When you follow your heart, amazing things can happen.
In this journey and along this pursuit of dance and fitness, I had the pleasure to meet Jaimee Dunning – Creator of DanceVibes. Just a few weeks ago I was flattered when asked to be part of her dance and film project. You already know, if it involves anything dance, fitness, and pushing outside my comfort zone, I’m 100% there.
Do you remember back in the day when you cranked up the volume to your radio or inserted your CD and sang loudly (If you don’t remember this song, I can’t talk to you – just kidding!):
“He’s a cold-hearted snake
Look into his eyes
Oh, oh he’s been telling lies
He’s a lover boy at play
He don’t play by rules oh, oh, oh
Girl don’t play the fool now”
It was so much fun dancing to the late 80’s beat, “Cold-hearted” by Paula Abdul. She and Janet Jackson were my childhood music and dance idols. (*Fun little embarrassing fact – My sister and I used to put turtle necks on top of our heads and pretend we had long hair. We would use our “long hair” to channel Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson, dance all over our living room, and pretend we were performing at the Grammy’s (insert eye roll emoji lol)).
Anyway, show some love and check out the DanceVibes video. You can use this to practice before heading to her class. Enjoy!
The DanceVibes class is super fun, full of energy, sweat, and smiles. Go check it out! My personal review will be added here soon. Check back or contact me if you have any questions.
Want to know more? Jaimee answers questions and shares her journey on the cultivation of the DanceVibes brand. Be sure to also follow the DanceVibes Instagram page and website for more videos and all the latest and greatest updates.
ABOUT DANCEVIBES
- What is DanceVibes?
The DanceVibes mission is to teach dance to those who have always wanted to learn and the dance studio scene is not for them. This dance fitness program bridges the gap between dance fitness and dance choreo classes. DanceVibes allows an outlet to clear the mind of the day through dance, whilst also providing a heart pumping, fun & challenging workout in a friendly and judgement free environment.
- When did DanceVibes launch?
In 2016.
- Who is DanceVibes best suited for? Do I need experience?
Dancevibes is perfect for adults who have prior dance experience and for anyone who really wants to learn how to dance. It’s a high intensity class but people can modify as they need to make the moves more simple or more challenging. New students are encouraged to take the Intro to DanceVibes to learn and get a feel for the level of the choreo or watch the choreos online first before entering a DanceVibes class.
- If there were one or two things that you can pin point that separates your dance cardio program to others out there, what would it be?
My program is more challenging for mind, coordination and even intensity. The choreography is inspired by the music lyrics, or the feeling derived from the songs rather than fitness elements in a fun combination to music. My program encourages students to learn how to move their bodies dynamically as dancers. In my program I encourage people to learn the movement rather than fake it all the time. I even encourage those who are consistent to class to memorize the choreography. I put all my choreo up online for students to watch, learn or get inspired so they can truly rock it in class.
- How many instructors are actively part of DanceVibes? What do they teach?
Currently I am the only instructor who teaches the DanceVibes Signature class but will soon have others.
- When and where can I take your classes?
Classes are available at 3 locations – San Bruno, Club Genentech, and Bay Club Redwood Shores. Currently, classes are held every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Check out the DanceVibes schedule for specific time and location and for class prices.
ABOUT JAIMEE DUNNING
Tell us more about you. Who is Jaimee?
- Are you originally from California or Bay Area?
I grew up in a small town called Cool, located off highway 49 in El Dorado County (in California).
- What inspired you to start your own brand?
I wanted to have more freedom to develop my own program. I wanted to tap back into my dance skills I had studied my whole life and offer it to adults. I wanted more true dance to be available in a fitness format.
- How would you describe your teaching style?
I teach the class a few different ways based on each set up. In San Bruno I teach non-verbally on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. We run each routine and I cue here and there to remind the students whats next.
On Friday’s I teach or review choreography. I break down the moves and we repeat them over and over. We will even perform for each other on occasion at the end of the class. At San Bruno, we run the routines and I instruct non-verbally. When I bring in new choreography, we run half the routines and then the second half of class they learn the broken down new choreo. The class runs like this at BayClub as well but I teach it using a mic since the room is large and not everyone can see me.
- What is some of your favorite music jams you like to play?
Too hard to answer. Love so many types of music. It depends on my mood that day.
- What are 3 adjectives that your closest friends/family would describe you?
Creative, determined, loyal.
- What is your favorite quote? Or, what advice/tips you would like to give to others out there who love to dance and want to get back into shape but are nervous to?
For those who are nervous to come take my class one of my favorite things to say is “There nothing to be worried about. No one is looking at you. They are looking at me. In class expect to have many solo moments. Learn to embrace them as they are how we learn.”
My favorite quote:
“If you want to live a life you have never lived, you must do things you have never done.” Jen Sincero
popn' cherries 
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