Blaize Dance and Fitness March 2018

Blaize

Dance & Fitness

Februrary - March 2018

Flashback Issues Your Favorite Picks From 2017

Arthur Murray Dance Studio South Tampa Introducing Blake and Samantha

Warm Drinks and Cocktail Recipes

Five Star Dance Schools

Fitness Legend

All That Jazz!

Joseph H. Pilates

Still a favorite in dance and fitness

Photography by: George Streets

REMEMBER

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Contents FEATURED

40 Arthur Murray 16 - All That Jazz!

64 - Joseph H. Pilates 88 - Warm Drinks & Cocktails 106- Five Star Dance Schools

26 - Editor’s Note 28 - Black History Month Spotlight Mom Blogger 34 - Judhit Mills 36 - Darlos Olmsted Wallinga 98 - Beating the Holiday Blues 120 Flashback Images 2017/16 (The most liked articles and images)

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Contributors EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Constance Blaize-Shorter FOUNDERS Constance Blaize-Shorter Joseph W. Shorter III GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joseph W. Shorter III Assistant Graphic Designer Team

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Vanessa Shorter Alexis Trujillo Laura H. Shorter Launchland Samuel Janet Samuel Sylvia O'Mard, Esq. AMB. Rupert J. Blaize

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Constance Blaize-Shorter Jovette Muniz Dr. Lawanda Ford Johnson

BlaizeDance, Inc. Team Darlos Olmsted Wallinga/Blogger Judhit Mills/Blogger

COVER PHOTO Dancers: Blake Formanek and Saman-tha Henn:

Makeup/ Samantha Henn Hair - Samantha Henn

Designer: Chris Stephenson http://www. jordyinternational.com/ / Whippany, New Jersey Seamstress- all measurements, de-signs, and alterations were done through Jordy Photography by George Streets, Owner of Streets & Streets Photography / H.D. Video

Address: 321 South Lakewood Drive, Brandon, Florida/ Members of the Flor-ida Professional Photography Associa-tion (FPPA).

(813) 205-3531

Special Thanks

Arthur Murray Dance Studio Tampa

Address: 4011 W Gandy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611 (813) 835-1111 https://arthurmurraytampa.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TampaDance-Studio/ Michelle Barry, Owner ​Karina Toro, Manager Danilo Forte, Instructor

Blake’s Wardrobe:

Designers

Shoes/ Ray Rose Hair- Great Clips, Tampa, FL

Erika Williner Designs www.facebook.com/erikawillinerdesigns/?-fref=ts

Shirt/DANCEWEAR WORKS Pants/ DANCEWEAR WORKS Samantha’s Wardrobe: Dress/Jordy (Chris Stephenson)

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Shoes- Capezio

Designer: Chris Stephenson http://www. jordyinternational.com/ / Whippany, New Jersey Professional Seamstress Services by Jordy

Janice Toussaint, Owner/Operator of Stu-dio28 Christian

Dance School /Performance and Event Venue https://www.facebook.com/yourstudio28/?-fref=ts

http://www.yourstudio28.com/Photographers

George Streets, Owner of Streets & Streets Photography / H.D. Video Aderon Mothersill, Celebrity Photographer, New York https://www.streetsandstreets.com/

https://www.facebook.com/streetsand-streets/

https://www.instagram.com/streets_pho-tography_video/ersill/?hl=en

iondesigner/

Carol Burgan, Fort Lauderdale Florida, BDFM, Fashionista Consultant and Fash-ion Aficionado

LOOKING FOR BLOGGERS

If you would like to become a blogger for our Beauty and Fashion section, please forward an email to blaizedance@gmail. com - title your email “I want to be a blog-ger.” Send us a brief bio and examples of your work written/video.

BlaizeDance, Inc. Location Team Yayimages Photographers: Keeweeboy G. Wolters Creatista

Wavebreakmedia.

Makeup Artist, Shatoine May /https://www. instagram.com/shatoinethemua/?hl=en Makeup for Editor CBS/Editors Notes2018/ Image

Supporters of our Beauty and Fashion Section

Founder & Chief Executive Officer at The Fashion Movement https://twitter.com/fashionmovemnt

http://www.thefashionmovement.com

Nina Gleyzer, Award Winning Fashion De-signer https://www.facebook.com/ninag-leyzerfash-

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Destination Atlanta, GA

Images courtesy of BlaizeDance, Inc.

March Madness 2018

2018 Schedule

FEB 24 Haute Accessories Week - Runway Show Hosted by Haute Accessories Week and The Fashion Movement Saturday, February 24 at 6 PM - 10:30 PM The Galleria 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612-9421

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Tickets by Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haute-accessories-week-runway-show-tickets-39903697032) General Admission Sales end on Feb 24 at 4 PM $27.37 Preferred Seating, Front Row $53.74 Front Row Seating.

Images – https://www.facebook.com/TheFashionMovement/

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All That Jazz

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Dance Style: Jazz

Pioneers of Jazz Dance

Jazz dance is a form of dance that is matched to the rhythms and techniques of jazz music, developed by American blacks in the early part of the 20th century.

After 1950, dance pioneers such as Katherine Dunham took the essence of Caribbean traditional dance and made it into a performing art. With the growing domination of other forms of entertainment music, jazz dance evolved on Broadway into a new, smooth style taught today and known as Modern Jazz. As for tap, it continued to evolve on Origins of Jazz its own. Then came the performance style which Originated from the African American language was made popular by Director and Choreogradance in the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. In the pher, Bob Fosse. Famous works by Fosse (Chicago, 1910’s, Joe Frisco was the most popular vaudeville Cabaret, Damn Yankees, and The Pajama Game.) jazz dancer He was known for his loose-limbed style close to the ground while juggling his derby, hat and cigar. Until the middle of 1950s, the term “jazz dance” often referred to tap dance, because Technique tap dancing (set to jazz music) was the main per- Jazz classes require a form of moderate intensity formance dance of the era. As the jazz aged pro- stretching to warm up the muscles and help pregressed, popular forms emerged such as, Cake- vent injuries. Elongating leg muscles and strengthwalk, Black Bottom, Charleston, Jitterbug, Boogie ening the core are important parts to the exerWoogie, Swing dancing and the related Lindy Hop. cises. This allows the dancer to fully execute the

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technique. A strong technical foundation enables a dancer to focus on the stylistic and performance aspects of dance. Technique is essential for jumps, turns, splits, knee hinges, hip and ribcage isolation to name a fee. Posture if of the utmost importance when executing strong and sharp moves. Jazz dancers who have a background in ballet technique, tend to do very well in terms of performing high impact movements, while maintaining excellent control of their bodies.

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Jazz Today Jazz dance is still prevalent in different forms and venues. Dance schools deem jazz as an essential part of musical theater and choreography and is sometimes intertwined with other styles appropriate for specific shows. Jazz dance can be seen in music videos, Las Vegas Shows (showgirls primarily), and on hit shows, “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing with the Stars”.

Top choreographers weigh in on what’s hap- cause they’re being trained in contemporary dance.

But they sometimes don’t know how to really enterpening with Jazz today tain in an outgoing way. That focus on performance is essentially what jazz is all about.”

Nan Giordano Artistic director of Giordano Dance Spencer says that even though “So You Think That Chicago You Can Dance” (SYTYCD) typically categorizes “Although our company is one of the few jazz dance his work with “Broadway” genre, once the music is companies that exist, we are doing well and really turned off, his choreography would still look like trying to push the envelope of jazz dance. In one jazz. Liff explained that Bob Fosse and Jack Cole are evening, you might see six different works from six styles that influenced him. And his training with Mardifferent choreographers and see the many differ- guerite Derricks and Frank Hatchett has enhanced ent veins of jazz dance that exist today, from classic his choreography tremendously. jazz to jazz that’s more contemporary. Jazz dance in “It makes so much sense to me that any dancer who Chicago stemmed from my father’s presence, and wants to be on Broadway needs to build up their though he may not be here anymore, his history is. jazz technique. At the same time, though, we can’t Jazz dance isn’t just surviving here—it’s thriving.” dance the same styles forever; they have to evolve.”

Nan told LA CROSS Tribune in 2017 that one of the major strengths of her Chicago Company is energy.

