But Jazzercise isn’t a fad, and people who take it not only don’t wear headbands (ok, a couple do) but some of them are so young they’re saying, Jane who? Today, Jazzercise is alive and well, and filled with diversity - men, women, older, younger, thin, heavy, big hair, short bobs. The one thing we all have in common is this: a goal to be the healthiest that we can be.

Jazzercise was founded by Judi Sheppard Missett in 1969, and offers a fusion of jazz dance, resistance training, Pilates, yoga, and kickboxing movements. Benefits include “increased cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility, as well as an overall ‘feel good’ factor.”

I’ve always felt that being healthy isn’t about what size you are, but about how active you are and how healthy your diet is. But when I found myself feeling breathless going up a flight of stairs, I knew I had to do something. I found my way to Jazzercise, and haven’t looked back since. Kris Heeter owns the local franchise of Jazzercise, which now has four locations: the Sportsplex, Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, Smith Pike Crossing, and Fairview United Methodist Church. Kris explains the positive changes that she’s seen over the years, but reminds her clients that the road to health is a process – one that all-too-many impatient Americans living in a get-it-now culture try to rush: “I’ve seen Jazzercise help so many, and I’m grateful for the life it’s given me and for the wonderful people I’ve had the opportunity to help along the way. For those who are willing to put in the effort and time, the benefits are tremendous. Weight loss and life changes do not happen overnight - it’s a slow process, but it is SO worth it!”

Through Jazzercise and healthy eating, I’ve gained muscle, lost inches, and gone down three sizes. Most of all, though, I feel GREAT and have made some wonderful new friends. But my story is only one of many success stories:

I was someone who HATED to exercise…but at the age of 22 I found myself needing to do it if I wanted a halfway decent quality of life. I had been hit by a car at the age of 20 and suffered a major pelvic fracture and knee damage. I had to learn how to walk again. Within two years, I started having arthritis problems, and going up and down stairs was becoming difficult. Someone suggested exercise, and I thought, Exercise….yuck! I stumbled upon Jazzercise, thought there was no way I could do it, but was pleasantly surprised. I quickly realized that this was my ticket to a decent quality of life - it was fun and over time the arthritis went away! Jazzercise has given me a life that, after the accident, I never dreamed possible. I want to continue to share with many others that hope of a better quality of life and the realization that ANYTHING is possible.

- Kris Heeter, Owner of Bloomington/Ellettsville Jazzercise centers

For almost 4 years I lived with a bad hip. Arthritis had taken its toll. I kept up with Jazzercise though, and worked through the pain. I couldn’t walk more then a couple of blocks and I finally decided to have the surgery. They told me the fact that I stayed in shape would make things a lot easier. Six weeks after surgery I was back in Jazzercise. Recovery was much easier because of it. It’s been a godsend for me because I like to dance and love the music. What a great way to work out and stay in shape.

- Dan Sullivan, one of several male Jazzercisers who has commented publicly about how working out in a room full of women should be a no-brainer to other men

I like how Jazzercise is universal, easy to follow, yet up-to-date. I started out in California twenty years ago and I appreciate how the organization has kept up with the latest research on exercise science. They incorporate some fun music - it can lift your spirits if you’ve had a bummer day.

- Karen Serfling, Program Specialist, City of Bloomington

Jazzercise has changed my life in so many ways! I have made so many new friends! I get to enjoy my exercise! It’s different than other programs because you’re doing it with friends you’ve met in class. It’s like dancing instead of working out!
-Angela Duzan, Liquor Sales Rep

Jazzercise is the first fitness program that I have ever engaged in that is FUN!  I love that it is healthy and social. I am more energetic (because of it). This, to me, is more important than even the weight loss I have experienced! It is engaging. It offers options, so that people of every fitness level can join in and succeed.

- Dayna Thompson, Mental Health Therapist at Bloomington Hospital, Jazzercise Instructor

When I first started going (to Jazzercise) by myself I was really apprehensive, but I immediately felt at ease when several people came up and introduced themselves and made me feel welcome…I’ve shared my joy of Jazzercising with friends and members of my church. Several have come and tried a class, and I have one friend who joined! My mother also came, was impressed and joined, too! Having my mom there is another great way for us to connect and see each other during a hectic work week. And I am seeing results! I have lost inches, and developed strong quads, triceps and biceps!

- Mary Wiggins, 3rd Grade Teacher

When I first went to Jazzercise, I was so out of shape, I got through half the class and looked at my friend and said, ‘I’m SO sorry I dragged you into this! I’m never coming back!’ When the class was over, and the hard part was done, I enjoyed the experience as a whole. I did go back, and once a week turned into twice a week, and twice a week turned into twice a week, two classes a day. Jazzercise has increased my stamina, my energy and my love for a healthier lifestyle.

