the event. I was lucky enough to partner with two other female competitors. We were dancers for the Avia dance team so the transition was easy. We won our first regional competition and went right to nationals where we took 5th place in the team division. From there I was picked up by the San Francisco Bay Club by two of their seasoned competitors. My skills had become stronger than my first team at Prime Time. I then had access to trainers, choreographers, nutritionists, and costume designers. Jane Fonda, Suzanne Somers, and Jamie Lee Curtis were instrumental in kickstarting the sport of aerobics. I started when it was just getting hot. There is nothing cooler than channel surfing and seeing yourself on TV doing what you love to do.
What were some of the fitness shows or exercise videos you were a part of?
I filmed several step aerobics videos for Reebok while being on their traveling dance team. I also starred in a self-defense exercise video called Defense Aerobics. In this high impact kickboxing video, I show all the kicks and punches to defend yourself while you get fit. I was also the “high impact” girl on the Jacki Sorensen’s daily exercise show. I was supposed to be one of the background girls, but she pulled me to the front to take over and teach high impact.
What role has dance played in your life and do you incorporate dance into your daily life?
Both my father and brother were jazz drummers. My house was filled with music. My grandmother was an acrobat as a child then danced in Hollywood during her teen years. Dance has always been a part of my life since my early gymnastic years. I was also a cheerleader from 7th grade through my senior year of high school then I danced for the Avia, Reebok and the Canada College Dance team. With my passion for music, dance will forever be a part of my daily life.
annual World Wide IDEA Fitness Conferences where fitness professionals gather every year. It was amazing to be among peers in that setting.
When you did modeling for Shape Magazine, what did you pose for?
When I modeled for Shape Magazine, I was honored to be chosen; I couldn’t believe it. The outfit they gave me to wear was something I would never pick out for myself, so I was disappointed. I did not like the way the outfit fit me. The shorts were an unflattering length with a matching bra top. The outfit was cotton when shiny spandex was hot, so matte black cotton was nothing special. At that time in my life, I was competing solo and with my second team, so I saw the photo shoot as a distraction from my competition prep. I wish I could go back in time and experience it all over again. I would enjoy every second of it.
Not that long ago most women didn’t feel comfortable hanging out in the weight room, but now they do. What do you think made that transition happen?
I think that group exercise conditioning classes in studios and gyms have given women the confidence to know what to do with weights and to venture out into weight rooms. I also think society has changed in that women look good with muscles and the “twiggy” generation has disappeared. Weights change your body. Years ago everyone throught
As a Reebok dance team member, what were some of the most exciting events you perform at? We traveled with other professional athletes and were a part of athletic team introductions at IHRSA trade shows worldwide. We performed, did a ton of photo shoots, autographs and contributed to the excitement of the conferences. We introduced new group fitness props, workout shoes, and clothing. We were a highlight at the
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