Meet your instructors
Ness
How old were you when you started dancing?
I started Jazz Ballet at 3 years old before started Rhythmic Gymnastic at 7 years old. Gym was a passion of mine but an accident ended my career and left me with serious injuries. I didn't start dancing again until later in life and it has once again become a major focus and passion
When did you start at DanZFit?
I started DanZFit in January 2015 with just 3 students, one of which still dances with me every week.
Why do you love coming to DanZFit?
As a sufferer of depression since I was 17 years old, dance has been my happy place. That place that I can always find support and solace from the world around me. DanZFit offers me a place where I can just be myself, surround myself with like minded women and take time out from the stress of life
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What is your favourite class and why?
Since I teach all the classes, I love them all but if I had to pick a favourite it would have to be Cardio BeatZ. There is nothing like taking a set of drumsticks and belting the cr@#p out of something. Not only is it amazing for stress relief but it is also one of the best workouts you will get.
I am also loving our newest program, Piloxing Barre. There is practically zero impact but it is one of the most intense workouts I have done. It works every muscle in the body and having the barre for support helps me really focus the movements without falling over. I love it
What challenges do you face each day when it comes to exercise?
Apart from my ongoing battle with depression, I was diagnosed with a chronic neurological disorder called Narcolepsy Type 1 back in 2013. The condition leaves me feeling like I haven't slept for about 3 days every single moment of my life. I must take medication all day to stay awake and then different medication to go to sleep at night only to start the cycle again in the morning. Whilst the medication helps, its not a cure so there are times when I have micro sleeps whilst on stage and can often lose muscle control making me stumble or even fall over. In conjunction with my Narcolepsy, I also have Fibromyalgia which causes chronic and constant joint pain. Despite all of this, or maybe because of it, I refuse to let my conditions define who I am. I love to dance and it is a very important part of maintaining my mental health so there is no way I can let anything stop me from dancing.
What are you looking forward to in 2020?
I am looking forward to so many things in 2020. The introduction of new programs, taking some more training and working with my new DanZFit team.
What advice do you have for newbies thinking about trying a class?
If you feel like you don't belong, are unhappy or just need something new, give DanZFit a go. You have nothing to lose but so much to gain. You won't regret it
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Megan
How old were you when you started dancing?
I didn’t start dancing until 2 years ago so I guess 44 years old.
When did you start at DanZFit?
The exact same time as I started dancing. Hahaha. My first class was in July 2017
Why do you love coming to DanZFit?
I love all the classes and the people I have met there are so supportive that it helps me keep pushing through. I also love the challenges that we get to participate in through out the year. They are always so much fun and have helped me step out of my comfort zone many times. I would never had been able to even consider instructing without those challenges and the support we are given.
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What is your favourite class and why?
There are so many that I love but I guess my favourites would be DanZStepZ and VeraFlow and RIP and Piloxing Barre and …….. Actually, I just love them all
What challenges do you face each day when it comes to exercise?
I suffer from a muscle wasting condition which has always limited me. Due to this condition, I have had to undergo many foot and ankle surgeries to enable me to walk and function somewhat normally however the ability to jump, stand on tippy toes or balance on one leg are things I was never expected to be able to do. During my time at DanZFit, I have been able to achieve all of these things to the amazement of my specialists. DanZFit has helped me find a way to exercise within my abilities whilst strengthening my muscles which has in turn enabled me to achieve things I never thought possible
What are you looking forward to in 2020?
I am really excited about continuing my instructing journey and adding a couple more programs to my repertoire .
What advice do you have for newbies thinking about trying a class?
You don’t know what you can do until you try, so give it a go. It might not just be yourself that you surprise.
Donna
How old were you when you started dancing:
I started dancing when I was about 14 years old
When did you start at DanZFit:
My first class was in November 2015 but I have been away for a couple of years and came back to DanZFit earlier this year
Why do you love coming to DanZFit:
I love dancing and it is such a great way to exercise, get fit and have fun
What is your favourite class and why?
My absolute favourite class is KONGA as I love the high energy routines and it is a great blend of fierce boxing and super fun dancing. I also love DiscoFIT as the 80s music take me back to my disco days. It really is like a night out with friends
What challenges do you face each day when it comes to exercise:
I have suffered from depression for some time now and that makes some days harder than others. Going to DanZFit is my saviour as it always lifts my spirits and helps to take my mind off the stress of the day. I love listening to music as it has the power to motivate me and relax me all at the same time.
Also, being a plus size girl comes with many challenges of its own, both physically and emotionally. At DanZFit, I am never judged by what I can or can’t do and I am always made to feel comfortable. I am encouraged to be the person I am and having that safe environment has really helped me start to find myself
What are you looking forward to in 2020:
I am really looking forward to reliving my teenage years by bringing line dancing to The Studio. I am sure there will be many challenges ahead but I am confident that with Ness and the rest of the team, we will conquer them all together
What advice do you have for newbies thinking about trying a class:
My advice would be to step out of your comfort zone and give DanZFit a try. There are always modifications if needed and you can even make up some of your moves! Come have fun, meet new people and laugh whilst getting fit.