-Will I have the time of my life?
Pretty much.....YES!

REHEARSAL!

-Zi
Email us at mazidancefitness@gmail.com for anything else!