New Documentary on DanceABILITIES to be filmed March 26th-April6th
"Dance for the Ages"

By Film Maker and Videographer, Les Owen
LDO Video Productions & Treehouse Dreams Films

The film “Dance for the Ages” focuses on the benefits of dance-wellness, specifically through danceABILITIES. danceABILITIES was founded by dance-fitness choreographer and neuro-inspired psychotherapist [CTP Dipl Can] Miriam Schacter to respond to a much needed movement program committed to our communities, medical health research, and the arts.

Through interviews with clients, medical people (some are clients) and family members, as well as shooting actual classes, it is our goal to tell stories and demonstrate the unique effect dance-movement can have, in the physical, cognitive, social and creative realms. We aim to enthuse and embody viewers.

Can we move peopleto ask themselves the questions…. What is motion? What is health? How do I use my own body in my own life? How am I using my nervous system? Am I wired to feel and be, not perfect, but just… BE?

The director, Les Owen, is related to one of the dance students and lives in Washington, D.C. He will be coming to Toronto for a two week period to shoot. There is no funding for this film. Les’s company, Treehouse Dreams Films, will be providing all equipment. Music by Canadian musicians and producers is also being donated. Dancers support Canadian talent!

Anyone interested in exploring a worthy project and being part of this film is welcome to join in. The cameras to be used are a Panasonic 370 and a Panasonic 100. Tapeless. Lights, cameras, audio, steadicam, dolly to be used. Film volunteers will also be on site.

About the Director: Les Owen is a film maker/videographer residing in Washington, DC. He has produced various projects to include an award-winning documentary, television pilots, live concerts, short films, commercials and marketing videos. The acquisition of new broadcast cameras will raise production values to a new level and this project will be the first to benefit! Samples of LDO Video Productions & Treehouse Dreams Films projects can be found by searching “LDOVideo” on Youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsjeptIN0KE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOoPFFas23g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tkfo2XLBAXg

About the Subject: DanceFIT danceABILITIES Canada leads community-driven classes in dance-wellness for individuals with movement differences such as Parkinson’s, fibromyalgia, MS, joint replacement, arthritis, cancer, stroke or if you use walkers, canes or wheels for mobility and balance.

Classes are taught in seated and standing positions to embodied-melodies, enlivening-global beats, floor-defying funk and jazz-tipped rhythms. From Waltz to Musical Comedy to Disco, we “fire it and wire it” together in an atmosphere of authentic community fun.

Founder, Miriam Schacter, is a trained dance-fitness choreographer, neuro/trauma-oriented psychotherapist-in-supervision and teacher for Dancing with Parkinson's. With 3 years experience as a physiotherapy assistant in hospital and clinical settings, and dance teacher at the Aphasia Institute (for stroke), Miriam is pleased to offer a much needed movement program committed to our communities, medical health research, and the arts.

http://www.dancefitcanada.blogspot.com/
http://www.thedancewell.blogspot.com/

For Information and Consent Forms Please talk to Miriam
CONTACT 416-939-1672 mir.iam@sympatico.ca

Logo Photo Credit: Andrea Cohen-B, Living Cable Productions

LANDING neither east, nor west...I've got a lovely danceFIT location for 2012....somewhere in the middle of our many roads. I am so happy to be able to offer a THURSDAY night danceFIT class 6pm-7pmpm at Trinity St. Paul's Center: For Faith, Justice and the Arts, just west of Bloor and Spadina.

LOCATION:
Trinity St. Paul's Centre
427 Bloor Street West
Tor Ont M5S 1X7
Location Link: http://www.trinitystpauls.ca/content/community-heart-city
Teacher (Miriam) Phone: 416-939-1672
Teacher (Miriam) Link: http://dancefitcanada.blogspot.com/

The hard wood floor space is nice and fully wheelchair accessible. It's a home, and the staff are so kind! I'm thrilled. The janitor is named Jim, and well, he's pretty keen on clean dance floors.

COST:
I am just figuring out costs now...but I hope to keep it in the ball park
Of $12 w/ tax.