She described how her dancers are free with displaying raw emotions during shows and even at rehearsals. The combination of emotional intensity and elegant, powerful athleticism, her dancers continue to display the rich tradition of authentic jazz dance that began with her father, Gus Giordano (founder of Giordano Dance Chicago) 54 years ago.

Danny Buraczeski Choreographer and jazz dance professor at Southern Methodist University “I tell dancers that the history of jazz is basically the history of race in America, and it’s important that they know that. When I talk about a particular artist, I always talk about the social context of the choreography.” Buraczeski continued to explain that he teaches his students that jazz dance in nonexistent without the music. Hence, incorporating music from great artist such as Nina Simone, Duke Ellington, John Coltrane and Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong, gets his students excited and is more recognizable to onlookers observing through the glass door.

Spencer Liff, Broadway and “So You Think You Can Dance” choreographer

Group Fitness: Jazzercise Base Dance Fitness Technique: A mixture of jazz technique with a focus on cardio, core crunch, strength training, petite jumps (easy on the joints), strike movements (jabs and kicks for muscle development), 30-minute burst (high-impact workout, and combining dance and aerobics with strength training (utilizing light weights and exercise bands).

Jazz movements Jazz walks, high-knee chasses, jazz arms and hands, jazz walk, jazz walk crossovers (grapevine), lean backs, side to side leans (engage core and waist muscles).

Flow of class •

Warm-up–gentlemovements,isolationsforspecific muscle groups

•

Aerobic- to increase cardiovascular fitness, caloric burn

•

Aerobic – cool down, reduce heart rate

•

Muscle Toning- utilizing weights to strengthen hips, thighs, butt, abdomen, upper torso and arms

“The truth is that jazz dance doesn’t really exist anymore—at least not in the form it did when I was • growing up. Often, when I work with younger dancers on “SYTYCD,” their dancing is super- internal, be-

Coo l Down stretching to return heart rate to normal

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Creator of Jazzercise:

good.�

In 1969, Jazzercise was founded by professional jazz dancer, Judy Sheppard Missett. Jazzercise continues to be one of the oldest and most successful dance fitness classes utilized in big box and storefront gyms. It strategically combines jazz dance moves, cardio, resistance training, Pilates, yoga, and kickboxing, alongside popular music. Jazzercise is now considered a global phenonium with classes available in over 32 countries. Thankfully, the original goals of the program remain the same, which is to have: “A fun and dynamic workout which incorporates simple choreography and makes people feel

Jazzercise Choreography Choreography is based on basic jazz dance moves to which the instructor will add high-cardio, low-impact , toning, and weight-training exercises. In some studios, instructors receive a new DVD approved by choreography and new songs every 10 weeks to keep the students excited and the momentum flowing in class.

Jazzercise Today To date, Jazzercise has added many new formats. As of 2014 various dance fitness formats

have been added and new updates to the overall feel of the class has changed. For example, new colors and Jazzercise’s signature line of workout apparel, classes for all ages, a versatile portfolio of music, and GirlForce (workout geared girls 16-21) which also certifies girls between the ages of 1821 in Jazzercise. One young girl said this of GirlForce – “I know I’m going to have a great time and really let go and have fun!”-Delena Jazzercise Popularity and Brand The Jazzercise brand is reported to gross more than $96 million annually, ranks in the top five on MSNBC’s list of proven franchises that provide growth opportunity, and is ranked among the top fitness franchises in the world on Entrepreneur Franchise’s 500 list.” –Wikipedia Sources: Jourdan Vian, La Crosse city government reporter, Viterbo: Giordano Dance Chicago infuses jazz dance with energy, power, elegance 2/5/2017, Rachel Zar, Jul. 04, 2017 10:56AM EST/Is Jazz Dance Dead? 7 Experts Share Some Perspective, Wikipedia, and http://www.jazzercise.com/ Community/GirlForce. Images: GirForce and Finish Strong images from Jazzercise, Inc. Facebook and Photographers: Sergy Nivens and Alex L. of Yayimages.

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February is American Heart Month Heart Healthy Tips • Keep your annual physical appointment with your doctor • Don’t smoke or use tobacco products • Exercise every day and eat a healthy diet (healthy fats, NOT trans fats) • Practice good dental hygiene, brush and floss everyday • Get sufficient sleep (approximately 7-8 hours) • Manage your weight • Check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar regularly

Faith and Works What about it?

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Editor’s Note Happy 2018 and we are glad that you are still with us. As the Editor-In-Chief, I take pride that this magazine has a section that is devoted to Women in Business. This portion of my magazine is one of my favorites because seeing other women turning their passion into profit is encouraging! And exhorting you, the reader, is what it’s all about. During the “Times Up”, “Me too”, and “Resist” movements, we continue to showcase women professionals and entrepreneurs who are Fitness Coaches, Dancers, Authors, Makeup Artist, Clothes Designer (Nina Gleyzer, award winning Couture Designer of New York Fashion Week) and Designer, Malacia Anderson of Li Li's Creations who’s dresses have been worn by Sherri Shepherd Actress and former Co-Host of ABC’s The View and Rutina Wesley, Lead Actress in Oprah Winfrey Network drama series, Queen Sugar produced by Ava DuVernay), Doctors, Lawyers, Senators (Mrs. Sylvia O’Mard, Esquire first woman senator in Antigua & Barbuda, W.I.), and the list goes on. Their stories are exciting, thought-provoking, empowering and real.

When my children have reservations about accomplishing a something, it’s my job as their mom to help them succeed. When I say, “Blaize, Laura Ann, you can do it!”, they believe me, and they seem to gain a renewed faith in themselves. I am overjoyed seeing my kids accomplish their goals, big or small, knowing that my verbal input was one of the things that helped them to succeed. Hence, the written and verbal word has power. They fuel you to physically move and do something wonderful. “What good does it do, my brothers/sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not prove it with actions?” (James 2:14:26 ISV). Having faith in yourself that you will achieve is very important. Putting forth work to accomplish those goals is equally as important. One (faith) does not exist (works) without the other.

On behalf of our team, we hope that this year is a game changer for you. We hope that the words in this publication will be your first, second or third step to living and not just existing, this year. We hope that you begin to take charge of the things that will make your life better and allow you the freedom to be who you are, in any space that you choose. I implore you to take that dance class, go back to school, take a risk on your invention and throw out the junk food. Your desires require that you perform!

I would like to personally thank my husband for his continued words of reassurance through the years. If it were not for him and God’s divine circumstances, this magazine would not have manifested. Whether your dream is to start a business, shed a few pounds or be an outstanding parent, or the creator of something this world has never seen before, make sure to do these three things this year: 1. Have faith 2. Act 3. Surround yourself with people who will inspire you through it all Cheers to your health, Constance

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Black History Month Spotlight Alice Allison Dunnigan Alice Allison Dunnigan (1906–1983) who was an African American journalist. She was born on April 27, 1906 near Russellville, Kentucky. At 13 years old, Ms. Dunnigan began writing for the Owensboro Enterprise. This is how she fulfilled her dream of experience the world as a newspaper reporter.

She completed her teaching course at Kentucky Normal and Industrial Institute and then when on to teach at Kentucky History in the Todd County School System (which was segregated at the time). When Alice noticed that her class was not conscious about African American contributions to the Commonwealth, she prepared Kentucky Fact Sheets as supplements to required text. They were later collected and formed into a manuscript in 1939, but finally published in 1982 titled The Fascinating Story of Black Kentuckians: Their Heritage and Tradition. Here are some of her accomplishments: • 1947 to 1961- served as chief of the Washington bureau of the Associated Negro Press • 1947 - member of the Senate and House of Representatives press galleries • 1948 - appointed a White House correspondent • 1961- named education consultant to the President's Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity 1967 to 1970 – an associate editor with the President's Commission on Youth Opportunity An interesting fact: After tumultuous years at the White House, Dunnigan returned to writing, and penned her autobiography, A Black Woman's Experience: From Schoolhouse to White House (published in 1974). The book is an exploration of Dunnigan's life from her childhood in rural Kentucky to her ground-breaking work both covering the White House and being on the inside of it. inside it. A new interpreted edition of her 1974 autobiography was released in February 2015, titled Alone atop of the Hill: The Autobiography of Alice Dunnigan, Pioneer of the National Black Press. Despite her extensive work in government and politics, she was particularly proud of her work in journalism, and received over 50 awards for journalism. She died of ischemic bowel disease on May 6, 1983, in Washington, D.C. Two years after her death in 1985, she was inducted into the Black Journalist Hall of Fame.

