Inspiring Women Spring 2018

time we got to add the use of
rifles in the show. We did a move
called “the guillotine” where
one person would level their rifle
and spin in a circle while the
person on either side ducked as
the person turned. This move
continued down a long line of
about 10-15 people.
As an adult I continued to love
dance and started a boys mime
team at a Maranatha Christian
center. They would tell a story
without saying a word. I started
this team because I had three
boys with lots of energy. Along
with the many boys that
attended the church, they wanted to dance. The only option for them at the time was praise
dancing. They were not interested in slow moving dance. They wanted to jump around and
express themselves.
After moving to Norway, I knew I would not find the job I wanted without learning the language,
but I wanted to work. I walked into a gym that needed Zumba instructors. I flew to Virginia to
become a certified Zumba instructor and was hired as soon as I returned. I love that dance is a
language in and of itself. Without speaking a word of Norwegian, I was able to do what I loved
to do - “dance” and lead others in dancing too. Everyone in my class was able to enjoy
themselves, dance and train without one word being spoken. Just a smile, lots of energy and
music – a global language
From there I became a Les Mills Body Vive trainer. Body Vive is a strength, cardio and core
program. After tearing my meniscus, I wanted to do training to rehabilitate my knee and build
up my strength. Body Vive was
perfect to accomplish both.
Currently, I am not training but hope
to start a line dance class in the
future. I want to teach the Chicago
Step, Cupid Shuffle and other group
dances that people at all levels can
participate in. I enjoy being active.
My friends tend to call me the
Energizer Bunny.
My main focus today is inclusion.
Starting out I had to qualify to
participate in a sport. Usually it was a
popularity contest, especially in
cheerleading. I now try to do and/or
lead things where everyone feels
included. That is one reason I loved
Zumba. You could do “you.” As the
instructor, I had a routine but the
participants could add their own
flavor and intensity.
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