Holiday Kickboxing Schedule

Greetings,

Just wanted to let you all know what a great job all the children did at both performances! Also a big thank you to all the parent volunteers, we couldn't have done it without you!

The schedule for kickboxing will change a little for this holiday season, but will resume the same time as before after the holiday season, on January 5, 2010.

Holiday Kickboxing Schedule
12/22 (Tuesday) -->Same Time 9:15am-10:15am
12/23 (Wednesday) --> Same Time 9:15am-10:15am
12/24 (Thursday) --> 8:15am-9:15am
*No Classes December 26-January 5 (Start back up on January 5 at 9:15am)

Also we are offering a FREE Hip Hop class for ADULTS on Monday December 21st from 6:45pm-7:45pm. This is for any adults, so bring husbands, wives, friends, and family for this fun event.

Also call us about a Nutcracker Camp we are doing for the children of all ages, on Monday December 21st, for only $19 per student!

Thanks so much for all of your support! Have a happy holidays!

Bricks Studio

December Classes and Spring 2010

Happy Holidays!!

These next two weeks are going to be hectic at the studio and we want to thank all the parents for their patients! We are finishing up parent meetings this first week of December. Our performances begin Saturday December 5th at Tempe Marketplace from 3:30pm-5:15pm and our last performance will be Saturday December 12th from 10:00am-11:30am at Arcadia High School. For more information on these performances please read the December Newsletter or contact our front office at (602) 954-5200.

After popular request from parents, we have added a series or classes on December 21 & 22. Below are some of the exciting classes that will be available to you this month.

• Nutcracker Camp- Monday December 21st $19.00 per Student! Come and learn about the Nutcracker Ballet, dancers do not need to have any ballet experience. Please wear dance attire, ballet shoes or bare feet are allowed, and have hair in a bun. -9:30am to 10:45am OR 3:45 to 5:00pm for Dancers Age 3-5 -4:30pm to 6:00pm- for Dancers Age 6-9 -5:00pm to 6:45pm- for Dancers Age 10 and Up
• Free Adult Hip Hop Class!! Monday December 21, 2009 from 6:45pm-7:45pm. All adults are invited so parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents we'll see you there.
• Build your own Tutu! Tuesday December 22nd from 5:00-6:00pm. You choose the colors, we provide the rest! Any age is welcome so bring all your friends! Cost is $35 per tutu.

Bricks is also putting on two different fundraises for our studio. These fundraisers will help us get new signs and equiptment for the studio to further improve your child's experience.

• Paint a Tile for our Bricks Wall: Tuesday December 22nd at 10:30am-Noon, or 3:00pm-5:00pm. Paint a tile with your name or a design that represents you and we'll put it perminatly on our Bricks wall! Cost per tile is $25.00.
• Free demonstration for Sendoutcards.com: Come on Tuesday December 22nd at either 9:45am or 5:00pm and attend our fundraiser and find out how you can get involved! Those who attend this demonstration will recieve 4 free cards to send!!

Thanks so much for being apart of our Bricks Family! Spring Classes start up January 4, 2010. So come registar ASAP in order to save your child a spot in our classes.

Have a safe and Happy Holiday!

Bricks Studio

Updates

September has been a wonderful month! Every week we keep growing and are grateful that so many of you have referred your friends to our studio. Remember we will be passing out $50 for every friend a student refers to our studio (as long as your friend mentions your name at registration and is a first time student to the studio).

Just a reminder: October tuition is due and if you chose to participate in our recital(s), costume and recital fees are due also.

Recently, Fox 10 News came in to do a recording on our Mommy/Daddy and Me classes, and can be seen Tuesday October 6 at 9pm. Thank you all who participated in this event, it was a success.

Tuition is due

What a great month we have had! August went by incredibly fast and our studio has been growing everyday! Parents, tuition for September is due now, so stop by the front office asap to make a payment.

We are very pleased that so many of our Bricks dancers have referred friends to our studio. Remember, if you refer a friend and they mention that you were the one who referred them on their first visit, you receive $50 from us! We look to you for help in expanding our studio!

Thanks so much for your dedication to our studio! We look forward to the following months ahead! A newsletter for September will be sent out to you, so make sure mandy@bricksstudio.com is not block from your computer. If you are new and would like to request a registration form or newsletter call us at 602-954-5200, e-mail us at mandy@bricksstudio.com or visit us at 4550 E. Indian School Rd. 85018

Thanks again!

Fall 2009 Classes

Welcome back students! We hope you had an awesome summer and are looking forward to our fall season. Our first week of classes went amazing and we are looking forward to the weeks ahead! If you need an updated schedule of classes, visit our website at www.bricksstudio.com. New students are always welcome throughout the semester and encouraged to sign up! We are located at 4550 E. Indian School Rd. so come visit us today!