We at Blaize Dance & Fitness Magazine salute your contribution to the world of journalism and applaud your tenacity in the horrific days of segregation.

Source: Majority of information derived from Wikipedia. Images from Google Photos. Edits done

by BDFM Editing Team.

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Home is where you find your peace...

CalAtlantic Homes

Mommy Blogger

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It’s Not What It Used to Be May 12, 2017

I know, I know.

Another mommy post on the Post-Baby-Bod Some of you might be like, whoa this is too much you need to put that away. But I’ve got to be real with you and say that I’m not embarrassed or scared to show you my imperfections. I decided to start a blog to be real, honest, and raw so that is what I’m doing. I might not like my imperfections but that doesn’t mean I can’t show you or talk to you about them. If this picture truly does make you uncomfortable, scroll away! That is the beauty of the internet. You don’t have to look at anything you don’t want to.

I look at my body and I don’t see something that I love. Rather, I look at it as something that I admire but I don’t necessarily love how it looks.

I have saggy skin, love handles (that need a little less loving’ or a little more loving?) I don’t know.

One of those two. I have saaaaaggy boobs. I needed to emphasize that one because these bad girls need some help! Oh, and that pooch that most of us know very well.

I didn’t say stretch marks because my stretch marks really don’t bother me. I’ve never really said that they are my battle scars or my tiger stripes out loud, but they do make me feel kind of strong. I look at them and they make me look at my body with admiration.

“Like, Yo, you did THAT”. You carried a child, a child, for nine whole months and then pushed her out. Girl, you poppin’.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13

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Reading that verse blows me away. We have

that great honor to be the womb where God knitted a child together. Phew! The inward process is remarkable, but the outward process can get a little scratched up. It can leave us looking like we’ve gone through war, because I mean, we kind of have. I’m not really in love with that part. I’m not in love with having saggy skin. With having a pooch. With having thighs that can only fit in a size nine. I’m not in love with that and I don’t want to be. I know a lot of moms might come pouncing to tell me to accept my body. To love my body. To love it because of what it has created. To look at myself in the mirror as a warrior who has given birth to an eight-pound child.

And I’ve gotta say- I am in love with my body. I am in love with this machine that can birth babies and do so many other things. But, because I am in love with it, I must take care of it. I must lose my pooch and all or at least most of my saggy skin.

I can’t become content with how my body looks right now because I know that it can be much more than what it looks like right now. I know that I haven’t even scratched the surface of what this body, the one God built for great things, can do. I don’t want to just lose weight. If I did I would go on a fad diet. Which wouldn’t really work in the end anyways. I don’t want to just lose weight, I want to be healthy! I want to be strong! I want to run with my kid without having to take a ton of breaks. I want to cook healthy meals because I want my husband, daughter, and I to live healthy lives. I want the best.

I need the best.

Written with love, JM Source: A portion of this blog was taken from Judith Mills blog page. Edits for magazine by BlaizeDance, Inc. Team. Complimentary images by Judhit Mills and Yayimages, Photographer M.B. Judhit Mills lives in Zephyrhills, FL with her with her husband, Anthony and her one-year old daughter, Aaliyah. To read more of this blog, visit JUDITH MILLS @ https://judhitmills.com/ Latest Blog: “This Can Be Your Year”

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STRESS KRYPTONITE November 3, 2017 Darlos Wallinga

As a mother, there are a plethora of expectations that I place on myself. The expectation of being the involved mom, the loving mom, the organized mom, the working mom, and the level-headed mom. Lately, I have failed in all categories except loving mom. No matter what happens in my life I seem to be able to ensure that my children are very aware of how much they are loved and valued. My Superhero powers have recently been taken away by Kryptonite. Kryptonite being stress. I have spread myself so thinly that I overstressed myself enough to end up in the hospital. I was at work and had been suffering from crippling headaches when I collapsed. I still have very little memory of this other than my friends were extremely worried and moved quickly to get EMS support. I was evaluated overnight with multiple tests done and the ultimate diagnosis was stress and anxiety. This is not talked about enough! I was always under the impression that we moms were expected to show our best face all the time and never let anyone know how overwhelmed you have become. Being a mother IS overwhelming at times. I’m sure all you moms can agree that we occasionally lose our superpowers to stress kryptonite but do our very best to hide it at all costs.

What would our world be like if we could admit that we, in fact, do need help occasionally? What if we were free to talk about it with each other without the fear of being looked down upon as a mom? I will start. I am the mother of five children. My

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oldest has special needs and will be transitioning to a supported living facility. My youngest is hypoglycemic and needs frequent monitoring. My three middle children also have their own interests and needs. This past month has been very trying with my oldest as we prepare to move him into a supported living facility so that he can learn more independent skills as an adult. This is incredibly hard for me as a mom. The emotions that run through my heart are forever changing from hope, fear, reluctance, heartbreak, and pride. My son is excited about his new journey and I feel comfort in that. Moms (and dads) need to be able to share these emotions with each other.

Parenting is hard and if we all start supporting each other instead of judging each other, we might all just be able to cope a little easier. Support from our parenting community can restore our superpowers when they have been threatened by kryptonite. I guarantee it!

Follow Darlos on https://raisingmyfamilyup.wordpress.com/. Here you can read more stories that will inspire you to own your feelings while encouraging other moms. Darlos lives in Wesley Chapel Florida with her husband and five children. She also a dance teacher at Song and Dance, Inc, also in Wesley Chapel.

Source: Complimentary Image/Darlos Olmsted Wallinga and Photographer: Christopher Boswell/Yayimages.

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Dancers: Taylor Hatfield, Indya King, Tifini Gordon, Nadia Pierre, and Kerri Ann Prescod

WWW.YOURSTUDIO28.COM

Studio 28 7402 N 56th Street Suite 803 Tampa, Florida 33617 (813) 501-7210 studio28llc@gmail.com http://www.yourstudio28.com Studio 28 is a Christian performing arts studio in Tampa Florida that teaches various professional dance styles. Owner, Janice Toussaint. “Dance Pose�-Complimentary Image from Studio 28. Photographer: Richard Toussaint of www.28pixelsphotography.com

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Arthur Murray Professionals Heat up the dance floor!

Getting To Know Samantha and Blake Editor’s Personal Testimony My husband, Joe, and I have always wanted to take ballroom dancing. However, with two small kids, Joe’s work travel schedule, and my business, life just got in the way. Finally, in 2017 we decided to check it off our bucket list and go for it! We enrolled at Arthur Murray Dance Studio in South Tampa. When we walked into the studio, we did not know what to expect. The room was aesthetically beautiful and the owner, extremely inviting. Our instructor, Danilo, is professional, focused and funny. He helps us have fun while we learn various styles. Alongside Danilo, there are other phenomenal instructors.

During the Halloween season, the studio hosted a showcase night where students were given the chance to demonstrate their skills. As part of the showcase, the junior instructors, Blake and Samantha performed the JIVE, tango, and waltz. They were absolutely incredible! After seeing that performance, we knew that we had to book them for a cover story. They graciously accepted and the rest, as they say, is; “Blaize-History”.

Arthur Murray Dance Studio Tampa Address: 4011 W Gandy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611 Phone: (813) 835-1111 www. arthurmurraytampa.com

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Photography by: George Streets

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Ladies First

Samantha Henn

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BDF: When did you start dancing?

Samantha: I started dancing at the age of two at Monroe Dance Academy in Connecticut. I trained there for 15 years primarily in ballet and also competed in jazz, contemporary, modern, pointe, musical theater.

BDF: Who influenced your love for dance?

Samantha: My older sister started dancing and I remember watching her in class with my face pressed up against the window; I was mesmerized. The rest is history!

BDF: Why did you gravitate to Ballroom dance?

Samantha: I was pursuing my BFA in ballet performance at the University of South Florida (USF) when I decided to change my major and stop dancing. I missed it too much and knew I wanted to compete again so I did some research and thought ballroom dance would be something new and challenging.

BDF: How long have you been doing ballroom dance?

Samantha: I started as a student at Arthur Murray Tampa in September of 2016 and began training professionally in June of 2017.

