By Rivkie Gremont
Post October seventh, as everyone else, I was not myself.
Who could just go on with their days after the horrors we were hearing and witnessing on the news?
I found myself drawn to the phone, constantly conflicted between the human impulse to look at the updates, and the cerebral understanding that this was not a brilliant strategy. It was not going to change the situation or enable me to support others. The only person I was changing was myself…and not for the better.
I knew this was not the way forward, but what was?!
Amongst the videos that I did see, there were a sprinkling of heartwarming clips of soldiers on the battlefronts, guitar in hand, singing sweet Shabbos songs to their wives, to Israel, and to the whole world. There were others coming up with super creative dance routines wherever they were: in a field, on a base, on top of a tank.
I thought about how much faith it must take to be amongst the first going to the front lines with war tactics that were, at that time, still unknown, and to have the faith and the goodwill to let themselves go, to offer others a light-hearted moment, despite the fear of the war they were now fighting.
These glimpses of faith in action resonated deeply within me.
A vision started to emerge. If they could dance, we could dance!
It’s exactly what the world needs right now: faith, joy, positivity.
And after meeting Mushka Leiter of Miriam’s Motherhood Center in Empire Kosher, our plan was solidified. In addition to the other programming offered at the center, Tuesday mornings was now designated for Dancersize. Babysitting is offered in the playroom so that mothers with young babies or toddlers at home can still join the class.
I have been teaching yoga, exercise and healthy lifestyle coaching with individual clients for over a year now. Yet this Dancersize class is something else. To me, it’s far more than just the fabulous form of exercise that it is. It’s finding the motivation to be our best selves. As the saying goes, “Fear says, what if. Faith says, even if.”
Even if one day we woke up and the image of the world we thought we knew was shattered. Even if we, as a people, are hurting, we will put on our biggest smile, and move ahead, more motivated than ever to live our best lives. We will dance, we’ll get mentally fit, physically strong, and share in the joy of community and sisterhood that makes life, and motherhood so much sweeter, and even fun!
We will find the courage to create our own image of the world we choose to build, and live in, and inspire our children and everyone we encounter by example.
Come try it for yourself!
Sign up for the next class here.
Some feedback:
“I find that going to the Motherhood Center has really helped my life.
Dance class just picks up my mood and gives me a great start of the day.
It’s fun to get to know new people of all different stages and ages just coming together to feel good! We all customize the hour to our ability and it’s a non judgmental environment where we all can relate to each other and are happy for our friends! “
-Rivkah
“Dancersize is the best!! You can join no matter what level you are at and still feel comfortable and feel like you’ve accomplished a great workout.
Dancersize will make you feel good from the beginning stretching, to the awesome workout and end off with the most relaxing cool down!”
-C.S.
“I love Dancersize! It’s a real workout but it doesn’t feel like it because it’s fun! It boosts my mood and my energy for the rest of the day.”
-Sarah
Wow! Another great offering at the Motherhood Center. Mushka is fantastic!!!! The Moms of CH are lucky to have a center that offers a warm, beautiful space with a line-up of fabulous classes.
This article is so positive and invigorating, I’m sure the Dancercize class is terrific as well.
The class is great and ! It adds so much joy and good energy to my day. The teacher is so positive and patient. Such a gem in crown heights!
Sounds amazing! Would you consider offering a virtual class for women who don’t live in Crown Heights?
Tuesday has become the best day of my week! I started attending dancercize about 2 months ago and have found Rivkie’s classes to be invigorating and stimulating. The energy in the room is happy and refreshing.