April 14: The Pirates of Penzance: Andrew High School: Tinley Park, IL: Jazzercise instructor: Kim Vazzana McCulloch

On February 23 Jazzercise Instructor Kim Vazzana McCulloch suggested that I attend the production of “The Pirates of Penzance” at Andrew High School in Tinley Park, IL on April 14th, 15th, or 16th.  Kim’s choreography was to be featured, and she assured me that there would be a lot of dance numbers. – So I put my mind to it, and I took Kim up on that offer.

I have been stranded over the weekend in NJ or CT many times over the years, and when this happens, I typically ride the train into NY City to stroll around and to see a show.  I know all the tricks to getting dirt cheap theater tickets.  Here are a some of the musicals that I have seen on Broadway:  Young Frankenstein, Chicago, Rent, In the Heights, Spam a Lot, Xanadu, Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, Miss Saigon, and Swing.  I am not a show critic, but I think we can all agree I have seen some of the best talent in the world.

Kim (Vazz), you are a gift to those around you.  I thank you for having the time to teach Jazzercise.

This production at the Andrew High School was amazing.   As I watched, I wondered how it was possible to mold and prepare busy high school students to create such quality entertainment in a very short time.  Kim had the performers doing ballet and tap. --She had choreographed sword fights throughout.  ---  The young men lined up in a chorus line and performed eye high leg kicks. (This was a huge crowd pleaser.) -- There was a floor body roll--The entire show was action packed with dance.

The lead singers in this show need to be in an episode of Glee.  They seemed phenomenal to me.

This production left me just as satisfied as every production I have ever seen on Broadway.  I like to celebrate the artistic gifts of people.

Oh Vazz, I loved your creativity.  As each musical number unfolded, I enjoyed watching where and how you positioned the performers to develop the vision you had in your head for that music.  Good stuff!  You are talented!

Keep your eye on the calendar.  Kim (Vazz) said they do two shows a year.  If I lived in northern IL, two nights of the year, I would have date night at the Andrew High School in Tinley Park.  One does not need an attachment to these young people to appreciate this level of entertainment.

March 25: Amarillo: Jazzercise Fitness Center with Nessa

Nessa, I am trying to remember who gave me this towel.  I am wondering if it was you.
     I have stated in other posts that I like to go to Contra Dances.  In the Contra Dance world they have a generally rule of thumb about traveling to dances.  Habitually, it is thought that one should not drive to and from a dance more hours than the length of the dance itself.  However, with Jazzercise, I recurrently don’t follow this rule. --  I don’t really have a set rule on the lengths I will go for a jazzercise class.  If I think a class will give me attention, and if I think a class will appreciate my attention; then I will go as far as my personal energy and resource will allow to cultivate and to harvest this exchange of happy times.
     I have enjoyed receiving several posts from Nessa and Melea reminding me that I should remember to visit Amarillo.  I was enamored by their subtle persistence.  It made me feel good, and I was convinced that I would get the opportunity to give and receive attention.
     How many people would drive 12 extra hours to Jazzercise for 2 ½ hours?  --Well, not too many; but time and space are defined differently for me.     Yes, I could have used that 12 hours cleaning my messy little abode hear in Tennessee; but that’s not fun!  Jazzercise with Nessa is fun!
     Nessa opened a  Jazzercise Center, and I wanted to roll into Amarillo while it is still new and exciting for the Amarillo Jazzercisers.  The Jazzercise center of Amarillo has fantastic visibility from a major four lane intersection, and it is in a strip mall with a major anchor store.  The center has rectangular windows that stretch from the ground to the roof.  The front part of the primary aerobics room is encased in glass.  It looks great from the street. It seizes attention from other stores in the strip mall because the glass extends beyond the other store fronts.  Not only do they have one large aerobics room, but they also have a second for personal touch or other specialty classes.  They have a childcare room and a huge meeting room.

     Amarillo is the home of ten Cadillac’s buried hood down in a field along I-40.  Like every boat needs a good name, I’ll name the Cadillac’s:  Nessa Brinkley, Melea Joulet Ray, Kristi Noel Kendal, Tiffany Hunt, Jessica Tabor, Cindy Talkington, Lisa Bray, Alicia, Cristina Chase Canida, and Saiden.  Amarillo is an important city connecting the east to the west, and it is a great place to be.  I believe many will visit or pass through Amarillo on their summer vacation this year, and all should stop and see the Cadillac’s of Jazzercise at the Amarillo Jazzercise fitness Center.  It is so easy to find.


Jim, I had so much fun dancing with you! Thanks for making it up to Amarillo. :) I couldn't help it! I love that song, and Jim made a special trip for us!! So fun dancing with him!! (Melea) 
Melea, thank you, thank you:  Office clothes and all, we shared a Jazzercise moment.  This is the exchange I am talking about.  It is special.  And we have pictures to prove it!


He's so fun GiGi! He came through 6-7 years ago when I was at the church recreation center! YES...KEEP ON TRUCKIN'  (Nesa)
     Nessa, when I friend requested you, I wasn’t sure that you would even remember me.  I felt honored that you wanted me to come back.  It is fun to watch you teach Jazzercise.  You irradiate me!  And I enjoyed hearing you tell me about your center.  What a great crowd.  There were so many students that we could not get everybody squeezed into one picture.  Jazzercise is on the move in Amarillo.
     Jessica referred to my footwork as “hilarious”.   I enjoy this type of compliment.  Hey, I look funny to me too!  I don’t like watching videos of myself.  But Jessica, I like the way you “Loca”.  Thank you for the dance.
     Kristi Noel Kendall says, “Well behaved women rarely make history”.  It is on her facebook wall.  There are two great pictures of Kristi teaching on the Amarillo Jazzercise facebook page:  Kristi and Melea/ Kristi and Tiffany.  And then there is one with a chubby truck driver.  I’m just a lucky guy.  Do I deserve so much fun? I ain’t misbehaving.  I’ll be part of history by being near Kristi.  Great class!

     I guess I’ll have to post this and go to sleep.   I offer many thanks to every Jazzerciser from Amarillo, and a special thanks to the Cadillac Ten.  I'll drive 24 hours for this kind of fun. It means a lot to mel

Jazzercise: Paducah, KY-3/29: Geist, IN-3/12: Denton, TX-3/22: Bethel Park, PA -4/5/2011: Happy Feet

Tunisia Trip: Feb 26-Mar 6- Rocky Start - I'm still alive - So It was a good trip!

Walking the streets at night in the Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia





North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial Mar 2

One thing that is always heavy on my mind is the memory of people. I don't believe in forgotten people, but it is so hard to keep people alive. Years lead to decades which lead to generations. Soon people become but a name on a tombstone, if that; and this bothers me.

