Get up and dance!

Every once in a while, if we are ever so lucky, we come across a person that is absolutely electric. This person is the type that seems to generate immense positive energy, attracting others to be their best version of self and to seek out happiness from the inside. This person is often well-spoken, wrapping your attention as she tells the simplest of life’s stories, exciting you to seek out your own. She is genuine, and honestly devoted to making you feel the best you have ever felt. I was lucky enough to meet such an amazing person, and she happens to have a dance studio that may just change your fit life.

At first glance, Jessica Baudin-Griffin is your typical dancer: a tiny ball of energy that lights up a room. But, sit down with this woman and you find out she has an incredible background with a Bachelor of Education and years of musical and dance ventures behind her. For as long as she can remember, she has been dancing: jazz; ballet; modern; hip hop; folk; you name it, and she’s danced it! One thing she had noticed through her years of study, however, was that many choose not to partake in dance education for fear of not being “good enough,” or not having the right “body type.” This is a fear I know all too well, and it was refreshing to meet someone that has made it her life‘s mission to help every person whom walks through the doors of J’adore Dance studio and demonstrate that dancing only requires heart.

With the partnership of the School’s Director Chantel Sampson, the Jessica believes in the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of an artistic outlet, such as dance, to be a transformative experience . Why wouldn’t it be? I have been known to tie up my pink laces when I feel the strong need to deal with something tough. I have, most certainly, ended a yoga class crying after connecting with myself in practice and realizing an emotional release. Moving your body requires mental and emotional connection to the physical. We need to be aware of the space we are moving in as we feel the rhythm and beat of the music. In it, we become aware of how that movement can impact our moods and our hearts. Jessica and Chantel embrace this philosophy of dance as a universal form of expression at

J’adore Dance (I love dance) and offer many classes that help introduce dancers to various styles; incorporate it with bootcamps and exercise routines; and, bring families of all stages together to get active from a very young age. The beauty of each class is that no matter your size, shape, athleticism, or skill level, you are welcome. You are welcome to experience the magic that is finding a full mind and body connection through music and movement.

One of my favourite classes J’adore offers is Intellidance –a class that was developed by Jessica around

the concepts of early childhood education. This is a series of creative dance programs meant to foster development in young children; for students to experience dance and movement in a safe and supportive environment. I took part in this class over a year ago with Moose and Boo and was thrilled to introduce my Littles to such an active class that focused on learning through movement and play. It was a fun and interactive class for both parent and child.

What about the adult-child? Want to learn beginner’s ballet? There’s a class for you! Are you looking for a bootcamp with a little more ‘beat’? There’s a class for you! Are you expecting or a new mom? Yup, there are classes for you! The beauty of J’adore Dance studio is that Jessica, Chantel and the wonderful teachers that run/develop the classes focus on “student led learning” at all levels. They listen to the needs of their students to develop classes that are meant to nurture the beginners and challenge the advanced levels. They have created a safe place for all ages and sizes to come and learn the joy of dance and seek comfort in moving your body.

Dance isn’t just about discipline and fitness. It is a form of expression that humans have been practicing long before written history. J’adore Dance specializes in dance fitness for the whole family, creating an opportunity to get healthy through having fun. And, really, anyone can dance!