Yin Yoga Workshop with Belle

Sunday August 23, 2009
3:00pm-5:30pm

Bricks Studio
4550 E. Indian School Road
Phoenix, AZ 85018

Cost: $25.00

To register contact:
Isabelle Clarke 480.922.3734

Transformation through Inspiration
Approach your yoga practice from a new perspective… in this workshop we’ll play with entering the poses from a Yin perspective... cultivating a sense of balance, harmony, and completion. Allow your inspiration to help you discover the transformational tools for navigating life’s changes with grace, power, courage, and confidence.
In our yang-dominated world, we often feel out of balance, dysfunctional, and restless. In yin yoga, we get a chance to slow down and go within. We discover the other half of who we are – our more intuitive, subtle, creative side. By giving ourselves permission to be quiet and passive, we settle into being who we are. We allow for balance, a deeper awareness of our divine nature, and our naturally peaceful selves. Through this practice, we realize the key to your own peaceful path, and let it spread to the world around you. All levels welcome.

Bricks in the news!

We were in the news today! None of this would be possible without you....our awesome BRICKS families! We're so excited for next year!

Fall schedule is now available!

Can you believe it's almost that time? Our 2009-2010 schedule is now available! Registration has already begun! You access them both on our website, or here for the schedule and here for the packet.

We're expecting lots of new students this year, so make sure to get your student(s) registered today!

Monday Fitness Facts with Denise

Denise Lunges are a great way to tone your lower body. Varying the type of lunge you perform will produce differing results. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (2009) reported a study that examined two types of lunges, walking lunges and jumping lunges, used in training competitive athletes. The “walking lunges” (slow and controlled lunges from one leg to the other) proved superior for shaping and strengthening hamstrings. The “jumping lunges” (jumping and switching lunge position from one leg to the other) were better at improving sprint speed.
Want to blast those quadriceps and calves? Try “sneaky lunges”. Perform the walking lunges with heels off the ground. Imagine tiptoeing with a very long stride. Just take care to keep that lead knee above the ankle – never beyond. Make lunges a regular part of your fitness routine and shape those legs up in no time!

Denise Rejent-Lee
BRICKS Kickboxing

Summer Kickboxing Schedule

Hope you're all having a nice summer so far! Please note our new kickboxing schedule, effective immediately:

Tuesdays & Thursdays
9:15 - 10:15 am

Wednesdays
6:30 - 7:30 pm

Saturdays
9:15 - 10:15 am

No classes on July 4 & July 21-23

See you soon!

Monday Fitness Facts with Denise

Worried you’ll derail all that hard-earned progress when you leave town for the summer? Try these outdoor exercise routines and burn the fat while on vacation:

Hit the Greens: Burn 288 calories an hour playing a round of golf. With all the swinging, bending and walking, you’re getting cardio, strength and flexibility benefits every time you play!

Swim in the Open Water: Burn 384 calories while building endurance and muscle tone in the nearest lake or ocean. You can also get one step closer to doing that triathalon you’ve been considering!

Stand Up for Yourself…Paddle Surf: Burn 256 calories gliding on a standing paddle board. You’ll engage your core to maintain balance and get a great upper body workout with every stroke. Looking for that adrenaline rush at the same time? Grab a surfboard and catch a wave.

Spike It: Burn 448 calories in a beach volleyball game. All that jumping, balancing and diving on a sand court is a true total body workout. And after you work up a sweat, you can take a post-match dip in the water!

While you’re in Phoenix this summer, take advantage of our extended schedule in our air-conditioned studio! Kickboxing classes are held Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at 9:15 a.m., and Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m.

Denise Rejent-Lee

BRICKS Kickboxing

Monday Fitness Facts with Denise

As the temperature soars, we all look for lighter, cooler summer snacks. Here are a couple of ideas.

Berry Healthy: According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, adults who incorporated daily doses of berries and pure berry juice significantly lowered their blood pressure and increased their HDL (“good”) cholesterol in two months. That’s because the colorful fruits are loaded with polyphenols, plant chemicals that defend against heart disease.

Lighten Up: When you think “pasta”, do you think cold weather comfort food? Think again. Pasta can be the ideal lean and nutritious, not to mention cool, summer fare. Forget the heavy sauces. Instead, combine noodles with plenty of fresh vegetables or beans. Produce and legumes add fiber, which keep you fuller longer, and disease-fighting vitamins and minerals. Noodle and vegetable dishes are also perfect for summer because they can be served cold or at room temperature. So load up, cool off and slim down!

Denise Rejent-Lee
BRICKS Kickboxing"

Miss Mandy & Miss Jen taught a Princess Dance Class at This Little Piggy Wears Cotton

Hi Mandy,

 

Thank you so much to you and Jennifer for teaching the dance class. You both were awesome teachers, and all of the parents and girls had a blast!!! Here are some of the pictures from the event for you to take a look at. So cute!!

 

My corporate office was really impressed by how well the event went, and we would love to do more with you and the dance studio. I know that you have another Princess Dance Camp on July 20th-22, and was wondering if you would like to come host another dance class before yours. Maybe some time at the beginning of July? There are so many more people that we've already though of for the next one.

 

Let me know what you think, and thank you again for putting on such a great dance class. We all look forward to working with you and the dance studio in the future!

 

Best,

 

Michele

This Little Piggy Wears Cotton

Summer Camp is in Full Swing!

We are having a blast at camp! Sessions are filling up fast so call the studio if you want to join in on the fun at Bricks! 602.954.5200..Hope to see you there!

Boot Camp at BRICKS

We are super excited to announce that we are now featuring adult Boot Camp classes! They will be on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7-8 pm. Existing BRICKS clients will get the first 2 weeks free! Contact Lee Gough at 602.791.5314 with any questions. Make sure to tell him that you were referred by BRICKS!