Every person is a gift to this world.

I have always been one to take many pictures and many videos. I took pictures of Kelli regularly when she wasn't looking, and I am faithful about documenting myself with pictures. In fact, some day when my laptop is opened; much will be learned about Kelli, myself, and others. I have pictures saved at home, on the road, and in a safety deposit box. I hope digital media weathers the test of time.

Kelli doesn't have any children. She only has one brother. She has one neice, Sarah.  She has one grand neice who was born last month, and she has one grand nephew that was born just before she passed away. Without my videos, Kelli may quickly drift away to be a forgotten personality. I know her grand neice and nephew will one day know her name. Her bother and sister-in-law and Sarah will ensure that. But the videos will help them know her personality.

Today I went to the North Africa America Cemetery and Memorial in Tunisia.

I wish there was some way that I could make the people named on those tombstones talk and tell about their journey in life.

2841 Us military personnel from World War II lie at rest there, and 3724 names of missing persons are memorialized on a wall of tablets. All of those individuals died within the North Africa region during WW II.

It would be great if one could bring forth a video that would be reflective of each individual's smiles, laughters, desires, dreams, hopes and fears. It saddens me that, although we can love each name for the gift that they gave to their country, we cannot get to know each individual that gave those lives.

While at the cemetery, I decided that I want to display one name on my facebook wall. I chose a woman since most of my facebook friends are women.


I searched the "Wall of the Missing" and found Bonnie L Williams. Bonnie was a private first class from Kansas. Bonnie was a member of the Women's Army Corp. On the internet I found that she died when her military transport aircraft crashed off of the Ivory Coast of Africa on May 30, 1945. Seventeen additional women and three additional crew members died at sea. Their bodies were never recovered.

Bonnie, I accept the sacrifice of your life as a gift to this world; but I wish I knew more about your other gifts and talents. Did you dance? If so, someway, somehow, dance your spirit around North Africa and around the USA one time for me and my friends.

And to my Facebook friends, put your camera on record! We have this technology. Let the future know our personalities,  and let them know we were a gift to this world!

Singing the Blues in Tunis, Tunisia Feb 27

Nothing good to report in Tunis. Here is the adventure from yesterday.

I reserved a hotel in the absolute center of the riots. The taxi driver could  not take me there. All the streets were blocked with riots.  He put me to the street and told me to walk that way. As I tried to walk people, were screaming for me to go back. A school teacher put me in his car and tried to get me to the hotel. But we stille could not get to the hotel without passing through crowds.   Many people were beaten,  had bloodied noses, and were stampedeing in the streets.

Nobody cared that I was there or that I was American. They were trying to help get me out of there. The Tunis people only  cared about protesting the  government. What an experience! Finally I had to give up on my hotel and find another for the night.

My typical traveling style is stay near the city center, so I am near public transportation that can get me to  various attractions.

 I did not make a good hotel choice this time!!

Todays adventure:

I am just stuck in my hotel. Earlier today I heard a few follies of machine gun fire, but this afternoon, a 7 vehicle police convoy came down the street  pictured. Military individuals were firing their machine guns to clear the road. I went and sat in the bathroom because I wanted more walls to shield me from stray bullets.

When I was taking these pictures from the window (tenth floor), the soldiers below ordered me to shut my windows.

A helecopter circled the city center all day. The heart of the protest is near the end point of the pictured street. I saw black smoke at various times throughout the day. I think the helecopter was dropping something to disperse the crowd.

I tried to move hotels earlier today, but I had no luck. I hope I can get out of the city center tomorrow.

I only wanted to post positive things!!  But this is how things have unfolded thus far.

I can't find any Jazzercise here!! 

Off to Tunis, Tunisia Feb 25, 2011

I am off to Tunis, Tunisia today. I really think it is not wise. Many are fleeing Libya through Tunis; and, of course, Tunisia is having their own struggles protesting their government. I booked this flight three months ago thinking Tunisia was a very safe place to visit.

When Kelli died, I did not care so much what happened to me. However, recently, I have had so much fun at so many Jazzercise classes. Suddenly I care about my well being. I want more of the same!

Most likely I will have fun and no problems. I hope I am posting pictures daily.

1st Annual Jazzn Jam Baton Rouge: Jan 29!

1st Annual Jazz n' Jam for SMA research

And in a blink of an eye it was over.  Now I have to wait another year to convene in mass with my Jazzercise friends of Louisiana.
I have received notice that next year is set for January 28.

Word, I heard, was that $30,000 was raised this year.

So what was the money for?

From Families of SMA website:

Spinal Muscular Atrophy is the number one genetic killer of children under the age of two.  SMA is an inherited and often fatal disease that destroys the nerves controlling voluntary muscle movement, which affects crawling, walking, head and neck control, and even swallowing.  Two new-born children are affected each day in the United States, approximately 1 in 6,000 live births.  One in every 40 people carries the gene that causes SMA, which means there are more than seven million carriers in the United States alone.  Currently there is no treatment or cure.

On January 29, the LSU Student Recreation Complex was a playground for the young at heart.  Every child wants to play.

Here is a mention of my silly childhood.

 ----I had a fantastic childhood until the age of ten, at which time, I found myself in a Tennessee tobacco field.  My thoughts said, “Wait a minute, this isn’t quite the same kind of fun that I experienced at the age of nine.  I still want to play”.  I am not saying my late childhood was bad.  But I liked hitting baseballs more than chopping tobacco!---- My closest neighbor was a mile away.  There weren’t any girls around back then.  Hence my need to overcompensate now!:)

Life comes with ups and downs, but the desire to have playful fun remains constantly high.  My experience is that Jazzercisers don’t live by the same definition of being grown up.   They still want to go out to the playground.   Jazzercise is the playground that fills that need.

During the event, it was a treat to see young people in action.

 Jr. Jazzercisers from St Francisville lit up the stage.  I am looking forward to bringing my truck to St Francisville for some Timi Time.  Maybe that sounds bad.  But Timi showed a whole lot of style while she was having fun.   Sorry I missed your location over the years.

A quick stepping competition jump rope team from Parkview Baptist School did tantalizing and synchronized feats showing sensational athlete ability and timing.  And one of the members is the son of an instructor, Jennifer Breaux!     (If I am posting incorrect information, please correct me.)

From the Parkview website:

For 25 years, Heart ‘n Soul has been the American Heart Association’s elite demonstration team in the South. The team performs at numerous schools each year, encouraging kids to embrace heart-healthy habits and inspiring them to participate in the Jump Rope for Heart program, a fundraising effort of the American Heart Association.

