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| Watching
her curvy, fit body roll and twist with sassy salsa moves, you’d
never know that Springs Salsa & Dance Fitness Owner Dorie Wexler
was once severely overweight and out of shape. In 2000, she weighed in
at 198 pounds. At the time, she was living the life of a corporate junkie
in New York; completely consumed and not taking care of herself. But
in 2005 she left that harried life for a more relaxed one in Colorado.
Dorie eventually lost about 65 pounds, but it was a process that took
discipline and a lot of gumption. She says, “I wasn’t born
skinny.” Today, she knows that her former weight, bad health, and struggle to get fit worked to her advantage. She prides herself in knowing that she can relate to overweight and/or out-of-shape women because of her experience. Dorie says, “I know where they’re at in their mind. I can completely relate to them.” Dorie married her athletic husband, Mark, in 2006, and they own Springs Salsa & Dance Fitness together. Mark at one time struggled with his weight as well, so they share the same passion for fitness and fun. Their business began with remote classes when they realized there was a need for salsa and eventually other dance styles in the area. The couple taught in rented studios in Pueblo, Greeley, and Johnstown. They briefly had a studio building on Eighth Street in Old Colorado until they settled in their present, permanent location. This cute bungalow sits atop a cozy doorway off West Colorado Avenue. The narrow staircase off the street opens up onto the studio’s large wooden dance floor. The brick wall hugs the floor-length mirror that captures every dance move. Three tall, narrow windows resembling poised dancers in flowing pastel chiffon overlook downtown’s Main Avenue. On this quiet morning, dancers slowly mingle in and get ready for class. They smile, chit chat, and fill the room. Mark begins the music and the students position themselves on the dance floor. Mark is all smiles as he greets the class and gives them safety and health tips. With scarves in their hands and Mark light on his feet, the dancers begin to “prance” across the floor. Mark and Dorie say they love dance and helping people get fit. One of their greatest joys is the “transformation”; when a self-conscious student becomes confident in movement and body: To see a student start out classes wearing a baggy T-shirt and sweats; then they start wearing closer-fitted workout tops; and then they start rolling down the pant waistline.” They both smile as they recall these transformations in their students as well as their health. It all began while living in the Big Apple. Dorie was too ashamed to go to a public gym, so she worked out with videos at home. Once she gained a little confidence she started taking salsa lessons, and her love of dance flourished. She shares, “I became addicted to fitness. Once the music is on and I’m on the dance floor…” Mark’s full-time job is as a licensed counselor. He earned his PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Toledo in 1993. His professional title is Dr. M. Mark Wexler. Dorie is an AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) certified fitness professional with a background in motivational counseling. She has certifications to teach Zumba, Yoga Booty Ballet, Masala Bhangra (an Indian folk dance), Hatha yoga, aerobics, and Salsa On2. When Dorie wants to bring a new dance to the studio, she makes it a point to go directly to the artist to learn about it firsthand. If she feels it will benefit her clientele, she learns how to do the dance and gains certification so she can teach it. Zumba is a high-energy mix of Latin and international music in aerobic/interval workout routines. According to a Zumba Web site, this workout burns up to 600 calories through various movements using salsa, Merengue, Reggaeton, Cumbia, Latino hip hop, Cha Cha, belly dance, and Samba. Yoga Booty Ballet is a mixture of dance, yoga, and “booty” sculpting. It aids weight loss and sculpts long and lean muscles such as the hips, thighs, and buttocks. Masala Bhangra is a traditional folk dance from Punjab, India and is an overall body toning and conditioning workout that helps build endurance. Salsa is taught in three levels: • Salsa 101 is a six-week introductory course teaching the basics. • Club-Style Salsa is social salsa dancing with a partner (It can also be titled: “On1,” “On2,” and “LA Style”). This level focuses on footwork, patterns, and lead/follow techniques. • Salsa Moves teaches footwork, rhythm, and timing and is well-known in New York and Los Angeles nightclubs. In their first year of business, Springs Salsa & Dance Fitness won second place for the “Best Place to Salsa” in the Independent’s “Best Of” contest. Dorie and Mark pride themselves on providing a safe place to dance. There is no alcohol or smoking. However, upon graduating from a salsa class, they will sometimes offer a glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres to celebrate. On the last Saturday of every month, they host “Salsa Night at The Cubanacan.” This is a time of salsa and socialization in a fun, safe environment. The salsa classes sell out quickly. Within 15 minutes of posting the latest class signup on the Web site, there were already nine students the first night. Corporate and school wellness services are also provided both on- and offsite. One corporate example is when they pamper women in a candlelit studio with gifts, soft music, and relaxation. They have led hospital groups in Latin line dances. And they enjoy the challenge of team-building exercises geared toward employees. They have also led team-building exercises with high school administration staff, cheerleaders, and soccer teams using dance and rhythms. The students then perform for their peers. Dorie laughs and says, “They’re on the spot—their creative juices are flowing; they’re all giggling and doing high-fives.” Springs Salsa & Dance Fitness hosts parties for children 14 years of age and over (with hip hop being the most popular), Bar mitzvahs, and dances. They also rent their studio out for special occasions. Adult parties consist of pole parties/classes, bachelorette/bachelor parties, and belly dancing. They also offer relaxation parties for women. For class times and more information, visit www.springssalsa.com. Their studio is located at 2506 W. Colorado Ave., Unit C in Colorado Springs. The phone number is 719-520-1201. |
Springs Salsa & Dance Fitness |
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