BDF: What are you favorite Ballroom dance styles?

today. He is a fantastic mentor and gives all of his students 110%.

BDF: What brought you to Arthur Murray? Is this the first Ballroom dance studio you’ve taught at?

Samantha: I originally came here as a student looking to compete. I wanted a new experience that had some overlap with my background. I looked around at a few studios but the staff here really sealed the deal. This is the first ballroom studio I’ve taught at.

BDF: When did you decide to teach at Arthur Murray?

Samantha: I never really decided, it was offered to me and my first thought was “How do I teach these students? They know more than I do!” I had previously taught at my studio back home so I had some experience working with competitive students but no experience coaching adults. I realized I wanted to teach when I saw how ballroom dance can change someone’s life and I wanted to be able to share that with others. People experience dance in so many different ways and it has something positive to offer everyone.

BDF: How long have you been teaching here and what do you like about working here?

Samantha: I have been teaching here for sevSamantha: I love almost everything since each en months now. I like seeing how dance afgenre has such a different technique and style. fects every student differently and how much I specialize in rhythm and I’ve fallen in love with people learn about themselves through dance. cha cha and swing! My personality is pretty re- Whether their goal is physical exercise, menserved and rhythm gives me the chance to ex- tal exercise, time with a significant other, time press a different side of myself. I also love the for themselves…there is so much you pick up waltz because it is very elegant and reminds along the way, whether you intend to or not.

It is so rewarding to watch dance transform me of my ballerina days (smile). someone’s life. I love watching a student nail a new step for the first time or let go of an insecurity. I was in their exact shoes not long ago BDF: Who is your mentor(s) in ballroom? and I strongly feel that you never stop being Samantha: Danilo is my coach and mentor and a student in this field no matter how long you he has been there from day one. He was my have been dancing. I learn more from my stufirst ballroom instructor when I wandered in dents than they learn from me! here as a student and continues to coach me

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BDF: Do you compete? When and where was your last competition?

Samantha: Yes, I had my first ballroom competition this past October in Las Vegas! Although I had previous experience competing, the atmosphere is so much different. I am used to being on a stage above an audience, but at a ballroom competition you are at eye level with your audience and can reach out and touch the judges.

BDF: You and Blake complement each other on the dance floor. Do you guys compete together?

Samantha: Yes, Blake and I competed for the first time as a partnership in Las Vegas.

BDF: What do you like about dancing with him?

Samantha: Blake and I have very different dance backgrounds and we process technique very differently so we each bring unique movement to the table. Our movement often contrasts each other and I think that makes us look unique on the floor.

BDF: Ever danced overseas?

Samantha: I have never danced overseas but I would love to dance in Europe someday.

BDF: How do you stay in shape and train your body for ballroom?

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Samantha: I love to run and I usually run about three times a week. I also do weight training and bodyweight exercises. I am always looking to experience new movement and so far I’ve tried rock climbing, Cross Fit, Orange Theory, cycling, boxing, gymnastics, you name it. I am pretty strict with my diet but I cannot live without Reese’s (laugh).

BDF: Being a dancer, I thought that ballroom wouldn't be too challenging for me.

But it is. It’s tough to dance with a partner.

Ever had a student who just could not get comfortable with couple dancing? How did you help them become one with their partner?

Samantha: That was me!! When I first started dancing with Danilo I was so used to dancing in my own space. Having someone in front of me, right in my face, was very challenging. It takes practice to find where and what you are comfortable with and that is constantly evolving. What helped me was the realization that I was no longer dancing as a separate entity from my partner; in order to dance the figures correctly you have to dance as a unit.

Whether or not I had my own steps perfectly, I am also responsible for my partner’s movement as well.

BDF: Where do you see yourself in two to three years as it pertains to ballroom?

Samantha: I cannot even venture to guess.

There's many opportunities that can come up and completely change the path I’m on and there are so many places ballroom can take me. I am hoping to travel and use dance to see the world.

BDF: I must ask this question. Do you watch Dancing with the Stars?

Samantha: That’s a funny question because my roommate (not a dancer) was the one who first showed me Dancing with the Stars and she actually took me to one of Maks and Val’s shows in Orlando well before I knew what ballroom was.

I remember watching them on stage and thinking “I have to learn that!” Fast forward to a little over a year later and I’m doing just that.

Photography by: George Streets

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BDF: Who are your favorite professional on that show?

Samantha: I like to watch Sharna perform. I am captivated by the way all of the dancers on the show really suck the audience in. Performance is something that can make a dancer really stand out as a competitor and it’s so much fun to pull a reaction out of your audience. It is definitely something I want to continue to develop in my own dancing.

BDF: When you are not dancing, what do you like to do?

Samantha: I really like to be active in any capacity. I like to see and experience new things. Since moving here I’ve tried to visit as much of Florida as I can. I’m slowly checking places on my list!

BDF: If you could not dance, what other profession are you interested in?

Samantha: If I could not dance (which would be tough) I would most likely find myself in the corporate field. I am currently pursuing a degree in business from USF and I am interested in finance and the banking industry.

BDF: One of my favorite quotes comes from Martha Graham (the creator of the Graham Technique in Modern Dance) “Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.” This quote always reminds me to bring my true self to the dance. Do you have a favorite quote that moves you?

Samantha: My mom always says “Beauty is pain” and, to me, that means looking effortless takes a lot of effort. Beautiful dancing is hours and hours of frustration, commitment, time, energy, money… it doesn’t come free. When you watch a dancer move, you are watching the culmination of hours of dedication and commitment.

About Samantha Samantha Henn lives in Tampa, Florida and is currently pursuing a degree in business from the University of South Florida. She has been dancing for 18 years, has competed in Las Vegas and placed 5th in Future Champions Smooth and 2nd in Future Champions Rhythm. When not dancing at the studio, she can be found teaching strangers a casual box step because she wishes to touch everyone’s life with dance and gets nervous in social settings.

Photographer, George Streets/ Streets & Streets Photography. HD Video

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“

I love almost everything since each genre has such a different technique and style.

“ Photography by: George Streets

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Photography by: George Streets

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Photography by: George Streets

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Blake Formanek

BDF: Blake at what age did you start dancing and who were you influenced by?

Blake: I started dancing at the age of 4 although I did not receive professional instruction until age 11 and then again at 16.

BDF: What other dances did you study besides Ballroom dance?

Blake: Tap, Jazz, Modern and Ballet.

BDF: When did you know that you were in love with ballroom?

Blake: I fell in love with ballroom at age 16 when watching a top professional couple train.

whereas other dance forms are more individualized. Not only that, but you can learn and perform ballroom at any age in contrast to other dance forms that are more “short-lived”.

BDF: What advice would you give to males who want to do ballroom dance? Where should they begin?

Blake: Do it! Do not hold back! You will discover that it brings new joy to your life. Begin with the basics and have fun with it and please don’t stop!

BDF: What competitions have you entered? And where did you place?

Blake: As an amateur competitor I competed twice. The events were Tampa Bay Classic in BDF: How long have you been working at Arthur September 2014 where I achieved 1st place in rhythm and smooth. Later, Orlando Dance ClasMurray?

Blake: I have been employed with Arthur Murray sic in January 2016 where I placed 1st in rhythm and 2nd in smooth. I converted to professional since June 2016, about 1 ½ years. and have now competed twice as a professional in Arthur Murray’s World O’ Rama (March 2017) BDF: What do you enjoy most about working for and Superama (October 2017). World O’ Rama3rd in professional rhythm and 2nd in professionthis company? al smooth. Superama- 2nd in professional rhythm Blake: I enjoy the ability to administer happiness and 5th in professional smooth. to people’s lives and grow them as trained dancers. Being an Arthur Murray professional provides a great pathway to an awesome competitive and BDF: When did you start competing with Samanaccomplished dance career too. tha?

BDF: Can you share a student success story with us?

Blake: I have a student who walked in the door and at the time, she didn’t know any ballroom.

She was shy and felt she couldn’t actually perform in public as she dreamed she could. Now, she is looking forward to the next studio showcase and already has her dress picked out!

BDF: Men, in general, are outnumbered in the dance world. Do you think that ballroom dance has more opportunities and spotlight moments for men than other styles of dance?

Blake: We started training together in June and competed this past October.

