ABOUT ZUMBA GOLD CLASSES: ZUMBA FOR boomers, seniors, geriatrics
October 27, 2013
I am still inspired. I am still enthusiastic. I am still filled with passion. Why? Because of you, my beautiful Zumba seniors. I dance with thousands of seniors and boomers 55+ per month as well as the elderly and those who are sick, frail, with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or Dementia in Assisted Living facilities, local Recreation centers, Independent Living communities and Skilled Nursing Care, Senior Centers, Senior Events, throughout the southeast.
ABOUT ZUMBA GOLD CLASSES FOR THE GERIATRIC POPULATION:
This is not what I thought I'd be doing with my career as a Health & Fitness Coach. I have been a dancer all my life and always wanted to dance professionally. Instead I went to college, then to graduate school to become an Educator. I never stopped dancing, whether as a couple or in an aerobics or dance class. I began to take Zumba Fitness classes in 2001 in Miami with Beto Perez from Colombia, the brilliant creator of Zumba. I listened to my inner voice and followed its guidance to do what I'm doing now, almost full time. One of the Executive Directors I met in Virginia Beach when I moved to Virginia Beach and led my first FREE class to a Memory Center said I was a 'genius'. I asked surprisingly WHY DO THINK THAT? He said, "bringing Zumba Gold Fitness to the Geriatric population,specifically those with neurological disabilities like Alzheimer's , Dementia and Parkinson's, is something no one thought could be done. And you're doing it successfully, with so much love, enthusiasm and compassion."
I am so blessed that the majority of my elderly Zumba Gold students and activity assistants/aides/staff are willing to participate, move some part of their body to the rhythm of the music. Many of the elderly or frail cannot use 2 arms or 2 legs. Some can only move a few fingers or a nod of a head. Yet, I can see the light in their eyes and the smile on their faces when they remember how much they love music or how much they love to dance. Some can't speak, some can. I can feel their joy.
When I come into an Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing Care facility, I go to each person, hold their hands, look into their eyes and smile and say how happy I am that they are with me today. Some of them are so severely suffering from either physical, emotional or neurological issues, that they can't even look at me. I ask them to look at me when I'm holding their hands, and they do. I have been told by so many that they are shocked that I can inspire so many elders to participate, often I have 50 people in a class moving, shaking or tapping to the music.When I say goodbye, I tell them I'll see them in a week, or a month, God willing and thank them for participating.
I buy my own belly dancing scarves in NY and with lots of love and hugs, each person gets to wear one. II wrap them with a scarf that matches what they are wearing. I wrap it around their shoulders so the coins hang down in front. Something magical happens when they realize what they are wearing. It helps them feel alive, glamorous, sexy and in touch with present reality.
I will continue to teach #Zumba for Seniors as long as there are facilities taking care of them in the last stages of their lives and as long as Activity Directors remain open to the possibility that Zumba Gold classes bring joy and love to their residents/participants.
I am still inspired. I am still enthusiastic. I am still filled with passion. Why? Because of you, my beautiful Zumba seniors. I dance with thousands of seniors and boomers 55+ per month as well as the elderly and those who are sick, frail, with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or Dementia in Assisted Living facilities, local Recreation centers, Independent Living communities and Skilled Nursing Care, Senior Centers, Senior Events, throughout the southeast.
ABOUT ZUMBA GOLD CLASSES FOR THE GERIATRIC POPULATION:
This is not what I thought I'd be doing with my career as a Health & Fitness Coach. I have been a dancer all my life and always wanted to dance professionally. Instead I went to college, then to graduate school to become an Educator. I never stopped dancing, whether as a couple or in an aerobics or dance class. I began to take Zumba Fitness classes in 2001 in Miami with Beto Perez from Colombia, the brilliant creator of Zumba. I listened to my inner voice and followed its guidance to do what I'm doing now, almost full time. One of the Executive Directors I met in Virginia Beach when I moved to Virginia Beach and led my first FREE class to a Memory Center said I was a 'genius'. I asked surprisingly WHY DO THINK THAT? He said, "bringing Zumba Gold Fitness to the Geriatric population,specifically those with neurological disabilities like Alzheimer's , Dementia and Parkinson's, is something no one thought could be done. And you're doing it successfully, with so much love, enthusiasm and compassion."
I am so blessed that the majority of my elderly Zumba Gold students and activity assistants/aides/staff are willing to participate, move some part of their body to the rhythm of the music. Many of the elderly or frail cannot use 2 arms or 2 legs. Some can only move a few fingers or a nod of a head. Yet, I can see the light in their eyes and the smile on their faces when they remember how much they love music or how much they love to dance. Some can't speak, some can. I can feel their joy.
When I come into an Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing Care facility, I go to each person, hold their hands, look into their eyes and smile and say how happy I am that they are with me today. Some of them are so severely suffering from either physical, emotional or neurological issues, that they can't even look at me. I ask them to look at me when I'm holding their hands, and they do. I have been told by so many that they are shocked that I can inspire so many elders to participate, often I have 50 people in a class moving, shaking or tapping to the music.When I say goodbye, I tell them I'll see them in a week, or a month, God willing and thank them for participating.
I buy my own belly dancing scarves in NY and with lots of love and hugs, each person gets to wear one. II wrap them with a scarf that matches what they are wearing. I wrap it around their shoulders so the coins hang down in front. Something magical happens when they realize what they are wearing. It helps them feel alive, glamorous, sexy and in touch with present reality.
I will continue to teach #Zumba for Seniors as long as there are facilities taking care of them in the last stages of their lives and as long as Activity Directors remain open to the possibility that Zumba Gold classes bring joy and love to their residents/participants.
If you would like to schedule a class in your area, please contact me:
Email: [email protected], Cell: 602-708-9018,
Facebook: www.facebook.com/grandmashellieteacheszumba
If you'd like to purchase belly dancing scarves for your facility click the link below
Email: [email protected], Cell: 602-708-9018,
Facebook: www.facebook.com/grandmashellieteacheszumba
If you'd like to purchase belly dancing scarves for your facility click the link below