Gina Fay, one of my favorites and owner of DanceFIT in Brookline, takes some time to tell us about herself, her method, and her love for dance!

So, you are OBVIOUSLY a dancer.  Can you tell us a little bit about your background in dance?

I have been a dancer my whole life.  Since age 5 when I stepped into my first ballet class and was absolutely obsessed with my ballet teacher...who told me I had a really good split.  In my mind that made me believe I could be a professional dancer.   I kept believing that as I danced pre-professionally under the highest level of instruction in the Bay Area (Cali);  this professional dream of mine took me to one of the finest ballet schools in the world, L'Ecole De Danse De Rosella Hightower in Cannes, France.  I danced 6-8 hours a day, was in peak ballet-shape, training with the best in the world; and I decided I didn't want to be a professional dancer.  I was disgusted to be surrounded by dancers involved and immersed in heavy drugs, cigarettes and eating disorders.  I know this isn't the norm, especially in America where altheticism and strong dancers are valued, but I realized I wasn't cut out for the intensity.  This change of heart started my teaching journey!

I went to college for art (go figure, I double majored in Art History and Studio Art) and started teaching many ballet classes since Gettysburg College didn't have a large program.  I taught all levels, beginners and pointe dancers.  I found that this was my calling.

How did you get into the fitness industry? When did you realize, “damn, I’m awesome at this”?

When people started seeing tangible results... like, "my legs are skinnier", "I can kick my leg so high now", "that flab under my arms is gone".  I thought, I did it! As a fitness professional, I helped them reach their goal, boost their confidence, and see them "make DanceFIT a way of life." (as quoted by Gilt City)

Tell us about developing the oh-so-awesome and kick-butt BalletFIT class.  How did you come up with it? Did you come up with it?

BalletFIT is 100% my creation.  I have two babies at home (9 months, 2 years), and BalletFIT is my third baby.  I needed a workout to help me lose the baby weight (an overweight fitness instructor is NOT attractive or motivating), hence the zillion changement jumps, echappees, and sweat balls dripping all over your body.  I needed something that would gracefully tone my body and not add bulky weight-bearing muscle.  I wanted the barre work to introduce classical concepts like plies, tondues, degagees, developpees (yes, dropping fancy names), but the best part is, it is designed for all fitness levels!  Really anyone who wants a challenge can do this workout, and there is no need to be intimidated by the fact that it is ballet, and they might actually learn something!  The results are what keeps everyone returning!

How many classes do you teach per day/per week?

I teach approximately 18+ classes per week, which includes my children's ballet program.  Some days I teach 6-8 classes in a row!

How much of a workout do you get up at the front? You seem to be working it almost as hard as us.

I get a huge workout during class, sometimes I am exhausted when I teach 3 or more classes in a row, but my ballet background and attention to detail and form distracts me from the personal workout and makes sure that my clients are all doing it right and pushing themselves to their highest fitness potential.  Nothing bugs me more than attending a fitness class somewhere and I see the majority of the participants doing it wrong or performing exercises in a way that can injure them.  The best workout is one you do correctly! Clients have expressed to me that they love the personal modifications, suggestions and assisted stretching. 

How are you so happy all the time? Seriously. It’s like you’re on happy crack. Where can I find some?

I wish I had some happy crack!  Being a stay at home mom with an energetic toddler and a demanding 9 month old, I welcome the break (yes, teaching 5 classes in a row is a break for me).  I get excited to dance and free my mind from a challenging day and see other people smile and enjoy their workout too!

What is the best part about teaching a group fitness class?

EVERYTHING!  But my all time favorite part is seeing all my dedicated "regulars" so happy about the changes in their bodies and energy level.

What is your client pet peeve?

When clients apologize to me when they miss a class, as if I were disappointed or mad at them.  I realize that with a busy and hectic schedule it is hard to be 100% consistent with their workouts.  But this almost makes me love my clients more because they feel such an attachment and commitment to DanceFIT :)

Anything neat coming up for you? New classes? Events?

• In the process of trademarking and expanding my 6FIT program.
• Designing a few new adult classes that will begin this fall!  Sneak peak....a team fitness class!

Who are YOUR favorite instructors in the city?

Well, I have interviewed at least 30 instructors and try and hire the best so I can take unlimited classes and share my finds with the DF community!!!  I LOVE:

• Maeve Byrne's Zumba
• Alyssa Caddle's Hip Hop
• Nicole Vaillancourt's Barre Conditioning

You have to try them!! 

Gina Fay has performed and learned under many of the world's top dancers and instructors, from dancing at the L'Ecole de Superiere de Dance de Rosella Hightower in France to teaching at The Washington Ballet. Gina has excelled in and studied many forms of dance, such as classical ballet, partnering, Pointe, jazz, modern, character and kinesthetics. Her knowledge, experience and versatility even earned her the "Certificat de Stage" award from the famed France academy. Upon her move to Boston four years ago, Gina was a faculty member of Brookline Adult Education as a fitness instructor and continued her teaching of classical ballet classes at various Boston studios, where her students performed in spring showcases and won many competitions. Gina's passion for dance is reflected in her classes. She focuses on placement and technique, and provides each dancer with personal attention. Gina has developed a dance based fitness program designed to achieve a "dancers body" and help people develop specific muscle groups and help prevent and recover from injuries. Gina has been instructing and inspiring an array of levels and ages of dancers, ranging from coaching professionals to helping children with disabilities. Her mission is to share the knowledge of the beauty, joy, and science of her art form.

Find out more about Gina's studio at www.dancefitstudio.com.

Check out Gina's 'Superwoman Spotlight' on Liz DiAlto's blog.

Find DanceFIT on Facebook.

Do you love Gina as much as I do? Post a message below!