Meet Sara!

Sara is a fierce performer!

Lovely Sara began taking classes at MaZi a couple of years ago, and is also been a a member of MaZi Dance Chicago, performing all over Chicago with us; street fests, Studio Paris, Subterranean, MaZi Anniversary parties, you name it! This passion for performance, meticulous cueing and lots of hard work led her to becoming one of MaZi's newest instructors. She has years of dance training, is NETA certified, and teaches Zi-Cardio and subs Werq. A hip hop enthusiast, catch her hot choreography and easy to follow cues on Monday nights at 6:00 PM at Wicker Park for Zi-Cardio.

What inspires you?  Music inspires me!  I'm always amazed by how a song can totally change my mood or energy level.

How do you relax?  Exercise has always been a great stress reliever for me, which is why you'll find me at Mazi almost every night after work!  When I'm at home I like to zone out by playing games on my iphone, especially Plants vs. Zombies!

What fashion item can you not live without?  I love my Steve Madden shoes, I have their ballet flats in 4 different colors and I have to restrain myself from buying more.

Go to healthy snack?  I love greek yogurt, right now my fave is Fage 0% with honey, I eat it every day!

Fave indulgence? Cookie dough!  I love to bake cookies, mostly so I can eat the dough :-)

What do you like about teaching at MaZi!?  I love the community!  All the dancers (students & instructors) are so friendly, positive, and supportive of each other, it makes for a great atmosphere.

Song that keeps you going?  For zi-cardio I'm a huge Pitbull fan.  I love the oldies like Suave and Blanco, and my favorite newer one is Can't Believe It, by Flo-rida featuring Pitbull.

Fun fact?  I'm also a social worker and work with kids who have been abused or neglected!  (it's more fun than it sounds)

#1 Fitness tip?  Mix it up!  Try a different MaZi class every once in a while, or even just a different instructor!

How your dance background makes a difference in teaching fitness?  Having a dance background pushes the energy to the next level.  When I teach I'm also performing and giving 110% as if I'm on stage, which hopefully inspires my students to do the same.

What does Love. Dance. Live. mean to you?  That dance is a part of life and a natural way of expressing yourself!  Dance has infiltrated every part of my life for sure, from my posture to the way I rhythmically bounce down the stairs, to how I jump around when I'm excited.  Everyone has a dancer inside of them and Mazi will help you let it out!

Sara swtiching it up, tackles Ballerina Bum Bootcamp!

Catch her class Mondays at 6:00 PM Wicker Park!

- Zi

Meet Shelley!

Shelley began taking class at MaZi about a year ago and quickly felt connected to our community and decided that she wanted to be part of MaZi's intructor team. With her background in martial arts & dance, she found her match with Ballerina Fight Club, a class that will change your life! It's always a treat to take class with Shelley because of her pristine form, athletic vibe and to top it all off, she always looks like she's walked out of Nike photo shoot. Yes, this is her, don't miss her classes at both South Loop & Wicker Park and be truly inspired by Shelley!

Pretty meets Tough: Shelley!

How do you relax?   When I need to hit the reset button, I head down to my parents home in the country where the nearest place to buy milk is about 12 miles away.  Nothing brings me back to center like a weekend with my family. 

What fashion item can you not live without?  My cowboy boots.  They are surprisingly versatile.

Go to healthy snack? You’d be surprised how many items in your kitchen can be smeared on a rice cake.   My favorite go to combo is a rice cake with avocado and tomato but if it’s been an especially long day, I go straight for the Nutella. 

Fave indulgence?  A well-earned sports massage.  I’ve started investing more in the recovery elements of my workout routine and it’s made a huge difference in my stamina and how effective I’m able to be in class. 

What do you like about teaching at MaZi!?  I love being a part of this community.  I’ve belonged to many a “mega gym” and I always dreaded going in and getting on the treadmill to nowhere; it’s a very lonely way to exercise.  MaZi is different.  The students come a little early to connect with each other, teachers take the time to really get to know their students and what it is they’re hoping to accomplish in class…the result is a much more effective and social way to exercise.

Song that keeps you going?  Finding and collecting music is a hobby of mine and that translates into my classes.  I’m constantly changing it up and love when I find a song or artist that fits perfectly into a class.  I’ll always have a soft spot for Ciara; I love that she is super strong and super feminine and she is a fantastic dancer.  I think “Lose Control” by Missy Elliot feat. Ciara is one of the best workout songs ever produced! 

