Do You Aspire?

Do you aspire to improve your health?
  ...to make new friends? ...to lose a few pounds?

Do you aspire to become stronger physically?
  ...to be stronger mentally?

Do you aspire to be graceful on the dance floor?
  ...to step out on a dance floor?

Whatever your aspiration, Aspire is here  to help you take the next step toward your goal.

We aspire to promote lifelong health & wellbeing,
  to provide diverse learning experiences, & 
  to provide affordable & accessible programs.

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Affordable Pricing
Zumba & Jazzercise

$6 /class

when registering for a
multi-week session
Register
All Other Aspire Classes

$7 /class

when registering for a
multi-week session
Register
Need to Miss
a Class?

No Problem!

Notify your instructor of your dilemma and you will be given a free drop-in pass to use on any other class. Limit one per session.
Zumba & Jazzercise Punch Cards
Drop-in at your convenience.

20-Class Punch Card
$7/class ($140)

Purchase Online

10-Class Punch Card
$8/class ($80)

Purchase Online

May be used for any class with fewer than 40 registered participants.
Limit 50 participants per class.First come, first serve.
Aspire
Punch Cards
Any class, any time!

20-Class Punch Card
$8/class ($160)

Purchase Online

10-Class Punch Card
$9/class ($90)

Purchase Online

May be used for any class with fewer than 20 registered participants. May be used for Zumba and Jazzercise classes with fewer than 40 participants. Limit 30 participants per class.First come, first serve.
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Accessible Scheduling

 Session 3: April 30-June 17
5-Class Yoga Punch Cards valid for classes with Deb, Emily & Linda (marked with an *)

  Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Early Morning 5:45am
Zumba
Abby Rice
5:30am
Kick Butt Bootcamp
Ian Kelley
5:45am
Zumba
Abby Rice
       
7:00-8:00 Bootcamp 101
Toni Kunker
  Yoga/Pilates
T
oni Kunker
Hatha Yoga*
Deb Malgeri
     
8:15-9:15 Kickboxing
Toni Kunker
Fitness Yoga*
Emily Souliotis
  Zumba
Toni Kunker
  Zumba
Lynne Labonte
Jazzercise
Courtney W.
9:30-10:30 Beyond Basic Yoga*
Linda Rock
PRESCHOOL
Zumbatomic
Toni Kunker
Intro to Yoga*
Deb Malgeri
PRESCHOOL
Dance
Mauranda D.
  PRESCHOOL Yoga*
Deb Malgeri
Zumba
Lynne Labonte
10:45-11:45   PRESCHOOL Dance
Mauranda D.
 
Lunch 12:30
Zumba
Abby Rice
  12:30
Zumba
Abby Rice
12:15pm
Beyond Basic Yoga*
Linda
   
Early Afternoon      
Late Afternoon 4:15-5:15
Zumba
Jen McKenzie
3:30-4:30
FAMILY Zumba
Abby Rice
3:45-4:45
Zumba
Heather/Brooke
4:15-5:15   Beyond Basic Yoga Advanced*
Linda
4:00-5:00
Zumba
Jen McKenzie
  4:00-5:00
Zumba
Jen McKenzie
5:30-6:30 Zumba
Heather Garrow
Zumba
Brooke Robbins
Zumba
Tory Couture
Zumba
Heather Garrow
    Yoga/Pilates
Toni Kunker
6:45-7:45 Celtic Dance
Heather Morris
Yoga for Wellness
Tricia Gustafson
Bootcamp 101
Toni Kunker
Intro to Yoga*
Emily Souliotis
    Adult Karate
Gillian Compo
Late      Evening            


 Register Online

 Tentative Summer Schedule (June 18-August 31)
Summer Classes are Punch Card Only (exceptions marked with an *)

  Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Early Morning 6:00am
Zumba
Abby Rice
6:00am
Zumba
Tory
6:00am
Zumba
Abby Rice
5:30am
Kick Butt Bootcamp
Ian Kelley
     
8:00-9:00 Beyond Basic Yoga
Linda Rock
Fitness Yoga
Emily Souliotis
Hatha Yoga
Deb Malgeri
Beyond Basic Yoga
Linda Rock
  Zumba
Lynne Labonte
Zumba
Lynne Labonte
9:15-10:15 Zumba
Brooke Robbins
Zumba
Heather Garrow
Zumba
Various
Zumba
Jen McKenzie
Zumba
Jen McKenzie
Fitness Yoga
Emily Souliotis
Jazzercise
Courtney W.
10:30-11:30 PRESCHOOL
Dance
Mauranda D.
      PRESCHOOL
Dance
Mauranda D.
Family Zumba
Abby Rice
 