The magician’s doves were flying about the sports complex.  Yes, there was a magician for the children!  ----I’m a child.  I wanted to see the magician too, but I missed it.    Maybe I will next year.

Krista’s beautiful children worked the room with smiles.  Their presence was incredible.

Yvonne Dupont was the first to dangle this fantastic event as a carrot in front of my eyes.  I was so worried, though, that I would be a distraction to the event.  I went back to Yvonne three times asking if it would be best if I remained low keyed and hidden in the back somewhere.  --- Yvonne replied in an email, “NOOOOO!  Please don't be apprehensive!!”.

I tried to dance with everybody I knew from Sherwood Forest and on facebook.  But I know I missed a few.  I know I missed a dance with Monica from Sherwood Forest.  You caught my eye in the front and middle part of the room.  But I never made it to you.  Please forgive me.

Where was Rachel McG?  Were your there?  I meant to seek you out to meet and to dance with you also.

Here is my hope for next year.

I hope that the room is so crowded and the event is such a reoccurring success that I have to apologize many times over to many Jazzercisers for neglecting them on the Jazzercise dance floor!   I guess that seems like a misguided hope.  But fruition of such a hope will indicate that more people were there and that much more awareness and money will be attained for the SMA cause.

Somebody tell Tim I’m not good at chest popping!  I guess, if I had a big muscular chest, I’d be popping it too.  But for now, I have to stick with the feet thing.  However, as for the ladies and this choreography:   Natasha and Shalendra have a thorough understanding of the Tim Roberts style of shimmy, shaking, and upper body quaking.  As the rest of us fell out, we all enjoyed watching the two of you dance!

Thank you Krista for the efforts you put forth to create a great time for so many.  Thank you to Yvonne and Julie for chauffeuring me around and ensuring that I had a wonderful time.   Thank you to Ani for the dance of many smiles. Thank you to Patti for song.   Thank you to Danna Jo and Brenda  for the fun past and future.  Thank you to all my Sherwood Forest friends;  to Beth, to Prairieville, to Tammy, to Jones Creek, to the Sherwood sisters, to Loraine... I am forgetting somebody!!  Help me.  Thank you to everybody that needs to be thanked that I don’t know about.:)

Recess anybody?  Jan 28, 2012.  I’ll meet you at the playground in Baton Rouge.

Dec 14, 2010 Sherwood Forest Jazzercise, Yvonne Dupont

This was the most fun I have ever, ever ever ever had at Jazzercise. Perhaps I shouldn't say this because 2500 other instructors may be wondering what you did so well. --- It was your students! (well,You too!) For all these years I always felt I had to be shy and reserved. I pretty much always stay where I put my water bottle down....
--I don't know what came over me. --You were making a fuss over me. They were making a fuss over me. It made me want to interact with the whole class. I was feeling no shy. Thank you Yvonne and Sherwood Forest for the fun. --Perhaps you unleashed a bad thing. We'll see what happens tomorrow in Missouri.

I don't know what everybody sees. I see a chubby, silly truck driver. But if people keep liking it, I'll keep doing.

Jan 28, Bear Creek Copperfield: Calgary reflections

For several years, when I tell people I am going to Houston, Jazzercisers always say to go and see Mary Wadsworth.

Bear Creek Copperfield has had a face lift since my previous visit. Now they have a free standing building with a large stone Jazzercise sign at the street. My truck was proud to be parked in this parking lot. I thought it looked really nice as a backdrop to that sign. However, it seems local trucks have tried to use this parking lot before with intentions other than Jazzercise. Funny, as I was happily Jazzercising away with instructor Lisa (who started Jazzercising at the age of 16), it was considered that my truck needed to tow or go! --- It was just a fleeting thing. The class managers vouched for the truck, and I rocked on for a little while longer with Jo. – (I heard Jo’s British accent, and I was definitely staying for part of a second class.)

Over the years, there have been a number of Jazzercise ladies that have had to deal with a stranded Jim. A favored story of mine is the time I delivered a truck to Calgary, Alberta.  After my delivery, I was determined to take class in Calgary.  I took light rail, a city bus, and then I walked in the winter through snow covered sidewalks to get to class. There was no internet for me in those days. I had to call the city metro help line to get a transportation route. I showed up at Judy E’s class carrying luggage.

I guess my feet made a good impression that evening. My next destination was the regional Greyhound bus station. (My sister lives in Prince George, BC; and I was busing it over the mountains.) I did not have a clue how I was going to get to the bus station, but my new favorite Canadian helped me out. Not only did she take me to the bus station, but she gave me my first tour of the city of Calgary. And from her recommendation of the Calgary Stampede, I later returned and visited her at a time when I wasn’t so pitiful.

Now, I don’t recommended taking in every stray truck driver that brings his luggage to your Jazzercise class. Please don’t do that. But, for some reason, over the years, these types of good things have happened to me.

I don’t have much to worry about. I fully expect that someday I will walk out of class to see my truck being pulled out of a church or business parking lot. It is something I ponder before many classes. My backup plan for Bear Creek this week was class manager LH. I would have given her puppy dog eyes, “will you please take me to the towed vehicle garage?”.

It was good to see instructor Melissa again. I have taken her class before.  Wonderful classes with Lisa and then with Jo.   Great time at Bear Creek. Beautiful facility. Everyone should pay it a visit.
But, I have still never met Mary.

Feb 2: Nicholasville, KY Jazzercise

The Wildcats are restless in Nicholasville, KY. I now know what it must feel like to be in Rupp Arena on game night. Jazzercise in Nicholasville surely must be similar. The two classes were so good that I wanted to have a group hug with the girls and sing “My Old Kentucky Home” before leaving with tears in my eyes.

Life can go so fast. Perhaps a month ago, I friend requested Michele. A week ago, she suggests I visit Nicholasville. Wednesday night, I walk in the door; and there she is! Is that Steeler magic?
Just before class, I rushed into Walmart with a desire to wear a Pittsburgh Steeler shirt to class just for Michele. I thought Walmart would surely be ready for the Super Bowl! --Well they weren’t. So I had to grab whatever I could find that was black and “goldish”. A silly smiley face, I guess that suits me.

Ashley did a routine, “This Boy’s Fire”, especially for me. Since the routine was special for me, I had to look up the lyrics. Here are a few.

Dip me in water cause this boy’s fire:  He’s got a hold on me:  Feeling nothing normal from your body put it on me: Not just physically but mentally, and all on me

I am just documenting the words of the song.:) Hurry and rehab that ankle Michele! My embers are still smoldering for Nicholasville. One of the Wildcats behind me was wearing a big blue shirt that said she married a Tennessean. Good choice!!

