MaZi Dance Chicago*: Spotlight on Natalie!

             MaZi Dance Chicago*: Spotlight on Natalie! 

BOLD FEARLESS BEAUTY!

Natalie is very special because when she dances you see the LOVE coming right through and it's transmitted to the audience immediately. She is so naturally gifted, it's almost not fair! Choreographing on her is a guilty pleasure for me as it's as if I was choreographing on myself, the only difference is that she can still do it! She has beautiful technique and having danced some of the same ballets that I did in the past, intuitively knows where I'm coming from and the feel I'm trying to emulate (this means lots of laughter). All of MaZi Dance Chicago's choreographers would agree that working with her is fun, focused and inspiring!

She's danced almost everything with us for the past two years and is extremely consistent and precise. As part of the team, everyone loves Natalie because she is sensationally funny and usually knows the choreography very well, all great things to have around! I always wondered why she was so funny and recently found it's because she's a comedian of sorts. She's written two shows that have run at Second City and is currently working on a project at Stage 773! She also writes for a satire blog, mentors an 8th grader and also has time to work as a software developer for you know........."work". In her words: 

Why Do You Dance?

I dance because I have to. My body is never as good or as happy as when I'm dancing. When I'm in the studio I work my hardest and get to be my most free self. 

What Does MaZi Mean To You?

MaZi is a place where I get to come and have fun and be challenged, and most importantly, be surrounded by amazing people. MDC is full of such talented, passionate people, and I feel very lucky to call myself one of them.

Running the town!
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Watch for her in next week's pieces at the Anniversary Party! We hope she dances forever!

-Zi

*MaZi Dance Chicago is a performing group made up MaZi Dance Fitness students that wish to learn & perform choreography. Their strong commitment and passionate work ethic makes them a joy to work with and a treat to watch. They represent MaZi's core values of: INSPIRE DANCE ACHIEVE & LOVE DANCE LIVE!

Meet Stacy!

Dancer, Doctor, Dream Girl!
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The best thing about our community at MaZi is being able to celebrate the amazing women that walk through our doors on a daily basis. Your stories and backgrounds inspire our mission at MaZi: INSPIRE. DANCE. ACHIEVE. 

Many of you know Stacy from classes, her role as artistic director assistant in MaZi Dance Chicago, and more recently instructor! Her B-Girl Hip Hop class is Wednesday nights at SL, don't miss it!

Today, we celebrate Stacy's huge accomplishment in earning a PsyD (Doctor of Clinical Psychology)! In the 5 years that we have known Stacy, we've seen her commit to her studies, friends and dancing. Everything she does she does completely, which is why she is so special. We've also seen her grow from a very good dancer to an artist capable of EVERYTHING. We are so happy for her, please join us in both welcoming her to the MaZi instructor team and her new title: Dr. Clark! 

How do you relax? 

I go for a walk, listen to music, read a book, or journal.

How do you rev up?

Breakfast is the biggest component for getting me going.  That, and dancing in my bathroom as I get ready :)

What fashion item can you not live without? 

A good pair of flats or earrings.  I wear both constantly.

Go to healthy snack?  

Usually an apple.  It's great for curving appetite between meals and a good source of energy.

Fave indulgence?  

Chocolate!!

What do you like about teaching at MaZi!? 

I love seeing the various styles each student brings, and their energy keeps me going.

Song that keeps you going?  

This changes constantly.  Right now, it's "Hey Mami (Big Wild Remix)" by Sylvan Esso

Fun fact?  

My birthday is on New Years' Day.

 #1 Fitness tip?  

Your diet is so important for a workout.  Make sure to eat a light meal or snack beforehand, and drink water before, during, and after.  The goal is build up strength and energy so your body will need the extra push! 

How does your ballet background make a difference?

Ballet is the foundation for strength, flexibility, and movement.  Whenever I have the chance, I will take the Intro to Ballet intensives at MaZi in order to re-align my center and strengthen my muscles/core.

- XO, Zi

Inspire Dance Achieve

"DANCE FIT", the ultimate status symbol

You INSPIRE DANCE ACHIEVE!
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1. 
   
