Client Spotlight – Beccy Shamy-Cline

Each month, we will be showcasing one of our clients. This month, Beccy Shamy-Cline has graciously agreed to be featured! Beccy has been coming to BFF for over five years now, and she has some great things to say.
How did you find StudioBFF?
Believe it or not, I think it was a Groupon. I wanted to find a dance aerobics type of class, and the schedule looked like it had some classes I would enjoy. Never in a million years did I think I would start taking ballet classes!
What was your first class, and when was it?
Wow! I can’t believe it, but it’s been over five years, and I took Latin Cardio Tone.
What is your biggest accomplishment at BFF? How about your biggest challenge?
My biggest accomplishment by far is starting pointe training at 55, and a short six months later, getting to perform on pointe! The biggest challenge is the fitness classes; the kick my butt every time, but in a good way!
What do you love about BFF?
I love the feeling of community. We’re all here to help each other, and even though I’ve taken many a class where most were far more advanced than I, no one has ever made me feel like I didn’t belong or that I shouldn’t be there. We work hard, but no one takes themselves too seriously. I’ve been encouraged all along the way, and I’ve never been told I might be too old (actually, I’ve never been allowed to use that as an excuse!).
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying BFF but isn’t sure?
I would say it is the safest, most encouraging environment to start moving your body!
Anything else you would like to add?
Because of Lisa and her amazing teachers, as well as the community she has developed, I was able to accomplish a long forgotten dream. There are no words.
Thank you, Beccy! We love you, and we are so happy that BFF has been able to be part of your ballet journey.
​​​​​​​If you would like to be featured in a future edition of the newsletter, email us!

 

Client Spotlight – Diane Hoogesteger

Each month, we will be showcasing one of our clients. This month, we are featuring Diane Hoogesteger.

How did you find BFF?
It was my husband actually. He knew I wanted to dance and be fit. He found BFF through Groupon, and it was perfect for me.

What was your first class at BFF?
Stretch and tone, and it was so hard at first!!

What is your biggest accomplishment since starting at BFF?
Wow. Which to choose from? Performing again was a goal of mine, and I’m so grateful to BFF for making that opportunity available TWICE! I am also stronger than I ever been.

What about your biggest challenge?
Finding the time to go to all the classes and to get through a whole class of African Cardio. Still can’t do it!

What do you love about BFF?
The people I have met. I know multiple PhDs, passionate fitness folks, opportunity to try different classes from fitness to Bellydance and African, the comfortable non-judgmental atmosphere that allows for growth, and a great bunch of strong women, inside and out.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying BFF but isn’t sure?
Do it! Nothing to lose and a whole new world to gain!

Anything else you’d like to add?
Before BFF, I started to experience pain in my hip flexors and back. Now I feel strong, pain free, and younger! I can keep up with the teenagers! So thankful for BFF!

We are so thankful for you, Diane!

Client Spotlight – Haley Stermon

Each month, we will be showcasing one of our clients. This month, we are featuring Haley Stermon.

How did you find BFF?
I found BFF through Google of all places! I was wanting to take a dance class in a studio that only had adults in it and not kids/teenagers in the class as well. I went on Google and searched adult dance classes near me, and BFF was the first place that popped up. I thought I would give this place a try, and I have been here ever since!

How long ago did you take your first class, and what was the first class you ever took?
I took my first class about 3 years ago. The first class I took was Ballerobica, and it kicked my butt!

What is your biggest accomplishment at BFF? How about your biggest challenge?
My biggest accomplishment at BFF is dancing on pointe. I thought because I didn’t do ballet when I was younger and that I was starting at an older age, I wouldn’t be able to dance on pointe. But with taking classes and the teachers helping and encouraging me, I was able to get onpointe. Pointe work is challenging enough, but as for my biggest challenge, it would be trusting myself. Whether I am in a ballet class on flat or on pointe or even an aerobics class, I need to trust and believe in myself that I can do these steps without falling or hurting myself.

What is your favorite thing about BFF?
What I love about BFF is everyone is so nice and friendly. When I first joined BFF, the staff and customers were welcoming and very helpful. Also, no one is competing with each other. We are all working on ourselves and not worrying about what others are thinking about each other, and I love that about BFF.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying BFF but isn’t sure?
I would tell them it is a great way to work out. Not only can you dance, but there are many different types of aerobics classes to take. I have learned from coming to BFF that you are never too old to dance. Just try a class and see for yourself how much fun it will be!

All of the teachers are very knowledgeable and are wanting to help everyone out. The staff at BFF really care about their clients and because of this, I and many others have been able to follow their dream. Thank you, BFF!

Thank you, Haley! We are so happy you decided to be part of the BFF family!