Thank you so much for your energy, Ashley. She greeted me with “we are so stoked that you are here”. It was immediately declared that a front row spot was reserved for me.

Sing Peggy Sing. I think everybody was singing and shouting to the music. Every Jazzercise class has its own personality. The personality of this class was “make some-- I love life-- noise”.

Ashley’s class put me in the tired zone, but instructor Erica and Jennifer D suggested I go another Jazzercise round with the later class. (I was actually lingering hoping that someone would suggest I stay. I play a tired act a lot, but I can usually find a little more energy when the beat of the music starts.)

I believe US 27 drivers heard Erica’s class scream when they drove by Nicholasville Jazzercise Wednesday night. They surely must have done a double take. “Did I just pass Rupp Arena?”

Michele’s Quote: “So you know you're gonna have to come back after I'm back teaching full time in another month so that you can take a full class with me! Deal?? :)”

I saw the dazzle in your eyes when you were teaching your two routines. I could tell how much you love it. I worried all the way to Knoxville that you over did it on your ankle. Deal Michele!

Richmond Jazzercise Center: We Steamed up the windows on Feb 9.

We steamed up the windows in Richmond, KY.

It was a snowy afternoon in Central Kentucky. The schools closed early. The crowd was down, but the passion of those present reverberated throughout the adjoining hours.

4:15 with Janie, April, Lisa, Jill and Jim.
5:30 with Allison, Kim, Evelyn, Janie, and Jim.

Things got steamy inside! That is all I am going to say about that.

Great dancers are not great because of their technique; they are great because of their passion.
Martha Graham

Janie has the following phrase posted on the wall of her Jazzercise Center:

“Dance to the music of your dreams the step will bring the joy”

To me this is an indication of Janie’s passion, and how she finds her joy within her passion. I can’t recant or recall it exactly, but Janie told me the story of her passion to have Jazzercise in her life. Over a short period of time it culminated into her having a center with nine instructors, 33 classes a week, and coming expansion to a nearby city!

When I enter a Jazzercise class, I arrive knowing there will be instructors and students present.
It is tough to learn about people’s lives in one or two hours, but I like to try to take away a little piece of information about the individuals that I meet.

Allison battled the snow and traffic to continue on with the second class of the afternoon. I almost left the center knowing just the basics about Allison. (The basics being she is a great instructor who is fun to dance with.) However, just at the last second something else slipped out that made her a person in the eyes of a stranger.

Allison is a participating member of Team in Training. (see Teamintraining.org)

From the Team in Training website:

TNT is the world's largest endurance sports training program, preparing people of all athletic abilities to run or walk a 26.2-mile marathon or a 13.1-mile half marathon, or to complete a 100-mile (century) bike ride or a triathlon. In return for professional training and travel to one of many national event sites, participants raise valuable funds to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS's) mission.

Allison runs half marathons, full marathon, and does the triathlon. If you look at her facebook page, it is loaded with photos of her athletic achievements in motion. I bow to the endurance athletes; and in general, I wonder what drives them. But to hear Allison talk, she is driven by the cause of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I wondered to myself if her life or the life of friends, or family has ever been affected in some way by one of the two. ---Regardless, I saw her eyes light up when she said she raised $3000, and she was able to participate in an event in San Diego. Please Facebook Allison Harris to keep track of her efforts.

Also, her facebook page shows her with an Air Force gentleman. Not only Allison, but also those close to her are a blessing to our country and society!

We had some young men in training at Richmond Jazzerciser. Because of the snow, in the first class, there were more boys than girls. Lisa had her male toddler twins present. They were wearing shirts that said, “daddy knows a lot, but mommy knows everything”. April had her two sons present also. I guess they will all want some new Jazzercise shoes for Christmas next year.

Sorry I missed you Leta. I know you are proud of your daughter.

Evelyn, Kim, Jill, April, Lisa, and Janie; lets heat things up again in the future.

Janie, don’t tell David I was doing the Sugarland walk holding your hand!! I could not help myself.

In the fashion of the originator, Richmond is alive with another great mother/ daughter Jazzercising Duo! Janie’s daughter teaches Jazzercise too!

Janie, thank you so much for inviting me to your Richmond Center. I had a fabulous time.  You were a fun person to be around.  The snow will never slow us down!  The music and the step brought us joy!!

Morrisville, NC Jazzercise: Don't hate them because they are beautiful: Feb 8

Within a moment of my posting on facing book that I was trolling through the tar heel state, Lisa invited me to visit Morrisville! (This I did like!!!)

What is a tar heel anyway? I’m not certain, but Morrisville Jazzercisers were more than girls with dirty feet. I had a 90 minute dance romance with the wonderful ladies of Morrisville, NC which culminated in Lisa growling her voice to the words of “In these shoes”.

Now, I am a man of adventure, but no problem. I was happy staying right there, with the “One in a Million” Jazzercisers of Morrisville.

I got the message quickly that the women of Morrisville were not ordinary girls.

2nd Routine… All My Ladies do the Pretty Girl Rock

Don’t hate me cause I’m beautiful!!!

Give it All You Got

I knew, in animal kingdom fashion: it was going to take a little more dance effort to win over Morrisville.
When one is a truck driver (as opposed to a doctor or lawyer), one has to work with a little more diligence to impress the ladies.

I am like this little bird I found on youtube. I give it my best effort.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlIRv6fJ3nU&feature=related

There is uniqueness about this little bird’s body movement. Not that I was looking, but Thresia grooves the back part of her body just like this little bird.

Courtney, you point the way. I will follow.

Lisa, you have a beautiful smile. You are a rock star! Even if just for a little while, I was thrilled to share your rock star stage.

Crystal, I had to drive all the way back to Knoxville before the evening was through, but I am so glad that I stayed around a little longer to dance with you, soon to be instructor Lisa, and your great dancing members.
(I like your bulldog pictured on your facebook page.)

I'll dance with your next time Sam(antha)!

Feb 7. Southern Pines, NC Jazzercise

Over ten years ago at the Baltimore convention I met Debby Higginbotham. She seemed sincerely excited when I said I would visit her class in Southern Pines, NC.

I never forgot Debby over the years, but every time in North Carolina my work always brought me to the Triad area, Raleigh/ Durham, or Charlotte. Southern Pines was always an hour off my route of travel.

I have a new attitude in 2011. I’ll be traveling off my route to make a class, and I’ll be waiting around on classes that I want to visit. Right now I am at McDonalds waiting on a 5:30 with Lisa in Morrisville, NC. I have 3 ½ hours to wait.