12:15-1:15   Intro to Yoga
Emily Souliotis
         
Early Afternoon June 25-29: Group Hip Hop Camp* - Kelly McClintock
July 16-18: Celtic Dance Camp* - Heather Morris
More to come... 
4:15-5:15       Beyond Basic Yoga Advanced
Linda
     
5:30-6:30 Zumba
Various
Zumba
Brooke Robbins
Zumba
Tory Couture
Zumba
Heather Garrow
Yoga/Pilates
Toni Kunker
6:45-7:45 Celtic Dance
Heather Morris
Yoga for Wellness
Tricia Gustafson
Yoga for Runners*
Rachel Lacourciere
Intro to Yoga
Emily Souliotis
    Adult Karate
Gillian Compo


 Register Online

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Awesome Instructors
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Emily Souliotis - Yoga
Emily Souliotis - Yoga

Emily is a Certified Yoga Instructor through Yoga Vermont with Kathy McNames. Practicing Yoga is a wonderful experience both physically and Spiritually, increasing flexibility and strength while integrating mindfulness and awareness to your health. While I find nearly all yoga enjoyable, I tend to teach a blend of Ashtanga Vinyasa with pieces of Iyengar Training, an effective combination for all levels.

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Samir & Eleni Elabd - Ballroom Dance
Samir & Eleni Elabd - Ballroom Dance

Owners of Ballroom Nights, Samir and Eleni have been partners both in life and in dance since they met in 1972. They received their professional ballroom dancing training at the Gene Kelley Dance School in Athens, Greece. Since their move to Vermont from Greece in 1988, they have taught a multitude of students at private and public organizations throughout Vermont.

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Tory Couture - Zumba
Tory Couture - Zumba

I live in Essex with my husband, two sons, and two dogs. I have been teaching biology and chemistry at Essex High School for over fourteen years. In the fall of 2009, I experienced my first ZUMBA Fitness class. Immediately, I was addicted. I attended ZUMBA Fitness classes at least four times a week and decided it was time for me to take the next challenge. I completed my ZUMBA B1 certification in March 2010 and my B2 in July 2010. I have been teaching classes ever since. Unlike most workouts, ZUMBA feels like a PARTY! You will smile, groove and sweat all while making new ZUMBA friends! See you on the dance floor soon!

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Heather Garrow - Zumba
Heather Garrow - Zumba

Heather has been active in sports and athletic activities, such as gymnastics, field hockey, and track and field, almost her entire life. Heather has been teaching English and coaching field hockey for Essex since 1994. She lives in Colchester with her husband and daughter. When not teaching, coaching or instructing ZUMBA fitness, Heather loves to spend time with the people she loves, her animals, or a good book.

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Heather Morris - Celtic Dance
Heather Morris - Celtic Dance

Heather has been dedicated to teaching all aspects of Celtic Dance in Vermont since 2001.  She received her training from Alice McNeish T.M.R.F. & Moira McMahon T.C.R.G. in Irish Step, Anne Donlan in Highland and Kolten MacDonell and Bob McCormick in Cape Breton Step.  For the past 11 years Heather has been developing programs in Celtic dance across the state of Vermont, from Chittenden County to the Northeast Kingdom. She trains her students to participate in local performances, national and international competitions and examinations. Heather is a Certified Member and Fellow of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD), a Certified Member of the Scottish Dancer Teachers' Alliance (SDTA), and a Member of the American Association of Irish Dance Teachers. Heather is also a certified personal trainer with International Sports & Fitness Trainers Association (ISFTA).

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Deb Malgeri - Yoga
Deb Malgeri - Yoga

I have practiced yoga continuously for 19 years, inspired by an Iyengar practice I discovered the healing art of yoga and avoided the necessity for surgery. After many years of practicing she has studied Ashtanga Yoga at Yoga Vermont for the past two years. I have participated in many workshops to obtain experience and knowledge allowing me to bring to you a diversity of styles and focuses. I will lead you with consideration to your individual needs while encouraging a curiosity of where you could go, leaving judgment behind.