Monday Fitness Facts with Denise

Old school exercises have remained in vogue for good reason: They work. While advancements in exercise science are positive steps toward improving our health and fitness, don’t get caught up in chasing every “gimmick” on the market. You will certainly end up with a lighter wallet, but not necessarily a lighter you.
Here are a few exercises to work all your major muscle groups with minimal equipment. For your legs and glutes, build a repertoire of squats and lunges. In addition to standard squats and lunges, try side lunges, single leg squats, reverse lunges and split squats. For your abs, crunch away. While crunches won’t burn the fat away (that’s about cardio training and healthy diet), they will build a strong core and the “ripped” look we love. Don’t neglect the obliques – add a twist with the bicycle crunches and side bridge raises. For upper body strength and tone, there’s nothing like the push-up. Again, a varied approach is best. Hand position will make all the difference in which muscles you work; do some with hands in close, some with a wider spread and some with staggered position.
Finally, you don’t need a fancy treadmill or elliptical to get your cardio fix. Grab a jump rope, go for an early morning run or hike, or dance through your daily chores! Add all this up, and you have a full body workout without the pricey gym membership or living room full of space-eating equipment.

Denise Rejent-Lee
BRICKS Kickboxing

Pictures are here!

Come by the studio any time to pick up your pictures! Today's hours will be from 9 - 3. We can't wait for you to see them!

Monday Fitness Facts with Denise

According to a study in the American Journal of Public Health, thinking you are overweight may actually be worse for you than being overweight. Researchers asked 150,000 adults about their current weight, ideal weight and how often they felt unhealthy. They found that the less satisfied people were with their size, the less healthy they felt, regardless of how much they weighed.
The authors explained that the brain is the control center for our emotions and for our physiology. How we feel directly impacts our body. Over time, negative emotions can lead to disease. To maintain that healthy outlook, keep stress and depression in check. Focus on what your body can do, not how many pounds it weighs. Set realistic goals, and celebrate every victory, no matter how small.

Denise Rejent-Lee
BRICKS Kickboxing

Schedule for the week of May 18th

Congratulations to all of our awesome BRICKS dancers on a truly amazing recital. Everyone should be so proud of themselves. Thank you so much to all of you parents for making it happen! We will be posting pictures very soon!

Please note the following schedule for the week of the 18th:

Disco Dance Parties

Come dressed up & be ready to have fun!

Monday, 5/18

Ages 6 & under: 3:30-4:15

7 & up: 4:15-5:30

Tuesday, 5/19

Ages 7 & up: 4:30-5:30

6 & under: 5:30-6:15

No children's classes until June 8th

See you all soon!

Mandy's email with important recital details!

Hey Bricks Family!! I am so proud of each of the performers; they did a great job this weekend at Tempe Marketplace. Those were extreme conditions and I am so thankful that everyone was so patient and understanding! That was a great practice for the Recital on Thursday!! Performers you were wonderful!

Below I have typed a few last minute notes please be sure to read through the entire letter. I don’t want anyone to miss anything!!

During your class this week (remember all Thursday classes have been rescheduled) please stop by the front desk to pick up your 2 free tickets to the show and purchase any tickets that you know you will need. Tickets will be available at the show, but for cash only. Please pre purchase if possible. $5.00 each

Thursday Camelback High Recital.

28^th Street and Campbell Park in the South Lot

Performers need to arrive at 5:15-5:30pm

Auditorium opens at 5:30   Show Starts at 6:00pm  Please do not save seats..

Bring your own Video Camera

After you check in your student please do not hang out back stage. Due to fire code we cannot have those extra bodies back there…Also please do not come back and check on your student until the show is over. We will be having each class come out for a final bow on the stage and then a short awards ceremony will take place.

The show will be done at 7:30pm and then if only one parent comes back to check out your student that would be very helpful.

Parents please do not access the backstage area via the stage. No parent can walk up on the stage during the show. You must go out and around and through the exterior hall. Thank you!

Do not leave a bag with your performers.  All of their costume should be on and shoes should be on as well when you give them a hug and say good luck… (unless they are in more than one dance)

We are still in need of more volunteers backstage if anyone is interested… please see the front desk. Thanks!!

Parents thank you again for all of your patience and support these last few weeks we are very excited to have you sit back and enjoy our Movin’ Through the Movies 2009 Recital”

Summer classes are filling up, if any of you are interested we need you to secure your spot asap…We have attached a registration schedule. Many of the older dancers have inquired about a discount because they want to take so many classes. We are offering an unlimited package for $150.00 per month for ages 10 and up. And a $125 package for 9 and under. This is a great time for the students to try a new style of dance. Karate will be offered in July only.

Our regular dance classes will begin in mid August.

Thank you so much!

Miss Mandy

MONDAY FITNESS FACTS WITH DENISE

After celebrating yet another Mother’s Day, I stopped to think about the things that we moms have in common. We all struggle to strike some kind of balance between work, family and self. We tend to take care of everyone else, leaving little time or energy for ourselves. And despite the fact that we can accomplish in a day what most people do in a week, we generally feel we’re not doing enough. Sound familiar?