Daily I have driving legalities to address; but until I tire, I’ll be working harder to get to classes. In November, I put large Jazzercise pictures all over my office walls to signal to the people in the office that I have a life too; and that I was going to start giving it an equal precedence with the dedication I give to company business.

Here is my round about compliment to Debby.

Last year a friend invited me to the National Square Dance Convention in Louisville, KY. I went as a spectator. I don’t know Square dance calls, and I am never home long enough to attend classes to learn them. Square dancers are grouchy people if you don’t know the calls. It is not something that one can jump into on the fly and figure out, without agitating little ladies in puffy skirts.

I heard that there would be some incredible singing callers present at the convention; but when I first arrived, I was horrified to hear some of the singing callers. ---But ----I was told, “Just wait.” And sure enough, when the top guns took their turn, I was absolutely fascinated with their singing and calling talent. It was paining me to sit and watch. I wanted to get onto the floor and show the dancers how to do it “Jim style”. (As I understand, the callers don’t make any money at the National Conventions.) I wanted to scold the dancers. Some of the callers were incredible. They needed to be making loads of cash for their talents.

Debby is a high caliber, top gun Jazzercise singing caller. Debby just doesn’t just sing with the music. She calls with the music. My ears perked up when she sang, “And bring it up and back”, matching the music perfectly.

I am not one to evaluate singing talent. But Debby’s voice can go so low while maintaining such a gorgeous texture. She can then follow up, in the same song, by bringing her voice up to a higher octave. Debby said she loves Imelda May. But last night it was Debby H. That met her Jazzercise class at the moon.

Debby delivered two different sets in two hours with a wide variety of music. Debby, you are amazing, “Just the way you are”. Sing it again, but don’t leave us for puffy skirts and petticoats. I need to experience more of your style of movement calling!!

Take a look at Debby’s class (picture posted on wall). We were all smiles. Debby has a pencil drawing of Frank Sinatra on the wall for her morning class to ogle over. I did not sing, but I tried to play a little “dancing Frank” for the evening class.
Debby has a great center with entry doors to the extra-large dance floor on the left and right of the reception foyer. I can’t remember everybody’s name, but Janet’s tilted head and raised left hand in the back row sums my feelings about the visit. It was a joyful time. Charlene, it looks like I was flirting with you on the dance floor. Dick looked like a happy man. Debby, you must sing him to sleep.

Great times in Southern Pines!!

My grandmother visits Taylors, SC Jazzercise with Julie, Shantelle, and Casey

My best girl: My grandmother (Norma Nickles). She will be 90 on March 26th.

My Grandmother loves attention. Three hours of Jazzercise may not seem like a great treat for a grandmother. But I had a feeling that Taylors Jazzercise would turn a Saturday morning into quite a special moment for her.
This was not a work trip. This was a “take Grand mom out for an evening trip”. I chose Julie and Taylors Jazzercise to share this moment for simply reasons. It wasn’t far, but grand mom felt like she went far. It was in a different state. So she felt like she went somewhere special. Additionally, Julie had invited me to come and see her new center and visit her class.  I knew Julie from the past, and a return visit was long overdue. --- I just felt it would work out perfectly.

We drove over from Knoxville to Taylors Friday night (about 3 hours). We had dinner together at an Italian Restaurant near the Jazzercise center. We woke up early Saturday to attend three hours of Jazzercise. (Grand mom was a spectator.) Afterward, grand mom and I had a nice lunch at the Copper River Grille, and we went home to Tennessee. --Not a bad date.

On the way back to Knoxville, she was beaming about how nice everyone was to her. She said, “They brought me water and Granola bars. Everybody stopped to talk to me.” She was fascinated that one Jazzerciser was of similar age and still mixing it up on the dance floor. -- When we got into the car to leave, she said, “now there is a nice girl for you”. -- Don’t be afraid, Julie. I’m just telling the story.:)

Julie, your class made quite the impression on my grandmother. Your center looks great. I like how the black resist-a-balls look alongside of the black Jazzercise lettering against the lighter charcoal wall. It looks really sharp in the pictures, but it looks even better when standing in the room. Your Jazzercise sign outside is eye catching. Grand mom noticed it immediately when we turned into the parking lot.

Shantelle and Casey, thank you for teaching the great classes. Shantelle, I checked your facebook page. I like the picture of you shooting the 50 caliber rifle, and I like your open arm pictures! Casey, you were giving me too much writing material. Follow your childhood dreams and get that costume that your mom would not let you have. (I’m just playing. Now I’m in trouble.)  Julie assured me that you keep everybody entertained, even during your body sculpting class.

Julie, thank you so much for making me such an awesome gift. I will wear it with pride, and I will save forever. If a time ever comes when I am elderly or feel forgotten, I will have this shirt on my body or on the wall as a reminder of special times.

I celebrate the artistic talents of my Jazzercise friends. I am so glad to know so many people that do so many things with their lives. Julie, I can visualize you gracefully and energetically dancing on the ice. I am so glad to learn this about you. If you ever do a performance or exhibition, Grand mom and I are there!

Jen, Vazz and All That Jazz! Feb 23 Romeoville, IL

Jen and Kim promised me singing, and they surely did deliver.

They promised me rowdy girls, and they did deliver.

They promised me team teaching, and they did deliver.

---However, my understanding of team teaching was very simplistic. I was simply looking forward to taking class from two instructors who would occasionally alternate teaching.

Jen and Kim (Vazz) are quite the natural act. I sit here struggling to come up with words to paint an adequate picture to describe them. Jen and Kim had a bantering conversation that was loaded with instantaneous and colorful remarks, replies, and counter replies in between perfectly executed Jazzercise cues. Sometimes it was remark, giggle, counter giggle, reply, cue, continue. It was really cool. They were so tuned into each other and really listening to each other. “Coffee Time” is one routine that they worked magically together. They are the Broadway musical version of Jazzercise. I was near Chicago, and my mind was thinking, “Jen, Vazz, All that Jazz”!

I left with a goody bag which included many candies and a Jazzercise refrigerator magnet. I also left with a blow up air guitar signed by all the students and instructors.

A lot of air guitar playing was happening on stage by Jim, Lisa, Jen, and Kim (Vazz).

Lisa, Jen, and I went to Chili’s after class. Great time! And, by the way, Jen and Lisa, I see some face book pictures of the two of you on stage with the Instant Recall cover band. You’re both looking a little rowdy! I hope to hear both of you sing with the band someday too!

Here is my recommendation. All Jazzercisers throughout the state of IL, WI, and IN should go to Andrew High School in Tinley Park on April 14th, 15th, or 16th at 7:00 pm. Kim’s choreography will be featured in the musical, “The Pirates of Penzance”. If I get within 250 miles that weekend, I’ll surely be there.

