June 27, 2007

Happy 4th of July!

Independence Day is here! You have just enough time to squeeze in a few dance workout classes before you throw on those shorts and tank tops. Get your buns and thighs working with Melissa's Controlled Burn classes on Tue/Wed/Thur or have a fun cardio workout with 80's Dance Party on Thursday- and don't forget the new Bollywood class this Saturday (hopefully not as packed!)... so many options and not enough days...

We will be closed Wednesday, July 4th in honor of the Independence Day Holiday. Happy 4th!

Eating Healthy
Grilling is one of the healthiest ways to cook, if you do it right

There are many ways you can turn your grilling not only into a flavorful and fun way to cook, but also into a healthy way to eat. By choosing foods that are low in fat, high in nutrients and full of flavor you can get great meals that are also healthy. Use marinades not only to add extra flavor but also to reduce the formation of cancer causing substances on foods. A marinade containing olive oil and/or citrus juices can reduce the formation of these chemicals by as much as 99% and marinades tenderize meats and make a much better meal.

There has been a lot of talk about grilling and cancer. While the risk is real and you really need to keep this in mind, there are some simple things you can do to greatly reduce the cancer risk. The two primary substances, for those of you interested are: Heterocyclic amines (HCA) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH).

In the simplest explanation these chemicals are formed by putting food, primarily meats in contact with intense heat and flame. They are known cancer causing agents so you need to reduce their formation as much as you can. Now grilling isn't the only cooking method that causes these agents and there isn't a reason for you to give up on your grill.

HCAs and PAHs are formed mostly from fat. Either by fat being heated to extreme temperatures or by the smoke created by fat burning. For the most part this applies to meat fats and not just the grease and fat from what you are cooking but the build up from the bottom of your grill. To reduce the risks follow these basic tips:

1. Keep you grill clean. A clean grill not only cooks better it is safer in every way.
2. Trim excess fats from foods. These fats are the troublemaker so keep it to a minimum.
3. Use marinades based on olive oils and/or citrus juices. This is the number one way to stay safe.
4. Avoid flare-ups. Flare-ups burn foods and this increase HCA formation.
5. Don't overcook foods. The charred bits on foods are the largest sources of PAHs and HCAs so if you have charred sections of meat cut them off.

If you follow these rules not only will you greatly reduce the risk of these cancer agents but you will reduce the fat in meats that you grill. Of course grilling is a great way to reduce fat, but this takes it even farther. If you buy lean cuts, use lite marinades and serve up your grilled foods with a good helping of fruits and vegetables then you will really be grilling healthy.

Healthy Grilling Article

Monthly Afro Cuban Workshop with Nory
Sunday, July 15th 2:00 PM

We are so happy to welcome back Nory Reyes and her Afro Cuban Popular Dance and Folkloric Workshop! Once a month only! Her first workshop will be on Sunday, July 15th at 2:00 PM. Pre-registration is highly recommended.

Come back and dance with Nory again or come check out for the first time why she is so popular- her spirit and personality will move you and her music and culture will inspire you. Work up a sweat, learn something new, and find yourself laughing and having fun!

The workshop will include RUMBA, CHANGUI, SON, CHA CHA CHA, MAMBO, MOZAMBIQUE, and others.

NORY has performed in La Habana's carnaval with the CONJUNTO FOLKLÓRICO NACIONAL de CUBA, and with the folkloric group LOS PINOS NUEVOS of La Habana. She also attended the dance school of CABARET TROPICANA in La Habana . She was featured in the opening scene of the movie "Dance With Me". She has also performed w/ the legendary percussionist Francisco Aguabella.

Sunday, July 15th 2:00 PM $15
This is a special workshop and class cards do not apply.

SWING SWING SWING!
4 Weeks Summer Swing Dance Intensive

Sign up now and learn to swing swing swing with our social ballroom instructor, Chris Hardouin! Four consecutive Friday evenings at 6:30 PM starting July 20th. Explore the various styles of swing and learn great routines to get even the shyest wallflower on the dance floor. Chris H. will demonstrate the simple mechanics of dancing as a couple and get you tapping your toes to the beat. So throw on your sneakers and come learn this fun and versatile dance! No partner is required and you can come to as many classes as you want.

Four consecutive weeks starting Friday July 20th at 6:30 PM.

$60/4 Weeks.
This is a special workshop, regular class cards do not apply.
Pre-registration highly recommended!

Guest Yoga Teacher
Wed. 6/27 8:30 PM

Come enjoy a special treat Wednesday night in the Community Yoga class: Guest teacher Patrick Lacho- a Kundalini certified instructor who regularly teaches at Golden Bridge and Yoga West. Patrick will introduce all you Community Yogis to Kundalini and will even bring his GONG for a special meditation. If you have never experienced GONG meditation before- you are in for a treat- this is not to be missed!

Patrick Lacho is an IKYTA Certified Kundalini Yoga instructor. As a West Point graduate and Army Officer, Patrick was trained in all aspects of general physical fitness as well as organized team sports and various martial arts. After a mountain biking injury, unable to do resistance training or run long distances, Patrick found yoga as a fitness alternative. Having practiced many of the different schools of yoga, over the last several years, he has come to love and teach Kundalini Yoga with a passion. He's studied extensively across the country and with Master Teachers such as Harijiwan and Gurmukh at The Goldenbridge Yoga Center in Hollywood.

Wednesday, June 27th 8:30 PM $5

Dance Shows to See
Recommended Dance Shows this Week

Saturday 6/30 and Sunday 7/1 at 8 PM at the Hollywood Dance Center (817 N. Highland) a benefit show for Adam Parsons Dance Company. Our very own, Jasmine Albuquerque will be dancing!

Saturday 6/29 10:30 PM at the Regent Theatre Downtown- Edgefest (festival is all day and night). At 10:30 PM an artistic, collaborative dance piece with the band WORK.

Schedule Updates
Cancellations, New Time, Subs, Coming Soon...

IMPORTANT REMINDER- WE WILL BE CLOSED WED. JULY 4TH!

CANCELLATIONS:
Community Tai Chi and Community Tai Chi for Seniors on Saturdays is postponed for the summer. Brett will still be holding his Community Tai Chi classes on Sundays.

NEW TIME:
VERY IMPORTANT: JAZZ on Saturday is moved from 1:00 PM back to 11:00 AM starting June 23rd!

SUBS:
Kids Hip Hop on Friday (6/29) will be taught by Jocelyn.
Salsa Workout on Sunday (7/1) will also be taught by Jocelyn!
Creative Movement on Tuesday (7/3) will be taught by Katrina.

NEW CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
Bollywood Dance with Veena on Saturdays 1:00 PM
Classical Indian Dance with Sheetal on Mondays 7:30 PM
Afro Cuban Workshop with Nory on Sunday July 15th at 2:00 PM.
4 Week Summer Swing Intensive with Chris will begin Friday July 20th at 6:30 PM.

Volunteer Program
Work Exchange

Want to dance.... but low on funds? Come help us out at Heartbeat House in exchange for FREE dance classes. Every 4 hours you work, you will receive a 4 class card. Email us with your availability!

Promotions
New Students, Birthdays, and Referrals

SPREAD THE WORD AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE PROMOTIONS NOW!

New Student Promotion:
Five Dollar Classes Your First Week at Heartbeat House

Birthday Promotion:
Five Dollar Classes the Week of Your Birthday- Come Dance off that Birthday Cake!

Referral Program:
Take 20% OFF Your 4 Class Package When You Refer A New Student Who Buys a Class Package