Downtown New West Shop Spotlight

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Featured business: Dance With Me Studio

BIA Summer Ambassadors get a backstage pass to speak with Janice Stevens of Dance With Me Studio, #230-50 Lorne Street, New Westminster.

When speaking with owner and instructor Janice over the phone to sort out details for when Michael and I would drop by, she said “Something you should know about me, Jessica, is that I never do anything moderately; I always do the best I can”. I didn’t doubt her for a second and when she greeted us in hot pink Zumba gear (with several costume changes to follow), I knew we were in for a real treat!

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Right away, she pointed out the office which she shares with Stefanie Swinnard (pictured here), Office Manager for Dance With Me Studio and Director of The Stage New West (which also operates out of the same space). Speaking with her “Dance With Me hat”, Stefanie gave us a tour of the three studios available for Hip Hop, cardio dance, Latin, tai chi, and more.

The main floor is Studio 1, where large classes such as Zumba and ballroom are held. With no outside shoes allowed, mirrors on one side of the room, and large windows to stream in the natural light, it's a clean, bright, perfect space for dancing. I was definitely able to gain an appreciation of Studio 1 when Janice invited me to stretch into a few yoga poses with the guidance of Cindy, the yoga instructor at Dance With Me.

When speaking with owner and instructor Janice over the phone to sort out details for when Michael and I would drop by, she said “Something you should know about me, Jessica, is that I never do anything moderately; I always do the best I can”. I didn’t doubt her for a second and when she greeted us in hot pink Zumba gear (with several costume changes to follow), I knew we were in for a real treat!

 

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Right away, she pointed out the office which she shares with Stefanie Swinnard (pictured here), Office Manager for Dance With Me Studio and Director of The Stage New West (which also operates out of the same space). Speaking with her “Dance With Me hat”, Stefanie gave us a tour of the three studios available for Hip Hop, cardio dance, Latin, tai chi, and more.

The main floor is Studio 1, where large classes such as Zumba and ballroom are held. With no outside shoes allowed, mirrors on one side of the room, and large windows to stream in the natural light, it's a clean, bright, perfect space for dancing. I was definitely able to gain an appreciation of Studio 1 when Janice invited me to stretch into a few yoga poses with the guidance of Cindy, the yoga instructor at Dance With Me.

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As a nurse by day, and dance instructor by night, Janice knows the importance of healthy living and advocates for exercise and activity. She is thrilled that she and all the instructors at Dance With Me are able to provide a variety of programs for different interests, ages, and skill level.  

 

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Janice said her love is ballroom and Latin dancing, but it’s obvious she loves to explore different kinds of classes as well! She laughingly told us about her reluctance and eventual conversion after “jumping on the Zumba bandwagon”. She’s happy now that she did - the energetic, dance-based, and less structured fitness class is always popular at their summer event series, “T.G.I.F. Dancing in the Square”.

Janice knows the importance of being flexible to the evolving industry of fitness and dance (she even gave us a hint about what the next big trend could be... weighted hula-hooping!) More importantly, she knows that the only way to teach is from the heart.

The atmosphere at the studio was so friendly and fun. I’m so thankful to Janice for bringing everyone together to give us a peek into what Dance With Me classes are all about. Check out the classes available here!

- Jessica G.

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