- Whitney Fays, Internal Medicine Associate Billing Office

FYI…Local Jazzercisers are active in the community! They’ve helped raise funds for the Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, Big Brothers, Big Sisters and currently, owner Kris Heeter says, “We are working on an intergenerational dance group called ‘Jazzercise Team Dance’ that will give community members of all generations and abilities the opportunity to do choreographed dance together. We’ll put on small performances for charity benefits. I’m SO excited about this project!”

No, this isn’t some lead-in for a bad joke—all three are characters whom playwright Glen Berger knows intimately.

Emmy-nominee Berger is currently working on the book for the 2008 Broadway-bound musical Spider-Man, featuring new music by U2’s Bono and The Edge. The librarian is the only character in Berger’s award-winning Underneath the Lintel, currently having its 80th production this month in Paris. And the talking goat? He plays a major role in Berger’s upcoming production of O Lovely Glowworm, next in Cardinal Stage’s season.

When I caught up with Berger, I asked about the creation of this new play: “It took years of no-doubt unnecessary pain and misery writing this thing. But one night I had a dream full of drama and activity, and there was a stuffed goat in the corner of the room, being ignored. As I woke up, a little voice narrated: ‘…and the goat’s story is the saddest one of all.’ So I added a goat to the play. And eventually the play became the goat’s play—after a few more years of no-doubt unnecessary pain and misery writing this thing, that is.”

It sounds as though this goat is really the star, so I asked Berger how the glowworm snagged the title: “The play was called The Goat, but just as I was finishing it, Edward Albee came out with his The Goat. I thought of calling my play Glen Berger’s The Goat but then I came to my senses. There’s a glowworm in the play who shows up from time to time, and for the Goat, this little glowworm is the most heroic character in the entire play.”

So how does Cardinal solve the problem of a goat as a main character? The Goat, in fact, is not played by an actor in a goat suit, but is life-sized, stuffed, and capable of expressions, which are controlled by local actor Henry Woronicz, who also provides the voice for the Goat.

Another local actor, Diane Kondrat, plays a dying mother and a sweetheart in O Lovely Glowworm. When asked what she likes about this show, Kondrat said, “The language. It is gorgeous and funny, too. And I also get to work with wonderful theatre people from both coasts, brought in to make this great show come alive.”

I also asked why local audiences will like this show. “Bloomington is a town with a stunning amount of artistic acumen…a sophisticated community. People who come to see this show should be ready to experience enjoyment on many levels: intellectual, emotional, spiritual. And did I mention it’s funny?”

O Lovely Glowworm plays the Buskirk-Chumley February 22nd, 23rd, 27th, 28th, 29th and March 1st at 7:30 p.m.; February 23rd and March 1st at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $13-19 (add $2 day of show) available at the Sunrise Box Office, online at http://www.bloomingtonarts.info, or at Bloomingfoods East/Near West.

If you’ve ever heard someone say in a hacked British accent, “May I have some more please?” then you already have a sneak peek into Oliver! But the real story of the musical is filled with layers of drama, joviality, and a strong dose of serendipity. Set in working class 1800’s England, Oliver! follows a boy from an orphanage, through the streets of London, to a den of thieves, and finally, to London Bridge.

UNSCRIPTED WITH…RANDY WHITE

CW: So what made you choose Oliver! as a holiday musical?
I’m a big fan of Oliver! and I’ve wanted to direct the show for a long time. I also liked the idea that Oliver! would give over twenty children the opportunity to be part of a Cardinal mainstage production. And then there are the wonderful parts for adult leads and chorus members as well - who doesn’t want to play Fagin or Nancy? Or have the chance to sing Who Will Buy? And Cardinal always selects an annual holiday family musical that is based on a literary work . . . Oliver! is based on Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist and that made it a great choice for this slot. I’m especially thrilled that the Dickens’ literary connection allowed us to launch Cardinal Reads, our community-wide Read-a-Thon.

If you had to sum up the essence of Oliver! in just one sentence, what would it be?
The story of a young boy’s journey through the underworld of Victorian London. It’s a unique look at a world that fascinated Dickens, who was both repelled and drawn to it.

Tell us about some of the actors in OLIVER - you’ve lured Cameron from India, Mike Price from Georgia, and cast Broadway actor Meera Popkin as Nancy. How will they contribute to the success of the show?
Cardinal Stage works hard to find the best local talent and mix in interesting visiting artists. We think it’s the best of both worlds for Bloomington audiences. We’re very pleased to be working with Robert Hay-Smith from Columbus and the children from the surrounding communities of Bedford and Spencer. And getting actors the quality of Meera and our beloved Mike Price — well I couldn’t be happier!

