Health and Wellness Class Have Only Just Begun

“IT’S ALIVE!!” A very famous scientist once cried.

Yes, ASJ Health and Wellness is in full effect here in Union City. A fairly good turn out on was in store on our first official opening on July 17^th at Arts at St. John’s.  Visitors got to meet our very own super artists, Felix Gross, Joe Kolbow, Caridad Rivera and Guinevere DiPiazza. I’ve decided that they are more or less like the neighborhood  “Avengers” without the ginormous green, muscular dude, however I’m told that Guinevere DiPiazza gives a smashing workout in her Strength and Stretch class. She is petite, probably the size of Hulk’s thumb but just as mighty. GDP is apparently capable of kicking some major flabby ass. A very sweaty friend of mine sauntered into a much-needed Yoga class with Felix Gross after sampling her S&S class. As the fluids continued to flow from his forehead, I asked my sweaty friend if he liked Guinevere’s class and he replied with some leftover panting saying “Yeah, I needed that.” And what you need to know about Guinevere’s talents is that there are many. Guinevere DiPiazza or “Lady Guinevere” in some legendary circles is a professional aerialist dancer, teacher, choreographer and personal trainer. A true artist, who followed her passion for being awesome, all the way from Michigan.  She has performed her aerial acrobatics for Usher, Lady Gaga, Flo Rida, T-Pain, Rob Base, DJ Grand Master Flash and New York Mayor Mayor Bloomberg.  Yes, she’s all that and a bucket of chicken. And she will teach you Aerial Acrobatics right here at ASJ!! She would like to teach a class and offer private lessons if you are interested.  What could be more interesting? You don’t have to be a wealthy upper-eastsider and you don’t have to wait for Groupon to hook you up. ASJ WILL DO IT FOR YOU!! If you don’t believe me check out her website:    http://www.

aerialacrobatentertainment.com/

 

I also had the great fortune to sit in on Felix Gross’ Kundalini Yoga Class. I was challenged by the notion of sitting still and clearing my mind. Really? I thought to myself surely this guy is asking the impossible. Clear my mind? That’s like asking someone to get through the day without a cellphone.  But nonetheless, I managed to focus.  I focused and listened to the sound of calm and managed to shut out status reports on Facebook. I think I actually liked that. I found that class accessible and unintimidating. Felix Gross is a certified Kundalini Yoga instructor and has been teaching in New York and New Jersey for 1and half years.

Caridad Rivera ASJ’s resident Belly Dance teacher, who taught me all of my fabulous moves. A taste for the exotic and a desire to put your right hip in and take your right hip out and put your right hip in and shake it all about with a beaded skirt. Just think of it as a sort of centuries old, grown-up version of the kid’s game designed to make you feel like Cleopatra. Caridad who is often mistaken for an Arabian Disney Princess, is actually a Hudson County Cuban Princess who incorporates classic Egyptian, Moroccan and Middle Eastern Belly Dancing styles, (with a little tribal dancing) focusing on abs and core work then finishing with improvisation and cool choreography to impress your friends!!                            

 

And last but not least one of founding fathers of Arts at St. John’s Joe Kolbow a.k.a Merrill Garrick, one half of the Donovan Ensemble duo, who is also one of the brains behind this endeavor to keep us all healthy and alive. If you sign up for classes that run until September 4^th and find a newer you, Aside from bringing his theatrical talents, locally, nationally and internationally, Joe is teaching Mediation on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.  Classes begin with a short talk about mindfulness and an instruction in a simple meditation. So if Joe, tells you to sit down and be quiet, you better do it or else!! This way you won’t confuse the path of enlightenment for Port Authority Bus Terminal.

 So on Tuesdays, drop in or sign up for classes, starting at 5:45 p.m. and running until September 4^th. One can enter St. John’s feeling one with the universe and taking in the sweet smell of incense and herbal tea all included!!!  Here's the schedule: 

* 5:45-6:45 Belly Dancing
* 6:00-7:00 Stretch and Strength

* 7:00-8:00 Kundalini Yoga 

* 8:15-9:00 Guided Meditation

* Saturday 11:00 am - 11:45 Guided Meditation 

For more info: ASJWellness@gmail.com 

www.StJohnsUC.com