Saturday, March 10, 2007

MARCH NEWSLETTER!

A TEACHER IS NEVER A GIVER OF TRUTH----
HE IS A GUIDE, A POINTER TO THE TRUTH THAT EACH STUDENT MUST FIND FOR HIMSELF.
A GOOD TEACHER IS MERELY A CATALYST .

---BRUCE LEE

I recently saw this quote on the chalkboard at one of Los Angeles' many hot coffee spots on Sunset Blvd. And it couldn't have come at a more perfect time. I was coming from a rehearsal which in my view had been a total waste of time. The client I was supposed to be teaching and preparing for a shoot was not only not "getting it" but didn't even feign interest. This to me was very frustrating. On my way to teaching my next class, I stopped for a tea, looked up and saw these words. It hit me that it was not my job to MAKE my client "get it". If this person had the desire to learn then I was there to facilitate that process. If not, then I could not force my beliefs or philosophies, no matter how 'right' or 'good for her' I thought they were. I am blessed to be able to assist those who seek out the path to wellness in large numbers through my DVD's, classes and now this newsletter. But I can not take credit for anyone's transformation. That only comes to those who seek it for themselves. I am merely a catalyst.

Fitness Tip: Exercise the Spirit!
Inspired by who knows what, I went for a long run outside last weekend. It was a beautiful and unusually warm day here in Los Angeles. Spring fever hit me. Although it felt great at the time, my back was NOT happy with me come Monday morning. It was difficult for me to lay off the exercise for a while, but aside from the stuff I had to do (teach classes, etc.) I took more time this past week to nurture my spirit and allow my body to heal itself. Ultimately it propelled me to do something that was way past due: I enrolled in a meditation course. This new tool has been essential for me to find MY truth and to really 'tune in' to what my body is telling me. Now, for once, I am listening! I encourage you to learn some type of meditation and or relaxation method that helps you connect with your inner voice as this will be the ultimate and irrefutable guide of your life. As my teacher said, we make time to eat and sleep. Meditation and resting the noise in our heads is just as, if not more, important. Try to make the time and turn it into a habit.

Small Change Tip: Release Your Expectations
I sit here on a Saturday night waiting for a date to pick me up at what was supposed to be 9pm. It is now sometime between 9:30pm and 10pm. I realize, as I sit here somewhat annoyed, that I had a definite plan of how I wanted the evening to go, of course, which he didn't know. And it's not going that way. You can many times avoid disappointments, annoyances and frustrations if you release your expectations of others, or, if you DO have them, make sure they know you do. Open communication is key to avoiding stressful situations and burying emotions.

What's New:
I hit the ground running in 2007 with various projects and jobs. I recently finished taping a series of 20 minute "mini" workouts for Exercise TV (http://www.exercisetv.tv) including a cardio dance segment and my signature ballet strength class. Also be on the lookout for a yoga inspired workout and "red carpet ready". I will keep everyone posted as to when those can be viewed.
I also recently completed creating the choreography and consulting on the fitness component of Carmen Electra's new Aerobic Striptease videos. We shot in Vegas at the MGM Grand in Studio 54 and the Lofts. It was a fun experience and a great crew.
I recently shot two segments for the WE network as the fitness expert for two make-over shows for brides and bikinis! The airdate is still to be determined.
My "10 Minute Solution Dance Mix" recently hit number ONE in fitness DVD sales. You will soon be able to purchase this and all my DVD's on my website! Until then, check your local retail stores.
My All Star Workouts continue to run on FIT TV and now Discovery Health Network. Check your local listings for Hip Hop and Ballet Strength.
I will be shooting a NEW DVD in April to be released this fall . . . keep your eyes peeled. More to come . . .







3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Jennifer,

Great tips, i look forward to hearing more in your future newsletters. I've bookmarked your site.

-pete

Anonymous said...

Jennifer,

glad to see the new website up and running. Still working out to all the videos and loving them as much as when I first got them. Keep going and we will continue to keep working out!

Rachel Goldsmith

Anonymous said...

Hi Jennifer,

I was watching one of your workouts on Fittv today - It was called All Start Workouts & it was called 'Dance Groove' I loved the pants you had & some of the other girls had, coudl you tell me the brand? Thank you!