The Rural Intelligence region offers a plethora of fitness and healing modalities, but it can be hard to know which is the one that fits your needs, your body type and your schedule. Enter Paula Boyajian, a yoga instructor certified in Interdisciplinary Yoga and Yoga for the Special Child, who has taken on the role of RI’s fitness contributor to sleuth out the details of the many health and wellness options in our area.
Tresca Weinstein and and Kristi Berner
While living in New York City and being part of its acting scene for several years, I tried a good number of “dance for non-dancers" classes, but each time I was convinced that I was the only non-dancer attending. Although my feet could keep up with the first few combinations, adding arm or hand movements (at least on the same day) was just not going to happen. Now that I’m a bit older and a bit more confident, I was actually excited to hear about the Tice Barre Method class at Govinda Yoga Studio in Chatham. I walked into the class just as it was about to start and the instructor, Debra Jo Tice-Hughes, happily welcomed me in, as did her other students. She explained that she uses popular music and hoped that it was okay given that we were in a yoga studio. It was more than okay; it was fun moving to music ranging from Sting to Pharrell Williams and Journey to Lenny Kravitz. Through such music, Debra hopes that her students (especially women) develop a sense of empowerment. As for this woman, I found myself relaxing, smiling and enjoying the class, realizing that this class is different and could quite possibly cure my post-dance class trauma. What is it?The Tice Technique Barre Method combines ballet, jazz, Pilates and yoga. This 90-minute class flies by thanks to great music, basic yet interesting combinations and a delightful instructor. As a professional dancer, Debra attended several barre exercise classes but “something seemed off." As a result, she developed her own fitness class with “true ballet technique that’s accessible to the average person," she says. The class, which bears her maiden name (Tice), starts with a warmup based on beginner jazz steps, moves into a ballet style workout at the barre and finishes with Pilates and yoga (optional light weights are provided). (One note: bring socks — they help your feet slide more easily across the floor during the dance portions of the class.)
BenefitsYou will definitely tone your entire body while improving balance and developing poise. You’ll also learn about the dancer’s secret of using oppositional energy. Moreover, Debra was amazingly skilled at making the smallest adjustments that awakened body parts I didn’t know I had. This awareness stays with me still, as I can hear her reminding us to pull up a bit more and elongate through the back. Activity levelSuitable for beginners and up. Debra is enthusiastic about non-dancers, men and even folks without any workout experience at all attending. Her instructions are easy to follow and she offers options on how far to take each exercise. Most importantly, Debra sees everyone as individual and works with them one-on-one using hands-on adjustments, given the student is comfortable with that. Debra strongly encourages senior women to join in, as her workout helps build bones. But bones are not the only things she wants women to develop; she hopes they also build a positive sense of themselves and the ability to let go of “so much of the judgment that’s out there in the world." InstructorDebra’s most recent personal training certification is through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She also holds a CPR/AED certification and is in the midst of completing her yoga teacher training. Currently, she is director of the Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts in West Taghkanic, NY and she serves on the faculty of STEPS on Broadway in NYC.
Debra’s involvement in the fitness industry is a result of having to maintain peak physical condition as a professional dancer. She’s danced with companies such as Capitol City Ballet, the Terri Lewis Dance Ensemble, Bay Ballet and Ballet Theatre International. She’s also danced in films, theatrical productions and television, working with choreographers including Michael Smuin, Debbie Allen and Chet Walker. Debra has received instructor and personal trainer certifications from the International Sports Medicine Association (Pre-Post Natal), the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, the American Council on Exercise and the NYSC Advanced Training Systems. Facility and ambienceOne large studio that’s clean and bright. Mats and props are available. There is also a newly renovated massage and treatment room. Cost and scheduleThis and all 90-minute classes are $15. Class cards range from $65 for five, $120 for 10 and $150 for a monthly unlimited card. The studio also offers some hour-long classes ($10) and a Wednesday community yoga class ($5). The Tice Barre Method class is held Wednesday mornings at 10:45; start time may change in July, so please check the website. Govinda Yoga Studio25 Main Street, Chatham, NY info@govindayogastudio.com
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A rendering of a proposed sign by Norm Magnusson.
- Norm Magnusson
Pam Ellis performs at the Bercshire South Community Center.
Alicia Johnson and Catherine Zack preside over a Buried Treasure workshop at Village Yoga. (Photos Provided by Alicia Johnson)