2. What's the most coveted status symbol............is it a handbag, a car? To possess wealth, time, education, a certain pedigree? Maybe, but when I think about the ultimate status symbol, I always think about BEING FIT (how we get to dance, and work our bodies). Quite possibly, it's the last thing one cannot outsource. YOU have to put in the work and time, and look yourself in the mirror for the push to the end of a song or set. There is something noble in this honest work, there is no cheating the system or cutting corners. If you don't produce, there are no results. It doesn't matter what race, socio-economic background or sex you are, FITNESS will not discriminate.

So when you walk around with you fit Body by MaZi (not thin, not skinny, FIT), be proud because it says:

- I can accomplish my goals

- I am willing to work hard

- I am honest

- I show up 

- I confront life

- I care about myself so I can care about you

- I am strong, mentally, spiritually, physically

Sometimes, there are life situations that get in our way of being fit. It will happen to all of us at some point, but when we''re ready our body will be there waiting for us to show up and honor it. 

Inspire. Dance. Achieve.

-XO, 

Zi

Happy Birthday Anson!!

We have so many favorite Anson MaZi moments! Here are a few of the glowing birthday girl!

At RIC with Gift of Movement Founder Marisol & her MaZi bestie Mallory!

Jumping on the couch during AyOH's music video filming.

Leading a Flash Mob on 6 Corners!

Twirling!

And Finally.......

Leading our LOVE.DANCE.LIVE poster!
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Happy Birthday Beautiful Anson!

- XO, Zi & Ma

#BikiniBum40 Challenge

We hope you join us in making Summer 2014 your fittest & happiest! We all start out with great intentions for summer and find that we didn't quite make them happen sometime around August. The key lies with accountability and this summer is going to be different because we're here to help!

The CHALLENGE is to:

- Take any 40 classes in July & August.
- Get instructor initials on your #BikiniBum40 card, which you will later submit for a live drawing of great prizes from our favorite neighborhood partners!
-90 minute blasts to speed up your results by pushing your limits.
- Nutritional lecture to clean up your habits by Dr. Pontarelli, date TBD. It's gotten increasingly confusing on what to eat!
- Any class package applies, but to help you take advantage of our Bikini Challenger Deal, which comes out to $6.25/class for the 40 classes at $250 for 2 unlimited months, July & August!

Visual accountability

Every week take a SELFIE of yourself in fitted clothing or swimwear in front of a mirror.

Be consistent for 9 weeks!

This is only for yourself, but if you choose to share it, please tag #bikinibum40 on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!

See you at the studio!

- XO Zi

MaZi Dance Chicago*: Spotlight on Mallory!

MaZi Dance Chicago: Spotlight on Mallory!

Mallory is one of those girls that has an inexplicable coolness factor. She's always in a good mood as she walks into MaZi with her curls in a loose bun, her dark-rimmed glasses, and a huge smile. This cool girl is also very special! She is one of our Gift of Movement instructors for RIC as she just graduated with a Dance/Movement Therapy graduate degree from Columbia College.

She brings tons of energy and sass to all the classes she's in, i.e. if you take Ballerina Fight Club with her she might knock you out.:) She's been performing with MDC since 2012 and inspires all of us choreograhers with her "attack" on the movement and endless energy and commitment to the work. Last December, before our very own eyes, and during an MDC performance, her boyfriend proposed to her after she finished dramatically on the floor. In 5 minutes flat, Mallory had us all believing in love, but most importantly she had us believing in fairy tales! 

Mallory in her element!

IN HER OWN WORDS:

Why do you dance?

I dance to give my inner soul a voice.

What does MaZi mean to you? 

My (dance) family, my release, my self-care, and fulfilling my passion. 

One of our favorite moments ever! Relive the moment HERE.

Thanks for bringing so much soul to MaZi with you everyday!

-XO, Zi

*MaZi Dance Chicago is a performing group made up MaZi Dance Fitness students that wish to learn & perform choreography. Their strong commitment and passionate work ethic makes them a joy to work with and a treat to watch. They represent MaZi's core values of: INSPIRE DANCE ACHIEVE & LOVE DANCE LIVE!

The birthday girl in pictures!

Happy Birthday Jess!

Wishing her a happy day, catch her classes all week long at Wicker Park & South Loop, and now......North Ave Beach Sundays at 9 AM for summer!

With the Ball at Wicker Park

With another "Ball" at South Loop

Urban #ballerinabum
Eddo Photography

Onstage for Off Center Dance

As a DANCER!

- XO, Zi