Dancepiration adding POUND® to fitness lineup

If like me, you like to be tricked into exersizing with fun classes and an instructor whose energy you enjoy basking in, Dancepiration is a Saskatoon studio worth checking out. Offering dance and movement classes for kids as young as 2 all the way up to adult, I’ve been kicking my weeks off at their beautiful brick and glass Quebec Avenue studio, enjoying Cardio Salsa classes every Monday for the past year. I’ve got to know my classmates (they’re a great group) who convinced me to try the Barre® class right before it this past session— ooh no tricks in that class, it’s work! Can’t argue with how results-driven it is, though. And this Spring, owner Laura Diaz is excited to add a class she thinks is the most fun yet: POUND®.

POUND® bills itself as a Rockout Workout. Utilizing Ripstix® which are like drumsticks, dancers get an, "exhilarating full-body workout that combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training with yoga and pilates-inspired movements." In reading the POUND® site, it sounds like a perfect workout for anyone no matter experience, fitness level, age, or body type. Dancepiration has been offering Generation POUND® for a while and was just itching to bring it to her adult students.

Above: a few of the classes at Dancepiration. Below: the Spring 2022 schedule, click on it to visit their site.

Would you like to get to know Dancepiration Owner Laura Diaz a bit better? Please read on for an interview I did with her before beginning my classes. (First published 2021.) I’ll tell you after getting to know her better over the past year, Laura is as dedicated, lovely, and passionate in person as she seems in our printed conversation.

Me: Can you give me a bit of background about how your studio came to be?

Laura: Dancepiration was a dream that I brought from my native country, Colombia. I didn't have the opportunity to dance in a studio very young but while I was at school, I took every artistic activity and class that I could. I started dancing in a professional dance studio at the age of 17 when I started my Engineering degree at the University, enrolling in Ballet and contemporary dance. I had so much passion for it that my lack of experience wasn't an obstacle and because I did gymnastics for so long, I had skills that helped me to learn quickly. The instructor asked me to join the dance studio but I couldn't afford the classes so, she offered me a job teaching gymnastics to kids. I felt in love with dance, with teaching, with kids, and when I finished my degree, I continued my path as a dancer and instructor, not as an Engineer. I moved to Canada in 2012 with my husband and couldn't think of anything different that dancing and teaching little kids. I feel I have an Angel or a lucky charm in my life— a friend of my husband asked if I was able to teach classes with the community. I did, and made a name for myself not only in one community but three! My husband, friends, and people who knew my work asked why I couldn’t open my own studio. I was scared of failing. But I took courage and love from everyone, and I did it in September 2019.

I want my studio to bring opportunities that I didn't have as a child. Families with a small budget with kids that dream about been on a dance floor, families that may not be interested in being enrolled a whole year or that can't afford a recital with costumes. So I decided to open a recreational dance studio, a place where your passion and your love for dance is more than enough to learn, with no competitions and no exams, just dancing for a period of time (10 weeks sessions). They can continue until their confidence is built and their dance discipline foundation is strong, then they can have the opportunity to join a professional dance studio.

Me: I see you have an incredible dance resume but you don't rest on past accomplishments-- you have new certifications and trainings all the time. What is it that drives you to keep taking exams and classes?

Laura: I continue educating myself because it gives me the opportunity to offer more of myself toward my students. Dancing is constantly changing for good: to prevent injuries, to help diversity of bodies, shapes, personalities to do what they want the most… dancing. To keep our studio a safe place in every single aspect, education is the key.

Me: Dancepiration's classes include Ballet, Hip Hop, and Salsa... such a cool, diverse offering! Can you tell me why those styles speak to you (or why you think they're great for kids)?

Laura: Our studio is fairly new and my strongest disciplines are Ballet, Hip Hop and Salsa, what I have been trained in half of my life. Ballet is the base of every dance, training a strong foundation that will make any other discipline easier to learn, that’s why I am so passionate about it. I also offer contemporary dance, that brings emotions and feelings to flow in the dance floor but unfortunately, it is not as popular in the city so, eventually I can offer it for older kids. Hip hop is fun, and every kid deserves the chance to explore this crazy full-of-energy dance, and Salsa is on my blood! I was born with the vibes and since some adults want to exercise without going to a gym while having some fun, Cardio Salsa was the key. We learn and exercise, listening to amazing happy music that will make you sweat and smile at the same time.

Me: Your classes start at 2 years old. That's when my kids started dance classes and I got some eyerolls from people who thought it was too soon and they wouldn't remember it. Of course, I had an answer 😆 but I'm curious about yours: what do you think a 2 year old gets out of taking a dance class?

Laura: When kids became 2, their bodies are ready to explore new movements that will help develop motor skills, strong muscles, flexibility, musicality, rhythm, all the qualities dancing can offer.

Me: COVID may have slowed your studio’s growth but I’m also sure you will persevere and come out thriving! What are your future plans?

Laura: We will always continue our recreational classes for kids but we would also like to be part of programs that support mental health. I was lucky to work as a volunteer with vulnerable groups in Colombia and dance is a therapy that can help so much, physically and mentally. We want to be involved and help the community and people who struggle. We don't want only dance for living, we want to live for the love of dance.

Thank you to Laura at Dancespiration! Visit the studio site for class and camp schedules as well as registration information.

xoM