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Toni Kunker - Zumba, Bootcamp, Yoga/Pilates
Toni Kunker - Zumba, Bootcamp, Yoga/Pilates

Toni is an ISFTA certified personal trainer, TRX instructor and Zumba instructor. She has a diverse fitness background that includes a black belt in Kempo Karate and Cross training in BJJ, Arnis and Wing Chun. Toni enjoys martial arts, kayaking, skiing, running, dance, piano, art and spending time with family and friends.

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Tricia Gustafson, RYT - Yoga
Tricia Gustafson, RYT - Yoga

A Certified Yoga Therapy instructor, Personal & Business Coach/Consultant, Mediator, and Mom. She has been teaching yoga for over 13 years and brings 25+ years of yoga experience to the mat. Her other interests include: all outdoor activities, Zumba, Pilates, a good book, and family adventures. Tricia lives in South Burlington with her husband Paul, daughter Hanna and several pets.

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Abby Rice - Zumba, Zumbatomic
Abby Rice - Zumba, Zumbatomic

I am an Essex Junction mother of three. Some of my other favorite activities are running, hiking, and playing tennis with my kids. I have been home with my kids for the last seven years and have loved every second! Now I am ready to spread and share the Zumba love! My first Zumba experience was a 2 hour Zumba event. I was hooked seconds after the music started! That was in February 2011 and by August I was licensed to teach! I LOVE Zumba! It is so true that every class feels like a party... BUT... what other kind of party is going to give you a workout like Zumba? Nothing! Come try a class with me...the only thing missing is YOU! Zumba love...

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Jennifer McKenzie - Zumba
Jennifer McKenzie - Zumba

I got hooked on Zumba almost two years ago and have been attending classes regularly ever since. I wasn’t active in sports growing up, I am not a runner, I avoid the gym at all costs, and although I always knew that fitness was an integral part of a healthy life- style, I had yet to find the right fitness program for me. As a Spanish teacher I am passionate about Latin music and dance, and at a friend’s suggestion I attended my first Zumba class in January of ‘10. After that 60 minute class I was beaming with energy,  sweatier than ever and hungry for more! Amazing energy, easy-to-learn dance moves and addicting  rhythms were exactly the right combination for me to be instantly hooked! I received my Zumba   certification in May of 2011.

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Lynne Labonte - Zumba
Lynne Labonte - Zumba

Lynn has lived in Essex Junction and (currently) Essex Town for 13 years. She is a Dental Hygienist in Essex Junction at Dr. Edward Pantzar’s office. Lynne is married to Leo LaBonte, teacher and Certified Athletic Trainer at Essex High School and is a mother of two boys,Nicholas and Christopher. Lynne has a passion for running having completed many half marathons and is currently training for her third marathon. Lynne started teaching Zumba this summer and currently teaches 3+ classes a week. She is fired up about Zumba seeing the overall body transformation that it provides as well as the energy and fun all at the same time!

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Brooke Robbins - Zumba
Brooke Robbins - Zumba

Brooke has been teaching ZUMBA since 2010. She is certified in Zumba Basics 1, Zumba Toning and Zumbatomic. She was a collegiate level gymnast and also played field hockey and participated in track and field during high school in Essex Junction. She is currently a 2nd grade teacher at Essex Elementary and lives in Essex Junction with her husband and two children. She enjoys hiking, reading and spending time with family and friends in her free time. Brooke has found Zumba Fitness to be an exhilarating and enjoyable form of exercise and is looking forward to introducing it to others through the Essex Junction Recreation classes

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Linda Rock - Beyond Basic Yoga
Linda Rock - Beyond Basic Yoga

A Hatha Yoga Instructor, Advanced Reiki III Practitioner/ Energy Healing Therapist, Owner of Blissful Wellness and Linda Rock Photography. She is currently completing her RYT certification at Laughing River Yoga. She brings fifteen years of Yoga experience on the mat practicing Hatha, Kripalu and Vinyasa. She has been influenced by many a great teacher. Judith Lasater, Patanjali, Ray Long, Georg Feuerstein and locally Martha Whitney, Emily Garrett, Sofi Dillof and Larry Campisi. Linda lives with her husband Robert in Essex Center.