BDF: Explain the chemistry that you two have when dancing?

Blake: We both are passionate and love dancing.

When two people like this are partnered it is great!

BDF: Do you guys ever “butt heads” on a move or routine?

Blake: Not really, but sometimes we understand things differently. We are on the same page with stuff for the most part.

Blake: Absolutely! Ballroom REQUIRES men

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Photography by: George Streets

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BDF: Do you and your partner choreograph the competition pieces yourself? Or do you solicit the help from another choreographer?

Blake: We work with our coaches who create our routines and train us on them. Danilo takes in to account our likes on “cool stuff” and helps us a lot.

BDF: Blake do you have any competitions coming up?

Blake: Yes! Arthur Murray’s World O’ Rama in New York City in March 2018.

BDF: You seem as if you are naturally thin. Is that a correct assumption? If not, how do you stay in shape for dance?

Blake: I do not have a large bone structure so I appear thin. As fast as I can slim up it barely takes any effort to gain weight so I have to watch my diet.

BDF: Do you watch Dancing with the Stars (DWTS)? If so, who is your favorite professional on the show?

Blake: DWTS is my favorite TV dance show. Val is my favorite male dancer on the show.

BDF: Is dance your only profession?

Blake: Yes! BDF: When you are not dancing, what do you like to do?

Blake: I like the movies, people, the beach and laughing until I cry.

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BDF: One of my favorite quotes comes from Martha Graham (the creator of the Graham Technique in Modern Dance) “Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.” This quote is my mantra to my dance students. I hope that it reminds them to bring intensity to their performance. Do you have a favorite quote that moves you?

Blake: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”

This holds true in life and dance.

BDF: Some dancers have a signature move in their choreography. One that people know you for. Do you have one and what is it?

Blake: My smile and facial expressions!

BDF: Where do you see yourself in three years in ballroom dance?

Blake: I see myself competing in the Open Professional Rhythm Finals.

About Blake Blake Formanek lives in Tampa, Fl. Attends UT for dance. Loves to study all forms of dance. Original idol was Michael Jackson then John Travolta, Astaire, and Kelly. Aspirations of world champion title and a very successful dance career. I love to travel and do fun things.

Photographer, George Streets/ Streets & Streets Photography. HD Video By, Constance Blaize-Shorter Edits, J. Samuel

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Photography by: George Streets

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Photography by: George Streets

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Photography by: George Streets

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Destination Wesley Chapel, FL

Great Eats Ford’s Garage/Prime Burgers/Craft Beer (Wesley Chapel, FL) Visit: http://fordsgarageusa.com/ Check out the menu: http://fordsgarageusa.com/my_uploads/WesleyChapel-0817.pdf Ford’s Garage pays tribute to a true American legend, Henry Ford, and the heritage of the Ford Motor Company. © 2018 Ford's Garage, LLC Lakeland and St. Petersburg Locations coming soon.

“Custom build your burgers with Ford. Great family atmosphere, plenty of parking, excellent service and, nostalgic ambience.”

– BlaizeDance, Inc. Team Images by BlaizeDance, Inc. Photography Team. Ad information © 2018 Ford's Garage, LLC

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LEGENDS

JOSEPH H. PILATES 65

Ballet Dancer trains with Joe

JOSEPH PILATES Born: Dec 09, 1883 · Mönchengladbach, Germany Died: Oct 09, 1967 · New York, NY at the age of 83.

His Father: Metal Worker and Gymnastic enthusiast His Mother: Housewife

BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT Joseph Hubertus Pilates was a German Physical Trainer who invented the Pilates method of physical fitness. As a child, Joseph was unhealthy. He suffered from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever. His illnesses led him to study various types of help self-improvement systems. He was inspired by Eastern practices and Zen Buddhism. The ancient Greek ideal of man perfected in the development of body, mind, and spirit was a source of encouragement when creating his own exercise philosophies for Pilates.

While developing his Pilates method, he studied anatomy and developed himself as a bodybuilder, wrestler, gymnast, boxer, skier, and diver.

After World War 1 (WWI) erupted in 1914, Pilates was interned along with other German nationals in a camp for enemy aliens in Lancaster, England. There, he taught self-defense and wrestling and became very passionate about motivating others to follow his fitness program. He promised that his students would emerge stronger than they were prior their internment. When WWI ended, Joseph returned to Germany and collaborated with important experts in dance and physical exercise such as Rudolf Laban. In Hamburg, he trained police officers. In 1925 he emigrated to the United States. On his way to America, he met his wife on the ship. Her name is Clara and the couple found a studio a studio in New York City and was very hands-on teaching and supervising their students well into the 1960s.

THE DANCER'S EXERCISE

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One of Pilates signature methods is Contrology which encourages the use of the mind to control muscles, focusing attention on core postural muscles that help keep the body balanced and provide support for the spine. Specifically, Pilates exercises taught awareness of breath, alignment of the spine, and strengthening of the deep torso and abdominal muscles. Joseph and Clara Pilates soon established a devoted following in the local dance and performing-arts community of New York. Popular dancers such as George Balanchine, who arrived in the United

States in 1933, and Martha Graham, who had come to New York in 1923, became devotees and regularly sent their students to the Pilates for training and rehabilitation. His exercise regimen-built flexibility, strength, and stamina. A lot of their clients benefited greatly from Joe and Clara’s training and the Pilates method became extremely popular with the ballerinas. Since the gym on 8th Avenue, was always packed with these beautiful ballet dancers, the society women became Pilate students as well.

CONTROLOGY Pilates wrote several books to include Return to Life through Contrology and Your Health, and he was also a prolific inventor with over 26 patents cited Joe and Clara had several followers who continued to teach variations of his method or, in some cases, focused exclusively on preserving the method and the instructor-training techniques they had learned during their studies with Joe and Clara. Although there are various versions of Pilates taught today, it is believed that most of the instruction is based on up to nine principles. These principals are breathing, concentration, control, centering, precision, balancing muscles development, rhythm, and flow whole body movement and relaxation.

Frank Philip Friedman and Gail Eisen, two students of Romana Kryzanowska, published the first modern book on Pilates, The Pilates Method of Physical and Mental Conditioning, in 1980 and outlined in the book are six principles of Pilates. These six principles have been widely adopted and modified by the wider community. The original six principles were concentration, control, center, flow, precision, and breathing.

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Eve Gentry, Actress, used her name to help market Pilates for Joe.

BOXER JOE Boxing was a big part of Joseph’s life because his father taught him. Pilates quickly became an important part of the boxing community of Knockaloe. He is mentioned in the camp paper Knockaloe Lager Zeitung of January 25th, 1917, as a referee in a boxing match. In addition, the German boxing magazine, Box-Sport, article - December 15, 1920, says; Joseph Pilates, well known to all boxers and sportsmen who have been interned in England… “The high quality of the training organized by Knockaloe boxers showed when they could return to Germany in 1919. The Twenties were the first Golden Age for boxing in Germany and the boxers from Knockaloe controlled the scene.

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German heavyweight champion, Hans Breitensträter, was the most glamorous and famous of the group. Pilates was also a part of this boxing boom, even though he didn’t reach the highest level of professional boxing in his career. Continuing to follow the path that he was on, Joe opened a boxing gym in Gelsenkirchen and climbed into the ring himself. In 1922 Box Sport wrote about several professional fights of Joe Pilates. The between Joe Pilates and Fritz Dubois, former German Middleweight Champion, who had also been interned in Knockaloe in Central-Theater in Gelsenkirchen March 5, 1922, is so detailed, the reader feels as if they are sitting ringside.

SELF-DEFENSE INSTRUCTION In 1923 Joseph moved to Hamburg, closed his boxing gym, and ended his enterprising boxing career. But boxing continued to be an important part of his life as he taught self-defense to policemen of Ordnungspolizei Hamburg. Back then, self-defense techniques included boxing and jiu-jitsu. Joe also watched high-class boxing matches organized in Hamburg by promoter Walter Rotenburg. Through Walter, he met boxing journalist Nat Fleischer from New York, founder of the legendary Ring Magazine.

US promoter, Tax Rickard, asked Fleischer to help him find an opponent for Jack Dempsey (heavyweight champion). It was Pilate's who pointed out Nat Fleischer, a young boxer named, Max Schmeling, with a lot of talent. Because of Joe’s recommendation, Schmeling became a boxer in the United States.

