Jazzercise class
50 years since Jazzercise was founded, the dancing exercise craze is still going strong, still relevant, and continues to change and enhance lives.
Jazzercise is the original dance fitness programme created in 1969 by American born Judi Sheppard-Missett. She was quoted to say ‘’I quickly saw that what movement had done for me, it could do for everyone. And that thought created our culture and movement’’. Jazzercise has continued to evolve and grow worldwide and now offers over 32,000 classes in 32 countries per week.
In June just over 3000 instructors and customers from across the world congregated in San Diego, California, to celebrate Jazzercise turning 50 years strong. On the back of local Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire instructors decided to get together and celebrate this momentous occasion while raising money for a local charity.
On September 22, instructors and customers from the city and shire will be coming together for a day of celebration while raising funds in aid of VSA’s Changing Lives Campaign. As well as an instructor showcase and demo, involving some of the Junior Jazzercisers, there will be a selection of themed classes throughout the day. It is important to point out that this is not a Jazzethon! And organisers are encouraging beginners, members and the wider general public to come along and take part in this fun celebration event. The event takes place on Saturday, September 22, from 11am -5pm at the Beach Ballroom Aberdeen. People can choose to do as many or as few classes as they like. In addition, there will also be a wide range of stall holders coming along to showcase their products, so you can browse or even get a head start on your Christmas shopping. The event will also have some alternative therapies on offer and the Soda bar will be open all day for light refreshments.
A Jazzercise spokesperson said “ It was very important to us that we chose a local charity. Within a matter of minutes of chatting it became clear that every single one of us new someone who had struggled with mental health issues at somepoint throughout their lives, whether a family member, friend, work colleague. We did a little research and came across the Changing Lives Campaign. We knew instantly that we wanted to support VSA in their efforts raising £3.2m to build a new mental wellbeing facility. To have this facility on the doorstep will be a massive boost for the city”
Jennifer Mitchell director of external relation said “ We are very grateful for Jazzercise choosing to raise funds in aid of VSA’s Changing Lives Campaign, the money raised on the day will go towards our campaign goal of raising £3.2m to help change the lives of local people living with a mental health condition. Exercise and being active can be a tremendous boost to a persons wellbeing both physically and mentally and we cannot thank everyone at Jazzercise enough for their support and we wish Jazzercise all the very best for their 50th anniversary celebrations”
If you are interested in finding out further information or would like to buy a ticket to attend the event please visit:www.tickettailor.com/events/jazzercize/269590 or to make a donation to VSA’s changing Lives Campaign please visit www.vsa.org.uk