 Fun fact? Winter is my favorite season!  If you don’t see me in class, it’s likely because I’m on a mountain somewhere with a board strapped to my feet. 

 #1 Fitness tip?  Find what you love and invest in it.  If you don’t love it, you’ll never be able to sustain it long term. 

How your dance background makes a difference!     Growing up preforming had both physical and emotional benefits; possibly the best of which was building my confidence level.  Dance is a definitely transformative exercise. I love collaborating with the other teachers at MaZi to create choreography that is both challenging and attainable so that our students can have that same confidence-building experience in class.  You can always see when someone has their “aha” moment, where the music and the moves just click for them and their inner monologue says: I got this.  They shine and it’s awesome!

Catch her Ballerina Fight Club classes at South Loop Fridays at 5:30 PM & Wicker Park Tuesdays at 6:00 PM! 

Prepping for Ballerina Fight Club!

- Zi

(Better Looking Photography)

What's in my Bag or What IS in my bag?

Baby Jane is in My Bag!

They say that when all else fails in getting a man's attention you should spill the contents of your purse. Someday I will test this!  Marisol and I's bags have always been enormous since we've had to have one that could take us from 8 AM - 9 PM without ever stepping foot back home since age 8. As a ballet/dance kid you have everything in your bag; bobby pins, food, hairspray, extra tights/leotard, shoes, bandaids, second skin, make-up (always the make-up), icy hot, homework, live cultures.

Like most busy girls, we still need a bag that will take us from 8 AM-? without ever setting foot back home and take us from work to meetings to workout to dinner/drinks most nights. So, we need the bag to be organized, go with everything, have everything, and make us smile when we look at it. So what's in your bag to get you through the day? Here's what's in mine:

Ziba's Bag Contents:
- Bag within the Bag for make-up, jewelry & small stuff- This is a MUST! I also like to use a small clutch as a make-up bag in case I don't want to lug around the big one all night.

- Fake eyelashes- This is an oxymoron because I'm relatively low maintenance, i.e. I don't carry a hairbrush,  but I recently rediscovered fake eyelashes. Try them, the world is nicer to you.

- Pencil eyeliner- This pretty much is my enitre 90 second beauty routine for daytime.

- Nars Orgasm Multi-wear stick- I love wearing this later in the evening or if I'm having a paler day than usual.  I don't usually need it when I go out after MaZi classes since I get a rosy after-glow!

- Chapstick & Bold lip color- With all the talking I do my lips get really dry and the Cherry/Strawberry Chapstick gives them enough color for daytime. The bold lip color is for when all else fails and I need something to make a big difference QUICK! A current fave: Tom Ford's Cherry Lush!

-Nike FuelBand- I am big on metrics and competing with myself and this allows me to do just that!

- Truvia- I am very sensitive to sugar so I need to bring my own in case I'm in a situation where they just have "agave" or "Equal". Asparatame is the devil and agave is nonsense in my opinion.

- Business cards/business card holder- Pulling out a card from a nice holder makes me feel special!

- Pedicure foot foam seperator- Since I'm on my feet all day in sneakers and usually crammed in my high heels to the tip of the toe, using a to seperator encourages my entire foot to relax and the muscles. It's easy, cheap and prevents tons of foot pain.

-  Accessory and jewelry options; multiple hoop options, dangley earrings, a necklace that can be worn as bracelet if need be- Since I'm going from place to place, I can easily dress it up if I have the right piece of jewelry. I try to carry items that I can live without that are more statement than sentimental.

- MaZi Trail Mix- Vitamin M (motrin) for emergencies, Flaxseed Oil to prevent inflammation, Calcium chews for bone health, also encourage ATP in muscles which allow you to efficiently use them, EmergenC is great for when you need a little immune boost and feelng run-down , herbal tea bags  are a great comfort snack or midday destressor,  Altoids to be kiss ready after your work-out. ;)

- Meal Bar- sometimes I just can't get to a meal!I'm loving the Gluten-Free Bar right now, and usually change them up. I look for balance in these; some protein, some fat, some fiber and good flavor!

- $20 in cash- This is just enough for a cab ride to most places in the city. For some reason cabbies put evil spells on you when you pay with cards.

-Multiple CTA cards with no credit- I don't get to ride the CTA often enough to be disciplined about which of my cards is charged, somehow I can never sort it out.

-1 CTA card with credit- 

- "Lucky" Metropolitan Museum of Art mirror- Marisol and I got these matching mirrors on our first visit to NYC where we crashed Ritz Hotel on Park that same day. We sat there for hours dreaming and this memento always reminds me of that special day!

