Beatrice is a joy to teach. She has an attention to detail and a natural grace that make her dance elegant yet strong. She always works hard which shows in the way she builds strength and accomplishes new moves. She is helpful and supportive of everyone around her. We asked her to tell us a little bit about her experience at ArtFit.

What brought you to these classes?

I came to Artfit for pole dance classes. I was not sure what I was expecting in those classes, but the classes turn out to be so rewarding in terms of developing strength, resilience, and confidence. Then I developed my passion for belly dance and aerial silks. Bellydance classes teach me to discover and trust in my beauty and a nice way to let it blossom. Aerial silk classes are similar to pole classes in my opinion, where a great deal of muscle strength and focus are crucial. I also really love that Olivia and Cheryl teach those classes from the perspective of modern dance, which I found so artistic and classy.

What benefits have you gained from taking these classes?

Every form of dances class is proven to be an amazing learning experience. What I acquire from pole and silk class is not only the techniques but also the idea that the body is capable of so many “impossibilities” that had once rooted in the mind as long as one trust oneself and give them a try. I never thought I could handstand for all my life until 1 year ago when I started pole, and now I can freely kick up to a handstand against the wall. I am looking forward to discovering more potentials within my body. The dance classes also provide me a healthy outlet where I can ferment those frustrations and upset into the determination of conquering the next move!

Please tell us about any positive experiences that you have had with ArtFit or anything else that you would like to share.

The learning environment created by the Bushey’s is so precious! It is absolutely a judgement-free, criticism-free studio, where lots of encouragement and support are consistently given from both the instructors and the fellow students. Cheryl is always there to physically and mentally support you and you just feel so safe to practice those scary pole move in the air when she is around. Above all, you can tell that the instructors are just good people. They care about you and make sure your time spent in the classes are worthwhile via their patient explanations and demos.

Kiran has been attending the kid’s karate class at Artfit for 9 months. He was chosen for our student spotlight this month because of his earnest attitude toward his karate training. Sensei Bushey commends his training, “It is out of the ordinary to see a kid that young train that seriously.” We asked this young, hard worker and his family about their experience at Artfit.

What brought you to these classes?

Kiran’s parents: Our friends recommended ArtFit! Kiran enjoyed karate right away

What benefits have you gained from taking these classes?

Kiran’s parents: Kiran has gained more confidence, and is beginning to learn self-defense. (Kiran says that he is really good at punching and kicking.)

What do you hope to gain or achieve in the future through the classes that you take?

Kiran’s parents: Kiran hopes to earn his orange belt soon, and to continue to excel at karate!

Please tell us about any positive experiences that you have had with ArtFit or anything else that you would like to share.

Kiran’s parents: We are very happy with our experience at ArtFit. We especially enjoy that the kid’s karate classes are taken seriously. Kiran knows that he has to earn advancement to the next belt level, and it motivates him to continue practicing hard!

What is your child’s biggest achievement at ArtFit?

Kiran’s parents: Kiran says that he is really proud of his sidekicks!

He is proof that hard work and dedication to an activity pays off. Thank you, Kiran, for setting such a good example for other kid. We know that you will be earning that next belt in no time!

Carla has been attending classes at ArtFit for two and a half years. She came to us with previous bellydance experience. We are so glad that she decided to join us in bellydance and the other classes that we offer too. Carla has, recently, begun teaching Monday’s beginner bellydance class and has been a great addition to our studio.

What brought you to these classes?

I came to ArtFit looking for belly dance classes and I ended up finding much more. Belly dance is a great exercise, mental and physical, but I eventually found myself driven to bigger challenges. Starting pole dance and silks showed me that exercise does not have to be boring. In these classes I not only work towards physical fitness and artistic beauty, I overcome self-imposed fears.

What benefits have you gained from taking these classes?

I practiced several forms of dance before moving to Lubbock. I joined ArtFit after a 1-year hiatus from dance and I realized I should never have stopped. The belly dance instruction is excellent, in terms of technical details, choreography, improvisation and cultural aspects. I thought I knew quite a bit coming in, but Cheryl has huge knowledge breadth which, incorporated into belly dance, transforms her dance into a unique amazing style for this group. This makes ArtFit a true oasis in West Texas…

Pole and silks are very different from everything I have ever done in my life. Both require basic skills that I never had (cardio, strength, flexibility), all on top of spending a lot of time upside down, which scares me to this day… What I can say I have gained is confidence in my mind to remain focused and in my body to push further every time. These classes are hard, yet enjoyable. ArtFit students are very supportive and it seems that every time someone learns a new move, everyone wins! So, even on the tough days, you feel like it was worth watching someone else get there and you will too…

What do you hope to gain or achieve in the future through the classes that you take?

