Archives

“I Hope You Dance” by Leean Womack

Feb13

Sung by Lee Ann Womack, Words by Tia Sillers, Mark Daniel Sanders

“I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,
May you never take one single breath for granted,
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed,
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

I hope you dance… I hope you dance…

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance,
Livin’ might mean takin’ chances, but they’re worth takin’,
Lovin’ might be a mistake, but it’s worth makin’,
Don’t let some Hell bent heart leave you bitter,
When you come close to sellin’ out reconsider,
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,
[From: http://www.elyrics.net ]
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

I hope you dance… I hope you dance.
I hope you dance… I hope you dance.
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along,
Tell me who wants to look back on their years
and wonder where those years have gone.)

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

Dance… I hope you dance.
I hope you dance… I hope you dance.
I hope you dance… I hope you dance.
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along,
Tell me who wants to look back on their years
and wonder where those years have gone.)

********

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ZUMBA CLOTHES AND GOLD DVDs:

Click here to visit my website to purchase Zumba Gold Fitness DVD set

Click here to visit my website purchase clothes and see class schedules 

Contact me to book a Zumba Fitness Class in your facility, organization, event or office

Email: shellieszumbaparty@gmail.com

Phone: 602-708-9018

 

What They’re Saying….

Feb13

February 13, 2013-

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, the Day of Love, the day we remember those we love, the day we express our love, the day we show them how special they are in our lives. Valentine’s Day is the day we celebrate, acknowledge and swim in a sea of love and affection, chocolates, red hearts and red ribbons everywhere.  It’s the day we give and receive many blessings. Even if you are living alone, without a significant other or without family living with you, take the time to acknowledge yourself for who you are, remember all your good qualities, acknowledge others for the meaning they bring into your lives.

Happy-Valentines-Day

I am so blessed that I can celebrate Valentine’s Day, every day of the year. When I teach Zumba Gold Fitness classes to Grannies and Gramps in Assisted Living, Independent Living, Senior Centers and Memory Care Facilities throughout the Hampton Roads area of Virginia Beach, it’s a celebration. I love them and they know it. We laugh, we dance, we shake and we move together. I feel the joy emanating from within them and they can feel mine.It shows on our faces and it shows when we move to the rhythm of the music.

When I’m packing up and ready to leave their facility, one of my rituals is to thank them for coming to my class. They applaud me. They throw me kisses and many will kiss and hug me. One beautiful granny told me today, “I came down just to be in your class. I love when you’re here. You make me so happy. You know I used to dance with my husband? We used to teach dancing. Thank you for reminding me that I can still dance.” Another 94 yr old granny calls me a ‘shanah madel (in yiddish it means a beautiful girl) Her new phrase to me is Shalom, “Zumba Madel”.

I leave each facility with lots of Valentines in my heart. Thank you.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ZUMBA CLOTHES AND GOLD DVDs:

Click here to visit my website to purchase Zumba Gold Fitness DVD set

Click here to visit my website purchase clothes and see class schedules 

When We Think There Is No Hope…Miracles Occur

Jan26

January 26, 2013

Thursday’s class, at a skilled nursing care facility in Virginia, was one of the most beautiful and memorable experiences in my dance and fitness career. The facility was  an old, dark and depressing building, a sharp contrast to some of the newer Assisted Living and Independent Living facilities in which I teach. A startling welcome came from an elderly resident in a wheel chair, repeatedly screaming someone’s name on top of her lungs oblivious to my presence as I walked through the front door. Thank God they have a warm place to live and caring people to take care of them as many transition to their next step in their journey home.

As I entered the main part of the facility, the putrid smell of bodily fluids permeated the air. Residents, sitting in the hall or in their rooms, were sleeping or incoherently shouting. I’ve visited or taught in many facilities like this before, so I wasn’t shocked by the sounds or the visuals, but each experience is different and reminds me to be grateful for what I have, to live a health-conscious lifestyle, to keep my body moving and to be a kind, caring person and bring a smile to one face and joy to one soul every day.