- Origins Lavender roll-on perfume "de-stress" - My perfume of choice is Viktor & Rolfe's Flowerbomb but I don't like to carry it in my purse. This roll-on gives me "something" of scent while brainwashing me into thinking it's calming me.

-Phone-charger, Aviators- Instant celeb status, extra pair of socks & undies.

- Tennis ball- If it were up to me, I would get a massage everyday. Really. Everyday. This is the closest thing I've found.

-Dr. Dre Beats- I am constantly choreographing for classes or MaZi Dance Chicago. When I am it requires me to listen to song over and OVER again. Nobody else needs to hear that. :)

In terms of the actual bag.....M and I have a weakness for Michael Kors because they're nice and big, cut well and take a beating and you can squeeze sneakers in most of them! Other favorite spring 2014 collections here:
1) Tory Burch
2) Nike
3) Lucky Magazine picks


Tell us.....what's in your bag? What bag are coveting this season?
- Zi

Introducing Zi-Cardio

Fun. Sexy. Dramatic. We're excited to introduce MaZi's very own Zi-Cardio! Born from a fusion of our extensive dance background, 15 years of choreographic experience & signature style.

As many of you know, "Ziba Zumba" started becoming a moniker at MaZi , which led us to believe that it was not like other "Zumba" classes. After years of teaching Zumba and using my own choreography and song selection, we felt it was more honest to change the name of the class and to standardize the choreography, energy level and quality that we believe in. Essentially, it's Marisol and I's vision of what fun, sexy & dramatic dance fitness is. You feel like a dancer, you dance, it IS dance!

Zi-Cardio instructors are certified, life-long dancers and all have months, if not years, of MaZi Dance Fitness classes (the ultimate training) under their belt! The class is easy to follow using non-verbal cueing, contains hi-impact & hi-energy choreography to various hit music, and finishes with a ballet- inspired arm work-out & stretch.

A big part of Zi-Cardio culture is our students' song recommendations, keep them coming! The music in this class is eclectic. It includes current radio hits, previous radio hits, various genres including hip hop, latin & pop. Whatever the song, you can be sure that it has been hand-selected (maybe by you) to motivate & inspire you to dance and be fit. You will leave feel happy, beautiful & energized after taking this class, as if you were in the spotlight!

VIDEOS COMING SOON!

- Zi

Bikini BODY Bootcamp

Bikini Body BOOTCAMP 
June 3rd- August 3rd -  2 MONTH PROGRAM 

 Commit to 5 classes/week & transform your body, mood & mind! Don't let another summer pass you by without getting in your best Bikini Body shape!

SUPPORT:
Access to Ballerina Bottega™  private group nutritional & training content including video workouts, goal setting, goal tracking and support!

TRAIN:
2 Special  75 minute "Bikini Body Bootcamp" only classes! 

Sunday 6/16 at 10:00 AM at South Loop
Sunday 7/14 at 10 AM at Wicker Park

PRIZES:
Be entered to win weeky prizes from community partners & MaZi goodies every week you fulfill the 5 class commitment!

GRAND PRIZE:
Dancer that takes the most classes will win a free month for themselves and a friend!

How to Participate:
Sign-up find it under "Events" or click here for $25 

- MaZi

Matcha Magic- The stats & a fun recipe!

Marisol and I have always been hardcore coffee & espresso drinkers but recently thanks to Downtown Abbey & David's Tea, we've been poshing it up with more tea! Tea is not a miracle drug but there does seem to be a tea for whatever ails you. I started out with blends that are congruent with coffee palates; black teas, namely Earl Gray & Chai.  The superstar of teas is green tea due to it all of it's amazing health benefits but I just couldn't stand the bitter, burnt taste that I got with most of the green teas I've tried and I've tried a lot! 

With David's Tea in front of MaZi Dance Fitness Wicker Park, we began going weekly and Marisol began drinking lots of Japanese Matcha (stoneground green tea leaves). So many in fact, that when I walked in last Sunday they informed me that they would get right to making "my" Matcha! Many people confuse us as twins and this woman thought we were the same person. Somehow I gave it a chance because I thought if Marisol is drinking that many, it MUST be good! 

And it was! It's smooth, almost velvetey, with both a refreshing & soothing effect. What's really exciting for us are the health benefits:

Baby Jane wondering where hers is!