JOE IS AN AMERICAN CITIZEN After becoming an American Citizen, Nat Fleischer helped Joe open a studio and boxers were among the first clients at the Manhattan studio on 8th Avenue. Joe’s method was now known to help boxers.

After three months of training a boxer named, Massera, muscled hardened to the extent that he was able to take a hit directly in the stomach from his opponent, Jack Dempsey without flinching.

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Student learns breathing technique

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MEDICAL ACCEPTANCE In 1983, at St. Francis Hospital, in San Francisco, California, Dr. James Garrick, Director of Orthopedics, created one of the first dance-medicine clinics. Garrick made a name for himself recognizing the value of Pilates training, and he hired Ron Fletcher to help him set up the first medical-based Pilates program. By 1995, marketing, growing media interest, group mat classes, mind-body health club programming, and curiosity within the medical community were propelling the method forward. The word “Pilates” appeared in the Webster’s Dictionary – another indication of the method’s acceptance into mainstream culture. (Paragraph from the Authentic Pilates Studio digital article) TRADEMARK LAWSUIT There was a class-action lawsuit that began January 1196 and ended in October 200 surrounding the Pilates trademark. Judgement was cancellation of the Pilates trademark. The court ruled that Pilates is a generic designation for a method of exercise; that the word Pilates has become ubiquitously associated with this special type of exercise utilizing unique apparatus, a series of controlled exercises, and principles that can’t be owned or called by another name.

MYSTERY BEHIND HIS DEATH Joseph Pilates died in 1967 at the age of 83 in New York. There is some discrepancy to how he died. One report says that he died from asthma, advanced emphysema from smoking cigars and that he died by running into a burning building and fireman did not find him. As for the fire story, Joe went to access the damage of a friend’s apartment, Bruce King, and fell through a hole in the storage room near the apartment and hurt his leg. (The New York Times goes on to say that his death was in in January 1966.

Joseph's actual death was in October 1967(Pilates Obituary New York Times). Pilates obituary reads like an advertisement for Contrology as it talks about a white-maned l iron with steel blue eyes, mahogany skin and very limber for his 80’s as if he was a teenager. (New York Post)

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Clara working with Joe

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By BlaizeDance, Inc Team Sources: Pilates Today digital article, Wikipedia, Pilates and Boxing, WordPress, A Shot of Adrenaline's Top 10 Fitness Greats and What They Did, Verywell.com, Joseph Pilates Founder/Methods. Some information derived from Pilates Today site sources from the following: Your Health, 1934, Return to Life, 1945 Newspaper Articles, Pilates, Inc. V Current Concepts, Inc., 120 F. Supp.2d 286, 57 U.S.P.Q.2d 1174 (S.D.N.Y.2) Images: Google Images, Pinterest, and Facebook Pilates Page.

Joe and his wife Clara

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Destinations The Children’s Museum of the Upstate I Can Be Anything copyright © 2014

300 College Street Greenville, SC 29601 864.233.7755

info@tcmupstate.org

“There were floors of fun interactive stuff for the kids to do. They had a blast. The only complaint I had was some of the bigger kids were a little rough for my liking, but no parents seemed to care.”

“We have been bringing our kids here for several years and it is always a great way to have several hours of fun and stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Something new here to do all the time which is great. It's 4 stories of lots of activities.”

“We went with our busy toddler and had so much fun. The grocery store was a hit and I can’t wait for us to go back when she is older for the flight experiment area.”

Images: BlaizeDance, Inc. Photography Team and Google and The Children’s Museum Facebook page/ https://www.facebook.com/TCMUpstate/

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Warm Drinks and Cocktail Recipes The holiday months are filled with delicious comfort drinks that hit the spot on cold weather days. I love wrapping my hands around a warm cup of Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice with extra caramel drizzle. However, Grande size packs a whopping 380 calories in just one serving. It’s okay to indulge sometimes but to decrease some of the extra calories, make your own balmy cup of cocoa or cider with healthier ingredients. Recipes below are approximately 192-250 calories. We love that!

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Comfy Cozy Drinks for Cold Winter Days Maple Hot Chocolate 15 mins · 4 Servings

Ingredients

¼ cup sugar 1 tablespoon baking cocoa ⅛ teaspoon salt ¼ cup hot water 1 tablespoon butter or margarine 4 cups milk 1 teaspoon maple flavoring 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 12 large marshmallows

Directions

Prep/ 15 m /Ready In/15 m

In a large saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa, and salt. Stir in hot water and butter; bring to a boil. Add the milk, maple flavoring, vanilla and 8 marshmallows. Heat through, stirring occasionally, until marshmallows are melted. Ladle into mugs and top each with a marshmallow.

Lower Calorie Ingredients: 2% milk, almond or coconut milk (unsweetened). Smaller marshmallows or light whip cream. Substitute butter with Smart Balance Heart Right/Low Cal butter or Organic Cold Pressed Coconut Butter (Nutiva brand is our favorite!)

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Hot Cinnamon Apple Cider 15 mins  6 servings (1 cup each)

Ingredients 1-quart apple juice 2 cups water 5 cinnamon sticks, plus more to garnish 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg 6 whole cloves 1 orange, sliced (leave the skin on)

Directions

In a large pot over high heat, bring all ingredients (nutmeg, cloves, oranges with the skin) to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or longer, stirring occasionally.

Serve hot and garnish with cinnamon sticks.

Lower calorie apple juice Martinelli's 100% Pure Apple Juice and Mott's Apple Juice Original.

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Hot Cranberry Drink Prep/Total Time: 25 min 8 servings

Ingredients

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries 6 cups water, divided 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup red-hot candies 7 whole cloves 1/2 cup orange juice 1/4 cup lemon juice

Directions

In a saucepan, cook cranberries in 2 cups water until they pop. Strain through a fine sieve, reserving juice and discarding skins; set aside.

In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, candies, cloves and remaining water. Cook until candies are dissolved. Add orange and lemon juices and reserved cranberry juice; heat thoroughly. Discard cloves.

Serve hot. Yield: 6-8 servings (about 2 quarts).

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Crank Up the Heat with Hot Cocktails These recipes are not the traditional Hot Toddy.

They are an eclectic mix of spices and spirits garnished with fruits and herbs. Your guest will keep asking for more. Enjoy!

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Hot Spice Mulled Wine Prep 15 mins- Cook 0 mins - Serving 8 to 10

Ingredients 1 cup water

1/2 cup sugar 1 orange, cut into thin wedges 2 teaspoons finely shredded lemon peel 1/4 cup lemon juice 6 inches stick cinnamon 2 cardamom pods, crushed or 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 2 bay leaves 1 teaspoon whole cloves 1 750 - milliliter bottle dry red wine (Burgundy, Zinfandel or Merlot) Brandy, rum, vodka, port, or kirsch (optional)

Directions

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, orange wedges, lemon peel and juice, cinnamon, cardamom pods, bay leaves and whole cloves. Bring to boiling; reduce heat, Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Pour in the wine and heat until steaming but not simmering.

To serve, strain mixture through a very fine wire-mesh strainer; discard solids. Serve hot wine in small heat proof mugs or glasses. Add about 1 tablespoon of brandy or desired liquor to each, if you like.

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Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa Preparation 5 min /Total Serving 1 Â Ingredients

1 1/2 ounces of vanilla flavored vodka 1 1/2 ounces of cranberry juice sparkling wine (I use the sparkling wines of Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards)

Directions

In a cocktail shaker, combine the vanilla vodka, cranberry juice, and ice. Shake vigorously, then strain into a champagne flute. Fill the glass to the top with sparkling wine. Garnish if desired.

Optional Garnish

Fresh cranberries, whole vanilla beans, or red grapefruit.

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Warm

{Eggnog and Baileys} YIELD: 1 drink /Prep Time- 1 minute/ Cook- 0 minutes Time to take a break, use up the last of your eggnog, and put your feet up for a minute. The combo of Baileys and eggnog is a winner. Smooth, creamy, just sweet enough, and it hits the spot. I like to sprinkle mine with a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon for added flavor. A perfect after-dinner drink that Santa will enjoy.