Here’s a thought: Look at yourself through the eyes of your kids. How do you think they view you? Do they see relaxed, fun, happy mom? Or do they see tense, stressed, impatient mom? We probably have days where the former fits, and days where the latter dominates, but you get the picture.

Since you know your kids look to you for cues, give them a range of healthy tools to deal with life’s inevitable stresses. Find positive ways to weather the difficulties. When they see you engage in activities such as regular exercise, healthy eating, strong social connections and constructive hobbies, they learn the value of self care. And you may be surprised at how much the tone (and volume!) of your home changes with when mom is peaceful, happy and content. Happy Mother’s Day!

Denise Rejent-Lee

BRICKS Kickboxing

Recital tickets

The recital is next week! Don't forget to pick up your 2 free tickets at the front desk. If you need more, they are available for $5 each. Children 8 and under are free!

See you soon!

Tempe Town Marketplace Show....

...is this Saturday, May 9th! Please take note of the following:

-Dancers need to arrive at their designated time in full costume, except for dance shoes (put those on once you arrive at the staging area)
-Acts 1-13 need to be there at 9:45 am, Acts 14-23 arrive at 10:30 am (see below for details)
-The stage is on the north side of shopping complex area
-Park by Dave & Buster's
-Stage is outdoors, so bring extra chairs if you have a lot of people coming to watch!

Tempe Town Marketplace
2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85281

Acts 1-13: "There's No Business Like Show Business," "Under the Sea," Karate, "Angel," "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo," "You Can't Stop the Beat," "Chicago," "Sparkling Diamonds," "I Want Candy," & Hip Hop Production

Acts 14-23: "Singin' In the Rain/Umbrella," "Grease Lightning," "Together," "Cuban Pete," "One,"Whistle While You Work," "Movie Montage," McTeggart School of Irish Dance, "Little Shop of Horrors," "At the Beginning," & Suns Dancers

Call the Studio with any questions. Thanks in advance for your support and cooperation! We are truly grateful for our awesome Bricks families!

Yin Yoga//Deep Stretch Workshop May 31st

Yin Yoga calms, heals, and restores while actually strengthening the deepest foundation of our structure. This gentle but effective approach to asana practice can enhance our flexibility, provide ease of movement and increase range of motion, bring increased vitality and health to the organs of our body, as well as inner focus, clarity, and relaxation. This practice is suitable for all levels.

While many styles of yoga practice promote strengthening and stretching of muscles, a complementary Yin style practice addresses the need for strength and elasticity in the connective tissues of the body (tendons, ligaments and fascia) for optimum health and function. Yin Yoga is a quiet practice of long-held passive poses, which helps to release stress in the joints and unlock tense connective tissue. When the body is slowly encouraged to release and relax through the assistance of gravity, the mind becomes quiet, still and peaceful, allowing each person to experience their own inner nature.

Each person experiences the Yin practice differently. But one thing that we all share is that our life experiences live in our body. The Yin practice creates an environment that allows us to easily explore the subtleties of the emotional, energetic and physical aspects of our being. Usually we want to get rid of, deny, or run from our obstacles. If we instead turn toward them, the energy that is locked up in the resistance is often liberated and becomes transformative.

Sunday, May 31st 


3:00pm to 5:30pm


Bricks Studio 

4550 East Indian School Road 

Phoenix, Arizona 85018 






For more information or to register contact:

Isabelle Clarke at (480) 922-3734

Cost: $25.00 (Please make checks payable to Isabelle Clarke)

Pre-registration and pre-payment is required as class size is limited.

MONDAY FITNESS FACTS WITH DENISE

Jump!

Last week’s Fitness Facts touted the benefits of exercising like a kid. One way to do that: Jump rope. Jumping rope is one of the best overall exercises for cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance and coordination. According to American Heart Association, current research indicates that jumping rope may be good for the brain too: It increases blood flow to the brain, benefits spatial awareness, mental alertness and rhythm, and decreases stress levels. And all you need is a good pair of sneakers and a rope!

Jump rope basics: 1) Choose the right length rope for you: Step one foot on the center of the rope and bring both handles up to the chest. The handles should reach about chest high; 2) Lightly grip the handles; 3) Keep your back straight and head up; 4) Keep your shoulders relaxed and elbows close to your body; 5) Turn the rope from the wrists, not arms; 6) Bend your knees slightly and jump just high enough to clear the rope to minimize impact on knees and ankles.

Once you have the basic rhythm down, mix it up. Get creative. Vary your foot patterns, stride and pace. Make it a game and have fun!

Denise Rejent-Lee

BRICKS Kickboxing

Princess Dance Camp

Calling all 3 to 6 year olds! Come dressed as your favorite princess!
Learn all of the Ballet Basics and dances to your favorite princess songs!
We will have a short break for a tea party each day and a short performance will be given on the last day.

$25.00 for both classes.
2 sessions to choose from:

June 22nd and 24th or
July 20th and 22nd

3:00-4:30pm

Call to Register or Sign Up at the Front Desk
602.954.5200

Thank You!

Pictures went great and they will be ready at the end of May. We will call you when we receive them. Thanks again for all your help and support.

