Step by Step

I went to Jaazercise here a couple of times this week. It is not quite like it is at home, but then that maybe too much to hope for. Those of you that know me KNOW that Jazzercise is my gig. I love it. I love it not only for its form of exercise, but because I have had the privilege and blessing to have my life touched by the many wonderful women there. Below is a piece that I wrote in a writer's workshop several years ago. The words still ring true. And, if you are ever in El Cajon, stop by Jazzercise. They are sure to welcome you and make room for you on the floor!

Step by Step....

Who knew? I went because Rosemary, my kinesiologist, said that my adrenals were worn out. Now, I don’t pretend that I “understand” the “science” behind kinesiology I just know that it works. I know that she knows and I believe her. So anyway, she made it clear that sporadic yoga classes weren’t cutting it. I told her that I didn’t just NOT go to yoga classes, I also have a vast exercise video collection to choose from--STEP Reebok, Jane Fonda’s Complete Workout, Jane Fonda’s Lean Routine, Jane Fonda’s Step Aerobics, Jane Fonda’s Workout for Beginners, Jane Fonda’s Upper Body Workout, Jane Fonda’s Lower Body Workout and if I get bored with Jane I also have The Firm volumes I and III, The Firm Parts Tortoise Workout, The Firm Parts Hare Workout. I have Yoga for Beginners, Yoga for Relaxation, Power Yoga, AM Yoga, PM Yoga, Hollywood Yoga and speaking of Hollywood, let us not forget that I have the Ultimate Tae Bo collection.--That I BEGGED Ricardo for because clearly it was THE workout for me.

“O.K. So why aren’t you using them.”

“I do use them, in a pinch.” Then it dawned on me. EVERYTHING felt like a pinch. That was Rosemary’s whole point. Where is the space in my day that I set aside for re-creation? For forgetting the world? hmmm good question. “I’m a teacher. I’m at the heart of the world everyday--how can I ‘forget’ it? And, what do you mean re-create? We create in my classroom everyday. Especially on Fridays when have some moderately elaborate art project.”

“Well, if you keep on at this pace and you won’t have anything to give those kids because you will be drained yourself.”

“So, what should I do?”

“Find a special place for YOU and treasure it.”

Well, around about this time the weekly Pennysaver came. I used think that it only came because the mailman needed some kind of wrapper for the junk mail to slide into. Afterall, does anyone really READ the Pennysaver. O.K. fine. But tell me, it can’t be true that people actually advertise for Nannies in there--how could they?! Anyway, the pizza coupons were oozing from between the pages of the Pennysaver, so I shook them out to order them neatly when an ad caught my eye. JAZZERCISE Dance your way into Fitness! Dance. Hmmm I’ve ALWAYS looovvved to dance. My earliest memories are of me singing, dancing and performing on the fireplace--with much gusto. (By junior high I had perfected my Harry Belafonte Live at Carnegie Hall routine) Now, many of even my closest friends would like to snicker that I don’t have much rhythm. I prefer to think of myself as a freestyle dancer. That’s much nicer that “off-beat”.

I looked the coupon over. At the time Jazzercise was offering an incentive of 6 weeks for the price of 4 for new students. I polished off my pennies and paid my money. I don’t remember much about that first actual class. I do remember that my calves ached for DAYS. So much so that I began to think maybe the stereotype was true--maybe Black people aren’t fashioned properly for ballet. NAW! Couldn’t be, I’d been dancing all my life and besides Jazzercise is so much more than just plain ole pirouettes! Latin, Jazz, Reggae, Blues, Rock, Pop, Funk, Hip-Hop, Country, Oldies, Swing, Kickboxing, Folk. You name and there is surely a Jazzermove to go with it!

While it may have taken some time for my calves to adjust, my soul and my spirit took to it right away thanks to Susan’s inspiration. I am certain that when Susan started out in El Cajon some 20 years ago she had no idea of the impact of her mission. On any given night, she inspires, humors, teaches and teases. A breast cancer survivor, she is keenly aware of the preciousness of every moment in life. This is what she has passed onto us through song, through music, through words, through fellowship. She put it so poignantly herself in her opening remarks on Thanksgiving Day (yes we gather not “even on holidays”, but especially on holidays). Susan began by sharing what she is personally thankful for. We are among her blessings because as she put it, “Yes, we gather in this place, in this room in El Cajon under the guise of exercise. But what we have created in this room transcends that. We have celebrated and survived. We have endured and enjoyed. There have been marriages and divorces; births and deaths; new jobs and same old jobs; grief and laughter; cancer and healing. Healing for whatever ails us in the course of a day, a week, a month or a life. We have banned together. And for one special hour each day we can put all aside and dance. Get lost in the music and glory in the fellowship that we have created in this room.”

She’s right. I recall those words of hers that Thanksgiving Day often. Especially when the day has been trying and traffic so tight that I wonder if I will make it to Jazzercise class on time. And yet, I do. When I get there I feel the buzz in the parking lot. There are many of us who pass each other between classes. Nameless but not unknown. We smile, wave and greet...”Have a GREAT class. Enjoy!” As soon as I cross the threshold, the sweat and excitement equally humidify the air. I eagerly peel off the day and take my place in the chorusline. Arms raised, sweeping in unison. It is a majestic scene. I glance first at my neighbor and dear friend Steph, then around the room. At least 50 women of all walks of life, ethnicity and ages gathered together in a common place because we share a common space. Wives, mothers, sisters, friends....dancers. We are drawn by the inspiration of life. Breathing in balance, breathing out freedom. Letting go of our social scripts, our hurts, our frustrations, our dreams and living in the moment. Knowing what a sublime treasure it is to “forget” in the company of sister spirits. Re-creating who we are note by note, step by step, song by song.