INGREDIENTS 4 parts eggnog

2 to 4 parts Baileys, to taste ice cubes, optional nutmeg, for sprinkling cinnamon, for sprinkling

DIRECTIONS

To a large glass add the eggnog, Baileys to taste, and optionally add ice. Stir to combine.

Evenly and lightly sprinkle with nutmeg and cinnamon. Serve immediately. The recipe is intended for those for whom it’s legal and appropriate to drink alcohol, always drink responsibly.

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Source: Adapted from Elana’s Pantry from the Comfort Kitchen(Hot Cider), Yummily (Hot Chocolate), AllRecipes, Hot Cranberry Recipe by Taste of Home/originally by Breakfast Cookbook 1994. Hot Cranberry Drink Originally published as Hot Cranberry Drink in Cookin' Up Country Breakfasts Cookbook 1994, p86 Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa

by Jenny Bullistron/Honey and Birch. Averie Cook /eggnog posted dates December 23, 2014 by Averie Sunshine. Images: Yay Image Photographers: Sea Wave, Ildi, Darius Dzinnik, Grafvision, Tacar, Alex 9500 and Stephanie Frey.

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Beating the Holiday Blues Flashback article 2017

By Jovette Muniz CEO, Full Of Life

I believe we are living in a world that too many people have lost faith, hope and ESPECIALLY love. A few years ago, I decided to do whatever it would take to make this world a better place and to make a difference. I am The President of the Happy Club, The President of The Fitness Club and The President of The Breaking the Chains Club. All self-appointed of course; because if you want something done right you send in the Marines! Just saying. I made it my mission to teach others to live a happy, healthy and debt-free life. The older I get the better I see. All three of these are really intertwined. It's almost like when I was a child trying to balance with the other person on the seesaw so that both of us could lay down. Do they even have seesaws in playgrounds anymore?

Be Proactive Not Reactive The holidays are among us and before you look around 2018 will be here in the blink of an eye. What people fail to realize is this is when the excuses begin: “I’ll start my diet in January and make it my New Year’s Resolution…” “It’s the holidays, I have to enjoy this time with family and friends…” “What’s the use?

There is always a party going on anyway...” “AGAIN? How is this year already coming to an end?” Excuses come, and excuses go but none of them is going to

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help you accomplish your goals. People do not realize that living a happy, healthy and debt-free life is about making lifestyle changes. There are no quick fixes, easy buttons or microwavable results.

If it were easy, then everyone would be living happy, healthy and debt free. Therefore, it is important to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to you living life ON purpose, living life WITH a purpose and living life BIG. Just like in football you want to be on the offense, not the defense-getting tackled, knocked down and beat up. STOP allowing life to happen to you.

Develop a Plan of Attack As you get ready for the holidays here are a few facts to assist you to develop a plan of attack: The Facts: • There's an increase in suicides during this time of the year.

• It is reported that the average person can gain anywhere from 5-20 pounds during the holiday season.

• More people go into debt during the holidays.

(Is it because they are happy? Nope! For some, it’s really the most wonderful time of the year to spend carelessly. By the way, you would be correct to assume that as The President of the Happy Club this is the most wonderful time of the year for me too.

I LOVE the holidays, not because of the gifts but it is such a joyful occasion. But at the same time, I can see why others may not have the similar feelings as I do. They could be missing a loved one, (because of death or distance (especially if it was a child). Maybe they don't have family or talk to the ones that are alive. Perhaps they are going through a divorce, don't like their current career or they've lost their job. Another issue could be they are reevaluating their lives and are not pleased with where they are currently and the direction they are heading. In their eyes the “should've, would've and could've” are too many when they haven’t achieved their goals. No matter what’s going on, some people are not happy during this time of the year. I saw a Suicide Prevention meme that said: “Suicide doesn’t end the chances of life getting worse; it eliminates the possibility of it ever getting any better.” Believe me, it does get better.

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Tips for a Cheerful Holiday 1. Make new friends or reach out to old friends.

Find someone to hang with, eat dinner with, go to the movies with (if money is tight watch movies at home.)

2. Join a life/care/connect group at your place of worship. The answer lies in being a part of something bigger than yourself. When I was a classroom teacher I had the opportunity to be a facilitator for the Meet in Middle Organization and I loved it. I was able to visit the Special Olympics Headquarters in Austin, TX and was in awe of the whole association. I truly believe that if Active Duty/Reservists/Veterans were to team up with this organization it would change their lives.

3. PT and I’m not talking about physical therapy.

PT is what we call exercising in my beloved Corps.

Sweating does the body good. If you just go for a walk, jog, run or anything that get you moving for 20 minutes, and increases your heart rate, then you will feel better. If this does not work for you then let me know and I’ll add you to my Team Turtle accountability group on my website.

4. Stop comparing your life to others. Not everyone can be The President of The Happy Club (laughing), but you can be the president of your own happiness. The key is to look for the good in everything and you can start seeing the silver lining in anything.

Three Months of Holiday Weight Gain October GAINING WEIGHT!! Don’t do it! A party here, a party there, everywhere a partaaaaay! The weight gain usually starts piling on around October when we start taste-testing Halloween candy. It always starts with a bite here and a bite there. Before you know it, the whole bag is gone! Now you must go back to the store to get more goodies for the trick or treaters. Once all the dust clears, you are left with a few bags of candy and no place for them to go. Except in your stomach and around your waist.

November So now we are in November and not even 3 weeks later is Thanksgiving, which brings about all the turkey, sides and the desserts at every house that you visit. Do you really need five turkey dinners

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over that very long weekend? It generally starts at unstable when it comes to finances and it will only work, then the day before Thanksgiving, and on get worse. We need to start thinking about creatThanksgiving Day. Then there’s the day after, with ing a stable financial future for ourselves. plenty of leftovers.

December

Tips:

Make some new friends. If 9 out of 10 of your Now we’re in December and less than 4 ½ weeks friends don’t have money, then you will be number later is Christmas and the cycle begins all over 10. Taking money advice from a broke friend will again and usually does not end until January 1st never help you out of your financial dilemma. where the man in the mirror is unrecognizable.

Find someone who will be your accountability partTIPS:

ner and get into a group that promotes being debt 1. Make some new friends or reach out to old free. January 2010, before my husband and I got friends. Find someone to hang out with and exer- married, we went through Dave Ramsey’s Financise with too. (YEP!! Same tip #2 that I mentioned cial Peace University class and LOVED every minabove.) Sweating truly does the body good. And ute of it. Talk about mind-blowing and completely FYI, muscles are your best friend. Even if you just changing our view of money. We longer wanted to go for a walk, jog, run or any activity that makes be a slave to the lender. you sweat 20 minutes. Sweating at least 3 times a week would change your holidays. Just imagine Exercise! You may be wondering; “Jovette, how the weight that you won’t gain. If you feel like you does exercising relate to money?” I wasn’t jokdon’t have “like-minded” people in your inner cir- ing when I said that they all connect. When your cle, then I will add you to my Team Turtle account- health is in order your money is too. Working out ability group. clears your head, you think more clearly, and you 3. Stop comparing your body to others. Not everyone can be The President of The Fitness Club.

Nevertheless, you can be the president of your own fitness. The key is to search for your peeps.

Believe me when I say they are out there. Have you seen them? There are so many groups that love to do what you love so don’t give up looking.

are less likely to do impulse buying. Just go for a 20-minute walk, jog, run or anything that brings on the sweat and increased heart rate, you’ll feel better. Again, if this does not work, I’ll personally add you to add you to my Team Turtle accountability group. This group we are more than just a PT group. Join us and you’ll see.

4. “MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, MONNNAAYYY!!” Debt is dumb, but people go into even more debt during the holidays. It’s like they didn’t know it was coming? I don’t see how since it shows up the same time every year.

Stop comparing your life to others. Not everyone can be The President of The Breaking the Chains Club lol, but you can be the president of your own money. John Maxwell said, “A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.” Just so you know, holidays are Overdoing it financially NOT an emergency. You do not have to give the Do you really need to get another credit card to most expensive gift, buy the biggest present, give buy an extra gaming system? Do you really need to others because they always give to you. Just be a humongous red bow on top of a vehicle you honest. “Hey Jo Shmo thanks so much for always can’t afford? The last survey I read said that 72% thinking of me during this most wonderful time of of people are living paycheck to paycheck. (And I the year, but I’m trying to get my finances in order will not even get on my soap box about how many and cannot do like I’ve done in the past I’m so sordo NOT have a savings account nor a retirement ry...” You will be surprised at how much of a relief fund.) If you can’t afford to pay your bills, don’t ra- that might be for them and their money situation. tionalize about buying Aunt Claire a gift, especial- Start talking to the family now and draw names ly if you don’t really like her. The world is already especially if your family is huge.

