Meet Kathryn!

Meet Kathryn!

Power Lunch it with Kathryn!

Does your day need a shot of energy and good vibes?! Check out Kathryn's lunchtime and afternoon classes at South Loop! Awesome playlist, check! Fierce energy, check! We are ADDICTED to her classes. Get to know a little about Kathryn here:

How do you relax?

With a good book and a glass of red wine.

How do you rev up?

Put on an awesome playlist and by my own hype girl who spits positive affirmations.

What fashion item can you not live without?

A scarf!

Go to healthy snack?

Dry roasted almonds and dried cranberries

Fave indulgence?

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. The whole box.

What do you like about teaching at MaZi?

The positive culture and the dedication of our awesome students! Every day I am amazed at the drive and passion each person brings to the studio.

Song that keeps you going?

500 Miles - The Proclaimers. You can be in the worst possible mood, but once this song comes on you can't help but smile, and jauntily march around while singing along.

Fun fact?

I collect owl knick-knacks. I have mugs, salt & pepper shakers, cookie jars, plates, bowls... I even have an owl tattoo!

#1 fitness tip?

When you feel like you can't do anymore, do one more rep, because you can!

How your ballet background makes a difference!

The discipline from my background in ballet, and all dance, has really contributed to my drive and dedication today. Not only has it given me a strong technique base, it has also shown me that you must find it within yourself to push through any obstacle, be it a really tough workout or a complicated combination. That inner focus and determination will bring you success in any situation.

Kathryn mid-air like she does in Ballerina Fight Club!

See you at the studio!

- XO, Zi

A Homecoming- Returning to Dance

Katie, a MaZi Dance Chicago dancer, generously shares her experience of coming home to the studio, the stage and reconnecting with her passion! This was very touching to read as Marisol and I have both been in the place where dance haunts you like an unfinished love affair until you find a way to do it again! 

Katie comes home!

Overwhelmed with Gratitude for MaZi
By: Katie Lowes

It’s been five long years since I last performed on stage. Five years since “call time” related to an arrival and not a conference. Five years since “warm up” meant stretching and not thawing. Five years since wearing a costume outside of Halloween was both accepted and required. Five years since I felt like a dancer.

Being a dancer has always been part of my identity but I didn’t realize how deeply so until I joined MaZi Dance Chicago (MDC). It had been nearly a decade (ack!) since I’d taken formal classes and I had recently given away all of my dance clothes thinking (dramatically) that I’d never dance again. Adult classes were too easy. Professional classes were too hard. I was too old. Classes were too expensive. The list went on and on. When I found MDC about five months ago, the part of me that had “let go” of my dance dreams performed a grande jeté (couldn’t resist) for joy and the passion for dance I had always had was reignited. It’s one thing to take dance classes. It’s a complete other to learn choreography and perform. I couldn't believe this place existed and I couldn't believe I could be part of it.

After months of preparation, fast forward to the first week in November and not only had I spent an entire week dancing every day (every day!) but I was preparing for a real performance in front of my family, friends and strangers and beside amazingly talented women who were just like me. The choreography was beautiful. Our rehearsals were strong. The shows were sold out. Each of us were “on”. It was the first time my husband had seen me perform and the perma-grin on his face from the back of the audience told me everything I needed to know. It was an amazing night.

I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to perform in the MaZi Bold Fearless Beauty show and so thankful to Ziba and Marisol for creating this amazing space and place for “returning to dance” dancers. While age may mean my muscles take longer to warm and I seem to bruise like a peach these days, I’m amazed at the growth I’ve seen in my own abilities and how being older and wiser has made my dancing less inhibited. The creative outlet outside of work has encouraged me to be more expressive and creative within my work and I’m finding the disdain I had for “the gym” has been replaced with excitement for “the studio”. As someone who once called herself a former dancer, I proud to say I have returned. 

Katie, we're so happy you made it back home and look forward to your next accomplishments!
With Love, 
Zi & Ma
XOXO

Meet Mallory!

Glowing onstage!

Mallory has been dancing at MaZi for about 3 years and performing in the company, MaZi Dance Chicago, almost just as long! The lovely movement/dance therapist recently joined our instructor team and has begun teaching classes at our South Loop studio. Here, in her own words, she tells us a little about herself and shares some sisterly tips on motivation & fitness!

How do you relax?

Cuddle up on my comfy couch, practice deep breathing, and listen to a record, often accompanied by red wine and or my handsome gentleman. 

How do you rev up? 

Music and positive thinking! A good beat and encouraging thoughts always do the trick for me.

What fashion item can you not live without?

My glasses of course! Even though they are also necessary, they're my go to fashion accessory and help give me my distinctive look. 

Go to healthy snack?

Bananas! I try to eat one every day especially before class. They are my super food power booster. 

Fave indulgence? Oh so many to choose, but I'd probably have to say pizza! Preferably thin crust, NY style with at least 2 veggies! :)

What do you like about teaching at MaZi!?

I LOVE the idea of making both dance and fitness accessible to everyone! Moreover, it is the smiles and transformations that I witness each week, the confidence it brings, and the holistic health benefits it provides to both the body and mind. I love being part of a community where you feel welcomed and encouraged daily both by our instructors and our students! Lastly, it is the radiating energy and drive of our dancers that keeps me addicted!

Song that keeps you going?

I need your love (feat. Ellie Goulding) - Calvin Harris. It may be an oldie at this point but every time it comes on in a class I punch harder, jump higher, and feel that unexplainable burst of energy!

Fun fact?

In high school I was a cheerleading captain and a vocalist for a metal band! 

 #1 Fitness tip?

Always tune into your core throughout the entire class. It helps with so many things: gives you a stronger work out, more stable posture, and truly initiates your inner confidence! Even while your walking down the street, using mindfulness about this on a daily basis will help you feel more connected as a mover and as a person! 

Mallory getting ready to kick bum!

How your ballet background makes a difference?

Growing up in a very traditional studio since I was 3, ballet was always required - it is the backbone to form, strength, and posture that bleeds into all other styles of dance including exercise. Even though as an adult I gravitate toward other dance forms more intently, ballet will always be in my bones. It taught me about discipline, passion, and increased my work ethic, all of which have helped mold me into who I am today as an instructor, dance/movement therapist, and overall person.  

Don't miss her bold and fearless classes at South Loop 5:30 PM on Fridays with Ballerina Fight Club, perfect way to start the weekend!

- XO, Zi