CLASS DESC:
Rooted in the best of dance-fitness danceFIT workouts include choreographed sequences in continuous flow-motion. Set to resonant house, smooth worldbeat, funk, soul, disco, electro-dancehall and a hint of cello, the practice unites top-down neuro-feedback mechanisms with full-body fitness, including martial arts, weights, yogaa and restorative practices. Think of an ocean-side salt licked sea breeze all wrapped in a state of the art “wellness blueprint” for movers and non-movers, high level athletes, dancers and non-dancers, fit and non-fit alike. No experience required, shoes optional.

If you know Miriam's "Funk the Fat", or "Flow Motion Fitness" work based on years of teaching Nia, danceFIT unites all aspects of emotionally connective holistic living all the way to Funky Town. See you on the dance floor! - M

Miles Nadal JCC Goes House

Miles Nadal JCC danceFIt dancers gave it UP house style at tonight's 6:30 danceFIT class in Toronto. Thank you, so grateful for the good vibes, great tunes and awesome dancing. See you every tuesday for a little more of bling, a lot more boom....

Tracks included... My Reflection (Manoo Mano Stella Re); So Grateful (Fanatix Remix - Bobien feat Dennis Ferrer) ....as seen in photo above; Slow Ride (Foghat); Most Precious Love (Dennis Ferrer Mix) and so on and on....and on and on.

JCC Public Classes and Members!

6:30-7:30pm
Miles Nadal JCC, 750 Spadina Ave + Bloor St., Spadina Subway Station
[Public+Members] Classes

COST
$15 +tx. Drop-In Only Avail [Free for Members of MNJCC]
Stay a while! Pass includes saunas, whirlpool and gym. Have an awesome all-day spa!

Rooted in the best of dance-fitness danceFIT workouts include choreographed sequences in continuous flow-motion. Set to resonant house, smooth world_beat, funk, soul, disco, electro_dancehall and a hint of cello, the practice unites top-down neuro-feedback mechanisms with full-body fitness, including martial arts, weight use and yoga. Think of an ocean-side salt licked sea breeze all wrapped in a state of the art “wellness blueprint” for movers and non-movers, high level athletes, dancers and non-dancers, fit and non-fit alike. No experience required, shoes optional.

If you know Miriam's "Funk the Fat", or "Flow Motion Fitness" work based on years of teaching Nia, danceFIT coming to the Miles Nadal JCC unites all aspects of emotionally connective holistic living all the way to Funky Town. See you on the dance floor! - M

LINKS
Join FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=43686255297&ref=ts
http://www.facebook.com/pages/DanceFit-Canada/263856046038?ref=ts
Blog Spot Class Discussions: http://torontomoves.blogspot.com/
Class Schedule: http://dancefitschedule.blogspot.com/

“Fridays to Mondays Were Made for Dancing!”

Many of us have waited in anticipation for a community dance-fitness program specifically designed for adults and young adults; this class welcomes individuals with Parkinsons, MS, diabetes, hip and knee replacements, fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, cancer, and anyone who uses mobility aids or wheels in everyday living.

The class will learn together while seated; individuals who want to stand, are encouraged to stand. Dance choreographies will be taught in standing and individuals in wheelchairs will demonstrate the wheeled way. If your balance is severely at risk, walkers and canes are needed and/or a friend 'dance-assistant'. Modify to your body, not anyone else's. Spouses, friends and partners please remain with the registrant if he or she is having a rough day.

I have two locations for uptown and downtown folks. Schedule and Info at www.dancefitschedule.blogspot.com
Call Miriam at 416-939-1672 Email: Torontomoves@gmail.com

CLASS LINE UP + BIO

CLASS BLURBS [For Print]
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FLOW MOTION FITNESS with Miriam : An invigorating dance-fitness program integrating dance, martial arts, weight work, and restoration in “flow motion” for full-body strengthening and lean muscle sculpting. Set to the best of funk, house, jazz, classical, and international beats - Flow Motion is ready to enliven, energize!

FUNK THE FAT
A full-body, core-cardio fitness blueprint for serious sculpting. Always originally mixed the the best of house, funk, disco, rocksteady, and dancehall, Funk the Fat brings all the shine and the "chill" attitude of a pop'n club to the studio floor. Choreographies include cardio-dance, martial arts, weights, mats, balls, gliders and bands. Dress 2 Drench!

DanceFIT Intro
Always wanted to join a class but your feet can't move to the beat? You're not alone! Get fit, get funky, ask questions and learn how to integrate the rhythm and flow. Come on now... ease on down, ease on down the road!!