 

Client Spotlight – Heather Howe

Each month, we will be showcasing one of our clients. This month, we are featuring Heather Howe.

How did you find BFF?
I found BFF when a coworker told me about the Groupon and I tried out the three classes and fell in love.

How long ago did you take your first class, and what was the first class you ever took?
My first class was ballet level 2 over a year and a half ago, because I was rusty from being out of dance for so many years.

What is your biggest accomplishment at BFF? How about your biggest challenge?
My biggest accomplishment is getting back into ballet and contemporary. I grew up at a ballet studio, but hadn’t had a chance to dance as an adult after I turned 18. My biggest challenge is staying consistent with ballet, but I still come for aerobic classes when I am able.

What is your favorite thing about BFF?
I love everything about BFF. I always wanted to get more experience in contemporary, which is one of my favorite dance classes now. I am also able to do ballet with experienced ballet teachers and with other adults in a class the mirrors my preprofessional experience at a studio growing up. I love the mix of aerobic and dance classes that allows for variety. I never get bored of exercising. I love the cool and unique classes like African cardio, cardio dance fusion, club bff, and lyrical jazz. I love the energy and friendliness of the teachers. And I love that it’s a place to get to do what I love, dance.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying BFF but isn’t sure?
For anyone who wants to try BFF, try a class for free and see what you think. Try a few classes, dance or aerobics. If you want to be active, have fun in a vibrant and judgement free environment, and learn how to dance; you’ll love BFF too.

Thank you, Heather! We are so happy you decided to be part of the BFF family!

Lisa Riordan Client

Client Spotlight – Lisa Riordan

Each month, we will be showcasing one of our clients. This month, we are featuring Lisa Riordan.

Lisa Riordan ClientHow did you find BFF?
I was referred to BFF by one of my burlesque instructors. My first class was Ballerobica, after which I had trouble moving for two days–in a good way!!

What is your biggest accomplishment since starting at BFF? What about your biggest challenge?
My biggest accomplishment is not just the change I’ve seen in my body, but the way others have noticed it… my shoulders, arms, and legs are more sculpted, and my company mates have said that I’m moving in a much more “dancer-ly” way. My biggest challenge has been getting past the fact that I’m not a 22-year-old, super bendy size 2, and that that’s ok. To me, BFF is about embracing your own personal fitness journey & loving your body & what it can do.

What is your favorite thing about BFF?Lisa Riordan Client
What I love about BFF is twofold: the workouts are FANTASTIC. They never get easy; you just get better. They’re always challenging. The second part is the vibe and camaraderie of the students & instructors. Everyone is kind and welcoming and fun, and yet we all know we’re there because we want to get our asses kicked!!! We’re all on our own fitness journey, and it’s great to see so many women committing themselves to a healthy lifestyle, whatever form that takes for THEM.

If someone is thinking about trying BFF but isn’t sure, what would you tell them?
If someone is curious but unsure about taking a class at BFF, I say just give it a shot. You won’t find a better, more varied workout anywhere, and I would bet that you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better environment 🙂

Thank you so much, Lisa! We are super lucky to have you as part of the BFF Family!

Farzaneh Akhbari

This month, we are featuring one of our most dedicated clients, Farzaneh Akhbari. We all know her as “Farzi,” and she came to us with no prior ballet training. She has worked so hard and improved so much. Read on to learn more about her journey. She inspires all of us!

How did you find BFF?
I was introduced to BFF by my ballroom teacher to improve my body conditioning and help with understanding the mechanics of movement.

What was your first class at BFF?
I started in Ballet Level 1 with zero experience or knowledge.

What is your biggest accomplishment since starting at BFF? What about your biggest challenge?
Attending the classes was very intimidating and frustrating to me at first. By being patient and persistent, reviewing ballet books and practicing at home, going to higher level classes and challenging myself to learn more, I gradually felt an improvement in my posture,  strength, coordination, the direction of movement and musicality.

What do you love about BFF?

At the studio, everybody is friendly, nice, and encouraging. I like the fact that there are learning opportunities for everybody; we just have to try it. For people who enjoy dance as a hobby or recreational activity, BFF is a safe, nice, and respectful place. I enjoy attending different dance classes because I learn something new in each one of them.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying BFF but isn’t sure?
My advice to people is to be patient with yourself and enjoy the classes; be persistent, practice and study on your own too!
Anything else you’d like to add?

I appreciate the teachers’ and management’s attention and interest in working with me.

 

In the News – New Yoga Instructor

StudioBFF is so excited to welcome Hailey M. to our team of instructors!
She will be teaching Yoga for Dancers! Look for her on the schedule on Mondays and Saturdays!