Let me explain why this was the best experience ever. There were about 2-3 staff, 18- 20 residents, mostly in wheelchairs, with different awareness levels. Some were half asleep, some were fully asleep while others were totally disinterested in what was about to take place. I said hello to them, told them who I was and what we were going to do today. In response, some mumbled, some turned their backs to me, some left the room, others were having manicures, while others just sat there and one or two smiled. I showed them some steps and arm movements before I turned on the music and asked them to follow me This was the time for me to assess their skill ability and simplify the movements. Those who did respond were slow to respond , so I discarded my routine and offered them movements that they could do.

I asked the activities assistants to find me percussion instruments for those who were either sleeping or not participating. I wanted every person in the room to be engaged in this activity. I gave some people bells to ring or maracas to shake to keep them involved. It was important for each person in the room to feel the rhythm of the music and to move whatever they could move, since I know that music and movement increases blood flow, reduces the stress hormone cortisol and releases happy hormones in the brain called endorphins.

th_088

I felt so much joy in my heart when I saw every single person in the room participating on some level. No one was sleeping. They either tapped a foot or a finger and all applauded after each song. The energy in the room had transformed. They clapped 2 hands or one hand on the table. They stomped 2 feet or 1 foot in response to the music they were feeling. We had a ball. We chair danced to songs from all over the world such as, Zorba The Greek, a Middle eastern Belly Dance, a Cuban Cha Cha, a Puerto Rican Salsa, a Colombian Cumbia, a Dominican Merengue, an American Waltz, a Mexican Hat Dance, an Israeli Hora, the Hokey Pokey and even did The Twist in a chair. We were hootin’ and howlin’, giving everyone permission to make noise and release tension and frustration.

h

NOTE: This is not the actual photo of the French gentlemen, but rather a stock photo from Bing Images

The highlight of the program came at the end, when a slim, well-dressed elderly gentlemen from France, who spoke very little English told me, “I haven’t felt so alive ever in my entire life. I never danced before today. Thank you and God Bless you. I will never forget you.” He took my hands and kissed me on both cheeks. I wanted to cry I was so moved.

It’s in moments like these, that I realize the impact music and dance have on the lives of all people, especially those in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. One of the employees said she’s never seen so many happy, smiling faces in this facility as she did during this one hour. When the Activities Director came in and asked them if they had a good time, in unison they yelled, YES. “Do you want her back for more?” They all resounded a loud YES.

Thank you God for the opportunity to turn their lights back on, to return them to a level of aliveness and joy even for an hour. Most of these people would never have the opportunity to dance or move like this at this stage in their lives. There is no question, I am doing God’s work and being rewarded with millions.  I am so blessed to be part of God’s vision for me and look forward to our next adventure together.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ZUMBA CLOTHES AND GOLD DVDs:

Click here to visit my website to purchase Zumba Gold Fitness DVD set

Click here to visit my website purchase clothes and see class schedules 

The Health Benefits of Dance Exercise

Dec20


Dance exercise for health

Dance exercise is fun and at the same time, great for your

health.

Posted on August 14, 2011 by Marie

Dancing is great a workout that is not only fun, but also provides a great number of astounding health benefits. Dancing is anaerobic exercise consisting of different unique steps, that are choreographed to music. Depending upon the type of dancing, whether it is the waltz or the samba, the charleston or the merengue, will determine the type of steps taken to correctly complete the dance.  There are many dance studios and gyms in Virginia Beach that have adopted specialized dance exercise classes but any kind of dance is good for your health.  Rants Ballroom Company also provides exercise type dance lessons for adults and children.

Throughout history, dancing has been a way for people to interact without words to satisfy their recreational and social needs.  Dancing is not only an important social activity but also a competitive sport, and with the popularity of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” competitive dancing and dance exercise has reached all new heights.

