You’ve heard of the expression “when life hands you lemons” right? Well I know it continues that you make lemonade but sometimes you just want to go and get the Gin! Yesterday was one of those days and whilst I didn’t break into the drinks cabinet, I did choose to turn a bad start around and create a really great day in the end. I love that line in ‘The Most Exotic Marigold Hotel’ where the eager yet hapless young hotel manager says “It will be alright in the end and if it’s not alright then it’s not the end!”. I ended up giving myself a wonderful playful workout, exploring new exercises and ways of training. It’s easy for all of us to forget to make time for our own fitness needs and I have, of late, not trained enough for myself. Sundays session was a great reminder and wakeup call as to how much I need it and enjoy it too! I cracked on with sorting chores and jobs around the house and had some bonus retail therapy time with my beloved Abbi.
Today I find myself more refreshed and less frazzled (as I often am after working all weekend) and I’m ready for this exciting week ahead.
Once again Monica treated us to her Fabuous Wu Yoga programme on Friday and sadly we only have one more left! If you want to join us (and start the weekend relaxed and refreshed) then let me know asap and I will save you a mat!
Mondays Boogie Fitters and Tuesdays Dance fitters, if you have a trilby hat please bring it along to your classes this week!
Thursday Dancers (Dancespiration Divas) – do you have festive head gear (even tinsel) for Thursdays class, I want to record a very short festive piece after we’ve danced.
Lots of Birthdays this week too – we have birthday Bubbles after dancing on Monday and Thursday this week (hic!)
Christmas Week (21st & 22nd December)
If you want some classes to help keep you in shape pre the big christmas feast, I have sign up sheets for you to register your intent – let me know if you would like to attend classes on the Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd December! (by the end of this week please)
Broadway to Hollywood, 15th December
Please ensure your tickets are purchasesd by 30th November.
The evenings music and choreograhy will be inspired by Stage and Screen so come dressed as your favourite star for the night. ( 7.30-8.30pm drinks and nibbles afterwards, £10 each and half price for membership holders)
DYBO Xmas Nosh Up 18th December 8pm ZiZi’s, Farnham
Deposits are paid and we have 37 DYB0 family members attending and I’m so looking forward to it, I have reserved 40 places if anyone else would like to come.
Power Step Combo
Fans of my Power Step class have requested that I run a short course before christmas, so not to dissapoint the step fans I’m running classes on Fridays 27th November, 4th & 11th December. Places are limited by the number of steps so book early to guarentee you get to play.
Independance
Our Independance event was a big hit, so we are organising another one with another fabulous independent dance fitness presenter.
Reserve the Date 31st January 11am-3pm!
‘Shake, shimmy and glide your way into 2016, as we take you on a dance journey to remember!
Following rave reviews for our first event, we are delighted to announce our guest presenter for this event, is the always popular, international presenter Jo Parry-Ali. Jo is renowned for her positive personality and fun and effective classes.
Together, Helen Carpenter-Waters and Jo will share with you their passion for creating and teaching unique, special, and dynamic master classes. You will learn fabulous choreography using a range of dance styles and banging’ tunes. Their energy and sense of fun is infectious, so there will be lots of giggles throughout the day!
Both Jo and Helen are renowned for their teaching skills, so this event is suitable for everyone; instructors/dancers looking for lots of inspiration and participants that simply love to dance!
This event makes the perfect Christmas Present!
‘Street Dance’ with Jo
‘Commercial Pop Dance’ with Helen
‘Lyrical Jazz’ with Jo
‘Contemporary Stretch’ with Helen
What to bring – please bring a light lunch, drinks and snacks, plus warm clothes to wear during the break and after class. Complimentary biscuits, tea and coffee will be provided.
Please register 10 minutes before the first class.
Tickets – Save £10 when you book before 30 Dec 2015 and pay only £27. Normal price, £37.
BOOK HERE – https://dybo.co.uk/
What better way to spend a cold winter’s day, than getting hot on the dance floor! So book today, places are limited.
INDEPENDANCE celebrates the creativity of independent dance classes and is brought to you by DYBO Academy
Braised Coconut Spinach & Chickpeas with Lemon
Serves 4 as a main dish or 6 as a side
2 teaspoons coconut oil
1 small yellow onion
4 large cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger, from a 3-inch piece
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped ( I use half a carton of chopped tomatoes ‘cos I don’t like sindried ones!)
1 large lemon, zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons juice)
1 dried hot red pepper or dash of red pepper flakes (optional)
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 pound baby spinach
1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon ground ginger
Toasted unsweetened coconut, to garnish
Heat the oil in a large, pot/pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is beginning to brown. Add the garlic, ginger, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon zest(and red pepper, if you are using it). Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add the chickpeas and cook over high heat for a few minutes, or until the chickpeas are beginning to turn golden and they are coated with the onion and garlic mixture.
Toss in the spinach, one handful at a time. This will take about 5 minutes; stir in a handful or two and wait for it to wilt down and make room in the pot before adding the next handful. When all the spinach has been added, pour in the coconut milk, salt, ground ginger, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, then turn down the heat and cook for 10 minutes, or until the chickpeas are warmed through. Taste and add more salt and lemon juice, if necessary.
Serve hot over roasted sweet potatoes, or rice or Quinoa.
Although it’s thick enough to eat on its own with a fork!
I finish writing to you with the news on in the background, the terrible events in Paris have shocked us all. It reminds me to prioritise the people and things that are really, truly most important. Live each day as if it were you last and take care of yourself and your loved ones as if you will live forever.
Take care yourself you are precious.
Love ya,
Helen xx