CLASSICAL STRETCH
A stunning flow-based full-body stretch class set to Bach, Mozart, Sati, Puccini, jazz, opera and friends. Enlivening and restorative this movement-style program, uses chairs and floor work to move into deep stretches and wider ranges of joint motion. An authentic body-improvement favorite for golfers, racket players and athletes.

danceABILITIES: BODY+BONE BASICS
A fitness program for aging club members to address the need for body-health basics including maintaining healthy bones, balance, flexibility, muscle tone, and circulation. This non-competitive, friendly environment invites everyone to stay fit and stay active – together.


danceFIT danceABILITIES Canada (*registered business name)
These dance-based classes are moved through in standing and with chairs. Oriented towards dance and the full use of music, memory, and right brain motor-sensory choreographies this program offers rejuvenating and refreshing doses of fun, strength, community, embodiment and vitality. Can also be named "Hips and Knees - Please!"
Call For Details 416-939-1672

AQUABoogie [On Hold]
All the dance and cardio training you can handle in a non-impact environment. In watery bliss, hit-up the best resistance moves from Aquafit and mixed martial arts - all choreographed to a world class beat and a holistic body wellness orientation.

PERSONAL TRAINING SERVICES
Private and Small Group Dance-Fitness

ACUBALL MASTERS CLASS
http://www.acuball.com/

Spend an hour with Miriam discovering stretch and myofascial release techniques using the Chiropractor designed Acuball. The Acuball, used by atheletes in the NHL and NBA and featured in Chatalaine, Flair and Self, helps us reach into deep layers of muscle and fascia in the neck, back, belly, hips and legs and assists in maintaining the healthy alignment of our spinal chord. The smaller Acuball-mini helps us reach, with ease and self agency, into the smaller muscles of the feet, arms, gluts, ITB, AB-Adductors and upper back.

The Acuball's specially designed acupoints and heat stimulate blood flow. This increases circulation, helping to 'flush out' built up toxins that accumulate in tight muscles causing pain. Direct pressure from the acupoints also massages muscle and mobilizes joints, further enhancing pain free body movement. The acupoints also stimulate your Central Nervous System, like acupuncture does, to release natural painkilling, relaxing and mood enhancing chemicals like enkephalins and endorphins. Because of this, people who use the Acuball in bed, before retiring for the evening, often report enhanced feelings of relaxation and deeper sleep. Moreover, Miriam's dancefit students have been using the ball, and rarely experience post-training soreness or lactic acid build up.

The Spine Align Belt of the Acuball acts like accordion, opening and ‘freeing up’ your spine all the way from your low back up to the top of your neck. The acupoints at the side of the Spine Align Belt also give an acupressure treatment to the important postural muscles running along both sides of your spine (the erector spinae muscles). 

Better spinal motion, improved Central Nervous System flow (since your Central Nervous System runs through your spine) and improved posture result. The area where your neck meets the back of your head is a key area for wellness enhancement. Why? Because it is here that your brain exits your skull and becomes your spinal chord, transmitting vital information to every part of your body. Any tightness here affects your brain's ability to optimally communicate with your body, so you want this area to be as loose and flexible as possible. Because we spend so much time with our heads bent forward - working, computing and care-giving this area deserves our caring attention. ☺

"All of this happens 100% naturally, reconnecting your mind and body in the process. "
- Dr. Michael A. Cohen, Developer of Acuball

SHORT BIO
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Miriam Sarah Schacter

Founder of danceFIT danceABILITIES Canada, Miriam is one of Toronto's most popular group-fitness instructors specializing in dance-fit classes on land and in water including Flow Motion Fitness, Aquaboogie, Classical Stretch, Funk the Fat, and the Acuball Master's class.

Miriam not only teaches with strength, talent and the coolness of charisma packed in rock glass of class, she was trained as a physio assistant to respond to the needs of long-term body-care, whether it be due to the processes of aging or post-operative changes. Miriam is currently completing a 6 year program in psychotherapy with a focus on neurological perspectives and is the dance teacher for the Center for Movement Disorders, part of "Dancing with Parkinsons".

Booking 416-939-1672 www.dancefitschedule.blogspot.com