I want to see Karen hoop dance!  In fact, if any of my Jazzercise face book friends have additional artistic talents, let me know.  I will come cheer for you.

Jen, thank you so much for everything you did to make this a wonderful Jazzercise visit.

Feb 17: Jazzercise in Sanger, TX with Marjory Johnson

I know the place to be on Halloween night.  Marjory’s house in Sanger, TX!  I hear it is a huge party (as in 500 people huge).  If you crash the party, don’t tell her I sent you.  I am guessing, to get an invitation, you have to be in the Sanger Jazzercise 100 Club!

Marjory sent me this message on facebook, “I love interesting people, and all kinds of different people! Makes life fun!”

A few notes about Marjory.  She is the former Mayor of Dallas Lake, TX; and she is a currently on city counsel in Sanger, TX.  She no doubt keeps the citizens of Sanger in tip top shape.  Before class, there was a large group of young women meandering down the street in this little town, and Marjory was enticing them to stop in and Jazzercise!

Marjory pointed across the city square and said she was eating a big, fat, juicy hamburger when an individual first invited her to Jazzercise.

I was in Houston when I informed Marjory that I was coming to class.  I think I gave her less than five hours’ notice. I had a plan that morning to drive to Fairhope, AL and take a class.  As I was headed out of Houston, I realized I did not have enough time to make it to the Mobile area.  So I pondered where I could travel in my allotted time, and Sanger popped into my head! --- See the connection??  Fairhope and Dallas are only 660 miles apart.  ---It is all a matter of desire.  If I want to get to a class badly enough, I’ll figure out a way.

I took two classes.  The first was with Sherri Loyd McCandless.  Sheri knew the name of every person in her class.  I wasted little time.  During the early routines, I started working my way around the room and dancing with each individual in the room.  As I approached a Jazzerciser, Sherri called out each student’s name and told them to meet Jim.

Sherri, I am “Stoned in Love with You”!

If I were a business man, I'd sit behind a desk.
I'd be so successful; I would scare Wall Street to death.
I would hold a meeting for the press to let them know.
I did it all, 'cause I'm stone in love with you.

Oh well, it’s just a dream.  I’m just a truck driver! Great class Sherri!

In Marjory’s class, I kept rotating between Marjory, Darlene Ritchie, and Sherri.  Can I have any more fun in life?  I keep trying to have more with every Jazzercise class I attend.  The beautiful Dasha and her son were smiling during the entire class.  And yes, Dasha’s son was Jazzercising, too.  Darlene,--- Marjory and Sheri told me you were unique before you walked in the door.  Great dancing with you Darlene!

Marjory presented me with a shirt from Sanger signed by all of the students, which included her Jazzercising husband’s signature.  I took my shirt all the way to Northern Africa.  I proudly wore it in Tunisia. It gave me an aura of protection from flying bullets.

I have to get to bed if I am going to make it to Denton in time tomorrow.

I wanted to ensure that I poured my best compliments on Sanger, before I returned to the area.  Thank you Marjory and Sanger for my special Jazzercise visit.

Feb 15: Hotspings, AR with Stephanie

Happy birthday to me!  My party was held at Jazzercise in Hot Springs, AR with Rene', Stephanie,Jennifer,Cindy,Carol Jo and friends.
The class let me know that the entire city of Hot Springs is a National Park; therefore, the very Jazzercise floor is part of the national park.  We were all like happy Gazelles springing through the meadows.  Rene' and Stephanie were our park rangers, and it was my birthday.:)
Although I have since tried to repeat the feat, this was the first time that I have attepted to interact with everybody in the room during Jazzercise routines.  I don't know what the ladies said when I left, but there seemed to be a lot of smiles while I was there. Stephanie told  her class that they were getting a workout and a show.

Connie W. posted that she remebered me from the past, and Debi S. asked how long I have been Jazzercising.

I started Jazzercising in 1996.

This made me wonder the approximate date of my first visit to Hot Springs.   I went fishing through my Jazzercise files to see what I could find about my past visits.
I have eight Jazzercise shirts loaded with names and Jazzercise locations.  I was having them signed between 2000 and 2004.  I found Rene' two times!

I come back to Jazzercise classes for one of three reasons:  you have a big parking lot, I am treated like I'm special, or the class is just great.  Rene' has always covered all three, and I keep coming back again and again.

My first visit to Hot Springs was in 1998, and apparently I wrote Kay a very nice and clever thank you note.  ---I have no idea what I said in that note. Kay sent a copy to DM Emma, and Emma sent me a nice note back.  (Sometimes I get on a roll.  Sometimes I get writer's block.  Must have been a good day.)
Who did I dance with?  You will have to help me.  I know front left was Carol Jo and  Left center was Jennifer G.  Both were playing along and dancing with enthusiam.  I would have been happy right there for the full hour.

However, I found my way to the right side of the room.  I had choo choo train arms synchronized with front  right center, and I was having a big time emulating footwork with front right corner.
If you need some dental work, I hear(from a Jazzercise student) you can enjoy some drilling in a  massage chair at a local Hot Springs dentist.  I was talking to three jazzercisers before class.  I enjoyed dancing with all of them on the right side of the room.
I ensured the back row had an equal opportunity to give me attention on my birthday.
Stephanie, I enjoyed your class.  I enjoyed dancing on your stage.  I liked your personal presentation.  You seemed like a kind gentle soul with a whole lot of energy.

Rene', I look forward to visiting your center several times between now and 2024 and beyond!  I had a great birthday.

Valentines day, Oakville Jazzercise Fitness Center, MO

Tom could not find Jan on Valentine's day, but he found three fantastic Jazzercise classes at Jan's center.  The first was with Jenny (top right).  By Jenny's own admission, she wasn't normal.  Her class wasn't normal either.  During "Absolutely Everybody", Jenny said a solo was coming from the front row.  It was more than a solo.  It was an "is it live or is it memorex moment".  It must get expensive replacing the windows.  Applause please for the front row.  I did not expect that.  wow!  Fun time Jenny.
Thank you for coming out to class Christine (bottom right).  I enjoyed dancing with you!  MT people have supported me from the beginning!
Fun steppin with Tina (bottom left).  The step is not a deterrence to my feet.  Tina has a great smile!
I was worn out after two classes, but Patrice (top left) said Tina offered a great class also.   Cindy was spared from my picture, because I could not find her on facebook. :(  So Patrice ended up with Tom Jones.
Who else should I note:  Instructor Amy; -- Mary, Teresa (CM's -- right??)

Great time in Oakville, MO.