While dancing is great fun, there are many health benefits derived from dance exercise, including improvement in your overall health, a reduction in stress, enhanced energy, easier digestion, weight loss, conditioning of the heart as well as lungs, improved cardiopulmonary functions and enhanced muscle tone and bone density.

It has also been revealed that dance exercise can reduce the chances for developing such ailments as Alzheimer’s disease as well as other types of dementia that are commonly found in elderly people.

Studies even reveal that regular dance exercise reduces the risk of developing disorders such as carcinoma of the large intestine, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart-related ailments. Besides these health benefits, dancing allows you to remain slim and young. It is also a great way to get rid of worries as a result of a hectic work schedule and other personal tensions.

All dance exercise is healthy

There are many different dance forms of dance exercise that offer terrific benefits to your health. However, each dance form possesses different characteristics. Benefits derived from each of these dance forms are also different, and mostly depend upon the duration of the dance, apart from your level of skill.

For instance, belly dancing is an important dance form that finds a prominent position during celebrations and festivals. The benefits of this dance form are the prevention of lower back problems, stress reduction, and enhanced posture. Not to mention an amazing stomach. Many women belly dance to improve the firmness of their stomach.

Likewise, ballroom dancing for dance exercise renders such advantages as body conditioning, increased stamina, improvement to the circulatory system, and enhanced flexibility. Not to mention that you get to wear those beautiful gowns. Ballroom dancing is considered to be the most elegant form of dance. It requires precision and grace, as well as perfect timing.

Salsa, or the “forbidden dance”  is also great for dance exercise as it offers many health benefits including endurance building, weight loss, the release of toxins through sweating, enhanced cholesterol levels, maintenance of high blood pressure, and a reduced heart rate. Salsa, with it’s closer than close dance steps is the basis for “dirty dancing” and we all know how sexual that is.

Swing Dancing, popular in the 20s, 30s and 40s as a response to big band swing music, combines triple steps and steps with syncopated music inspired by the African American and West African cultures music and dance. It is a high paced dance form with lots of energy, and its popularity has not dwindled over the years. Swing dancing is probably one of the most popular forms of dance.

There is also square dancing, a very popular form of dance in the South, conditions the cardiovascular system, enhances cholesterol levels, strengthens the bones, and conditions the muscles.

Other important dance forms that offer different health benefits are jazz dance that combine diverse steps; Flamenco dancing, an essential part of Spanish culture; tap, an important rhythmic as well as recreational dance form; modern dance of distinctive styles; folk dance, an important segment of most festivals and celebrations; Chinese dance consisting of classical as well as ethnic steps; ballet, which builds incredible stamina and balance.

Dance exercise burns calories

Above all, dancing is considered a great way to burn calories. However, the amount of calories depends upon the type of dance. For example, swing dancing burns almost 235 calories per hour. Likewise, ballroom dancing burns nearly 265. In the case of square dancing, it burns about 280. Dance forms such as belly and salsa burn 400 plus calories per hour.

Apart from these health benefits, dancing is also considered an excellent way to add that extra cheer to your life, thereby making each day more fulfilling.
Life is full of emotions, and an exercise plan coupled with rhythmic movements such as dance is a great way to lift your emotions, bringing more joy and fulfillment to your life. Dance might just be the perfect aerobic exercise that can help you move according to your life’s changing emotions and rhythms.

Call 757-650-4984 or Contact Marie Rants for dance exercise, Wedding dance lessons,  Children dance lessons

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ZUMBA CLOTHES AND GOLD DVDs:

Click here to visit my website to purchase Zumba Gold Fitness DVD set

Click here to visit my website purchase clothes and see class schedules 

The Benefits of (Ballroom) Dancing

Dec20

Benefits of (Ballroom) Dancing

Posted on August 23, 2011 by Marie

Benefits of ballroom dancing in Virginia Beach

The benefits of ballroom dancing can change your life

How many times have you been at a function and thought, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if I could go out there and command the floor and impress others?” Be honest! Remember, dancing is a social skill, and others will react accordingly to your abilities. Never miss out on a chance to dance and look great!