Follow The Leaders

I recently put together an exercise seminar for a group of 7 and 8 year olds. I needed to impress upon them that exercise is not only important … it’s a lot of fun too!

The more I thought about it, the more I realized kids already have the right idea about healthy living. Kids exercise all the time without even thinking about it. They spend their entire days seeking out activity. They run around outside, engage in playground games at school, dance, jump, laugh, sing, and simply MOVE all day. The best part: they’re having fun!

Next time you find yourself in a workout rut, head to the park. Watch, learn and follow along. Our kids can teach us a lot about staying fit!

Denise Rejent-Lee
BRICKS Kickboxing

BRICKS Kickboxing

We are super excited to announce that we're adding the following kickboxing classes to our schedule, effective the week of May 4th:

Mondays
6:30 - 7:30 pm

Wednesdays
6:30 -7:30 pm

We will also be adding a Saturday morning class in the summer. More details to come soon!

Attention all BRICKS Recital dancers!!

Have you guys seen the new Hannah Montana movie yet? If you haven't, you should! When you do, you'll go straight home and want to learn the "Hoedown Throwdown" dance. We thought it would be a really FUN encore to bring all of you back out on stage at the end of the recital and perform it!

The video below will show you the step by step instructions on the Hoedown Throwdown. Practice your little hearts away!

Monday Fitness Facts with Denise

SMART SNACKS

According to Runner’s World Magazine, here are five snacks that, believe it or not, are good for you! Ideally, these would be eaten after you have completed your daily bout of exercise. JERKY: Make sure it’s low sodium, and it provides a healthy serving of protein. POPCORN: Low in calories, and around five grams of fiber. Stick with low fat if you opt for microwave versions. PUDDING: Good source of calcium. Try to find one that is vitamin D fortified for added benefit. DARK CHOCOLATE: Shown to be high in antioxidants; just eat in moderation! CHIPS AND SALSA: Low in calories, high in vitamins and antioxidants. Even better … choose healthier chips, such as multigrain and low sodium.

“Grazing” on healthy snacks will keep your energy up and your waistline down. So make smart choices and enjoy the benefits!

Denise Rejent-Lee

BRICKS Kickboxing

The James Cagney Walk!

Miss Ruth loves this video, and because we LOVE her, we thought we'd pass it along to all of you! Both Bob Hope and James Cagney were such amazing dancers. Enjoy!

Yoga workshop is around the corner...

Yin Yoga/Deep Stretch Workshop

Sunday, April 26th
3:00pm to 5:30pm

For more information contact:
Isabelle Clarke at (480) 922-3734

Yin Yoga calms, heals, and restores while actually strengthening the deepest foundation of our structure. This gentle but effective approach to asana practice can enhance our flexibility, provide ease of movement and increase range of motion, bring increased vitality and health to the organs of our body, as well as inner focus, clarity, and relaxation.

While many styles of yoga practice promote strengthening and stretching of muscles, a complementary Yin style practice addresses the need for strength and elasticity in the connective tissues of the body (tendons, ligaments and fascia) for optimum health and function. Yin Yoga is a quiet practice of long-held passive poses, which helps to release stress in the joints and unlock tense connective tissue. When the body is slowly encouraged to release and relax through the assistance of gravity, the mind becomes quiet, still and peaceful, allowing each person to experience their own inner nature.

The Yin practice creates an environment that allows us to easily explore the subtleties of the emotional, energetic and physical aspects of our being. These aspects are easy to ignore, deny or run away from, especially in today’s hectic society.

Each person experiences the Yin practice differently. But one thing that we all share is that our life experiences live in our body. Usually we want to get rid of our obstacle. If we instead turn toward it, the energy that is locked up in the resistance is often liberated and becomes transformative.


Cost: $25.00
Pre-registration and pre-payment is required.

BRICKS Birthday Party Bargain!

We can come to your house for $50.00 per 1/2 hour and teach a fun dance or developmental class. This price is good for groups of under 15 children. Fees apply for more children. Call the studio for details. 602.954.5200.

Monday Fitness Facts with Denise

GET STRESSED!


Stress can make you sick. But one kind of stress that might actually help you fight off illness is regular exercise. Working out gets your blood pumping and your pores sweating. When this happens, your whole body is working a lot more efficiently, including your immune system.


Of course, if you do get sick, then it’s time to take it easy. Your body needs all available resources to battle the illness.


And for those of you who think you’re just too busy to exercise regularly and get enough sleep, remember that if that flu bug catches you, you’ll be wasting a lot more time in bed than you would have doing a daily sixty minutes of aerobic activity.


Denise Rejent-Lee

BRICKS Kickboxing

A sneak peek at some of our costumes for our upcoming recital. We are getting so excited!!

Monday Fitness Facts with Denise

Cheers to Your Health

We have heard about the health benefits of including moderate amounts of red wine into our diets. Now, good news for beer drinkers: According to research, dark beer may have heart health benefits as well. Dark beer is rich in flavonoids, which have powerful antioxidant effects and may help prevent blood clots.
When it comes to flavonoids, it's about color. The rich flavonoid content makes red wine more heart friendly than white wine and purple grape juice a better choice for toddlers than white grape juice. And early indications are that dark beer is more active at fighting blood clots than light beer.
As always, alcohol studies should be read with caution -- there is the risk that the data will be misinterpreted and people will consume too much. Intake should be limited to two drinks a day. Enjoy responsibly and raise a glass to heart health!

