Today we’d like to introduce you to Abrea Da Lay
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Like many others during the pandemic, I turned to YouTube and other online sources for exercise. I discovered Shine Dance Fitness and fell in love with the format and the people instructing the classes. In 2022, they offered a retreat called Shinecation where students and instructors from around the world could gather to dance together, commune, and have fun. I jumped at the opportunity to meet this community in person and dance with them. It was a magical experience and getting to dance with that community in person was life changing. At the time, there were no instructors in the St. Louis area so to dance live with others I would have to drive several hours. Upon arriving home from Shinecation I signed up for instructor training.
I was officially certified in August of 2022 and in September hosted my first class at The City Studio. We have regularly been having classes ever since. I had a second instructor, Britain, join me at the end of 2022 and we have a small group of regulars that dance with us each week.
When people ask me what Shine is I say it’s more than just a fitness class. SHiNE Dance Fitness brings original routines to life using hit music and choreography for all abilities. Rooted in jazz, ballet, and hip-hop, this workout gives you a creative outlet to escape from “adulting”. Each class includes the perfect balance of high cardio and toning to ensure you receive a full-body workout with real results. SHiNE is a mood-lifting experience that leaves you feeling capable, confident, and connected to a supportive community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In 2023 I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (a blood cancer). I started induction chemo and was in the hospital 20 days receiving a stem cell transplant. Britain taught while I was out and I got a nice visit from some students while I was recovering. I got messages, cards, and gifts from the Shine community around the world. The Shine community truly is a second family and gave me so much strength. I was home from the hospital in early December of 2023 and started dancing a bit as soon as I could. I went back to teaching classes at the start of the new year; I just couldn’t stay away. My students were so supportive as I regained my strength and stamina. I was able to attend my second Shinecation in May and it was so good to connect with people in person who had been so supportive during my journey.
Multiple Myeloma is not curable so my journey is not over. I still receive maintenance chemo and am being closely monitored. I truly treasure that I have Shine to keep me active. It truly nourishes both my body and soul.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Shine STL Dance Fitness?
SHiNE Dance Fitness brings original routines to life using hit music and choreography for all abilities. Rooted in jazz, ballet, and hip-hop, this workout gives you a creative outlet to escape from “adulting”. Each class includes the perfect balance of high cardio and toning to ensure you receive a full-body workout with real results. SHiNE is a mood-lifting experience that leaves you feeling capable, confident, and connected to a supportive community.
We have classes every Sunday 5:15-6:15pm at The City Studio (8 N Newstead). No dance experience necessary; just show up ready to move your body and have fun.
THE SHINE PROMISES:
1. EFFECTIVE: SHiNE Dance Fitness combines cardio and toning for a well-rounded, whole-body workout accessible to all levels.
2. INCLUSIVE: The SHiNE dance floor does not discriminate. All are invited, embraced, and celebrated! We’re stronger together.
3. CURRENT: We take hit songs students are rocking out to in their cars and bring them to life with original choreography released each month.
4. CREATIVE: SHiNE choreo is more than a collection of 8- counts. Each routine is like a mini performance encouraging self-expression and confidence.
5. CONSISTENT: All SHiNE instructors are trained to provide the same, high-quality workout. Whether you’re an online or in-person student, you’ll feel right at home.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I obviously have to shout out the mothership; Shine Dance Fitness. Shine is headquartered in Boise, ID. Founded in 2015 by Kendall Neilson, Shine has grown to over 1,000 instructors worldwide. Kendall and the Shine crew have been so amazing as I was becoming an instructor and building my own local Shine community.
Britain is also an amazing second in command at Shine STL. She doesn’t teach regularly but is always there to cover when I’m away and is always at class to back me up. I truly value having a second instructor in the area and love having her in class.
I wouldn’t be able to keep doing what I love if it weren’t for my students. Teaching Shine is a part-time side business for me. After working my regular 40-hour a week job; I still have to do marketing, practice choreo, manage our social media accounts, and show up to teach. I do it because I love sharing Shine with others and having my students there each week puts the biggest smile on my face.
Pricing:
- $10 per class
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shinedancefitness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shine.stl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STL.SHiNE
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SHiNEDANCEFITNESS/videos