Ballroom dancing is a wonderful activity that will benefit your mind, body, and soul. It is one of the few truly pleasurable activities that is good for you in every way.

Here is a list of some of the tremendous benefits ballroom dancing will bring to your life:

  1. Ballroom Dancing is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that will use all your major muscle groups.
  2. It encourages good posture and body alignment, and will strengthen your body’s core abdominal muscles.
  3. You will become more flexible, more agile, and more graceful both on and off the dance floor.
  4. You’ll burn calories while you’re having fun. It’s invigorating!
  5. Ballroom dancing will also benefit your mental and emotional health.
  6. You’ll spend your evenings on the dance floor instead of alone in front of the TV.
  7. You can discover a new passion and joy in your life at any age.
  8. You’ll learn to dance with a variety of partners, many of whom will become your friends. It’s a terrific way to meet new people who share your same interests.
  9. Dancing will make you smarter. Researchers have found that ballroom dancing improves mental acuity throughout a dancer’s life and can even help prevent Alzheimer’s disease in senior citizens! It’s like two swords sharpening one another – the body helps the mind work, and the mind takes care of the body.
  10. You’ll become more musical and learn to appreciate musical timing and phrasing.
  11. You will discover a rhythm and grace in your own body you didn’t know you had.
  12. Ballroom dancing will make you stronger, happier, healthier, and smarter. It will bring you joy.

The overall benefits of ballroom dancing are numerous… these are just a few. But once you come and dance with us, you’ll see yourself trim up, think faster, and be happier! Try it! Once you get here, you’ll know it’s the right decision for you!

 

For more information on ballroom dancing, adult or children’s dance instruction, Call or Contact Marie 757 650-4984

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ZUMBA CLOTHES AND GOLD DVDs:

Click here to visit my website to purchase Zumba Gold Fitness DVD set

Click here to visit my website purchase clothes and see class schedules 

Hurricane Sandy Zumbathon- NY/LI Recovery 2012

Nov11

November 10, 2012

On the morning before the event, I went to a meeting and made a request for donations and collected $310. In total, we collected $700 in cash donations and lots of  items listed above.

On November 8, 2012, the Virginia Beach Task Force on Aging donated $250 towards the purchase of supplies. I am so moved, touched and inspired by the caring and outpouring of support from my Virginia Beach friends and colleagues and I thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

The Virginia Beach Zumbathon was a huge success, created to support the needs of people who lost so much in Hurricane Sandy’s path. The Virginia Beach ZumbaThon Event accumulated generous contributions from caring people. All the money was used to purchase supplies to help restore the lives of NY/LI residents on the South Shore of LI. People came in and out during the event. Everyone either brought donations of sorely needed items: diapers, paper towels, tissue, toothpaste, toothbrushes, socks, gloves, hats and scarves, shampoo, soaps, etc. or they put money into the donation box.

Sunday, November 11, 2012-

November 15, 2012

My ZumbaMobile (red Toyota Prius with seats folded flat, hatch cover removed) and I left for the East Coast via the Eastern Shore to NY (South Shore of LI, Long Beach, Oceanside, Freeport, Baldwin, East Rockaway, Merrick) to deliver $2000 worth of much needed supplies. When I reached LI, I called one of my children who lives in Long Beach and the Long Beach Ice Arena, the South Shore warehouse accepting donations. When we arrived, the volunteers were so grateful and excited to see what we brought: many of the supplies requested on the facebook page of Hurricane Sandy Long Beach. I spent the next 5 days serving meals in the street with some of the local restaurants and/or VFW volunteers. It was a bittersweet experience: good that Virginia Beach helped and bad that there was so much damage, sadness and fear everywhere.