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Now that I have given you tips on how to put a plan in place, the first thing you need to do after reading this article is START YOUR PLAN TODAY. You can do it! Never Give Up! Never Surrender!

Jovette MuĂąiz, CEO of Full Of Life/ https://www.facebook.com/ FullOfLifeJovetteMuniz/ Jovette Muniz on most social media platforms. Need more information about how to live a happy, healthy and debt from life and would love join Team Turtle just ask. http://jovettemuniz.wixsite. com/mysite I run monthly groups, using a tracker, and a free FB groups repeatedly. Find out when my next 14 Days group commences.

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*National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call 1-800-273-8255 Source: This article was written specifically for our 2017/2018 Holiday Special Edition. You can find this article on our website for your convenience to view these tips yearlong. Sources: Quotes: Suicide Prevention and John Maxwell. Images: Complimentary Image- Jovette Muniz and Full Of Life, Yayimages Photographers: Keeweeboy, G. Wolters, Creatista and Wavebreakmedia.

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Five Star Dance Schools from Louisiana to Montana We’ve done it again! Below is a list of dance schools in LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, and MT with a 5 rating that will surely be a match for anyone seeking professional dance training. If visit or join one of these schools, tell them that BDFMagazine.com sent you!

Louisiana

DeFrances Academy of Dance 14040 Coursey Blvd Baton Rouge, LA 70817 Phone number (225) 751-8564 Website: defrancesdance.com https://www.defrancesdance.com/ Tari's School of Dance 9166 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge · Phone number (225) 767-4495 Website: http://www.tarisdance.com/ Helena Hosch School of Dance 4631 West Napoleon Avenue, Suite 1A Metairie, LA 70001 Phone number 504-455-3544 Website: requests@helenahoschdance.com

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Maine

Dance Studio of Maine Dance Studio of Maine, 6 School St, Gorham, ME 04038 Phone number (207) 839-6161 Website: http://dancestudioofmaine.com/ Noh Way School Noh Way School, 170 Park St Ste 4 Fl 2, Bangor, ME 04401 Phone number: (917) 579-8443 Website: http://www.nohwayschool.com/ Northern Explosion Dance Cheer & Fitness Address: 231 Alfred Rd, Sanford, ME 04073

Central Maryland Youth Ballet 9570 Berger Rd. Suite A Columbia, MD 21046 Phone number 443-472-7772 Website: http://www.centralmarylandyouthballet.com/

Massachusetts Studio 665 A Dance Studio 17 Campbell Street Woburn, MA 01801 Phone number 781-9-DANCER 781-932-6237 Fax: 781-932-6235 Email: dance@studio665.com

Phone number (207) 457-2229

Website: http://studio665.com

Website: http://www.northernexplosiondancestudio.com/default.html

Zapata Entertainment 45 Danforth St

Maryland

CoMMotion Dance Pilates Fitness Studio 13097 Wisteria Dr.

Boston, MA 02131 Phone number (617) 942-1130 Website:http://www.zapataentertainment. com

Germantown, MD 20874 Phone number +1-240-551-5103

Triveni School of Dance

Website: http://commotion.me/

67 Powell St, Brookline, MA 02446 Phone number (617) 232-5485

Studio Booseh

Website: https://www.trivenidance.org/

420 Main St, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 Phone number +1-301-579-3344 Website: www.studiobooseh.com

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Michigan Dancers for Life School of Dance 6254 Middlebelt Rd, Garden City, MI 48135 Phone number: (734) 422-1000 Email: Dncer4life0687@yahoo.com Website: http://dancersforlife.net/ DuHadway Dance Dimensions 1740 Wright Ave Alma, MI 48801 Phone number 989.463.2623 Email: dudance1@gmail.com Website: http://danceddd.org/ Jeannie Zimbalatti's School of Dance 2211 N Beech Daly Rd, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127 Phone number (313) 769-2448 For available space call us at 313-565-3600 Email: jzdanceschool@aol.com Website: http://jzdancestudio.com/

Minnesota Zenon Dance Company and School 528 Hennepin Avenue 400, Minneapolis. MN 55403 Phone number (612) 338-1101 Website: https://zenondance.org/

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TU Dance Address: 2121 University Ave W Ste 1, Saint Paul, MN 55114 Phone number: (612) 605-1925 Website: http://www.tudance.org/ Duniya Drum & Dance 3010 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN Phone number (651) 338-5409 Website:http://www.duniyadrumanddance.org/.

Hollywood Studio of Dance 2130 West Broadway Minneapolis, MN 55411 Phone number 612.521.6780 Email: www.hollywooddancers.org Website: http://www.hollywooddancers.org/

Mississippi

Stars In Motion

3370 Goodman Rd E, Southaven, MS 38672 Phone number: (662) 349-6422 Email: starsinmotion@yahoo.com Website: http://www.starsinmotion.com/ Repeat Performance Dance Studio Dance Std. 2088 Main St Ste D, Madison, MS 39110 Phone number (601) 605-4456 Website: http://www.repeatperformancedance.com/

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TDC The Dance Company

St. Louis, MO 63132-1805

115 East Jefferson Street,

Phone number 314-997-7837

Kosciusko, MS 39090 Phone number (228) 596-3739

Website: http://dimensionsdancecenter. org/

Website:http://www.thedancecompanykosy.com/

Denoyer Dance Conveniently Located just east of

Missouri

Lemay Ferry off Baumgartner Rd. Baumgartner & Lemay Ferry 6101 Baumgartner Crossing

Arts in Motion School of Dance & Music

St. Louis, MO 63129

2949 S Brentwood Blvd, Brentwood, MO 63144

Phone number (314) 416-0041

Phone number: (816) 781-6989

Website: http://www.denoyerdance.com/ contact-us/

Website: https://www.artsinmotion-stl.com/ Farmington School of Dance 18 S Jackson St, Farmington, MO 63640 Phone number (573) 756-1856 Website: http://farmingtonschoolofdance. com/ MelRoe's School of Dance Address: 951 Sutton Pl, Liberty, MO 64068 Phone number: (816) 781-6989 Website: http://melroesdance.net/ Dimensions Dance Center 1201 North Warson Road

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Montana

Creative Arts Center of Helena 718 Logan Helena, MT 59601 Phone number (406) 442-6519 Fax (406) 442-8379 Website: http://www.dancehelena.com/ Miss Linda School of Dance 612 1st Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59401 Phone number: (406) 761-8876 Website: http://www.thestudiocentregf. com/

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Noble Dance 7 main street, downtown Kalispell Mailing Address: Po Box 1093 Kalispell, MT 59903 Phone number 406-212-0293 Email: info@nobledance.org Website: https://www.nobledance.org/

Source: Five-star status information taken from Yelp, dance website media information and Google Top Dance Schools search. All address, phone numbers, email and website information taken from Yelp, business websites and Google links. Images: Photographers from Yayimages: Mpgphoto, Markin, MilanMarkovic78, Gsdonlin, Blanaru, and Szefei.

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A TOUCH OF

FASHION!

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Erika Williner Designs

The New Collection Oceania Exquisite elements from the ocean

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CONTACT: (813) 965-1946 erikawilliner@me.com https://www.erikawillinerdesigns.com www.facebook.com/pg/erikawillinerdesigns/about/?ref=page_internal Complimentary images- Erika Williner Designs

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TenOverSix Retail Shop Dallas, TX

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Photography: BlaizeDance, Inc. Location Team, TenOverSix Retail Images from www.facebook.com/shoptenoversix

Neiman Marcus

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FLASHBACK!

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Hannah’s Shoebox

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Glenda Dexter - Century 21 Afflicted 1725 Highway 60 East Valrico, FL 33594 phone: 813.643.0054 fax: 813.661.5652 ©2017 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved.

CENTURY 21® and the CENTURY 21 Logo are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated. Listing information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate.

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