Welcome to the Aspire Community Studio

EJRP aspires to promote lifelong health and well-being, to provide diverse learning experiences, and to provide affordable and accessible programs. After 18 months of full Zumba classes and tight facility schedules we aspired to find a more tranquil room for yoga, a more spacious space for Zumba, and a better floor for dance. We also aspired to find more great instructors, offer a wider variety of classes, provide easier access to our programs, and make our programs more affordable than ever.

Class Descriptions

Zumba

Instructors: Tory, Heather, Toni, Lynne, Jennifer, Abby, Brooke The Zumba® program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program that will blow you away. Zumba fanatics achieve long-term benefits while experiencing an absolute blast in an exciting hour of calorieburning, body-energizing, awe-inspiring movements meant to engage and captivate for life!

Bootcamp

Instructor: Toni Kunker Burn calories and build muscle with a mix of calisthenics, body weight exercises and strength training. This group workout will push you harder than you’d push yourself.

Zumba Gold

Instructor: Toni Kunker
Zumba Gold takes the Zumba formula and modifies the moves and pacing to suit the needs of the active older participant, as well as those just starting their journey to a fit and healthy lifestyle. What stays the same are all the elements: the zesty Latin music, like salsa, merengue, cumbia and reggaeton; the exhilarating, easy-to-follow moves; and the invigorating, party-like atmosphere.

Yoga/Pilates

Instructor: Toni Kunker
This class will help you achieve mental and physical well-being with a combination of yoga and Pilates that will strengthen and tone the body, improve balance and flexibility and reduce stress.

Introduction to Yoga

Instructor: Tricia Gustafson, RYT
In this safe and supportive environment, learn beginning postures, meditation, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques. Begin to understand and use yoga to enhance quality of life through greater strength, stability, flexibility, stress reduction and more. Pregnant women welcome with instructor approval, Tricia at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 864-3212. Please bring a yoga sticky mat, yoga strap (or similar item), blanket or towel, and water.

Yoga for Wellness

Instructor: Tricia Gustafson, RYT
Take your yoga practice to the next level as we consciously create more balance and wellness in your life by opening your body, heart and mind. Meditation, breathing, and a balancing “flow” practice. Must have completed Introduction to Yoga (or similar experience) and be comfortable with basic poses. Please bring a yoga sticky mat, strap, block, blanket or towel, and water. Pregnant women welcome with instructor approval, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 864-3212.

Beginner Fitness yoga

nstructor: Emily Souliotis
Beginner fitness yoga is for all levels, beginner and up. The focus is teaching breathing techniques while practicing easier postures, moving at a moderate pace.

Intermediate Fitness Yoga

Instructor: Emily Souliotis
Intermediate Fitness Yoga is for ambitious beginners/more experienced yoga students. The focus is intermediate postures with longer holds and fluid movements. Expect to sweat.

Smooth Ballroom Dance Sampler

Instructor: Samir Elabd
Learn to lead or follow your partner without fear of knocking knees or stepping on toes. You will learn the fundamentals of the a few of the most popular ballroom dances.

Latin Line Dance

Instructor: Samir Elabd
Have fun, get some exercise, and learn latin dance moves withouth the need for a partner. This exciting class will incorporate Merengue, Samba and Mambo/Salsa dance moves.

Celtic Cardio

Move to Celtic rhythms of Ireland, Scotland, and Cape Breton in this high intensity plyometric and cardio conditioning class.  Appropriate for all ages and abilities and will acquire steps and moves that professional Celtic dancers use. Low impact options will be provided.

Beyond Basic Yoga

Instructor: Linda Rock
Come to gain self awareness, deepen your understanding and become more fully conscious. When you choose to spend time on yourself you choose a path of self discovery which leads to health, healing and happiness. The focus will be on cultivating the relationship between the attentive mind, the breath, the spine, the body and the human being as a whole. This inwardly approach will allow you to undo the tension and stress. Therefore, reclaiming your energy and facilitate healing. Please bring your mat, block, strap, blanket and water. All levels welcome.

Jazzercise

Instructor: Courtney Wagner
Burn up to 600 calories in one fun and powerfully effective 60-minute total body workout. Every Jazzercise group fitness class combines dance-based cardio with strength training and stretching to sculpt, tone and lengthen muscles for maximum fat burn. Choreographed to today's hottest music, Jazzercise is a fusion of jazz dance, resistance training, Pilates, yoga, and kickboxing. Start dancing yourself fit and change the shape of your body today!
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