ZumbaMobile3

My red Toyota Prius ZumbaMobile

Packed with supplies

for survivors of Hurricane Sandy, 2012

If you’d like to donate to NY/NJ, text 90990 on your cellphone and you will be automatically charged $10. When you confirm your donation, include the state you’d like the money to go to (NY< NJ<etc.)  Thank you.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ZUMBA CLOTHES AND GOLD DVDs:

Click here to visit my website to purchase Zumba Gold Fitness DVD set

Click here to visit my website purchase clothes and see class schedules 

Zumbathon Fundraiser – Hurricane Sandy Relief for NY/LI Residents

Nov8

Grandma Shellie a.k.a. Dr. Shellie Gretah Fraddin, Ph.D.

Licensed Zumba Fitness Instructor, Coach, Author, Speaker

  • What a fun way to support our neighbors in NY/LI-

A Zumbathon for the Virginia Beach/Hampton Roads Community so they can make a difference.

  • No $$ required to participate
  • Bring any of these to gain admission: flashlights, batteries, paper towels, rubber gloves, shampoo, soap, deodorant, diapers of all sizes, baby formulas. towels, washcloths, toilet paper, large black trash bags, Q tips, toothpaste and toothbrushes.

NO CLOTHES PLEASE.

Contact me: 602-708-9018 or email: drshellie614@gmail.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ZUMBA CLOTHES AND GOLD DVDs:

Click here to visit my website to purchase Zumba Gold Fitness DVD set

Click here to visit my website purchase clothes and see class schedules 

National Night Out- Zumba Fitness Class

Jul15

 

I was invited by the Community Outreach Dept. of the Norfolk Police Department, Crime Prevention Section, to bring ZUMBA FITNESS to this event, for adults and children to experience. The purpose of the event is to support crime-free communities and to bring friends and families together in celebration of this theme.

There will be music, dancing, ZUMBA FITNESS CLASSES, refreshments and more.

For more information about this event call: 757-664-6937.

Grandma Shellie: Unsung Hero Award Winner

Jul11


UNSUNG HERO AWARDS

ZIN™ MEMBERS

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

IN OUR COMMUNITIES

June, 2012 ZIN Newsletter

ZIN™ Members from around the world are recognized for actions that build community and inspire others. This month’s winners are …

THE MATRIARCH OF VIRGINIA BEACH

Shellie Gretah Fraddin — Virginia Beach, Virginia — Armed with a Ph.D. in Natural Health Sciences and specializing in Senior Health and Wellness, 73-year-old Shellie – better known as “Grandma Shellie” – brings the party to 16 senior centers and nursing homes in her area. She leads chair and regular Zumba Gold® classes for many people living with dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Shellie starts each class by wrapping her students in beautifully colored belly dancing hip-scarves to bring out their inner child and put smiles on their faces! She even recently led a class at the Norfolk Senior Olympics Award ceremony. Grandma Shellie, we’d follow you anywhere! Keep up the great work!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ZUMBA CLOTHES AND GOLD DVDs:

Click here to visit my website to purchase Zumba Gold Fitness DVD set

Click here to visit my website purchase clothes and see class schedules 

A Toast to Seniors 65+ Teaching Zumba Fitness

Jun7

June 7, 2012-

If you write the following and insert it into your google search engine, the most interesting information will be revealed to you: WHO IS ONE OF THE OLDEST ZUMBA GOLD INSTRUCTORS IN THE WORLD?

My name usually comes up first. Is this a compliment or what? I love it. I’m proud to be 73 and still teaching 6-7 classes per week, to seniors my age, younger and older than me.

The next person you’ll meet is suanne ferguson, who teaches in Alabama. You go girl.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ZUMBA CLOTHES AND GOLD DVDs:

Click here to visit my website to purchase Zumba Gold Fitness DVD set

Click here to visit my website purchase clothes and see class schedules