With fall programs well underway, it is always interesting to note which programs have immediate popularity, and which have a loyal steady or growing following over the years.
Very few programs are the instant sensation as Paulette Wigston’s new class offered this fall.
Her ‘Hooked On Dancing’ partner class had its registration numbers explode which demanded a second class being added. It’s wonderful seeing so many singles and couples enjoying their evenings moving, dancing and socializing.
Another highlight this fall is Zumba with Carole Patane.
This Latin inspired dance program was first offered by Carole through Summerland Recreation about a year ago.
Watching Carole’s class size grow has been rewarding and beneficial to so many.
This fall, her Zumba Party has more than 25 registrants and continues to grow.
Carole comes from a health care background, with more than 30 years of experience in nursing and as a therapeutic recreation therapist.
Due to her background she has a heightened sense of awareness of client’s strengths, limitations and will ensure to modify dance style to match participant’s needs.
At the time when Carole received her initial Zumba Basic 1 certificate (in 2012), she was suffering with pain due to different debilitating ailments.
Zumba changed her life!
The pain gradually subsided and she no longer needs any of the pain medication and well….what ailments?
She continuously challenges herself and upgrades her skills: She possess Zumba Burst certificate (high interval intensity style of dance) and Zumba Sentao (using a chair as your dance partner), soon to add Aqua Zumba.
Carole says, “I remember how it was when I first attended a Zumba Class. I thought I would never get the moves right. Soon I realized that it only mattered that I was moving!
“Enjoy the music and let it take you. Develop your own ‘flavour’ and go with it! It is not about doing it perfectly; it is about dancing and having fun! I pride myself to have Zumba Fitness Dance Parties and not classes. After all Zumba is fitness in disguise. I love it when my participants let themselves get carried by the Dance Party mood!”
On another realm of the health and fitness spectrum lies programming to calm the mind, reduce stress, and bring both physical and mental wellness.
Recreation program Guided Imagery Relaxation with Sawako Higuchi has had a steady influx of people looking to improve their own specific areas in wellness. This fall her class has reached full capacity.
Our experienced instructors continue to promote and provide our community’s health and wellness needs.
Yoga and pilates are both staples in the health and fitness industry.
Yoga instructor Cheryl Plewis has more than 15 years’ experience instructing and Marsha Saldat is in her 22nd year providing her yoga classes.
Our community is fortunate to have classes run by instructors with such wealth of knowledge and expertise.
It’s no wonder their programs continue to flourish. Pilates is a more recent addition to the Recreation programs and it too has hit its maximum intake with the talents of Instructor (and former dancer) Farren Tilitzky.
If you are certified in a program that you would like to offer to our community through the Recreation Department, please contact jmalar@summerland.ca or call 250-494-0447 for more information.
We are solidifying our January 2016 programming over the next month.
Joanne Malar is the program coordinator for Summerland Recreation, three-time Olympic swimmer, 2012 Olympic Commentator, kinesiologist and holistic nutritionist.