Circleville, OH Feb 21 Jazzercise with Leslie

Oh precious knees!  I have no idea if mine will last for a lifetime or not.  When I was a child, dad would send me out to dig in the Tennessee rocky top dirt; and I would use my knees to push and wiggle the flat handled shovel forward through the rocks.  I am certain that was not good for my knees.

My silly dancing style is so dependent on my knees.  When I kick my legs, at times, I snap my knees pretty hard.  Sometimes I feel I hyper extend my knees beyond the normal range of motion.   I am always thinking about how unhappy I would be if I did not have healthy knees.

Congratulations to Leslie Saxton Hatfield!  My visit to Circleville was Leslie’s first time teaching since she injured her ACL.  (I timed that just right!)  I guess it is fairly common knowledge that a woman’s knees are more susceptible to injury than a man’s.   By talking to her, I could read in her eyes and voice that it was a scary moment when she felt something pop while teaching Jazzercise.

Her day of return surely brought joy to herself, to Jim the truck driver, and to all of her Jazzercise students.  I am glad I was there to share in the dancing fun!

The greatest hazards in my job are back injuries, falls, and traffic accidents.  All three of these could end the run of Jim the truck driver immediately.  I think about job safety every day, yet I still too often do stupid things like lifting something that is way too heavy.

It is hard to keep a great Jazzerciser down, and Leslie is proof.  I believe she said she was able to recover in just three months from her surgery.

As for my visit to Circleville, OH; It was a rainy, rainy day when I came to class.  I believe the rain was fuel that energized our bodies.  Being there was sooo much fun for me!!

Here is an item of note.  I was not the only truck driver in the room!  The sister of a well-known Mundy has also lived some of her life behind the wheel of a semi.  Melissa, you and I have a bond beyond all other Jazzercisers that I know!!:)

Leslie pulled out a routine just for me; but I can’t remember!!!  Remind me Leslie…  I tried to do Brittany Spears with Leslie. --- I’m not too good at that one.:(  I just can’t pop my chest as well as others in the room.  (Not that I was looking)

A Jazzerciser of 28 years was in the room.  That would be Cheryl!!   It was an honor dancing with you.

Victor was the lucky man that gets to Jazzercise with the lovely ladies of Circleville on a regular basis.

Is it Salan???  I enjoyed talking and dancing with you!!

I enjoyed dancing with everybody from the front of the room to the back of the room.

Leslie, I hope to return to Jazzercise Circleville very soon.  But I also hope I can return in ten years, twenty years, and thirty years, and still find you there.  I hope I will have joints as resilient as yours that will heal when needed and that will keep me dancing with the Circleville Jazzercisers for many years to come.

Fairview, TN Jazzercise 6:30 with Stephanie/ Jan 2011

Stephanie: Let me tell you what this shirt represents to me. Kelli died two years ago this coming Friday. People told me that the grieving could last six months. I managed to drag out hard grieving for a year. Because of my lifestyle, I was isolated from any support network. I had mile after mile after mile to think about how I was asleep at the wheel, when Kelli was giving me signals that she was having unusual pains in her body. I always internalize responsibility for things that may be out of my control. I was very alone. Since I am always time deprived (for normalcy) , I depended solely on Kelli for everything as for friendship and companionship.

I shut down in 09. I stumbled through 2010 trying to rebuild and find value in life. In 2011, I still live a transient abnormal life, but the hard grieving has subsided. It is very touching to me that (with three hours notice) someone that I never met before would put together a shirt like this. When I look at this shirt, I'm not feeling so isolated. That is something to live for.

Thank you Fairview

Private Party: Prairieville, LA Jazzercise Jan 28

I stood up a class tonight! Such a mindless moment on my part. Prairieville, LA Jazzercise was waiting on me and I was sitting 45 minutes away in a motel. I was living on Eastern time and sitting in the central time zone. I was checking the cell phone for the time, and I was subtracting an hour. Dummy me, of course I know that the cell phone shows local time. So I sat just perplexed and embarrassed that they were waiting on me. I sat for ten minutes thinking there was nothing that could be done. I had to send Beth a cold message that I wasn't able to make it.

That just troubled me. That wasn't good enough. I quickly got my clothes together and ran out the door. I was determined to apologize to every Jazzerciser as they walk out the door.

I arrived, and only five members were left: Lovely owner Beth: instructors Maggie, Paula, and Claire, and class manager Georgette. On Friday nights, one would assume, that most would want to turn out the lights and go home. Oh no no, not in Prairieville, not during Marti Gras. We had an unscheduled, private glorious event!

Beth, please, please put "Claire in the Air" on my wall. I don't know how to do it. When Beth, Maggie, Paula, Georgette, and Jim are together after hours; bodies are flying! And we didn't throw her. She did it all on her own.  I want the picture with the cake too.

I went home with a Mardis King Cake. All for Me.:)

Conway, AR Jazzercise: Jan 19. I love this place.

I love Conway Jazzercise. I sent Paige a post in the wee hours of the morning saying I would be at her morning class and that I was hoping she was teaching. Well, Missy was scheduled to teach; and Missy said something to Paige so very gently, and it just made me sigh inside. She said, “But Jim wanted you to teach”. ---It seemed so tender. --At that moment I was so very happy that Missy would be teaching.
It was such a great class with both Missy and Paige teaching. At one point I was on stage with two beautiful ladies, and at another point Paige was on stage with two buff, masculine, and Adonis type men. (Well, that is how I remember the story.)

Paige is a longtime favorite person of mine. She has been good to me and enthusiastic about me for over a decade. I have so much unfinished business in Conway. Paige, Susan, Tammy, my Kelli, Janie L., and others from around the country were all scheduled to dance in New Orleans for the convention in 2001. That event never got to happen because of the terrible events in September. In my travels I just meet people for small windows of time, but I look at Paige and see such a genuine person.

I missed something when I was taking class. My focus was looking on stage at Missy and Paige for most of the class. When it came time to do a standing floor routine, I notice the person in front of me was still bobbing her knees rhythmically to the beat. – It made me think hmm, who is this? I knew right then that I should have been watching her more closely during the aerobic routines. -- It turned out it was Susan who was going to be one of our New Orleans dancers mentioned above. -- Susan, I am sorry I did not acknowledge you after class.

My short time in Conway just continued to get better. I got to have breakfast with Alicia, Rhonda, Lisa, and Paige. It was a fun reunion with Paige and her wonderful friends. I regret I waited so long to return to Conway. Thank you Paige and Missy, class was a blast. I read some of the posts from your students. It sounds like everybody had a gooood time.

