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Natural Awakenings Naples and Fort Myers

A Partnership of Movement and Fitness at Studio One

Coco Waldenmayer

Style and sweat aren’t mutually exclusive at Studio One, in Naples, which is why men and women pack dance shoes and sneakers into their workout tote. At the new, adult-only 1,650-square-foot dance and fitness studio that’s open seven days a week, fitness inspiration is offered in forms that connect the body and mind through movement, music and style. Classes include Smooth and Latin Dance, Strength & Stretch, Pilates Fusion and Tai Chi. “This variety of choices provides a joyful, social alternative exercise to walking,” says Studio One owner Coco Waldenmayer.

Strength & Stretch fulfills the process required to develop strong and flexible muscles. Exercises cycle through different muscle groups and alternate between strengthening the muscles in the group using small equipment and isometrics, followed by specific stretches.

Pilates Fusion lengthens, shapes and strengthens muscles. It also improves posture while enhancing awareness of how the body can be controlled through the core. Apparatus includes free weights, resistance bands, fitness circles, weighted body bars and stability balls.

Tai chi is a martial art consisting of a standing series of slow, fluid movements. Class begins and finishes with gentle qigong stretching exercises.

Full Body Stretch deliberately flexes and/or stretches muscles or tendons in order to relax muscles, improve elasticity and increase range of motion and flexibility Exercises are performed at the barre and/or on the mat using flexible bands as needed to progressively increase the stretching range.

DancersGroup dance classes, limited to 25 students, teach the fundamental rhythm and patterns of Latin rumba, cha-cha, samba, swing, hustle and bolero or smooth Viennese waltz, foxtrot and tango, all in the American style.

Also offered is a Latin series that includes salsa, meringue and bachatta. Classes progress in series of several weeks, during which the instructor focuses on one or two dances to allow for absorbing and memorizing steps and patterns.

Private dance classes focus on perfect form, weight placement and foot movement to developing lead/follow skills and understanding how to move to rhythm and interpret musical moods and vocals in order to deliver more refined moves.

Wedding choreography includes music selection and customization, choreography and optional dress rehearsal (bride only). Packages may include father of the bride dance and full wedding party choreography for one or more musical numbers. These packages are fully customizable to suit individual needs.

Private dance parties are the perfect setting for partners to practice dancing skills in a convivial, supporting atmosphere. The two-hour session is open to the public. “We’re open seven days a week, with classes set to music via a state-of-the-art sound system. Classes are overseen by Liz Becton-Read, our fitness director, or Nicolas Koempel, our ballroom director. Our simple, functional and welcoming atmosphere offers people the opportunity to have fun and get fit at the same time,” says Waldenmayer.

Studio One has taken the Blue Zone pledge (BlueZonesProject.com) by promising to meet the health-centered movement's baseline fitness recommendations.

Studio One is located at 4184 U.S. 41 N., in Naples. For more information, call 239-220-1018 or visit StudioOneNaples.com.