Denise Rejent-Lee

BRICKS Kickboxing

Suns performance pictures!

Check out our super cute dancers from the Suns performance. Way to go, girls! You made everyone at BRICKS so proud!

Yoga Workshop

Yin Yoga//Deep Stretch Workshop

Sunday, April 26th
3:00pm to 5:30pm

For more information contact:
Isabelle Clarke at (480) 922-3734

Yin Yoga calms, heals, and restores while actually strengthening the deepest foundation of our structure. This gentle but effective approach to asana practice can enhance our flexibility, provide ease of movement and increase range of motion, bring increased vitality and health to the organs of our body, as well as inner focus, clarity, and relaxation.

While many styles of yoga practice promote strengthening and stretching of muscles, a complementary Yin style practice addresses the need for strength and elasticity in the connective tissues of the body (tendons, ligaments and fascia) for optimum health and function. Yin Yoga is a quiet practice of long-held passive poses, which helps to release stress in the joints and unlock tense connective tissue. When the body is slowly encouraged to release and relax through the assistance of gravity, the mind becomes quiet, still and peaceful, allowing each person to experience their own inner nature.

The Yin practice creates an environment that allows us to easily explore the subtleties of the emotional, energetic and physical aspects of our being. These aspects are easy to ignore, deny or run away from, especially in today’s

hectic society.

Each person experiences the Yin practice differently. But one thing that we all share is that our life experiences live in our body. Usually we want to get rid of our obstacle. If we instead turn toward it, the energy that is locked up in the resistance is often liberated and becomes transformative.


Cost: $25.00
Pre-registration and pre-payment is required.

Spring Recital program info!

We're so excited about our upcoming recital! If you're interested in one of the following for the program, please let us know!

1. Advertise your business to our amazing group of Arcadia families
-All ads will be black and white
-Business card size is $50, Half page is $100 & Full page is $175

2. Wish 'em well ads!
-Support your dancer(s) with a message of encouragement and congratulaions!
-Business card size (1/4 page of the program) is $15 for up to 40 words
-$30 if you would like to include a photo

Please email info@bricksstudio.com by April 15th!

Friendly Reminders:

April 27th & 28th
Studio Pictures
Times TBD

May 4th
Dress Rehearsal at Camelback High School
4 pm - 8 pm (arrival times will vary)

May 9th
Tempe Town Marketplace Show
10 am - 12 pm (arrival times will vary)

May 14th
"Movin' Through The Movies"
Spring Recital at Camelback High School
Show starts at 6 pm (dancer arrival times will vary)

We will update with more information as we get it. Don't hesitate to contact us with any and all questions!

Monday Fitness Facts with Denise

What’s My Motivation?


We may not all aspire to complete a marathon. But research on marathon runners sheds some light on success in any fitness regimen.


An Arizona State University researcher found that runners’ motivations to undertake marathon training were closely tied to ultimate success rates. He studied first time marathoners rather than elite athletes, and discovered that the majority of runners who did not complete the training and race listed weight concerns and recognition from others as their primary motivations for undertaking the training. While these types of external motivations can be powerful, they should be coupled with more meaningful reasons, such as wanting to increase self-esteem, achieving a fitness goal, or being healthy enough to play with the kids.

Why is this important? We all want to succeed in our exercise endeavors. And the reason why someone exercises is essential to whether he or she will stick with it. People who are most likely to succeed have more intrinsic goals, such as improving one's quality of life and handling stress better. The good news is, the external benefits will certainly follow for those who persevere!

Denise Rejent-Lee
BRICKS Kickboxing

Yoga Workshop with Belle

Yin/Deep Stretch workshop

Date: April 26 (and then every 1st Sunday of each month thereafter)
Time: 3:00pm-5:30pm
Cost: $25 per person

To register or for more information contact Isabelle Clarke at 480-922-3734 or email isabelle7@cox.net This gentle but effective approach to asana practice can enhance our flexibility, provide an ease of movement, improve posture, and bring increased vitality and health to the organs of our body. While many "styles" of yoga practice promote strengthening and stretching of muscles, a complementary Yin style practice addresses the need for strength and elasticity in the connective tissues of the body (tendons, ligaments and fascia) for optimum health and function.

Spirit Week at BRICKS April 6-11

We are mixing things up a little in April...Spirit week! Here is the schedule:

Monday: Princess Day

Tuesday: Polka Dot & Stripes Day

Wednesday: Hawaiian Luau Day

Thursday: 80's Day

Friday: Princess Day

Have fun with this week, come dressed and get creative!

CONGRATULATIONS to our BRICKS students for their awesome SUNS performance!

We are so very proud of our BRICKS students. They rocked the SUNS house last night! We will have pictures up soon. Parents please email any photos you took so we can proudly post them! Email those to bricksstudio@gmail.com and parents thank you very much all your support. We appreciate it!

Monday Fitness Facts with Denise

As the weather heats up, staying hydrated becomes even more of a priority. Here are the facts about water:

You are made up primarily of water. When properly hydrated, about two-thirds of your body is water. Muscle tissue is even higher, at around 70 percent. When you don't have enough water, your performance declines in a state we call dehydration. Get too dehydrated and your body will no longer function.