Paris, TX Jazzercise Tuesday 5:20 Jan 2011

My goodness, my goodness, I picked the right day to go to Paris, TX. Paris Jazzercise was having a congratulation class to recognize their newest instructors. (Paris was actually off my route, but I had a feeling that it would be a great place to be.) I had one and only one reason to be in Paris—Jazzercise.

I got exposed to a plethora of Jazzercise talent: Shannon, Ashley, Jodi, Kari, and Kristina. I think my heart skipped a beat when they were doing “Cover Girl”. I’m sorry, but I was watching. I had three instructors lined up to my left and two on stage in front of me. They were all strutting.
Kari, I was enjoying your dancing style. I’ll dance with you anytime. Ashley, I loved the dramatic Broadway moves. Thank you for the greeting when I arrived. Jodi, I appreciate your words, as I was leaving! Kristina, you have something special going on in Paris! Thank you for your enthusiasm. Shannon, you were walking that walk with some attitude. I was watching out of the corner of my eye. I liked it. Hope I got everybody’s name right. Thanks for the Fun!!!

Fairview, TN with Jennifer Ivey / Jazzercise Jan 2011

That's Fairview, TN (35 miles SW of Nashville) Monday. Jazzercise is alive and well out in the country! Jennifer had a packed house at 5:30. Every spot on the floor was taken. I wonder whose spot I took?? Nobody seemed to complain. ---Here is the great part. Jennifer said, "Do you know you have taken class from my mom before in Antioch?". ---Jennifer, I know exactly who your mom is, and you tell her hello for me. It took me all of ten miles to recreate my stop in Antioch in my mind. I am pretty sure I sought her out because of Mega Talk. (I used to do that. People would talk on Mega Talk --I would conveniently show up at their doorstep. I was watching, but not posting.:) ) I think we are two people with a whole lot of dancing energy. I know your married now, but it was great sharing a high powered dance with you! We shook the earth in middle TN.

Bear, Delaware Jan 20, 2011 Jazzercise

Ada!!! I think I waited too long to get on facebook.  I posted on Ada's wall that I was coming to class with only 3 hours notice. I walk into class and Emily and the class managers come up and say "Jim, welcome, we've been expecting you". The best part...I was handed a cell phone, and Ada was on the other end of the line welcoming me too! Ada, sorry I gave minimal notice; and I really wish I could have seen you. But the cell phone welcome will stick in my memory for a long time. Class was fantastic!!

Fremont, OH January 18, 2011 Jazzercise

Tuesday I Jazzercised in Fremont, OH. This is the second fantastic location that I have recently discovered that I have overlooked in Ohio. Diane your center is huge and awesome with locker room, two bathroooms, big stage, big floor, big reception; but the best things were your instructors and class managers. (You know all of this, but I want others to know it too.) I knew immediately that Lisa had a quick wit when she made her "gentleman" comment. She was big fun. Julie served up fire and Ice. I like that routine! I have done too many doubles this week. My calf is hurting.:) 

Belleville, MI Jazzercise

Monday I Jazzercised in Belleview MI with Deidra. I've visited this location more than any other in the past couple of years. The last time I took Deidra class was election day. Fun times bring me back!! Thanks Deirdra. --Here is a great Jazzercise story. Recently, I also went to Saline, MI (Deidra also teaches here). I thought I came to the early afternoon class, but I could see a huge group taking class as I looked in the windows. When they finished, the young ladies filed out the door and started jogging down the road. There must have been 30 or more. I think they told me it was the high school cross country team. I think that is very noteworthy! --I also took Sophia's class. I'm pretty sure Sophia and I could Jazzercise by ourselves and have fun. We must have the same blood type.

Glen Ellyn, IL Jazzercise/ Dec 2010

I am so far behind on everything.  I told myself I would catch up in Tunisia, but my mind was strained because of the situations.  If you ever need to know, according to the travel insurance I purchased, civil unrest (with people getting gunned down in the streets) is not a good enough reason to cancel a trip and make a claim!

The trip was definitely one to remember.  I am glad I went.

Oh what a great time I had in Romeoville last month, but I can’t tell the rowdies how wonderful they are – yet.

I went to Glenn Ellyn, IL just up the road from Romeoville back in December; and I never said a single word about Peg Brom’s great instructors, students, and facility.  I haven't forgotten Peg!!  I had a fantastic time.  In fact I had a big surprise when I realized who was teaching the 10:45 Sunday morning class (Julie).

I visited Julie's class years ago at the church in Naperville.   Julie is so highly regarded in the Jazzercise world, and by me.  I think it was Kim in Elkhart, IN that first told me to visit Julie’s class in Naperville.  Others told me the same along the way.  I guess my first visit to Julie’s class was over ten years ago.  And yes, she was the special instructor that so many advertised.

Am I allowed to make note of a Jazzercise Instructor's physical appearance from time to time???  I stalled in saying anything about Glen Ellyn because this is where my mind was going.

Generally, as a matter of respect, when it comes time to go to the floor, my eyes stay down, at the ceiling, or fixated at a high spot on the wall.   I try to position my body so that I offer maximum distance from the ladies around me.  I want everyone to feel as comfortable as possible even though they know there is a truck driver in the room.

Julie, on the other hand, is a woman that I wanted to watch do her floor work.  She is a very long and elegant person.  My eyes were subtlety watching her.   Perhaps I tried to fake eyes up or down, but at least one eye was on Julie.  She is art suitable for Roman Sculpture in the city of Carthage, Tunisia.:)

It was nice taking Julie’s class agaiin.  I was honored she remembered me from the past.  If you are going to participate in Ballet body, go see Julie!

Jazzercise is alive and well in glen Ellyn, IL.  Peg's center offers three classes on Sunday morning alone!

Ginna taught the 9:30 class that Sunday morning.  Ginna offers high energy that pulls in a lot of men students.  In fact, at the Glen Ellyn center, it is the men that make the most noise (as I have observed)!  I believe I have been to Ginna’s classes three times over the years, and it is the men from the front of the room to the back of the room that are serving up a lot of support to match her style. (But hey, the ladies are rocking too.)

It was Sunday morning, and her class was full.  The class managers said in the summer time they have to move the registration table outside to the sidewalk to accommodate floor space for all the students during Ginna’s classes.

Ginna, I look forward to coming back for more, because you are so much fun for my feet!  Asphalt is not my favorite, but I’ll be happy to take your class in the parking lot if necessary!

This is how far behind I am/ Oakville, Hot Springs, Sanger, Romeoville, Spring, Plymouth... I'll never catch up, but I will try.

Great time in Glen Elynn.  Thank you Peg, Ginna, and Julie.

http://jcls.jazzercise.com/facility/jazzercise-glen-ellyn-fitness-center