A special feature story by Katie Davis
Every single one of our members mean the world to us. We are who we are because of the wonderful community that we are so proud to hold here at Studio K. This month, our November Member of the Month, Kathleen Esquite, embodies the spirit and love of dance we all share together and celebrates what makes each of us special and unique. We truly treasure that she has chosen us as her dance and fitness family, and we look forward to seeing her every week at Studio K! Congratulations, Kathleen!
KD: Why did you choose Studio K as your choice dance/fitness studio?
Kathleen: When I came across Studio K on the Internet, I was happy to see that Zumba was offered. Zumba had been the primary class I was searching for as a fitness class, with ballet as secondary for technique. However, when I noticed that Studio K also offered a variety of other classes for different styles of dance and fitness, I was even more intrigued to try it out. I am happy I did!
KD: When did you join Studio K as a member?
Kathleen: I recall correctly, I believe I joined on January 11, 2019.
KD: Can you describe your first experience attending a class at Studio K?
Kathleen: I remember being nervous on my first day. I am usually timid to join a new community and environment, but I quickly made up my mind to become a part of the Studio K community. Thus, at the conclusion of my first class, I purchased the annual membership to continue to take as many classes as I could!
KD: What do you do for work during the day?
Kathleen: I work as one of the Guest Experience Managers for Walt Disney World. My schedule can either be very open, or with limited availability on some nights. Either way, I take advantage of the nights I have off to spend it with Studio K :)
KD: In your opinion, what makes Studio K different from other dance/fitness options?
Kathleen: The diversity of dance fitness classes offered at Studio K make it stand out above the other studios offered in the Orlando area. When I was searching the Internet for a Zumba class, I was searching for a cardio class. When I found it at Studio K, I found more than I was searching for. I had always had an interest in afro classes, and I found an Afro-Fusion class at Studio K. My favorite technique class is ballet, and Studio K also offers that as well. I had never taken a yoga class, but I had always wanted to try it. Studio K offers that! Studio K offers so many options to its members and the community, and every month they continue to update and add different styles!
KD: What was the first class you ever took at Studio K?
Kathleen: I think my first class ever taken at Studio K was a Zumba class.
KD: What is your favorite class to take at Studio K and why?
Kathleen: That is a difficult question to answer.. All the classes I take at Studio K are my favorite :) I look forward to each day I can dance. Afro-Fusion allows my body to learn to move in ways it is not used to moving; Zumba allows me to dance to different styles of music filled with cardio and gets you pumped up; Yoga allows my body and mind to work together and work in peace, while also working on stretching of the muscles; Contemporary was never a dance class I had taken in my previous years, but it has been a great exposure to learn its style of dancing; ballet is one of my biggest interests for the grace that it takes to make intense technique look so easy; MixxedFit provides a fun and upbeat atmosphere to working on toning (oh, the squats!). Each of the instructors offer such an exciting and welcoming environment, they make it difficult to decide on a favorite!
KD: Did you have a dance/fitness background before coming to Studio K?
Kathleen: My background in dance began when I was four years old, at a ballet studio. However, it has gone on and off since high school. The last time I was enrolled in a dance program was in 2016.
KD: Which class have you not tried yet, but are looking forward to trying in the future?
Kathleen: Hip Hop, Jazz, Pound, Musical Theatre, and any others!
KD: What advice do you have for people who want to try dance/fitness classes, but are hesitant/nervous?
Kathleen: Don't let your fear hold you back into thinking that you cannot do something. Your interest and willingness to try something will make you great at it. Everyone brings something unique to the dance floor, and that allows for harmony to exist in the studio.
KD: ​In a few words, what does Studio K mean to you? My happy place!
Kathleen: Is there anything else you would like to add about yourself/your time with Studio K? I am happy to be a part of a wonderful studio who welcomes me and my style of dance, without reservation. Every day, we dance together because we all want to dance. That is a great day.
Bonus Questions!
KD: If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Kathleen: Yikes! I love pizza and tacos, and fruit! But, if I had to choose just one thing, I think I would choose tacos! I just love the simple tacos - cilantro, onion, steak and corn tortilla, with lime and salt. If I could add guacamole, then why not! But, I really hope it doesn't come to just one thing for the rest of my life :)
KD: If you were going to a deserted island and could only bring three things that are currently in your house right now, what would it be and why? (this could be something practical or sentimental)
Kathleen: Hmmm. Music, to be able to listen to and dance to. A camera to take pictures of my surroundings and keep as memoir. My phone, in case of an emergency. But, I guess, technically, my phone has the ability to play music and access to a camera. So, I guess just my phone..
KD: Would you rather be stuck in a snowstorm without heat or stuck in a heatwave without air conditioning?
Kathleen: Oh man, both sound terrible situations to be in. I guess I would choose to be stuck in a snowstorm without heat because, at least, I can utilize all the blankets I have to keep warm. I can also build a fire or exercise to keep my body warm. In a heatwave, I don't think water and showers will help me as much. Sunburn, constant dehydration, feeling faint and with low energy sounds worse than being in a snowstorm.
Thank you again so much to Kathleen for being a part of our Studio K Family!
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