Why do you think this story is one that relates to us today, in 2007, living in the middle of the Midwest?
Compelling characters struggling to come to terms with what constitutes a moral existence is always pertinent. And Victorian London is a fascinating place — the accents, the clothing, the colorful Cockney characters. We are intimately familiar with them from books, movies and plays. It’s such a rich stew of good and evil — it’s endlessly enthralling.

UNSCRIPTED WITH…LYDIA ELMER

Tell me about your role in Oliver!
I am in mostly in chorus scenes – “Food Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself,” and “Who Will Buy.” I am an orphan, street urchin, and middle class girl.

What do you love about doing Oliver?
I am very excited to be dancing and singing all in one. I have never had much dancing experience and love to be learning new steps and tricks for future productions.

What do you find most interesting about the story of Oliver?
The somewhat uncanny situations when everyone seems to burst into song. I guess it is just musical magic!

Has there been anything particularly challenging in rehearsals?
Or, any funny behind-the-scenes stories you want to share?
As I said, I have never had much dancing experience and sometimes find the steps difficult to master. No matter though, because there is helpful cast and choreographer to help me succeed.

Why should kids your age come to see Oliver?
Kids and adults alike should come see Oliver! for a glimpse not only into Victorian London, but musicals themselves. It is also a wonderful show and should be fun for the whole family!

UNSCRIPTED WITH…MEERA POPKIN

So, I understand that you are somewhat new to Bloomington. Welcome! When did you arrive, and what drew you to B’town?
I’m actually a local. I grew up in Bloomington, went to Childs School, Binford, and Bloomington High School South. My parents also live here and Beth Shalom Jewish Community is here so that’s what brought me back. Also, it’s a better place to raise kids than New York City, I have two daughters, Kayla and Kol - they’re one and three.

Can you tell us a little about your previous theatre experience?
I was in Miss Saigon in London’s West End as Miss Saigon, on Broadway as Demeter in CATS, the national tour and Vegas company of Starlight Express, anyone can whistle and Children of Eden off-Broadway. At IU I was Cassie in A Chorus Line, a dancer in Man of La Mancha and a street singer in Bernstein’s Mass.

Well, we’re lucky to have you! So, what do you like most about working on Oliver! and specifically about playing Nancy?
I like working with the children because it helps Nancy be more motherly and vulnerable.

What do you think is unique about this production? Or, is there anyone that you have particularly enjoyed working with?
I’ve enjoyed working with Randy White. He’s so exciting and inspiring.

UNSCRIPTED WITH CAMERON MAKAY

So what is it about the role of Oliver that you loooove?
Firstly when I received the news that I was going to be Oliver in the Cardinal Stage production “Oliver” from the director Randy White, I was really nervous.
I really like the character Oliver because he is just so brave and innocent it’s hard not to like him.

What is a challenging aspect of playing Oliver?
It’s hard to show the expressions on Oliver’s face like being really confused or scared.

What has been the funniest rehearsal moment for you so far?
It was the “Where’s the Gin?” moment in “It’s a Fine Life” and Randy was trying to get Fagin’s gang to fall down laughing using their whole body. He kept falling down over and over again in the craziest and weirdest ways and we couldn’t stop laughing at his antics.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in this rehearsal process?
It’s really important to stay ‘in character’ and keep the background alive.

What other roles have you played before? Do you have a favorite role? Or a dream role?
I have never really been in a real play before, but I have been in a school play called Puss in Boots. I played a rabbit, but I really wanted to be the cat in that play.

Story of my life. Seriously, now you have a huuuge role - you’re onstage the entire time. I think you can be really proud of that. I’m sure the show takes up a lot of your time, but if you have any spare time, what do you like to do?
I usually read, play chess, go to the cinema, or practice my Oliver dance steps. I would like to play the piano but there isn’t one here right now.

So you came all the way from India to do this show. What have you enjoyed about Bloomington since you’ve arrived? (or, what have you enjoyed doing?)
I have enjoyed being able to go outside and climb trees - I can’t do that in Mumbai, celebrating Halloween, being in the show, of course, and meeting so many nice people. I am looking forward to celebrating an awesome Thanksgiving and Christmas. My favorite places in Bloomington are the library, WonderLab, Target, and Red Lobster!

Where do you live in India?
I live in Mumbai - it used to be called Bombay - which is a completely different place from Indiana. It is one of the biggest cities in South East Asia and probably has about 15 million people living in it. My dad’s company moves us around every couple of years so my moms says that makes us something called Global Nomads. I call it an adventure.