It’s not all about water. Water reacts with chemicals in your body in order to perform. We lose water in the form of sweat and sweat is made up of water and body "salts," which are mainly sodium, chloride, and potassium. These are called electrolytes. Either too much or too little is dangerous. Like water, the amount you consume should be directly related to your body’s workload. More exercise equals more sweat, meaning that you need more water and more salt.
Water and exercise. A well-hydrated body has higher levels of oxygen in the bloodstream, translating into an increased ability to burn fat as fuel. The more efficiently you burn fat as fuel, the more effectively you exercise, leading to a better overall body composition. Keep your body exercising effectively by hydrating before, during and after bouts of exertion, particularly in the hot summer months.


How much water? We’ve all heard that you need about eight glasses of water a day. But this will vary according to activity level and environmental conditions. As a general rule, add a couple of glasses during the hot days of summer and the dry, cold nights of winter. During exercise, you may lose a significant amount. So adjust your intake according to your activity level.
So with summer heat just around the corner - work hard, sweat, and drink up!

Denise Rejent-Lee
BRICKS Kickboxing

Happy St. Patrick's Day from BRICKS Studio!

Monday Fitness Facts with Denise

I’ve heard it time and time again … women don’t want to strength train because they don’t want big bulky muscles. The truth is, incorporating strength training into your fitness regimen will not make you look like a female bodybuilder. In fact, increasing your lean muscle mass will burn more fat and give you the sleek slender physique you’ve been working to obtain.

Here’s the truth behind strength, or resistance, training: muscle does NOT weigh more than fat. A pound of muscle weighs the same as a pound of fat. The difference is that muscle takes up less space than fat. When you start to build muscle, you will notice that you lose inches rather than pounds. This is beneficial to your health and fitness for a number of reasons. One reason is that when you increase muscle mass, you increase your metabolism (the rate at which you burn calories), so you burn fat faster and maintain the loss longer. In addition, weight training helps prevent osteoporosis because it helps prevent the loss of bone density. Finally, increased muscle mass is an effective way to reduce the body’s output of cortisol, which is a hormone that increases appetite and converts calories into abdominal fat. Increased abdominal fat has been linked to a higher risk of heart problems.

Want a great way to strength train and have FUN? Hit a kickboxing or boxing class that uses bags. When you are hitting an object, rather than just the air, it offers “resistance” and provides the strength training benefits you need for a healthy strong body!

Denise Rejent-Lee

BRICKS Kickboxing

Mark your calendars!

Here are some very important dates that are just around the corner:

April 27th & 28th
Studio Pictures
Times TBD

May 4th
Dress Rehearsal at Camelback High School
4 pm - 8 pm (arrival times will vary)

May 9th
Tempe Town Marketplace Show
10 am - 12 pm (arrival times will vary)

May 14th
"Movin' Through The Movies"
Spring Recital at Camelback High School
Show starts at 6 pm (dancer arrival times will vary)

We will update with more information as we get it. Don't hesitate to contact us with any and all questions!

See you soon!

Summer Dance Classes

Here is our dance schedule for the summer months:

Monday
3:30-4:15pm 3-5yr Tap & Ballet
4:15-5:00pm 6-9yr Hip Hop
5:00-6:00pm 10 & up Hip Hop
6:00-7:00pm Tumbling

Tuesday
3:30-4:15pm 6-10yr Ballet/Jazz
4:15-5:15pm 10 & up Contemporary/Lyrical/Ballet
5:15-6:00pm 3-5yr Tap & Ballet
6:00-6:45pm Tap/Musical


Two Sessions Available:

Session 1: June 8th-30th
Session 2: July 6th-28th

See the front desk for registration info!

BRICKS Fitness Facts!

Want to make the most of your exercise time? Add interval training. Interval training involves alternating between low and high intensities during your cardio workout. The first low intensity bout serves as a warm up; the blood starts flowing and muscles loosen. When we kick it up into high gear, we raise the heart rate significantly for just a matter of seconds. Then we slow the intensity back down to let the heart rate and breathing recover.

Here’s the science lesson: Interval training works both the aerobic and anaerobic systems. During the high intensity phase, the anaerobic system uses the energy stored in the muscles (glycogen) for short bursts of activity. Lactic acid builds and the body enters oxygen debt. During the recovery phase, the aerobic system is in control; the heart and lungs “pay back” this oxygen debt and break down the lactic acid. The oxygen is used to convert stored carbohydrates into energy. The body builds new capillaries and is better able to deliver oxygen to the working muscles. The result is a stronger heart and a more efficient cardiovascular system.
What’s the best part about interval training? With an exercise bout less than half the duration of a normal cardiovascular workout, you’ll burn twice as many calories throughout the day. Interval training is so effective because it creates a "metabolic afterburn." Basically, the high and low exercises shock the body a little bit, so your body stays in "calorie burn mode" for up to several hours after the exercise, burning twice as many calories! Burn more calories in less time … something we can all fit into our busy schedules!

A fun way to incorporate interval training: Come kickbox with us weekday mornings!

Denise Rejent-Lee

BRICKS Kickboxing

We love our BRICKS students!

