August-September Newsletter

Hello again, friends!

As we wrap up summer and welcome fall, we have so many new and exciting developments to update you on. We have studio updates, new instructors, new locations, and new class times, so read on for all the latest BPDF info!

Studio Updates

Our studio construction is still underway, and we’re making progress each and every day. Contractors are working full-time to bring the Body Positive Dance Fitness vision to life and to ensure that all the details, big and small, are given the care and attention they deserve. It’s hard to believe all the changes the space has undergone just since June, and we look forward to watching it evolve into our home base.

Instructor Education

Summer was certainly a busy time for all, including the BPDF team. Some of our instructors were able to attend various dance fitness conferences, where they networked, learned, and, yes, danced the days away. In July, Carson represented BPDF at this year’s SHiNE conference, continuing to expand our repertoire. In August, Carson, Amy, and Jess attended ZINCON, the Zumba Instructor Network Convention, where they joined over 5,000 Zumba instructors from around the world to polish their skills and learn tons of new routines — some of which you’ve already seen in class, and so many more are on the way.

BPDF is so lucky to have instructors who are dedicated to continuing their education to bring you all the latest and greatest in dance fitness!

Welcome Beth and Erin G!

Speaking of instructors, we are so thrilled to welcome two new instructors to the BPDF Team: Beth and Erin G!

Beth has been a Zumba instructor for four years, bringing Zumba to the Westbrook area through Zumba Love with Beth. She’s licensed to teach both Zumba and Zumba Toning, so you can expect a very well-rounded workout with high calorie-burn movements that tighten and tone in her classes. Beth says that dancing is her passion, and she loves to see her students come alive with smiles and a sense of achievement through moves from styles like Cumbia, Soca, Salsa, Merengue, Bellydance, Bachata, and even a little Hip Hop.

Erin has been a Zumba instructor for 10 years, getting her certification in 2013. She taught throughout her college career and continued to teach while in Connecticut. She absolutely loves dancing with people, putting a smile on their faces and a little shake in their booties. Erin recently moved to Maine this May and is so excited to have found her new community in Zumba.

We’re beyond excited to have Beth and Erin G aboard the BPDF train. We just know you’re going to love their classes!

YouTube Videos

Another way we try to ‘bring Zumba to the people’ is through our YouTube videos. We’ve posted four so far, with three of them offering full-length Zumba classes, and we’re currently working on another. These videos are great because they allow you to do Zumba with BPDF from anywhere! So whether you just can’t make it to class or you’re on vacation, you don’t have to miss out on the fun. We’ve had a lot of great feedback on these videos, and we’re so excited to continue offering them to our wonderful Zumba family.

LOCATION UPDATES

As we look ahead, we understand how important it is to keep everyone updated on where we’ll be gathering until our studio is ready.

We spent the past few weeks dancing at North Windham Union Church, which was a great experience for all of us. Thank you so much to those who came out, especially those who helped with transportation.

We’re currently back at Happy Wheels for most of the week, with Meaghan teaching her Tuesday night classes at Westbrook Warren Congregational Church. We’ve also resumed our Thursday night classes at the East End Community Center.

Starting Monday, October 2, we’ll hold our Monday-Friday *morning* classes at the Scarborough Dance Center (located at 26 Oak Hill Terrace, Scarborough) and continue there until we move into our permanent space. This space offers many wonderful things, like amazing parking, beautiful Marley floors over sprung floors, and the convenience we’ve been searching for.

Also, beginning October 2, Monday-Wednesday *evening* classes will be held at the Riverton Community Center (located in the Gerald E. Talbot School, 1600 Forest Avenue, Portland).

On Saturdays, we will continue to hold class at Happy Wheels Skate Center (3 Chabot Drive, Westbrook).

We’ve been very fortunate to find places to host us while our space is finished. As always, we’ll keep you posted on any location updates so we can continue to do what we do best: dance!