• Is packed with antioxidants including the powerful EGCg
• Boosts metabolism and burns calories
• Detoxifies effectively and naturally
• Calms and relaxes
• Enhances mood and aids in concentration
• Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium
• Fights against viruses and bacteria
• Is rich in fiber
• Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar
• Does not raise insulin levels (source: matchasource.com)

MaZi Matcha Magic
REFRESHING, NOURISHING SUMMER TREAT

Here's a little matcha green tea frappucino "wanna-be" recipe to make the green powder a little more fun. PLUS, this has whey protein to make it a filling snack or part of a light lunch (have an 1/2 an avocado on top of a rice cake)! 

4-6 oz. vanilla unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk

2-3 drops of vanilla extract
1 tablespoon of vanilla whey protein powder 
1 heaping tsp. matcha green tea powder (get at David's Tea or Whole Foods) 
2 no-calorie sweetener packets (like Stevia) 
1 1/2 cups crushed ice
 

3-5 tablespoons of warm water
Approx: 150 calories

Blend the matcha powder and warm water together to disolve completely. Throw everything in the blender, and enjoy the cool, sweet summer bev! 

Finally, will leave you with some final nutritional facts! 

-Zi

Some stats! source: Matchasource.com

Meet Anson! South Loop Studio Manager

Anson is a MaZi gem! She is MaZi's South Loop studio manager, a Gift of Movement team lead, a MaZi Dance Chicago company member and also a soon to be graduate of Columbia College's Master's Program with an MA in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling and  Graduate Certificate in Movement Analysis program.

Everyone knows when Anson is in the room, thanks to her magnetic smile, sugar-spun sweetness and sparkly eyes & earrings.

"You heard right! ANOTHER SET!"

Don't be fooled though! Anson is a relentlessly focused instructor that delivers fun-filled Zi-Cardio & Ballerina Bum classes!

What do you love about teaching Ballerina Bum method classes?

I love teaching Ballerina Bum classes, because I love what they can do for my body! I started taking classes at MaZi last May after I needed some serious getting in shape. I quickly became addicted to the killer workout and the positive energy that exists at MaZi! Today, I feel better than I have ever felt before. The workouts are inspired and different from any other kind of workout, which makes teaching them exciting and enlivening.

What about Zi-Cardio?( MaZi's version of Zumba)

I love teaching Zi cardio because it is a killer workout that leaves me feeling unstoppable. I love the choreography and the fun music is always sure to lift my spirits. As an instructor, I really love when people are able to take the steps and make them their own!

How do you relax?

I like to relax through some good self-care. I like to paint my nails, do a facial mask, take a bath, watch a movie, be with friends, etc… I like to do things that help fill my soul and help me feel like a better me.

How do you rev up?

I like to put on a good song and dance around like a fool! It wakes up my body and gives me a surge of energy! Of course throwing my hair up into a killer side ponytail always puts a little extra pep in my step as well!

What fashion item can you not live without?

Earrings. I am not much of a fashionista (as most of my fashion choices have been described as “comfy”), but I feel like earrings can make any boring outfit a little more exciting!

Go to healthy snack?

Avocado!!! I’ll eat a plain one whole. So yummy and filling!

Fave indulgence?

Without a doubt sushi! While I definitely can indulge on items that may be more sinful, if I am going to treat myself, I do it with sushi!

What do you like about teaching at MaZi!?

I love teaching at MaZi because not only do they provide an amazing fulfilling workout, there is also an amazing community. I feel the environment created at MaZi exudes positive energy and I am so happy to be part of a team that helps generate the love and support that is MaZi!

Song that keeps you going?

I think this goes hand-in-hand with how I rev up. Putting on a good song will always lift my spirits and make me move! Some of my favorite go-to songs that help rev me up are: Forget You by Cee Lo Green, Beating Hearts Baby by Head Automatica, and Signed Sealed Delivered I’m Yours by Stevie Wonder….among many others. While these are not necessarily my all time favorite songs, they do have a great beat and I have some sort of nostalgic connection to them, which always brightens my day.

Fun fact?

I love to knit! I have knit hats, scarves, ear warmers, mittens, leg warmers, and my favorite…socks!

Your #1 Fitness tip?

To stay positive! Some days working out can be more challenging than others, but always stay positive by tracking your progress and celebrating the successes no matter how small. Positivity can help keep you going through anything!

Strong & Graceful 

Come take her classes at MaZi South Loop, Tuesdays & Thursdays, and she can also be found rocking out a MaZi Wicker Park on her rare free time, it's a treat to dance & work out with her! 

- Zi