Send us your BRICKS pics & we'll put them on here too!

BRICKS Fitness Facts

We’ve all been there: Worked out a little harder than usual and paid the price the next day. Especially as we get older, we don’t bounce back as fast as we used to. When our muscles hurt, common sense usually tells us to rest and relax. But research shows that the best thing we can do for ourselves is fight the urge to take a rest. Get moving. Build in “active recovery”. Continued movement, such as walking after an intense run, seems to help prevent muscles from cramping and stiffening up after intense exercise and facilitate the recovery process. Light physical activity significantly reduces next day soreness. If you can’t get back to your exercise class, try walking, stretching, playing with the kids or engaging in physical housework such as vacuuming or gardening. Any exercise increases blood flow, which gets rid of some of the metabolic by-products of your workout.

So bottom line: Don’t let a little soreness sideline you. Reduce your intensity, but keep moving! And join us for Fitness Kickboxing at BRICKS every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings!

Denise Rejent-Lee
BRICKS Kickboxing

Most of you have already paid your recital costume fees (thank you!). For those who have not, please do so at your earliest convenience! We are really excited for our Spring Recital and can't wait to show off all of the hard work your kids have done. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions! Here's a reminder of the info on the big day:

Thursday, May 14th

6:00 pm

Camelback High School

We don't get the chance to say it often enough, but all of us at BRICKS want you to know how very much we appreciate our families! We recognize that times are tough everywhere and are so grateful for your business. 

See you all soon!

Princess Dance Camp at BRICKS!

Calling all PRINCESSES ages 3 to 6!!

Come dressed as your favorite princess, learn ballet basics and dances to your favorite princess songs!

The princesses will take a short break during each class for a tea party. On the last day they will be giving a short performance! 

The cost is $25.00 per session.

Session 1: June 22nd & 24th
Session 2: July 20th & 22nd

3:00pm to 4:30pm

Call BRICKS (602.954.5200) to register!

BRICKS dancers in LA!

Two of our dancers had the honor of being USC junior Song Girls last weekend in Los Angeles! They put their BRICKS skills to use as they learned a routine and then performed in the halftime show of a basketball game. They did an awesome job and made all of us at BRICKS so proud! Way to go girls!!

Welcome to BRICKS’ Weekly Fitness Facts!

Each week, I will be providing you with exercise, nutrition and health information to help you reach your fitness goals. In our introductory installment of Fitness Facts, I thought the most appropriate advice I could give would be tips to get you started in your new fitness class!

1. Be Patient. Every goal worth reaching is worth the time to do it right. Your fitness and health goals are no different. Fad diets and drastic exercise programs may produce short-term gains, but inevitably lead to disappointing and often dangerous results. Give yourself permission to take “baby steps”. Be kind to yourself. Recognize and reward progress, no matter how slow or small. Before you know it, you will be reaping the benefits of your hard work. You will look great, feel great and be on the way to a lifetime of healthier habits.

2. Be Safe. Any fitness regimen has potential for injury. Improper punching and kicking technique is at best, ineffective, and at worst, dangerous. Listen and learn proper form. Practice caution and prudence, especially in the early stages of your training. Injury or burnout will derail your hard earned gains and keep you from participating while you heal.

3. Ask Questions. Your instructor is there to guide and assist you in your commitment to a healthier life. Do not hesitate to ask any questions about your training. If you feel you need additional help with technique, ASK. Schedule time before or after class for individual assistance. Sometimes minor adjustments in body mechanics avoid injury and produce surprising leaps in progress.

4. Have Fun! You will quickly find that the mental benefits of this class are at least as tangible as the physical. You will reduce stress, increase energy, and enjoy the support and encouragement of your classmates. View your exercise time as that break in the day you’ve earned … listen to the music, smile, and tear it up!

Denise Rejent-Lee
BRICKS Kickboxing

Summer Camp

Hey everyone,

We are super excited to reveal our big plans for Summer Camp! We're expecting the sessions to fill up quickly, so get your registration in asap!

Click here for more info!

See you soon!

Spring Recital and Karate!

We are so excited for our Spring Recital!

Save the date:

Thursday, May 14th

6:00 pm

Camelback High School

Also.....karate classes are now being offered at BRICKS!

Tuesdays

4:00 - 5:00 for 4-6 year olds

5:00 - 6:00 for ages 7 & up

Hope to see you soon!

We Love Our BRICKS Students!

one of our many precious BRICKS students!

Calling all BRICKS parents!

We want you to be a part of our blog! If you have any pictures or stories to share, please email them to mandy@bricksstudio.com. Also, we are soon going to be adding a "BRICKS Family Businesses" page to our website. If you would like your company to be included, please email us a logo and some info!

Don't forget about our upcoming performace at a Suns game!

Hope to see you soon!

Tap shoes & tights on Tuesday!

We love our BRICKS kids and couldn't resist snapping this picture yesterday morning!

Don't forget about our Bring A Friend offer. If your son/daughter has a friend who would like to try out a class, bring them in! Their parent needs to sign a waiver, which are available at the front desk.

Thanks for stopping by our blog. Hope to see you soon!

BRICKS has joined the world of blogging!!

We will be posting pics and lots more real soon!