Bella Diva Wellness Hour

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought major life challenges and stressors into our lives that may have us needing to acknowledge the impact the cumulative trauma on our health and wellbeing has had over the past 2 years.

More than ever, it is necessary to set aside regular & consistent time for self-care, both mentally and physically, in order to foster a sense to balance and wellbeing in our lives. Only by taking care of ourselves are we able to then take care of others and have something to give, whether it be as parents, caregivers, to your profession, and also as performers and dancers!

Every month will feature the same class offerings on a rotational basis:

Week 1 – Tai Chi Flow with Grace

Week 2 – Mat Pilates with Bonnie

Week 3 – Medical Qigong with Grace

Week 4 – Ellové Tecnique with Elizabeth

Tai Chi – Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that, today, is practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements & forms performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing.

Often described as meditation in motion, tai chi promotes serenity through gentle, flowing movements. Tai chi is low impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, making it generally safe for all ages and fitness levels.

Mat Pilates – Pilates is a mind-body practice with benefits that include improved posture, better coordination and balance, increased lung capacity, improved concentration and focus, increased body awareness, stress management, and injury prevention.

Generally, the goal of a mat Pilates class is to strengthen the body’s “powerhouse,” a Pilates term that refers to your abdominals, lower back muscles, pelvic floor, hips and glutes. Through a series of floor exercises using resistance bands and rings, the workout helps build, sculpt and tone these muscles, giving your body a long, lean look. Pilates can aid in flexibility and improving posture, as stretching your body is a vital part of class.

Medical Qigong – It is also an important branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine known as “Chinese Yoga” and has significant similarities to Tai Chi, as both work on Qi and life.

During practice, body movement, breathing techniques, sound, meditation and mind activity are used to directly work on Qi – our energy or life force. Practiced by millions worldwide, Qigong is a powerful and effective tool for preventing illness and improving health.

It strengthens and balances the whole body, including the organs and the immune system. It helps to calm the mind so the practitioner can find a balanced, relaxed and harmonious state more easily and more often. When in a state of physical, mental and emotional balance, we are better able to meet all kinds of challenges in life.

Ellové Technique – The Ellové Technique is a conditioning and cross-training class taught by certified dance specialists and educators.

The pure techniques of ballet, yoga, fitness, and Pilates are set to music in a seamless movement sequence that improves strength, flexibility, and control.

Incorporating principles of dance medicine and science, The Ellové Technique reduces injury risk by targeting muscle imbalances, refining alignment, increasing endurance, and practicing safe stretching techniques.

This class will also be included in the Monthly Unlimited Dance Passport.