I need to continuously work on many things, from simply memorizing sequences and combinations to becoming more comfortable with doing things way up in the air… I need to keep working on flow, from one move to another, and also on strength and flexibility. I think everyone has specific moves they would like to conquer. For me, it is the pole air walk and the skin the cat plank…

Please tell us about any positive experiences that you have had with ArtFit or anything else that you would like to share.

The number one positive thing for me is the quality instruction. Olivia and Cheryl are highly skilled in many dance forms and in teaching. The level of technical description and body awareness makes moves easy to comprehend, even if one’s body is not quite ready to execute them… Students get used to being pushed beyond their comfort zone, but with the utmost care for safety. The atmosphere that they build is passed on to all students who are always cheering to see each other succeed. I think ArtFit is a unique place for adults to work out towards a personal achievement, and not only to get their daily reps of weight lifting.

Betty Arnold has been a student at ArtFit for 12 years. Although bellydance has been her focus, she has also attended pole and silks classes. What Betty won’t tell you is that she is awesome at all of it. She answered a few questions for us about what brought her to ArtFit and what keeps her coming back.

What brought you to these classes?

I was helping a friend with his kids. They were taking karate classes & I watched Cheryl teach Belly Dance while I was waiting on them. I thought she was the most beautiful dancer I had ever seen & just knew I could never do that. My friend David Pattillo had a different view on that and told me to just take one class. If I didn’t like it I could stop. That was 12 yrs. ago! Can’t begin to tell you how happy I am that I tried it! So much fun, Cheryl is a great teacher. The costumes are absolutely beautiful!

What benefits have you gained from taking these classes?

The biggest benefit is being in shape and having a strong body. Also, gaining self-esteem and confidence.  It takes a lot of practice and work to learn this dance, so it was a good feeling when I could actually do it. I never knew you could have this much fun working so hard. If I am willing to try, Cheryl is always willing to help.

What do you hope to gain or achieve in the future through the classes that you take?

I may be the oldest student Cheryl has so my hope for the future is that I continue to dance whatever age I am, because it keeps me moving and, yes, it keeps me feeling young!

Please tell us about any positive experiences that you have had with ArtFit or anything else that you would like to share.

Every time I go, it’s a positive experience. Some people are just natural teachers. That’s how I think of Cheryl and Walt because they can explain or demonstrate in a way that makes sense to me. Of course, Olivia is right there with them. If someone wants to be involved with professionals that are knowledgeable, more than competent, encouraging, and just all around great people then ArtFit is where you need to be!

Theresa Masey is our Spotlight Student this month. Her foray into bellydance began when she signed up at work for the Biggest Loser Challenge. She joined this challenge with her colleagues because she felt she needed to lose weight and get healthy.

Theresa didn’t feel like a gym was the right place for her, however, she had seen Cheryl and some of the students perform at an event and decided to call about classes. The next night was her first bellydance class. That was ten years ago, and she has been bellydancing ever since. Over the years she has become an integral part of the bellydance program at ArtFit.
We have watched Theresa transform her body and her confidence while becoming a beautiful dancer, but we asked her to tell us what benefits she feels that she has received through her bellydance journey. She told us, “The first benefit is that it got me off the couch, and the second benefit is I love to dance and Cheryl is very patient. It has help me lose weight and tone everything up.”

Theresa is a big part of our dance program. She performs regularly at ArtFit events, helps teach classes, and will step in and help out in just about any capacity. She has been known to help sew costumes, provide moral support for new dancers, and help with details at show time. Theresa has proven to be great role model and aspiration for women who have had the opportunity to dance with her.

As for future her future goals, Theresa hopes to continue her journey to lose weight, improve her dance, and self-confidence. Her experience at Artfit includes, “…a great bunch of ladies who love to dance and build up each other. I love to perform, and Cheryl will show you the right way to do it.”