This all levels vinyasa based yoga class is the perfect complement to your other BFF workouts. You will move through postures while focusing on your breath to create a moving meditation. For those newer to yoga, you will learn foundational postures and for those with a strong practice, you will be given opportunities to learn more advances poses and options for arm balances.

Hailey danced from the age of five all the way through her college years. After performing and choreographing for her college dance company, she went to Costa Rica to receive her 200hr yoga teacher training. She appreciates all the ways yoga changed her lifestyle and the amazing way the physical asana is used to tap deeper into your mind and spirit. Her classes combine her dance background with the strength and relaxation found in yoga, to create a moving meditation. Hailey is excited to join the Studio BFF team and help to share yoga with dancers and people of all levels and ages.

Instructor Spotlight – Hallie Edmonds

We are also showcasing one of our amazing instructors each month, and this month, we are featuring Hallie Edmonds. Hallie joined us 5 years ago after one of our fitness instructors told her about us. Read on to find out more about her!

Tell us a little about your dance background.
I grew up in Tucson where I trained at Academy of Ballet under Linda Walker and Carolyn Hutchinson and later Gary Mackenzie. It was here that I studied ballet, jazz, and character. I danced for their company, Tucson Regional Ballet, for 6 seasons and danced as a “guest artist” for them for 1 year while I was in college. While attending the University of Arizona, I took ballet, modern, and jazz classes in the dance department. When I moved to Phoenix, I took classes with Ballet Arizona, Mesa Community College, and Scottsdale Community College and completed my Pilates certification. I performed with the Arizona State University dance program and was a company member with Treeline Dance in Phoenix under Jenny Showalter.Tell us about how you first came to BFF.
I actually completed my Pilates certification with BFF instructor Jackie Weinstein who told me about this “great ballet studio who was run by this amazing woman named Lisa.” I emailed Lisa asking if they were in need of any more ballet instructors, and Lisa invited me in to take and then teach a class.

How long have you been an instructor at BFF?
I began teaching in 2012

What is your favorite thing about teaching at BFF?
The people: I always look forward to coming to the studio after a long work day. The instructors, staff, and clients are some of the best people I know.

What is your favorite thing to teach at BFF, either a class or a skill?
On the fitness side: I love teaching Ballerobica (I love calf exercises haha!) On the dance side: I love teaching contemporary

If someone was thinking about joining but wasn’t sure, what would you tell them?
We’re not just a dance or fitness studio; we’re a community of supportive people who truly enjoy just working out and having fun. We welcome all exercise backgrounds and levels and want nothing more than to help you achieve your fitness goals.

Lindsay Dahlin Fitness Instructor

Instructor Spotlight – Lindsay Dahlin

Each month, we will be showcasing one of our instructors. This month, we are featuring Lindsay Dahlin.

Lindsay Dahlin Fitness InstructorTell us a little about your dance background.
I began performing and competing in jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, ballet and cheerleading at the age of 5. I trained at Plumb Performing Arts Center in Scottsdale before moving to Southern California where I danced on my high school’s varsity dance team. I then attended UCLA where I split my time dancing on the UCLA dance team and performing as a Clippers Spirit dancer for the NBA. After receiving my B.A. in Sociology, I joined the Los Angeles Lakers Girls and started dancing and acting in the entertainment industry. Some of my credits include: Ironman 2, NFL Pro Bowl Halftime Show, America’s Got Talent, The Tonight Show, American Country Awards, House M.D., The Conan Show, Sizzler Restaurants, IPad, Big Lots, Salonpas, Kmart and more. My proudest accomplishment is traveling overseas to Kuwait and Iraq to perform for our US Armed Forces.

Tell us about how you first came to BFF.
I just moved back to Arizona from California in January and I was looking for a barre studio that I could potentially work at. In California I worked as a barre and dance/fitness instructor for 3 years. I really wanted to find something similar, so I searched “barre studios” in google maps. BFF was listed and it was quite close to where I lived. Once I checked out the website and saw all that BFF offered, I knew I wanted work here. I sent an email through the contact us option on the website and I came in and did a demo class. I was then offered a position as an instructor and I was so excited for the opportunity.

What is your favorite thing about teaching at BFF?Lindsay Dahlin Fitness Instructor
I love teaching at BFF because there is so much variety! There is no other studio quite like BFF. We are always adding new and fun fitness and dance classes while staying true to our ballet instruction. But it’s great because this keeps things fresh and interesting for our clientele and the instructors. I am able to teach several different types of classes and use my creativity as a dancer and fitness instructor.

What is your favorite thing to teach at BFF, either a class or a skill?
I really enjoy teaching our 90-minute workshops that we offer once a month because this class offers a little bit of everything to our clients. We incorporate cardio, ballet, barre, hip-hop, weights, bands, HIIT and more. There are no limits for this class and I love that!

