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When opportunity knocks – open that door!
Maggie Hollowed • 5 August 2022
When opportunity knocks – open that door!
The iconic Fred Astaire once said “Do it big, do it right, and do it with style”
It wasn’t until I received an unexpected call back in March 2022 that I knew it was the perfect opportunity to put Mr Astaire’s advice into action.
After picking up the mysterious call I was greeted with these words: “Hi, my name is Claire and I am choreographer for Peter Kay.” As soon as I heard the words Peter Kay all I could think was, how on earth have my sons managed to set up such an elaborate prank call? We had been watching Peter Kay on Netflix a few nights before and I assumed this was the ultimate set up.
However, much to my surprise and excitement, this wasn’t a prank call at all and in fact an invitation for some Zumba Gold Students and myself to participate in a fundraiser at Alexander Palace. I was informed that ‘The Dance For Life’ concert, organised by Peter Kay, was taking place on 29th April and was being held in support of Cancer Research. This was an opportunity like no other and such a big achievement for my students and I – saying no was never an option!
Do it big? Check.
For weeks leading up to the big event, we rehearsed and perfected our moves. Knowing we would be performing in front of a large live audience definitely gave us the motivation to make each routine as flawless and fun as possible. With that in mind, we picked three lively, feel-good tracks to dance to:
Up Town Funk – Mark Ronson (feat. Bruno Mars)
SAX – Fleur East
Making Your Mind Up – Bucks Fizz
Do it right? Check.
Time certainly does fly when you’re having fun because before long, we were having our final rehearsal on the stage at Alexander Palace.
We had the honour of being the only dance group on stage that night – that's right, stage fright swiftly exit to the left please and thank you! Knowing the spotlight was really and truly on us, we were determined to make sure the audience had as much fun watching us as we did performing for them.
It was finally our time to shine and that night, we danced in front of 8000 people. To say that adrenaline was pumping would be an understatement! The atmosphere was vibrant, the crowd were energetic and of course, the cause was inspiring. In the wise words of Billy Elliot, it felt like electricity.
Do it with style? Check.
Although it is almost impossible to put into words and explain how we came together as a group and how fulfilling it was to be part of this experience, the memory of the evening will stay with my students and I forever. Despite being completely out of our comfort zone, we absolutely nailed it and I am so proud of everyone that took part.
Opportunity does not come knocking very often, but when it does you should embrace it with both arms and that is exactly what we did.
To Spring into action is to become suddenly very active and energetic.
In a recent number of polls carried out by market research companies and social media, it has been established that over 40% of people have gained weight during the pandemic.
We are heading towards the light at the end of the tunnel. Fingers crossed, if plans go accordingly, lockdown is due to be lifted by the end of June. Some sort of normality will return to our lives. We will be able to return to classes in person and not just virtually.
Valentine’s Day is almost here. A day for professing your love or desire for someone else.
After the last 9 months we have had and with current lockdown rules, I do not blame anyone for trying to make the most of their Christmas. It is of course the season to be jolly.
This week I was asked to present at an event over a virtual platform. I was well prepared and had everything planned.
I remember our first day of lockdown, 17 March 2020. Classes were cancelled and students were asking how they could participate in classes from home. After a couple of weeks of testing different platforms we managed to deliver our classes through social media. I t was not an easy transition and was only achieved after much trial and error with the help and support from students. People found it strange at first, going from a live group class environment to a virtual class from home, watching from their PC, lap top, tablet or phone. Fast forward 5 months and exercising from home has become part of our daily routine. In addition to that we have all become a lot more ‘Tech Savvy!’. We are now quick to link our lap tops to the TV, or screen mirror our phones or tablets. We are quick to set up, organise the furniture, angle the camera and adjust the sound. We have come along way. Looking forward to the next 5 months and who can predict what will happen? One thing for certain is the importance of keeping active – both physically and mentally. We must make the most of the Summer days and weeks we have left. Enjoy some long walks, exercise in the great outdoors or simply dance in the sun, wind or rain – our virtual classes will continue to be here for you – we are only a touch of a button away.
Find the balance, find the time to have fun, quality time with friends & family, time to invest in your health, fitness and mental wellbeing, time to relax & unwind. Balance is key. Look after yourself because it is ‘U’ that matters.
‘What is my goal? Why do I want to achieve it?’ ‘What do I have to do to achieve it’? ‘Is it realistic?’ ‘How will it fit into my lifestyle – work, family?’ ‘What changes will I have to make?’ ‘What barriers prevent me from achieving my objectives?’ ‘If I am going to achieve the things I want to achieve and I am willing to make some changes, then what time scale am I going to set myself’
Focus On Positive Communication According to a recent report from the Mental Health Foundation, changing the way we talk and think about ourselves may help us to feel happier in our own skin. When we continuously speak about our bodies in a negative way, “I feel fat today”, “I look old”, “I do not have the body to wear that”, it can lead to us feeling worse about ourselves and leave us with poor body image. Instead, if we try to focus on the more positive things about our body, and what it does for us, this may help to support and improve our body image, ’I am strong’, ‘I am healthy’, ‘I am pretty good for my age’! Another good approach to building body image is to focus on activity and healthy eating habits for the benefits they provide, instead of just focusing on dieting, losing weight or building muscle. Be kind to yourself!
