One of the things I like to do to keep my little business running is planning. I spend a little time every day planning for the short term and long term goals for the studio. I’m always trying to add new classes that will attract students.  But, as much as I plan and dream, I still need to be open to new and unanticipated opportunities.

Recently I learned of a workout called Classical Stretch by Essentrics™. This discovery has lead me to a new and exciting training and teaching opportunity.
Honestly, I wasn’t looking for a new class to teach, as I already teach over 20 classes per week. But, after learning about this amazing program, created by Miranda Esmonde-White, I wanted to give it a try. I did a little research and found a teacher training workshop in New York City.

I thought for sure that I’d be the oldest student at the training, but many of the participants were well into their 70s and not all of them were in top physical shape. They were there because they found that their aches and pains were reduced after doing the Classical Stretch workout on a regular basis.

An Essentrics™ master trainer, Erika Vipond, taught the workshop, but both Miranda Esmonde-White and her daughter Sahra were there for part of the workshop. They were all very inspirational and wonderful caring instructors.

At the opening of the workshop, Miranda Esmonde-White told us a little about her background  and how she developed the program. But she spent most of the time listening to our background, and what brought us to Essentrics™. She was especially interested in hearing why we wanted to teach.

The two day workshop was physically intense and extremely informative. Many workout instructor trainings I’ve done in the past, allow you to teach what you’ve learned after completing the workshop. Essentrics™ is a lot tougher and before I can be certified to teach, I have to complete homework, pass a written exam, teach 26 apprentice classes and submit a video of one of my classes.

So far I’ve taught about half of my required apprentice hours and the feedback from students has been positive. The classes include choreographed exercises so that the participants  strengthen all 620 muscles in your body. Because you dynamically lengthen and strengthen as you work out, your body feels wonderful.  The workout is very structured and it’s been a challenge for me to learn it all. I’m so used to creating my own steps for Ballet and Balletone™ classes.

I’m looking forward to completing the apprentice classes and getting feedback on my teaching. If you’re interested in trying the Essentrics™ Apprentice class, join us Thursdays 11:30am-12:30pm or check the Saturday Shake-up schedule. There’s no fee for the class, but donations are accepted for WMHT Educational Telecommunications (that’s where I learned about Essentrics™).  If those times, don’t work, try one of my classes at Athleta in Crossgates Mall.

The plan is to offer more Essentrics™ classes at Albany Dance & Fitness once I’m certified. Keep a lookout!