If someone was thinking about joining but wasn’t sure, what would you tell them?
Go for it! BFF is such an awesome studio with the most amazing, qualified instructors I’ve ever met. I felt so welcome as soon as I stepped foot into BFF and these ladies are like family now. I look forward to teaching and taking class every week and I know that all the instructors here feel the same way. It’s a great workout and I guarantee you will have fun! And try all the different types of classes to see what fits you best. We have something for everyone!

Thank you so much, Lindsay! It hasn’t been that long, but it feels like you’ve been part of the team since the start!

Instructor Spotlight – Lisa Hunter

We are also showcasing one of our amazing instructors each month, and this month, we are featuring Lisa Hunter. Like most of our instructors, Lisa came to us as a client. She had a background in dance and, like many of our clients, wanted to continue dance recreationally as an adult. Read on to find out more about Lisa!

Tell us a little about your dance background.
The majority of my dance background comes from my 11 years of participating in colorguard and winterguard, which for the most part is a mix of ballet, contemporary, jazz, and lyrical dance. Along the way, however, I’ve taken classes in hip hop, swing, bellydance, line dance and various ballroom and Latin dances. I find that each style offers choreography that best accentuates certain types of music. Plus, one of my favorite parts of dancing is performing, and each of these styles typically has an emotion that best fits it; more styles means a spectrum of characters I can portray and emote.

Tell us about how you first came to BFF.
I actually started as a student who had recently moved to AZ, and was looking to find an  affordable ballroom, hip hop or jazz class that allowed adults (note: this is about as easy as finding a unicorn). At the time, BFF had an instructor who taught a class called Latin Cardio; I signed up and between the instructor being very welcoming and me just straight up enjoying the class, I became a permanent student, at least until I became an instructor!

How long have you been an instructor at BFF?
I’ve been teaching at BFF for approximately three and a half years.

What is your favorite thing about teaching at BFF?
My favorite thing hands down is getting to watch my students progress. Even in a single Club BFF class, a new student will often be a bit shakey with picking up the choreography at first, but by the end when we are doing a review of the class, they are nailing the steps just like my more tenured students who have been coming for months! It’s really rewarding to see them smile when they realize they’ve gotten the moves down.

What is your favorite thing to teach at BFF, either a class or a skill?
It’s probably not a surprise that I’d have to say Club BFF (as it’s the only class I currently teach). It’s fun to incorporate new styles of dance to give some flair to tranditional cardio fitness, and I love getting to play DJ and take requests from my students!

If someone was thinking about joining but wasn’t sure, what would you tell them?
It’s normal to try a new place and feel very uncomfortable, not knowing what you’ll be stepping into or what everyone else there will think about you, but one of the things I love most about our studio is that everyone, from the instructors and staff to the clientele, are very down-to-earth people, who really just care about health and fitness and having a good time doing it!​

Instructor Spotlight – Tamara Barden Huth

We are also showcasing one of our amazing instructors each month, and this month, we are featuring Tamara Barden Huth. Like most of our instructors, Tamara came to us as a client. As a former professional ballet dancer, BFF offered a unique environment that really appealed to her.
Tell us about your dance background.
I started ballet at age five in Tempe at Adams Academy of Ballet where I studies the Royal Academy of Dance method. I went on to apprentice with Ballet Arizona, and then I moved to New York City to study at the School of American Ballet where I learned the Balanchine style. Two years later, I joined American Ballet Theatre and danced with the company for ten years. In 2012, I completed ABT’s National Training Curriculum for ballet instructors.
How did you first come to BFF?
I started as a client in 2011. It was a few months after the studio opened, and I bought a Groupon. I hadn’t danced since I retired in 2001. It felt great to be dancing again!
How long have you been an instructor at BFF?
I started teaching at the studio in 2012.
What is your favorite thing about teaching at BFF?
I love that it is an all-adult studio. It is so great to be able to come in and feel comfortable around peers. I don’t think I could motivate myself to show up at a regular studio filled with stick-thin teenagers at this point in my life! Also, the studio has been where I met most of my closest friends to date. It has a really close-knit community.
What is your favorite thing to teach at BFF?
Ballet, of course! I like to focus on proper placement to prevent injury and the upper body, since that is what really makes a dancer look beautiful.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying BFF but isn’t sure?
​​​​​​​I suggest to try a class since it’s free! Ballet, Ballerobica, or Stretch and Tone are the ones I love best. No one judges at the studio, and all abilities are welcome. You will be sore the day after your class! And sore is a good feeling because it means you’ve used some muscles!
Thank you, Tamara! We love you so much. You are an amazing instructor and a valued member of the BFF team!

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