FALL IN LOVE WITH FITNESS
THROUGH DANCE BACKSTAGE
At Transcendence, we are lucky to have FINDING INSIDE U Sus individuals in the world of musical theater. Audiences get to see many wonderful performers grace our stage, but they’re not the only amazing people who help bring the Transcendence spirit to life. We were delighted when acclaimed Musical Director Susan Draus, agreed to come on as the Musical Director for our upcoming show, “The Ladies of Broadway.” Susan grew up playing the clarinet and attended Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan on a full scholarship. She planned to become a Conductor one day. Then Carole King released her album “Tapestry.” “I couldn’t have dropped the clarinet faster,” Susan says. Inspired by one of the most creative and influential albums of the 20th century, Susan realized she wanted to create music opportunities to work with some of the most talented
When you get ready to exercise, the last thing you probably think to wear is a bow tie or evening dress. If that’s the case, then it’s time to broaden your approach to fitness and step out onto the dance floor. The wide world of
anticipate having solo students and arrange for partners to cycle through, so everyone has the opportunity to practice. Of course, ballroom dance isn’t your only option for a fun workout. If relying on a partner isn’t your style, there are plenty of other dance genres
dance might hold the secret to exercise that you — and your partner — will actually enjoy! Whether you enjoy a romantic waltz, an intimate salsa, or a fun swing, dance promises a full-body workout. Your legs, glutes, back, core, and even arms are engaged when you feel the music. A study from the University of Brighton in England found that dance can burn 600 calories per hour, depending on the intensity of the dance, which is as much as running for an hour! In addition to toning your muscles, dancing also
you can groove to. Consider trying K-pop (Korean pop music), Zumba, hip-hop, ballet, tap, and even belly dancing, if you’re feeling adventurous. With dance, you no longer need to treat exercise as a dreaded chore week after week. Even if you have two left feet, remember that dancing is an
acquired skill. With a willingness to learn, over time, you could dance circles around Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Get your groove on today and search for dance studios in your area, look for lessons at your local community center, or find instructional videos online and bust a move right in your living room. If you’re having fun and moving, you’re doing it right.
improves balance and coordination. Your brain is engaged as you memorize the steps and spins, a health perk you miss when you’re on the treadmill or lifting weights.
Don’t have a partner willing to join you on the dance floor? No problem! Many dance classes
STARS OFFSTAGE WHO IS ZAZZLE?
Martha McKee, lovingly known in our Transcendence family as “Zazzle,” has been an invaluable volunteer since our first season. Captain of the wine pouring team, Zazzle got her nickname after she used the website Zazzle.com to create a bag with the Transcendence logo. The bag was created specifically to carry supplies between the picnic and indoor bar. She’s a nightly presence, running the picnic and wine bars while teaching new volunteers how to show audiences the best night ever, even before performers take the stage. In addition to bringing her amazing spark to each night, Zazzle is a true Transcendence ambassador, sharing our story wherever she goes, including her neighbors on airplanes. “If someone doesn’t look like they want to chat, of course I leave them to their book. But when I meet someone as talkative as myself, Transcendence
always gets worked into the
conversation,” Zazzle admits. “People get so excited. I can’t offer them anything free, but it’s fun to tell people about the amazing experience of Transcendence and offer them the opportunity to have the best night ever. At least three couples I spoke to on a plane ended up catching a performance!” Creating Transcendence has always been a team effort, and what we have today wouldn’t be possible without incredible volunteers like Zazzle. We’re all in this together. As Zazzle says, “We’re all agents sharing the Transcendence experience.”
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